Reclaimed and Repurposed: Local Artists Showcased at Threshold

Y'all art sign by Michael Winters

Full-service design showroom and furniture retailer, Threshold offers an amazing collection of  artisan pieces that are truly “one of a kind.” With a keen eye for what is both contemporary and functional, the designers at Threshold have keyed in to the local style of Austin. Many of their pieces are crafted by local artists and designers that have “reclaimed” and repurposed found objects such as wood and chain.

The space itself is lovely, with big open windows overlooking West Fifth Street. While the mood is modern and eclectic, it feels warm. In part this is due to the fine woodwork, hand picked art adorning the walls, and several jewelry collections.

deconstucted Design pieces

While you might not expect to find jewelry at a showroom, Threshold is featuring some incomparable pieces by local designers. The gorgeous chain vests are instant eye-catchers. Kelly Young of Deconstructed Design has crafted unique body jewelry out of vintage gold, silver, and brass chains. Many of these are luxury designer pieces that have been out of production for 30 or more years. In addition to the chains, Young salvages discarded material such as broken clocks, door hinges, and electrical gadgets. Young never makes the same piece of body jewelry twice, making each deconstructed piece unique.

Falk Jewelry necklace

Kerrin Falk Forsyth of Falk Jewelry Design creates bold and individually tailored pieces inspired by courses she took at the University of Texas while studying art history. In particular, she was attracted to Byzantine, Meso-American, and African art and jewelry. Additionally, she creates complementary sets of necklaces for brides and bridesmaids.

“No matter what my client’s preference, my job is to bring a strong look together and create something unusual and beautiful,” says Veronica Koltuniak of VeroKult Design.

"Read all over" Chaise by Verokolt, painting by Erin Curtis

Koltuniak actually got her start as a set designer in LA, creating character-driven living spaces for films and commercials. In 1992, she opened her own design studio, Mildred, to focus her energy on furniture design and window treatments which led her to working with A-List celebrities which include Jennifer Lopez and Madonna. Her style is modern, yet not completely predictable.

It is impossible to talk about Threshold without talking about some of the fine woodwork in the store. Brian Allen-Aguilar of Eagle’s Nest Artistry works sustainably by mainly using wood from fallen trees or those cut down by the City of Austin. This one-man harvesting, design, and production company specializes in reclaimed, natural edge, hardwood tables and art. His mission is to create quality pieces that highlight the natural wood grain and emphasize the organic lines of the tree.

Eagle's Nest table

Allen-Aguilar was first inspired to use “found” wood while doing ranch work out in Hunt, Texas during a period of loss. Wood carving worked as a creative outlet for Allen-Aguilar who handles the material from source to the finished product.

Most Texas hardwood species are utilized including Pecan, Texas Black Walnut, Cherry, American, and Slippery Elm — a variety of Oaks and Mesquite. Each piece is then hand-selected for character, figure, and beauty. These aren’t just pieces you might find at a lumber store. Most of the work is done in-house to ensure the natural beauty of the wood isn’t compromised. Oil-based varnish is his varnish of choice, which provides richness, depth, and warmth to the wood. Each piece gets hand wiped with several coats and then allowed to cure in a warm environment. Eagle’s Nests Artistry creates coffee tables, end tables, side tables, console tables, dining tables, and wall and free-standing art.

Horse lamp

The store is just full of conversation pieces. Take for example, the matching livestock pieces that are fashioned into lamps. I think the horse lamp has even been ridden! To complement the horse lamp, there is even one modeled after a pig.

Although the horse lamp and pig table lean more towards the artistic than functional side, many of Threshold’s pieces are multi-purpose. The picture below showcases the hanging pillows; however, study the coffee table beneath it. Another nod to the fine wood-working, the wood in this case has actually been cut in three separate pieces. Together, they create one larger table as shown below. However, the pieces can be separated to be their own stand-alone tables to make more room.

Missoni pillows

The photo below also showcases a custom built-in by local woodworkers. Threshold can create any custom pieces like this one for your own home.

Missoni towels

While not from Austin, there are several Missoni pieces in the store. Well known for their unconventional knits, the family run company has brought their passion for patterns and color into home furnishings. Brightly colored, geometric, and ornate, the Missoni rugs, pillows, and towels are sure to brighten any space. Even if you couldn’t afford an entire set of Missoni towels, the hand-towels are a nice way to add some color to your previous set

Kartell chairs

Equally colorful are the Kartell pieces, internationally known for their transparent look and durability. Not only is the quality unparalleled, but when the sunlight hits the Kartell, it leaves a lovely hue on the space.

Michael Merritt "Fetish Pottery"

Threshold is not without pottery either. Michael Merritt’s “Fetish Pottery” collection showcases a modern take on pottery, with an almost plastic feel and look to it. Other notable Austin artists featured include furniture designers. Local design company Arris has their “Leo Libra Chair” on display.

Arris "Leo Libra" Chair

An entire high-end furniture collection isn’t necessarily the key to making a statement in home design. Intermingling a conversation piece or burst of color into what you already have can add just the right look for hosting your next party or for your own personal enjoyment. Threshold’s ability to blend local art alongside high-end European design-houses shows how easy it can be to mix and match styles to come up with a unique look that is individual to you.  The on-site designers at Threshold can really bring your creative inspirations to life or help you figure out exactly what you’re looking for in a living space.

Even if you’re not shopping, the art is definitely worth the stop.

Bollo Designs art pillows

Parking for Threshold is in the Monarch parking garage at 801 West Fifth Street. The retail spaces are in front with Threshold in the corner. Valet parking is also available.

www.thresholdfurniture.com

Posted by Lucy Kinney

Lucy Kinney has published 143 posts.

Lucy is a writer and publicist in Austin, Texas working in both the state and private sector. Lucy is a native to Austin and enjoys running on Town Lake, yoga, and exploring the hill country when she's not busy working. Lucy is married to local builder, Eden Kinney. She graduated from the University of Texas in 2010 with a B.S. in Public Relations and a Business Foundations Certificate. Her new travel blog can be found at http://lucysdistinctdestinations.wordpress.com/