I designed the Curved Coffee Table a few years ago for a client in the Hamptons. The table remains as one of my favorites. It is also one of my best documented pieces. The piece was so well documented that my 10 part blog post was adapted by Popular Mechanics to inspire their readers. I always bring the model with me when I am discussing coffee table commissions. The piece always inspires and informs the new table.

Curved Coffee Table

Mahogany 18″H x 60″W x 45″D

The table features the shifting, stacking and faceting that is characteristic of my structural style. Each component in the table serves double duty, structure and detail. The necessary result of this approach to composition is that I become necessary at the time of construction. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece every time. Another benefit is absolute freedom in the design and construction process. Different woods, sizes and details are not only possible, they are encouraged.

The surface of the table is an unusual shape that features deep facets on the working surface of the table. The result is that the structure of the top is revealed and the composition creeps into a most unexpected place. I like to use the familiarity of my subject to challenge the viewers expectations.

The detailing of the composition extends under the table rewarding the person who takes the time to have a look. This sort of detailing is also revealed by touch. Often the warmth of the wood and the silky finish will catch someones attention. The action under the table is then revealed by touch.

More information:

Curved Coffee Table in my portfolio

10 part blog post detailing the construction of the table

By Nico Yektai -
New York based designer/maker Nico Yektai opened the doors to his Hamptons studio in 1995 after completing the MFA program at the School For American Craft at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The rigorous technical training complimented his background in Art History, which he studied, at Hobart College in Geneva NY. Yektai has synthesized this background into a singular style that has gained him national attention. Visit nicoyektai.com for more information

Tags: Woodworking

I will be participating in the Holiday Salon at the Silas Marder Gallery in Bridgehampton NY. THe opening reception is on Saturday the 26th from 4-8pm. I hope to see some of you there!

I will be showing two planters that were held over from the Sculpture show and my Leaning Dovetail Table pictured below.

By Nico Yektai -
New York based designer/maker Nico Yektai opened the doors to his Hamptons studio in 1995 after completing the MFA program at the School For American Craft at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The rigorous technical training complimented his background in Art History, which he studied, at Hobart College in Geneva NY. Yektai has synthesized this background into a singular style that has gained him national attention. Visit nicoyektai.com for more information

Chair #5
Maple, 26″H x 12″W x 14″D

I recently took on the challenge of designing a chair for a child. The fun part is that the client donated them to benefit the Ross School in East Hampton NY. It was so much fun! I really enjoyed the challenge of designing the chairs and incorporating my asymmetrical style with the necessities of the intended audience. One of the first realizations was that the chair would need a wood seat. There was a yogurt incident in my own house that proved the point that children and upholstery is a dangerous combination! I find the all maple look of the chair sets up a nice neutral field that allows my detailing to pop.

Chair #5 is small but it expresses everything I understand about chairs. The form is what I would call “traditional” and is based on the classic wood chair. I choose to work within those confines and strive to find a way to express something more. The asymmetrical detailing that i apply to the components that make up the chair set the process in motion. Each movement is balanced by a complimentary movement on a different part of the chair. The conversation turns from chair and function to me and my desire to express spontaneous action in my work.

In the end, each chair records a different set of events. Each chair is unique. The story becomes more clear as the second chair is compared tot he first. The more i make the more it becomes clear that the chair is a system to me. That system is the platform for expressing something in the moment. This is not just my approach to chairs but to furniture as a whole.

Chair #5 on my website

I could not resist taking some shots with my boys once the chairs were up on the backdrop! Here are some of the highlights.

By Nico Yektai -
New York based designer/maker Nico Yektai opened the doors to his Hamptons studio in 1995 after completing the MFA program at the School For American Craft at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The rigorous technical training complimented his background in Art History, which he studied, at Hobart College in Geneva NY. Yektai has synthesized this background into a singular style that has gained him national attention. Visit nicoyektai.com for more information