Building a Bespoke Marble Desk

Today we're talking to Ryan Hirst of @hectorsplace15, who's desk make using our Oak Legs really caught our eye!

Hi Ryan... Thanks for chatting to us. Firstly, we LOVE the desk you've created, from the stunning top to the use of our Oak legs! Can you tell us where you started and then how the making process evolved?

Thanks so much. It all started as the desks I was looking at were just far too expensive, I needed a new project so thought "I can make that..." (having never built anything before, so this was blind confidence).

Firstly I managed to source a beautiful piece of marble from Facebook Marketplace, it was once a hearth from a fireplace which I paid just £20 for. This created the desk top. From there I built a frame for it to sit on out of plywood, clad the frame in moulding and stained in a rich, warm teak colour.

The legs were the final piece of the puzzle; I had so many different ideas. I knew they needed to hold the weight of the marble but also look good. When I came across the Oak Legs from The Hairpin Leg Co I just knew they were the one. They have such a beautiful shape and are solid which was perfect for holding the weight of the desk top.

The desk is such a strong, bold, characterful piece. What design inspirations did your draw upon?

I'm inspired by the likes of The Hoxton Hotels, Gleneages Townhouse and Soho House/Home and their use of gorgeous materials like marbles and beautiful fluted woods.

Marble is such an impressive material, and I used the wood moulding to create a ribbed effect which I think compliments perfectly.

On that note, what's your favourite period of design and how does this show up in your home?

There's a lot of mid century influence in my home - I think that period offered such innovative and timeless design and has had such a powerful influence even in design today.

Over the last 4 years we have curated mid century icons (like the G Plan Astro Coffee Table, teak sideboards etc) and paired them with some more modern day pieces. There's also a heavy Nordic and Scandinavian influence throughout.

Your home is so uniquely you. Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to make their home more bespoke?

I would say to not be afraid to try making something yourself if the thing you want either doesn't exist or is too expensive. I have never made anything like the desk before and now it's something I'm most proud of, and very personal to me, nobody else has one!

Also, fill your home with the things you love, whether that's a colour, fabric, material or a piece of artwork.

And finally, your desk is full of gorgeous trinkets. Which is your favourite?

I'm having a real burl wood moment right now, so I would say the burl pen holder. It is completely unnecessary as I'm paperless, but it looks the part. Closely followed by the HK Living clock. I love adorning my sideboard, shelves etc with trinkets, so naturally the desk had to have the same treatment.

Here's a little bit about Ryan:

I live in Leeds currently with my partner Rob and 4 year old whippet named Hector. I work as a Talent Partner for a national airline but have a keen interest in all things interior. I come from a family of upholsterers which is where I think the interest started. My Dad is super hands on and creative, so I’ve tried to take a leaf out of his book when creating my spaces.

I started sharing my home around a year ago when I bought a new camera and decided to test it out around the house and since then it’s become a little hobby of mine. I’ve loved the opportunities sharing my space has brought and getting inspiration from the interiors-community online.

I’d love to work in interiors one day, who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Check out Ryan's work over at @hectorsplace15 and if you make anything with our legs, be sure to tag us on socials #thehairpinlegco - we love seeing your makes!

All images credited to Ryan Hirst.