Somewhere in our workshop, there’s always a chisel tapping rhythmically on wood, a brush leaving behind a perfect swipe of stain, or a craftsman pausing mid-motion to squint at a curve — just to make sure it feels right.
At OneByTwo, we’re not chasing perfection. We’re chasing character. The small details that make a product feel like it’s been made with thought, heart, and a slightly obsessive eye for balance.
We’re big believers in shapes that don’t shout but still make you look twice. Take our rounded edges — they’re kind of our signature at this point. Not because we planned it, but because every time we try a sharp corner, we find ourselves smoothing it out again. There’s just something about a softened edge — it adds warmth, makes a piece feel more inviting, less rigid. Like furniture that knows how to give a gentle hug.
Then there’s the dip — that subtle curve on some of our table tops. It’s a tiny move, but it adds flow, a bit of play, like the surface is quietly in motion. We don’t really do flat-flat unless we really have to.
Staining wood is another favourite around here. We love watching the grain pop, seeing the tone deepen from soft oak to moody brown or forest green. It’s a way of letting the material speak, rather than covering it up. There’s no hiding in a stain — you work with the wood, not over it.
And speaking of working with, let’s talk mix. We’re fans of combining materials — a little metal with wood, brass with cane, pastel laminate with solid teak. Most of our pieces have a primary material that leads the story, but there’s always an accent character hanging around, making things more interesting. It’s our way of keeping things layered — just like homes (and people).
One of our favourite flourishes? Brass inlay. Especially when it carries meaning — like the Saora tribal patterns we embedded into the Sabha collection. It’s not just ornamentation; it’s culture, heritage, a quiet nod to where we come from. And while we’re here, can we talk about our cane? We don’t always do the expected weave. Sometimes it’s a tighter, cleaner pattern, one that makes you tilt your head and go, “Ooh, that’s different.”
Every detail we add, every technique we lean into — it’s less about style and more about feel. Will this curve make someone reach out and touch it? Will this combo make someone pause and smile? Can we make functional things feel a little more poetic, without saying a word?
That’s the sweet spot we chase. Every single time.
