We’re often asked, “So, what’s your signature material?” And honestly… we don’t have one. (Sorry, branding rulebook.)
Because here’s the thing — we love materials. All kinds. Exploring new ones, mixing unexpected combos, seeing what happens when a soft pastel laminate meets a chunky wood leg, or when cool metal edges sit alongside warm wood grains. For us, materials aren’t just components — they’re characters in the story of each piece.
When we designed our kids’ collection, we turned to cheerful coloured laminates and wood. Think playful blues and lime greens that could survive scribbles, toy car crashes, and juice spills — while still looking like they belonged in a thoughtfully designed space. It was about balancing durability with whimsy, all with a soft matte finish that made the pieces feel loved from day one.
In other corners of our workshop, we’ve been working with cane, brass, and of course, our forever favorite — reclaimed teak wood. And let’s pause on that for a second because reclaimed teak deserves a spotlight. It’s strong, it’s got soul, and it tells a story with every grain. The kind of material that has lived another life before it became part of yours. We love it not just because it’s sustainable, but because it adds quiet character to anything it touches.
Metal has been with us since day one. It featured heavily in our Round the Corner collection — and we love what it brings to the table (sometimes literally). It adds structure, a bit of edge, and contrasts beautifully with wood. There’s something about the meeting of warm and cool materials that just works — like opposites attracting, but in product form.
Lately, we’ve been exploring stone and marble for our custom projects. A little more grounding, a little more luxe. Think sleek tabletops with subtle veining, or small accent pieces that bring just the right amount of “ooh, fancy.” It’s new territory for us, but we’re having fun experimenting — and that’s kind of the point.
At OneByTwo, we never set out to become a “wood brand” or a “metal brand” or a “kid-friendly pastel furniture” brand. We set out to make pieces that feel right — in look, in use, in vibe. And more often than not, that starts with picking the right materials. Not because they’re trendy, but because they feel like us (and hopefully, a little like you too).
We’ll keep exploring, mixing, trying. Because good design doesn’t come from sticking to a formula. It comes from staying curious — one material at a time.
