I was asked to design and build a dining room set of a light wood for a Hawaiian couple, and I suggested curly maple. While this is not a Hawaiian wood, it has exceptional figure and density. I appreciate the fact that the movement of light across the surface provides endless interest, and increases with age. My clients appreciated this wood and the sculptural surface of the Doric columns of the pedestal bases for the table.
The elliptical table edge was augmented by a inlay of black walnut, which matched the flower detail on the back splat of the chairs. This delicate contrast provided some interest in an otherwise blond landscape of curly maple. Overall, this dining room served as a nucleus for light in its placement between several windows and skylights. The furnishings often blended into the light at different times of day, becoming weightless.
