Old Biscuit Mill regulars will be familiar with Abode’s quirky designs, each with a unique twist. Designer Michelle Petrie-Burton’s latest offering is the Crateful table – a cleverly upcycled piece of functional furniture.
“I’ve had the idea rolling around in my head for a while, so when Gina from Homemakers Expo contacted me about exhibiting on the Future of Design stand, I jumped at the chance, especially since their theme is ‘upcycle’,” says Michelle.
The simple but effective Crateful design centres on an everyday crate with a plywood box built around it. Standard runners were connected to the crate to allow it to slide in and out easily. This drawer was then perched upon professionally turned pine legs and – voila! – an innovative table was born.
Michelle has been designing for about seven years, having studied interior design at Design Time in Cape Town. “Initially I worked with weavers at Cape Town’s Blind Society, designing cane lampshades and a Cocoon hanging chair among other products. After years of selling goods on consignment and haggling with larger retailers over pricing, I now have my own shop at The Old Biscuit Mill, and along with my business partner Ingrid Corbett of Quirky Me, we are able to indulge in all our design fantasies and bring them to life.”
Check out more of Abode’s wares at The Old Biscuit Mill (Albert Road, Woodstock) and at the Homemakers Expo, which runs from 1–4 September at the CTICC.
More information: www.abode.co.za, info@abode.co.za, www.homemakersonline.co.za
