Everything you own has a story, but how often is the story evident?
Green Barrel Designs’ hand-crafted works both reveal and pay homage to the beautiful culture of wine. Through his authentic reimaginings of hand-made French wine barrels, designer William Bolton creates rustic yet contemporary pieces for the home.
The Inspiration
I recently spoke with Mr. Bolton about his designs. The master craftsman had been creating custom decks for clients in California for many years, but he was looking to find something to focus on during the slower seasons. To that end, last year he launched Green Barrel Designs.
"I’ve always loved working with wood, and I just got captivated by the story of the these barrels. Most are still made by hand in France by artisans using the original method – everything is fitted and shaped completely by hand."
The Barrels
The barrels are true artisan oak barrels reserved for the very best wines – and they’re made according to time-honored techniques. You won’t find any modern fasteners or shoddy craftsmanship.
"There’s a real story behind these barrels, and that’s what I love. The barrels are made from American, French or Hungarian oak by artisans in France, and the entire process takes 6-8 years before I get them."
For Bolton, there’s a wonderful romance in the process of creating each piece:
"Every time I take a barrel apart, it’s like a genie comes out. I think about the liquid that was inside for 8 years. You can see the stain from the red varietal as it seeped into the wood."
The Designs
Bolton’s pieces pay tribute to the beauty of artisanship and sustainability.
"I use every part – the staves, the heads, the hoops. I try to stick to the original details as much as possible, because I want people to be able to appreciate the story of the barrel. Not only are you keeping that barrel out of landfill, but you’re seeing a genuine story behind the design. I leave the stain of the wine on the wood purposely – in fact I really like the color. This is really a way to appreciate wine culture and to appreciate the work that goes into the barrels."
Green Barrel Designs offers charming decorative accents as well as Zen-like candle holders, chargers, trays and side tables. Each piece is custom, one-of-a-kind, and made for years of enjoyment. (Pieces and prices upon request.)
Images: Green Barrel Designs