Whether you want to create a more functional space in your home, design communal space for a college or university or develop a plan for an office workspace this blog is for you. Bring people together and foster community with a welcoming space for like-minded people to gather. Something important to think about when planning is what type of working surfaces are available in the space. Use unique materials to create beautiful furniture to help make the space functional and encourage people to spend time there. Reclaimed wood and natural wood are great choices for materials to create anything from countertops to shelves to desks to tables.

[Handmade wood furniture for sale]

PROMOTE OPENNESS AND SHARING

The creation of communal spaces with reclaimed wood is meant to promote openness and provide a space for people to share and gather. To cultivate an inviting space consider a decorating the area with reclaimed wood and materials that provide character and a uniqueness to the room.

COMMUNAL SPACES IN COLLEGES

How do you choose what surface to have made for the space? Make the communal spaces enjoyable and beautiful.

Above: Handmade wood countertops for Emerson College made from stained ash.

Think about the function of each communal space. If the function is to provide space for students to grab a quick bite consider a few tables and chairs with a countertop along the wall to create more surface area for those wishing to simply stand and chat with a coffee for a few moments. The locally made wood countertops made for Emerson College commons is a beautiful, functional addition for students to enjoy. The countertop is made from ash. Ash is a widely popular material in restaurants as it is a hardwood that is super friendly for the budget. Ash can also be stained various colour ways including grey, espresso, black or simply left in its natural colour.

IN THE HOME

Above: Custom designed wet bar in home

For a less trafficked area perhaps consider a more expensive option for your reclaimed wood choice. The reclaimed oak is generally over 150 years old with lots of character from nail holes, checking and tonal changes throughout the grain of the wood.

COMMUNAL SPACES IN THE OFFICE

Above: Office work area overlooking view of Boston

It is nice to have a hub where people might be able to gather to work on a PowerPoint or catch up on email in between meetings. Encouraging people to work together in the same place invites collaboration and social innovation among officemates. Depending on the office budget there are a variety of wood options to choose from including ash, reclaimed birch, maple and oak.

FOR YOUR OWN LOCALLY-MADE RECLAIMED WOOD TABLE...