MDF Goes Glam - Eric Slayton's Fine Art Furniture

I have never seen this table in person, but the concept is brilliant, simple and gorgeous: resin-coated chipboard, also known as MDF (an engineered wood product formed by breaking down softwood into wood fibres, used in building construction as a lighter alternative to plywood) with a silver-leafed underside. I was introduced to Eric Slayton and his beautiful line of tables, benches and consoles at Dwell on Design last weekend. Slayton mainly works with reclaimed materials, but in a highly sophisticated and refined manner, with simple lines and elegant proportions. His work is a cut above the other "green" lines of furniture that have been emerging recently. He has no representation in Los Angeles yet, but has an excellent website which shows pieces from his line as well as various commissions. Definitely worth checking out.

www.ericslayton.com

Concrete Can Be Beautiful - Sandback Designs

Peter Sandback is a New Hampshire artisan who creates beautiful wood or metal concrete topped tables, cast with a unique polymerized material so they are incredibly lightweight, durable and stain-resistant. The tables come in a variety of finishes, with an impressive choice of concrete colors. Made for both indoor or outdoor use (I purchased them for a client's pool and they've held up beautifully). Available directly through his website at www.petersandback.com