Debbie Travis
House To Home
One of my passions is wood, old boards that make up walls or benches or doors, boards piled up for recycling, abandoned tables whose planks have so many stories to tell. Wood in its multitude of varieties is a universal building material. It’s readily available and can be sawn, carved, drilled and shaped to create the materials we use every day. Wood’s versatile nature is one reason it is a mainstay inside and outside the home. This, and the fact that its raw beauty adds character and warmth, makes it invaluable.
Mark and Sally Bailey are owners of Bailey’s Home, a 30-year-old store and workshop for building and designing with wood that is nestled in England’s Herefordshire countryside. Their philosophy is the basis of how they live and work, what they sell, and the topic that underlies each of their five popular books, published by Ryland Peters & Small.
“Surrounding yourself with natural materials is a way to achieve a balanced and peaceful atmosphere in the home, and wood is the principle ingredient in that recipe for harmony.”
In their latest book, Made of Wood in the Home, the authors visit 12 homes that each capture the essence of living surrounded by wood buildings and objects. They begin by examining wood’s outstanding features.
Wood is sculptural, easily taking on many forms. Everyday objects, bowls, spoons, utensils, games, toys, candlesticks share a handmade patina that glorifies imperfections and individuality whether they are on display or