Fourth generation furniture designer Jon Goulder has made a career out of pushing the envelope with materials and methods - and now, he has created bespoke 'Innate' collection for Spence & Lyda, features moody dark tones celebrating the use of Tasmanian Oak and Blackwood.

The Innate capsule collection is a showcase of both the skill of Jon Goulder as a designer, and of the materials of Oak and Blackwood from the Tasmanian forests. These Tasmanian timber selections have been treated with a special pickling process to create their unique moody tones. An application of vinegar darkened by steeped steel wool was applied to each piece, with the tannins in each timber reacting differently to the solution. The result is a contrast of deep blacks with smoky taupes, blending perfectly with the darker tones of the leather and steel present throughout this collection.

The mood is enhanced by Jon and Spence & Lyda’s Fiona Lyda’s common and intuitive desire to allow materials to remain in their natural and simplest states, constructed and formed with an honest sincerity, letting the design and the materials speak for themselves..

“Fiona’s respect for quality workmanship, attention to detail and aesthetic is incredible,” says Jon “It made the collaboration for this collection an obvious choice. Having traveled with Fiona to Milan for the launch of this collection, the international respect for her from designers across the industry was easily apparent.

“Spence & Lyda are industry experts at identifying and curating a selection of pieces that are strikingly unique, but also have enduring beauty, quality and functionality.”

The Innate ‘Night’ collection comprises a number of essential pieces for the home – including an armchair, credenza, console, coffee table and side tables. To match these, Jon is already in the beginning phases of developing a counter range to this night focused capsule with the creation of Innate ‘Day’.

“The next iteration of the Innate collection will expose the beauty of the natural state of the timber without colouring or pickling. Tasmanian Blackwood will be largely present but I’m also interested in playing with Myrtle and Celery Top Pine for added texture and depth. Because these woods are naturally light in colour, they will play perfectly into the bright and coastal theme I’m trying to achieve.”

Embracing a sense of timeless refinement with a unique Australian sensibility, Jon’s choice for Tasmanian hardwood for the material was thoughtfully chosen for its workability and ease in being manipulated. This consideration for something innately Australian has been unprecedented in the furniture industry until now.

Head to the Tasmanian Timber website for more stories, inspiration and information or alternatively, stay up-to-date through the Tasmanian Timber Instagram page.