A Touch of Ornate Tradition

Crafting a Bespoke Steel Gate for an Old English Country Home

Beautifully idyllic, this Old English Country Home had all the charm in the world—but it needed a bespoke solution to solve a very British problem. With the staggering amount of rain we’ve seen this year, the owners desperately needed a way to deter the relentless weather from beating against their front door.

That’s where Industrial Modern Furniture stepped in.

When John and Karen were approached to design a custom gate for the property, the key words from the customer were "ornate tradition." They loved the classic elegance of scrolls, swirls, and fleur-de-lis motifs. While steel was undoubtedly the best and most sturdy option for the job, the design brief called for a "certain softness." For us, this meant moving away from rigid, straight lines and leaning heavily into the fluidity of sweeping curves and intricate metalwork.

The Design Process: Measuring Up

It’s a well-known fact among craftsmen that old country cottage walls are rarely ever perfectly straight! To ensure a flawless fit, the project began with a comprehensive on-site design consultation and measuring session.

During this visit, the true versatility of the project came to light. The customer didn't just want a winter weather shield; they wanted a piece that would work year-round. Their vision was that in the warmer summer months, the gate could be fixed back out of the way, doubling as an elegant protector for their log store. We knew right then that this was going to be a truly versatile piece of bespoke, crafted steel.

Precision Engineering & Fabrication

Back in the workshop, on a characteristically wet and rainy day, the hard work began. Designing the gate to be a retrofit meant that strengthening swirls had to be carefully incorporated into the structure. John worked meticulously to achieve the required precision.

After hours of creativity and precision welding, the gate was treated with a high-quality zinc primer and finished with a durable hybrid powder coat, ensuring it would stand the test of time (and the weather!).

Installation Day: Sunshine and Spring Blooms

After weeks of rain, installation day finally arrived—bringing glorious blue skies with it!

John is no stranger to setting up a temporary workshop with a portable table and workbench on-site, and this installation was no different. Working outside on a crisp spring day in March, surrounded by the scent of blooming hyacinths and the warmth of the sunshine, made fitting this gate an absolute pleasure. It slotted into place perfectly.

The Pièce de Résistance

The true stroke of genius in this design, however, is the removable Perspex inner sheeting.

During the harsh, wet winter months, the Perspex acts as an invisible shield, stopping the wind and rain from battering the cottage's front door. Come spring and summer, the sheeting can be easily removed and stored away, allowing the breeze to flow through the ornate steel swirls while the gate protects the log store.

It’s an ingenious, multi-functional design that perfectly marries heavy-duty steel protection with the soft, ornate aesthetic the customer dreamed of.

Looking for a bespoke solution for your own home? Whether you need ornate tradition or sleek modern lines, we can bring your vision to life!

Check out all our other projects on our Bespoke Projects page or Contact Us

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