Guest Blog: Will Mundy Carpentry

1. Tell us about your business and what makes it special 

We are a bespoke kitchen and interiors company and we design, make and install beautiful handcrafted cabinetry for the home. We have always been inspired by the enduring appeal of well made, fully fitted, functional cabinetry and its intrinsic ability to elevate a space. With a firm nod toward traditional Shaker values of straightforward, timeless and practical cabinetry, we use traditional methods to create furniture built to last and serve for years to come.

2. You recently used one of our library ladders in an office scheme - was this integral to the design and how did you pull it all together? 

We’re great believers in utilising all available space, as far as possible. The high ceilings in this particular office lent themselves to high level cabinets, accessible only by the use of a ladder. So to this end, yes, it certainly was an integral part of the design. Fundamentally it needed to look good too, to be able to blend in with its surroundings and compliment the furniture it serves, which we think it achieves quite effortlessly. To the extent that it looks as though it’s always been part of the room, as we hoped it would.

3. What did you like about the ladder system? 

The ladder system itself is sturdy, attractive and its wheels and rollers run exceptionally smoothly as it moves. It performs well, can be assembled with relative ease and for us, we love that it arrives unfinished, so we are able to stain and lacquer accordingly to suit. It’s well designed and versatile. We chose a rolling hook system, so it could be moved to access cabinets on an opposite wall. So while it  provides a beautiful addition to the room, it’s ever practical too.

4. What comes first - function or style? 

This is a tricky one. Mainly because no one wants one without the other. Undoubtedly, furniture must always function well, but if it doesn’t look appealing- who will buy it?! Of course, the opposite is also true. In the cabinetry we produce we always strive to achieve both in equal measure. So perhaps we’re sitting on the fence here, but as we’re reluctant to compromise on function or style, our answer is neither comes first, they are as important as each other!

5.What was the most popular home addition you were asked for during lockdown? 

Easily, (and understandably) home offices. When it became apparent ‘working from home’ was for the long term, if not indefinite, we received countless enquiries from people wanting to create a dedicated working area at home. We were extremely fortunate to be able to continue working throughout the pandemic and it was so lovely to be able to design and create spaces to make working from home that little bit easier.

6. Which is the most satisfying part of your job? 

When you are in a creative industry, it’s always incredibly satisfying to see your initial designs brought to life. When you have created beautiful furniture from what originated as a drawing, and you have taken that design through all the processes necessary to physically create it, it’s always a proud moment when you see it installed in someone’s home.

Knowing how much pleasure and enjoyment the owners will derive from the furniture, and how it could potentially have an impact on the way they live in and use their home, is hugely fulfilling. When you think of the longevity of the cabinetry and the investment made, you know that the furniture may well go on to serve subsequent owners in the future, which is as gratifying as it is humbling, but so lovely to have a hand in that legacy. We’re always so grateful to be given the opportunity to create beautiful things that make people happy!

willmundy.co.uk 

Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

 See above an initial graphic drawing and a rendered image to illustrate the design process. All image and video credits: Mark Hardy Creative. 

What next?

• Download a ladder brochure here
• Download a Guide to Ladders for more information here 
• Request a call back – we can help you decide what you need and quote you for particular requirements. Jessica Sawyer, founder of The Library Ladder Company is a former kitchen designer and will have endless design solutions to incorporate storage, wine racks in conjunction with library ladders.

When you need some extra help

We are here to help so please get in touch at info@thelibraryladdercompany.co.uk

All products are available to order online at The Library Ladder Company.