2020 has been a big year! It started off much the same as any other until COVID19 hit and the days were unpredictable. However, as the year continued we have been extremely fortunate that business at Artifex has remained steady. Interest for Australian-Made furniture has increased immensely, which is wonderful news for local manufacturing. With 2020 coming to an end very soon, we've spent some time in reflection of the year that's been and what's to look forward to in 2021.
What’s hot in 2020?
Bedheads
This year bedheads have been the in thing! We have manufactured many bedheads, all different sizes and all different finishes. Bedheads can be manufactured to suit all beds, upholstered in your choice of fabric or leather and come with added options such as power outlets for a bedside lamp and mobile phone charging.
Mies Sofa
Remaining well-liked and our best seller for another year running is our Mies sofa!
Mies is our modern take on the popular Chesterfield and is available in both leather and fabric of your choice. It comes as a chair, 2-seater, 2.5 seater, 3 seater, 3.5 seater, 4 seater and ottoman, with timber or steel legs.
Image by Lifestyle Furniture WA
Hospitality fitouts
Although 2020 has been a harsh reality for so many hospitality businesses, we have been pleased to see a bunch of local bars and hotels spend the last few months renovating and upgrading, plus a couple of brand new venues open their doors!
What’s new in 2020?
Project spotlight
A recent increase in furniture required for hospitality-based fit outs has kept our timber department busy creating beautiful furniture with local timber. Three of the latest projects we have been involved in, include Busselton’s new Shelter Brewing Co, The Subiaco Hotel and the brand new Treendale Farm Hotel.
Team update
We’d like to introduce you to Mehri. He is our Framemaker and has been with Artifex for 40+ years ….yes you read right, over 40 years!!!. Mehri produces the internal jarrah and plywood frames for all Artifex products and quite literally knows them inside out. Thank you Mehri!
Another team member we’d like to introduce you to is Rob who started with us this year and brings immense knowledge in cabinet making and woodwork to our team. Rob has been kept busy in our timber department and works alongside John who joined us this year on a casual basis. John specialises in solid wood machining and can do the likes of raw/natural edges on timber. Last but not least, Bonnie started with us in June doing all of our social media and website work, so if its looking way better now, its thanks to her. She has been amazing at keeping the socials up to date across Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
What to look forward to in 2021
We are excited about the new year with our team already working on the design and development of numerous new products. We're keeping cards close to our chest at the moment but keep an eye out for these new designs launching in 2021!
One of our team, Andrea, will be starting her 3-year apprenticeship in the new year. Although she has been in the industry for a long time, Andrea has never qualified as an upholsterer, so this is exciting! Welcome Andrea. Our other apprentice, Robyn will be in her third year, and between the two of them we hope they will be long time staff members at Artifex.
With state borders opening, Michael is keen to get back on the plane and over to see our partners in the Eastern States as well as continuing to catch up with our local resellers.
Merry Christmas
