Behind the design: TipToe Range

Designer-maker Ted Jefferis has had a breakout year in 2017. No matter where we seem to turn, we’ve seen Ted garnering much deserved attention for his contemporary wooden furniture ranges that fuse modern design and handcraftsmanship.

Ted’s TipToe range, which he produces and distributes through his own company, TedWood, was one of the 34 pieces that received a Design Guild Mark in 2017.

Wanting to find out more about the range, which will go down in history as Design Guild Mark 196, we sat down with Ted.

 What initially inspired you to make the TipToe Range?

I wanted to make a table top that floated and had no apron with no legs to get in anybody’s way.

Can you explain the concept for the design?

Visually lightweight, strong, adaptable, elegant with beautiful timber that only gets better with age.

How have you struck the balance between function and design with this product?

Good design is a balance of function and form, and I think it’s a good design.

Who does it appeal to?

The entire collection is completely customisable so we hope it appeals to everyone.

Ted presenting during the Design Guild Mark judging day

How long did the design process take, from initial sketches to roll out?

I made the prototype in early 2013 and then launched it at 100% Design in September that year. It was a very quick turnaround.

What changes did you make to the range along the way?

The main change was one that happened when we started producing in quantity. We switched to CNC cutting of the legs, instead of making them all by hand. This didn’t affect the end product it just gave us more time to focus on making beautiful tops.

In what way do you think it is different from anything else available on the market?

The timber for every top is hand selected from a choice of British hardwoods. This gives every TipToe a completed unique tip which celebrates the beauty of our woodlands.

What was the most challenging aspect of the design?

The brass hex detail that anchors the leg frames through the top. It’s an incredibly simple and functional design feature, but the first time I cut the holes through the top of a finished dining table I felt very uneasy! It turned out to be a feature that people fall head over heels for.

For more information about Ted, go to: www.tedjefferis.co.uk.