Masks for days

At the start of the pandemic, we started including handmade masks with online orders as a gesture of thanks. Many months on and these masks mean more than just gratitude: they capture our love of Canadian made goods amid these uncertain times. And like everything else we create, these masks are made at our shop.

A family affair

Using mostly linen and cotton, these masks are made by Rock’s mother, Phi. She was a garment worker in simpler times when “Made in Canada” was a common label. We are now proud to have her back at it again, this time at our own shop!

Over the months, we’ve had fun trying different patterns and colours combos. Here are a few favourites (see right)!

We are proud to make our products in Canada. These masks are an extension of that philosophy.

We are thankful to have been able to continue doing what we love during Covid. Small businesses like ours face a difficult time and this pandemic has reminded us why supporting local business is important to us. So in a way, these masks are not only a gesture of gratitude but a symbol of our values. Stay safe everyone, and don’t forget your mask!

Enjoying the Fall decor at the shop

Green like the Fall leaves

Pastel pink

Also a well-loved door colour

Mustard yellow

Another favourite door colour, now in a mask

Cherry and denim: a personal favourite

Spritz of lime

A family of masks

If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

See our latest creations on Instagram: @1925workbench

Autumn aspirations

Teel, orange and deep violet: We are enjoying the beauty of autumn at the shop!

Sights of the season

As we enjoy the cooler breezes and warmer shades of Fall, we are reminded of the beauty of colour. This powerful tool is important to our own creations as well. Whether it be a light hue or natural wash, these choices give a piece character and effect the rest of a space in the process. So in the spirit of grey skies and golden landscapes, we wanted to share some pieces which we feel best capture the essence of Autumn.

But first, a few things to love these days:

• natural accents taken from outside the home (like the gourd above!)

• beautiful entry doors against burnt red brick

• walnut pieces that evoke the rustic essence of the wood

• golden yellow doors (and leaves!)

• cool grey doors

Some of our favourite Fall moments

Golden horizons

Half moon door

Autumnal accents

Sliding door on brassy beau hardware

A black and orange harvest

Curvy Corner entry door for Sam Sacks Design

Seasonal offerings

Walnut table

Crisp yellow on a Fall morning

Half moon entry door

A match made in Fall

Curvy corner door made for Andrea Gelinas

Walnut character

Walnut sliding door on bassy beau hardware

Grey chevron sliding doors.

Whether it be Autumn or not, colour is magic and we love using it for exactly that.

If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

A treasure island in your kitchen

Our love of making things goes beyond doors and into the kitchen with our custom islands. The islands we create are completely different from the cabinetry of the kitchen and therefore stand as a piece of furniture on their own.

We naturally progressed into making islands as we branched from doors into other furniture. Clients would ask us if we can make a unique island while we were making their door, and we continued from there. A good example of a unique island is one we made for Sarah Hartill from House & Home magazine. It was a really fun project, as the island needed to be very small and functional… but beautiful. We used white oak and metal to make this and it contrasts wonderfully against the green mist cabinetry Sarah chose.

Our custom work allows us to fit in as many built-in features as possible to maximize space. Functionality is important and that’s why these pieces require a lot of consideration to design.

Making space in small ones

Practicality is important to everything we make: our kitchen islands are carefully designed to meet client’s needs and conserve space. With electrical elements, lifestyle and aesthetics in mind, we craft a space-efficient unit that does more than just look good. Since an island is a great opportunity to create more storage space, we prioritize this in our designs. Anyone with a small kitchen will agree!

Kitchen island in white oak

Featuring a wine rack, shelving and wheels

Built-in features

Given the custom nature of our work, we have the ability to create pieces that fulfill all of our clients’ needs.

We worked with interior designer Stephanie Lees to create an island with the electrical outlet built into one side of the unit. Stephanie wanted to incorporate the electrical need into the design, which resulted in a beautiful asymmetrical island base.  Made of reclaimed wood and metal, the island now resides in the home it was made for. (which was featured in several media outlets, including Home in Canada magazine).

See left, third image in slideshow: This island for our clients’ small condo kitchen has a wine rack, shelving units and space for chairs to fit underneath. The client requested wheels to allow easy transport, which means it can used as a mobile bar (and that’s an idea we can all appreciate!)

If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

York Mills condo project

Having made our Brassy Beau hardware for Wellwood Design on a previous project, we got together again for this York Mills condo. Focusing on our custom metal glass factory work, we created pieces that feel spacious and elegant. We were happy to also make a door, because they are our first love!

Glass box cabinets

As with all our custom work, this project was collaborative. We followed Wellwood Design’s request for glass box cabinets and made them work in the given space. Coming to us with the designs already in place, we worked out the details relating to their construction.

It’s a process of working through kinks and limitations and then choosing the best outcome in spite of them.

The metal glass work makes the condo look larger by giving the illusion of space. Glass pieces emphasize light and create an open concept feel while the lower cabinets compliment their simplicity. In the end, we love the elegance of the finished space.

We have a diary entry about our glass metal factory doors. Read it here!

glass box cabinets. Lower cabinets by Millard Bautista Designs.

Metal glass factory panel

White oak chevron doors

An off the grid door

This chevron door is one of our “off the grid” doors because it strays from our usual styles (read our diary about them here). Made in white oak, these doors slide apart on our brassy beau hardware to reveal a walk-in closet. Given the design, custom changes were needed to make the finished piece be the best it can. For instance, we made the hardware with smaller rollers so these slim doors can balance better.

Here, the natural grain of the wood is utilized to create movement in a chevron pattern. I love how the placement of the wood slats emulates the movement of the doors as you slide them apart.

The metal glass factory panels and door (see left) act as a wall without blocking natural light. Used here to create a den, the metal glass panels are a nice way to divide a space while maintaining a spacious feel. We also made white oak shaker closet doors for this project.

Seeing the design for this condo become reality is one of the many rewarding parts of what we do. We hope you like it as much as we do.

If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Our off the grid doors

What’s best about custom work is the collaboration between us and our clients to create a new door. We call these our “off the grid” doors because they are different from the ones we usually make. Inspired by our clients’ requests and made through collaboration, we want to share some of these pieces with you.

Dual purpose

Most of these designs are made upon clients’ request. That’s why we love the process: These unique doors are usually brought to life by the clients’ vision for their space.

Most of our doors are both aesthetic and functional highlights of a room. Our sliding doors usually cover up a space or divide one to create a new room, for instance. But there are some that go the extra mile, like our sliding bookcase (see right). Our client wanted a bookcase that also encloses a walk-in closet. Made of reclaimed ash, the modern design is as effective as it is functional. The two boxes built into the shelf add interest to the otherwise simple design.

The collaboration process shines through here and we are proud to show you the results.

Metal quilted door

Metal quilted door

Black chevron door

Chevron door in white oak

Interior design by @wellwood_design

Glass metal divider and white oak chevron door

Interior design by @wellwood_design

Metal panel door

Chevron door

Style meets function: our “off the grid” Sliding bookcase.

Creating something new

The metal quilted door, also known as the scrap metal door (see in slideshow), is made of sheet metal on heavy metal barn door hardware. Our client wanted an entry door to their home interior from the sunroom. We worked with them to understand what they wanted and then figure out how we were going to create the desired piece. In this case, we paid extra attention to the placement of the metal sheets. How and where the lines meet affects the “quilted” appearance and we wanted the piece to look polished.

Our chevron doors (see in slideshow) use the placement of natural wood pieces to create a sense of movement, which we love. We also love seeing where our “off the grid doors” will take us next!

If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Coat of colour

A brightly coloured door adds charm to any space. In celebration of the Summer months we wanted to share some of our favourites with you.

Bright like sunshine: The chartreuse powder room door in My Le and Rock’s home.

The new neutral

We have loved colour since day one. Having discovered that our clients feel the same, we have created a bevy of beautiful doors in many shades. Why a bright yellow door, for instance? Like a piece of jewelry, it should be special. And that’s what it becomes when you paint it a colour you love. Our custom work allows us to expand our colour repertoire by incorporating colour into any space and we love it as much as our clients do!

While we love and appreciate the distinct character of natural wood above all else, paint can drastically change the personality of a piece. Sometimes our clients request a specific colour, but at times we suggest they do a colour instead of a neutral (and they don’t regret it!). We usually use poplar wood for interior painted doors and mahogany for exterior ones.

Since creating and displaying more coloured doors, a chain reaction has produced a new enthusiasm for this approach to our work. Our pink doors have become so popular that we consider it “the new neutral.”

Your favourite shades

Ranging from soft hues to bold statements, every colour has charm of its own. Since making a pastel pink door for the 2016 Interior Design Show, the shade has become a favourite. The blushing hue accents a space the way a bouquet of flowers adds something special to a room. Yes, we really believe a bright beautiful door can do that!

Yellow and blue are also popular choices. See one of our bright blue doors in our client’s home here.

Yes, the pink doors are always in our hearts. But the mustard half moon door at our shop entry is another of My Le’s favourites (see in slideshow).

More than doors

A door is not the only thing we can make colourful: A ladder we made in Benjamin Moore’s “Budding Green” is a stand-out.

Find us on Instagram to see more of what we do: @1925workbench.

Our popular pink door

Teal

Lime green

Interior design by Allan + Chandon Design Inc.

Half moon door in mustard yellow

Seafoam blue doors on brassy beau hardware

Interior design by Carmelin Design

A bold statement: Fiery red

Soft pink against the black and white tiles

Love the contrast!

If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Something Small

We started making small objects for our home using wood off cuts from larger projects. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have rekindled our love for making these elegant pieces and want to show you the ones we currently have.

we make a variety of small objects using off cuts from our larger projects.

We always wanted to make small objects but were held back by a busy schedule. While they take a long a time to make, they utilize materials from our larger projects, such as doors and tables.

Not wanting to waste these beautiful materials, we transformed them into objects for the home. The first one was a walnut tray for My Le’s desk at home, which was made when 1925Workbench first began. Next, we made an iPad holder from reclaimed wood and a scroll tray which we gifted to a friend. We wrote a diary entry about our scroll tray, too! Read it here.

Our current small objects:

• Scroll tray

• Chopsticks tray

• Ring tray

• Butcher block cutting board

In the end, these objects can be used for whatever best fits your space and your lifestyle. We just love making them. The rest is up to you.

Chopsticks tray used for pens

Chopsticks tray

Chopsticks tray

Reducing waste

Using off cuts to make our small objects contributes to the conscious consumer society we support. By repurposing materials, we decrease our overall waste and honour the natural beauty of wood. Besides, it is a pleasure to make something beautiful out of something that would otherwise we wasted. Pieces we cannot use become firewood that heat a portion of our shop during the winter.

We now have an online shop for our small objects. It’s a way our clients can have a handmade, Canadian made piece to accent their space. We find joy in having our own “little shop” amidst our larger projects and we hope you do too.

Note: We are still open for business during this time, although email response times may be longer than usual. If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench

Now US patented: Single Track Bypass system

Four years to the day since applying, the U.S. patent for our Single Track Bypass system has been allowed. The Canadian patent for this hardware was granted in May 2018.

These patents are utility patents: the hardware’s use and function are protected. The Single Track Bypass system allows for two doors to bypass on a single track instead of two.

Our single track bypass hardware in solid brass. the client had enough wall space for one large sliding door but wanted to create visual interest by layering two doors instead.

About the hardware

We saw a need for sliding door hardware that could hold two doors without being bulky. Then we created the hardware which has become our specialty. Invented by Rock Huynh (co-founder of 1925Workbench), the Single Track Bypass system holds two sliding doors on a single track, allowing them to bypass each other. There are many instances which may require this, such as closets and large spaces that clients wish to divide.

Offers a solution to the following:

• Large openings lacking sufficient wall space for a single door to slide open

• Openings lacking space on both sides for two doors to slide outward (bi-part system)

Traditional double track bypass hardware requires a separate track for each door, meaning two would be needed for two doors. This often looks bulky and is tedious to install. It also distracts the eye from the door. Since our sliding doors often become the focal point of a space, and the hardware plays an important role in the finished look.

With aesthetics in mind, we created our system to maintain balance between the hardware and doors. The design allows both to be seen as a harmonious unit.

We created our system to maintain balance between the hardware and doors.

Available in the following finishes: Solid Brass, Heavy Metal, Stainless Steel and Arrowhead (raw steel).

Obtaining the US patent required much persistence and patience. We are proud to be the owner of both Canadian and US patents and the maker of the hardware.

Single Track Bypass in Solid Brass

Wallpaper designed by @kategolding and @wynil_walldecor

Single Track Bypass in Heavy Metal

Single Track Bypass in Stainless Steel

Single Track Bypass in Stainless Steel

Single Track Bypass in Solid Brass

Single Track Bypass in Solid Brass

US patent

Canadian patent

The importance of a patent

There are many imitators making our single track bypass hardware. Achieving this patent taught us that protecting your creative output from copycats is important as much as it is difficult. The process also brought to light our values as a small business and the importance of integrity in what we do.

We therefore hope that everyone would support original creators so that together we can create a more conscious consumer society.

And lastly…

We are proud to develop and manufacture our hardware in Canada and will continue to do so.

Note: We are still open for business during this time, although email response times may be longer than usual. If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench

A Curvy Corner statement

Its ability to be the focal point in a space makes our Curvy Corner door as commanding as it is practical.

Imagine this: You are in an old home in Vietnam. You open the window shutters into a courtyard onlooking a banana tree and breathe in the summer air. These are the childhood memories that inspired the Curvy Corner door.

outward-opening windows are inspired by childhood memories of vietnam. door and window frames are in blackened oak. watch them open here.

Memories from home

We reference Vietnam a lot in our work. It’s one of the ways we put heart into what we do.

We came up with the design in 2017 with the intention of making a bold piece for our studio. The windows, which open outward, are reminiscent of glassless windows in old Vietnamese homes. When our client Vicky (@vickymakesthings) asked us to make it as an entry door, we were excited to bring this inspired piece into a Canadian one.

Little did we know, it would become a client favourite.

The Curvy Corner shape

The door’s solid black colour and curved corners make a statement and leave an impression.

Wanting to emphasize form, My Le thought round upper corners would create interest against the large black door. This effect is achieved using a wood bending technique. My Le chose simple bottom shakers and solid dark colour to further accentuate the shape.

While this door can be made in any wood, the first one was made with blackened oak and remains the popular choice.

At our studio

Blackened oak

At our studio

Blackened oak

At our studio

Photo by Janet Kimber

White oak

Vicky's entry door

Blackened oak

At our studio

Blackened oak

One design, more possibilities

See how the Curvy Corner design has been customized for different needs.

Entry door, solid mahogany

Painted black

View from inside the home

We love this handsome variation of the Curvy Corner door made for Andrea (@gelinasdentalstudio). Crafted in solid mahogany and painted black, the dark colour contrasts nicely against the burnt orange brickwork.

Raised paneling at the bottom and detailed trim give it a stately appearance. Matte black hardware matches the door as to not disrupt the form. It’s finished with a transom and large frosted glass panels for an elegant look.

Interior Design Show 2018.

Our past experience continues to influence what we create. And since inspired design is the best kind, we will keep on doing it.

Note: We are still open for business during this time, although email response times may be longer than usual. If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Catch us on Instagram: @1925workbench

Make it pink

Spring has sprung! Made for a church-turned-residence, these vibrant pink entry doors have since become a signature part of the building.

This 19th Century church closed its doors in the 1950s before gaining a new life as a private residence. When Matt and Colin purchased the building in 2018, the entry doors were the first thing they changed. This time in pink.

Our pink entry doors, as featured in the april 2020 issue of Style at home. Photography by Robin Stubbert, styling by Susan Burns.

Before and after

Wanting to replicate the design of the previous doors (as seen below, in black), Colin and Matt incorporated large windows and a pop of colour. To signal the building’s new life, Colin was determined to use pink. But a lot of work went into these doors before installation. Click here for our Instagram highlights documenting the process.

About the doors

Large clear glass windows allow sunlight to bring the space to life from the outside in. There were parts in the original doors that we had fun replicating, such as a little detail in each corner of the panels. Black handles contrast against the paint colour while coordinating with the porch and roof. These door are made in mahogany and painted in a Benjamin Moore colour.

Colour

Finishing the doors in pink was a bold choice that paid off. The brightly coloured doors can be seen from a mile away as they greet visitors and onlookers with open arms.

Pop of pink: Pink Hibiscus (2172-60) by Benjamin Moore.

The entry unit took up our entire studio!

Second life

Gothic Revival style architecture and modern updates lend the home a unique charm that blends the new with the old. Our pieces are often used to update a space or convert one into something new, and this project is no different. We loved making a door that brings a breath of fresh air to a historically rich building.

To learn more about their home, Design*Sponge has an article about Matt and Colin’s story: read it here.

Note: We are still open for business during this time, although email response times may be longer than usual. If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

White barn door hardware

We now offer white painted hardware among our other finishes. Available for custom projects only.

This matte white finish blends in against light walls for a minimal look. It is often used with white doors for a harmonious and clean effect (see right). For a little more contrast, you can pair it with a light wood door, such as white oak.

All hardware types except horseshoe can be done in white, including our patented single track bypass system.

We tested out the face mount white hardware on one of our white oak doors at the studio, and we love the combination!

Top Mount hardware in white. Custom project for a downtown condo.

Our other finishes

White hardware, available for custom projects only, joins our regular finishes:

• Brassy beau

• Matte black

• Stainless steel

• Raw steel

We are still open for business during this time, although email response times may be longer than usual. If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Single shaker door on white hardware, made for Finetune Pilates in Toronto.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

The tapestry of wood

We are passionate about wood and take pride in what we make with it. This is especially true for this project.

At 29 feet, this conference table made for DSV Canada’s logistics facility is our longest one yet. It’s a size fit for the largest building in Milton, at 1.2 million square feet.

Made of ash, walnut and African blackwood, this piece has a story to tell almost as long as the table itself.

About DSV

This Danish transport and logistics company consists of three divisions: Solutions manages warehouse fulfillment and contract logistics services and Air & Sea with air and ocean freight cargo. Road handles road transport.

With branches in over 80 countries and 60,000 employees worldwide, working with DSV gave us the exciting chance to bridge the gap between local makers and global enterprise.

A table to tell a story

Founded in Denmark before expanding to Canada and beyond, DSV wanted the table to symbolize their global bonds. That’s why three stitches connect white ash and walnut slats representing Denmark and Canada. Each inlaid African blackwood piece symbolizes a DSV division.

By choosing a local maker, international organizations like DSV enforce community while recognizing the value of local economies.

Inlaid african blackwood slats is the stitching connecting Denmark and Canada at DSV.

We collaborated to forge an unlikely relationship that saw us create a meaningful piece.

Our design

Inspired by DSV’s Danish roots, we considered the simplicity of Scandinavian design in our own.

DSV wanted the base to be of U-shape and in metal. Custom making the bases, we considered proportions to accommodate for the table’s exceptional length: Thicker, sturdier legs were needed for sufficient support. They are metal, powder coated black and welded in-house.

We decided to make four sections and five sets of legs. The table’s matte finish showcases the materials and reflects the natural landscape beyond the conference room windows.

Nighttime dry-fitting: done outside because the table would not fit anywhere else!

We are proud to have worked with DSV to create a piece representing both local community and global relations. We believe something as simple as a table can do that.

Special thank you goes to DSV for collaborating on this project.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

Naked Truth Skincare

The Naked Truth attitude

Naked Truth Radiant Skincare values holistic treatments and ethically made products. Owner Kylie McIntee wanted these principles to reflect in the space.

Working with Batay-Csorba Architects, Naked Truth Radiant Skincare now has a beautiful studio showcasing natural materials.

All pieces are made of solid white oak.

Like a cloud

Pastel colours and soft accents create a calming atmosphere that strives for simplicity (a lot like us!). The furnishings allow the natural wood and brass accents to shine.

Our “floating” white oak slats showcase the original brick wall, making use of a unique feature of the space.

Artwork by Natalie Schiabel.

Natural materials are emphasized: White oak compliments the pastel colour scheme and brass hardware finishes.

Shelving and reception

As if floating, vertical white oak slats appear light and airy. These long, thin pieces are labour intensive but we love their effect. Used also for the reception desk (see below right), slats allow the table to be curved to create continuity with the other pieces.

Designed by Batay-Csorba Architects, this reception desk is special because of its sculptural nature and was challenging to make. It’s also the perfect way to be welcomed into a skincare boutique as beautiful as this one.

If you would like us to make something for you, email us a picture of your space with dimensions to info@1925workbench.com.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

custom reception desk

Our handcrafted tables

Since handcrafting a table for our home back in 2011, custom tables have become a big part of what we do. Combining craftsmanship with our love of woodworking, we have made tables of varying sizes and designs. We wanted to share some of our favourites.

Our nun table in solid white oak. Can you spot our signature pink doors ?

The nun table

By using white oak, a modern wood choice, to make the nun table, which is traditional in design, we’ve changed feel of the table. From vintagy to an updated fresh take on a favourite table form. Its long length is characteristic of this design while drawers on both sides serve as a functional and aesthetic feature.

This table was debuted at the 2016 Interior Design Show (IDS) alongside our pink doors, and Alanna Canvanagh’s art. It was an exciting year at IDS as we felt our work was well received.

Piping table

When Make Good Design liked a bench we made inspired by Vietnamese bamboo daybeds, we translated the bench’s design into a table for the space they were designing. Legs and stretchers are all the same size, and seamlessly jointed for a clean look. Made in solid white oak. In these pictures of the table, you can see the bench we started with.

We showcased the Piping table at IDS2018 with our curvy black door and newly patented single track bypass hardware.

Custom work creates opportunities for new and exciting designs, like our race track table.

Race track table

When a client of Campbell Drummond Design wanted a table with a sculptural base that echoed the shape of race track, we collaborated to bring their vision to life.

Being a large table, we had to consider stability and balance. After tweaking the design, we decided on a black metal base at the bottom. It allows for sufficient leg room while ensuring the table is sturdy.

More projects

We made a table for one of Feasby and Bleeks’s designs, featured in Home & Home magazine. The home was picked as “best home of the year.” See it here!

For Judy Petersiel Design, we made a black stained oak piece with a metal base (made in-house!) with brass plating. At 9 feet long, the table anchors the room.

Contact us

If you would like us to make something for you, email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and measurements.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

Special project: DUKE condo

This project is near and dear to us because we had the opportunity to do whatever we wanted with the space.

We were excited about so many things as we began transforming this one bedroom plus den condo into a chic yet comfortable home. That started with the large windows and open concept layout. We envisioned a kitchen island in white oak, a glass metal divider and our signature sliding doors in bringing the space to life.

We made sure to treat aesthetics and functionality with equal importance. Because every space should have both.

The glass metal divider

The pillar in the middle of the space was awkward and disrupted the open concept layout, so we created a den using our glass metal divider. Also known as the glass metal factory door, we hand make these in our Toronto studio.

Acting as an extension of the large windows, the glass metal divider breaks up the space without losing sunlight and the beautiful Toronto view.

To learn more, read our glass metal factory doors blog here.

before

after

after

The kitchen

The design lacked counter space, so we enlisted one of our lesser known specialties: custom islands made in wood.

Instead of a standard marble countertop, we made one in solid white oak. With seating on one side and open shelving on the other, the piece is functional as well as aesthetic. We also wanted to incorporate more natural materials in the design. It’s authentic and juxtaposes the industrial style of the condo.

before

The kitchen island provides counter space while incorporating our favourite material: wood. It is a natural and authentic element that transforms this standard kitchen.

after

after

notice the storage built into the unit

Doors

The closet by the kitchen had a standard sliding door that was neither high quality or nice to look at! At 48 inches, the entry closet opening was too small for two sliding doors, so we made one large door on brassy beau top mount hardware. It is painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Nightingale” and is now an aesthetic highlight of the room (see below right).

Moving into the bedroom, whose walk-in closet had no doors, we wanted to create more privacy. This sliding door was made to match the glass metal divider in the den, using frosted glass to hide the closet’s contents (see below left).

raw steel hardware

our sliding door on raw steel hardware, frosted glass

brassy beau hardware

our sliding door on brassy beau top mount hardware, painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Nightingale”

Finishing touches

We called in the amazing property stylist Becky Freeman, who styled the entire condo into an elegant and inviting home, ready for the market. Another big thank you goes to real estate agent Brian Reece, who goes above and beyond for his clients.

We had a vision and are proud that we made it happen.

Contact us

If you would like us to make something for you, please contact us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Fins us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

The scroll tray

Inspired by our piping table and made to look like an open scroll, this piece is simple and beautiful. Just the way we like it.

The scroll tray story

Collaborating with Akai Ceramics at the 2018 Interior Design Show, we displayed their ceramic pieces on our piping table. To say thank you, we drew inspiration from our piping table to create these special trays as a gift. We decided to call it the scroll tray. Made in white oak, we consider this our signature small piece.

Tim Lam incorporated our trays in his design for the One Room Challenge. See if you can spot them here!

Our piping table

The inspiration for our scroll trays is our very own piping table, the name being inspired by its pipe-shaped legs. The design was guided by our recollection of bamboo daybeds in Vietnam looked like.

And yes, we make tables and desks too! Blog post on this coming soon.

If you want us to make something for you, please email us with pictures of your space and dimensions to info@1925workbench.com.

Keep up with us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

Our very own piping table.

Our hook and rolling ladders

As much as we love our sliding doors, we like to switch things up by making a ladder or two (or more!). Better yet, you don’t need an at-home library or a Victorian manor to have one of these in your home. Easily incorporating them into your every life, this stylish addition adds a cool factor to your space.

Our hook ladder for Robert Watson Lofts. We love this ladder like we love Paddington the cat.

Flat track hardware: While most manufacturers make rounded hardware for rolling ladders, ours is flat. Same as our signature sliding door hardware, the flat track is as unique for a ladder as it is authentic to our brand.

Available hardware finishes: As of now, we offer raw steel (our most popular), matte black and brass finishes.

Not just for show

A lot of people think ladders have no use in the modern home, but what we like most about our ladders is this: they are actually useful.

• Bunk bed

• Hard-to-reach storage

• High cabinetry

• Library

• Your unique needs

On the right: Our rolling ladder is featured in a Designlines article about a Candy Factory loft conversion by architect firm Studio AC.

This is a very special project because we made copper hardware to match the white and copper theme of the loft.

See the completed loft featured in Designlines.

View fullsize

Our white oak rolling ladder with copper hardware featured in Designlines. Loft designed by Studio AC. We love!!

Rolling white oak ladder

Special project: Display shelves made of metal and white oak with white oak ladder

Walnut rolling ladder

Ladder on rolling hardware in raw steel finish for Tip Top Lofts.

Walnut rolling ladder

Rolling ladder for a small loft kitchen

White oak rolling ladder

Very special project: Copper finish is not one of our regular hardware finishes

Walnut rolling ladder

Special small size walnut ladder with brass rolling hardware. Kitchen designed by Justin Rahim.

White oak hook ladder

White oak hook ladder with matte black hardware

Metal ladder

We also make ladders in metal. View a metal hook ladder we made for Tip Top Lofts here.

And finally…

The library ladder. Although we pride ourselves on the versatility of our ladders, we love a classic library ladder, too. Click here to watch a video of our client Lilli’s son sliding on the library ladder we made for them.

If you want us to make something for you, send us a picture of your space with dimensions to info@1925workbench.com .

Find us on Instagram to see more: @1925workbench.

Rolling vs. Hook ladders

Rolling ladder : The wheels roll along the track while wheels allow easy movement on the ground. This requires a continuous track.

Hook ladder : Can be unhooked moved to another length of track elsewhere in the room. This is a good option if a space cannot accommodate continuous track.

Hook ladder hardware

A new space from an old one

Our custom doors can turn your den into any kind of room you like: Play room? Yoga studio? Secret sanctuary? It’s up to you and the possibilities are endless. See how some past clients have used our doors to create a new space.

Here, our sliding doors helped transform a den into a bedroom for two girls, complete with bunk beds made by us! We took video of the bedroom to show you how our patented single track bypass hardware works.

Our patented single track bypass hardware

While most passing sliding doors require two separate tracks (one for each door), our patented hardware places both doors on a single track. This makes our system more sleek and compact… Watch and see if you agree!

Den turned office

Who says your home is too small for a home office?

Our single track bypass doors are used below to convert a den into an office. We inserted glass panels to keep an open concept feel while creating a separate work space away from the distractions of a home. This way our client can get stuff done without feeling trapped in a tiny work environment, which we all know isn’t very inspiring!

Our single bypass sliding doors with glass inserts convert a den into a home office. Due to their large size, they also serve as a wall.

Get

Creative!

See how we’ve customized our sliding doors for our clients.

Condo bedroom: Our barn board sliding doors act as a wall to create a bedroom beyond (see on left).

Vertical tongue and groove panel door

Poplar wood, painted

Bi-part doors

Walnut panel doors with upper glass inserts

Bi-part doors

Walnut panel doors with upper glass inserts

Single track bypass doors

Painted doors, one with glass insert

Single track bypass doors

Pine wood with upper glass inserts

In many cases, our sliding doors act as walls that create privacy and divide a space. What you do with that new space is your choice. Here, our client made a guest bedroom.

Living in a small condo, our client needed to create privacy without the hassle of building an entirely new wall, which can be time consuming and expensive (and messy!) The solution: our barn board doors on our patented single track bypass hardware. As a two-in-one door and wall, it’s just a bonus that this practical door is also a beautiful feature of your home. :)

Above all, our clients love our sliding doors because of their versatility. Whether used to convert a den into a bedroom, home office or beyond, we can customize our designs to fit your needs and creative desire.

If you would like us to make something for you, email us with a picture of your space and height/width measurements to info@1925workbench.com.

Keep up with us on Instagram!

Special project: bedroom makeover

We designed a bedroom for two small boys. This one’s a special project because we crafted the entire space: bunk bed, shelves, drawers and door. Having two boys ourselves, we know the importance of practical furnishings that are simple yet effective.

Room makeover!

Welcome to a practical bedroom by us.

Drawing on our love for multi-purpose designs, we created pieces that are not only nice to look at, but useful. The drawers by the window provide a seating area and storage space while the drawers open from the lower bunk to store clothing.

Small space? No problem.

We utilized every inch of space in designing this room. If you live in Toronto, like us, you know that homes can get cramped, and they only seem to be getting smaller. Since our sliding doors take up so little space, we often work with clients living in downtown condos. For this condo, we ensured that the kids’ bedroom has everything it needs without looking cluttered.

The result: a modern bedroom made in Baltic birch plywood.

Better yet, this space should last until the boys are in their teens because the simple layout is highly adaptable to an ever-changing sense of style! We made a bunk bed using Baltic birch plywood for our own two boys. Click here to see how we decorated the room to match our vision.

If you want us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with a picture of your space and the appropriate dimensions.

To see what we’re doing next, find us on Instagram: @1925workbench.

We're in a book about Toronto makers!

Randi Bergman has written about us and other Toronto entrepreneurs in the new book, “Toronto Makes: The Things We Love and the People Who Make Them.” Launched on Kickstarter in October 2017 by Make Joy, the vision was described as such: “An exciting collective of Toronto makers reveal their long-term relationships with their craft in an artful coffee table book, brimming with gorgeous photography.”

We are delighted to be featured in Randi Bergman’s “Toronto Makes,” released this Fall.

After $40,000 was raised to bring this project to life, we think the finished product wonderfully achieves what it set out to do. Featuring over 50 makers, readers meet the craftsmen and women of Toronto’s maker movement and we are proud that so many people are interested in the creative minds working in this city!

Randi captured our spirit, writing that “in an age of mass production, Huynh and Nguyen are particularly passionate about the local maker movement and local sourcing.” This is exactly true and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

A variety of Toronto artisans are featured, ranging from Bellwoods Brewery and accessories boutique Eleven Thirty to jewelry maker Biko. There are so many creative entrepreneurs in Toronto, and this book showcases what we do.

To see more of us, find us on Instagram.