STEVE CULUMOVIC
DESIGNER | MAKER
Furniture
Bespoke Cabinetry Architectural Woodwork
CRAFTSMANSHIP and EXPERIENCE
FURNITURE | WOODWORK
HANDMADE KITCHENS
Since 1995, Blue Skies Custom Woodwork has been meticulously crafting furniture and cabinetry by hand. Designer | maker Steve Culumovic builds for today's lifestyles using traditional methods, resulting in a blend of utility and level of craftsmanship not easily found today.
Committed to environmental stewardship, Steve uses responsibly sourced, domestic woods, choosing which local sawyers and lumber dealers to buy from based on their ethical supply chain.
Steve is often approached by customers who have an intact tree of sentimental or historical significance. He takes these projects right from milling the wood to building pieces of furniture with personal stories.
Using only zero or low VOC finishes, and with more than 25 years' experience and countless projects to his name, Steve knows which ones will stand up to the demands of daily use.
Every piece Steve builds is an original with a handmade element in each step of his process; traditional joinery, natural brushed-on finishes, and hardware hand-turned on the lathe from local hardwoods.
Steve approaches each piece in the same manner, thoughtfully choosing which species of wood to use and how the grain will enhance its overall appearance.
A unique partnership with decorative, botanical artist Gayle Hutchings expands on Blue Skies' offerings to include pencil renderings of Steve's designs, and hand painted and gilded elements on his furniture.
Steve is proud to be able to convey respect to his customers, his materials and himself in the process of creating his work.
Blue Skies Handmade Kitchens embody the Shaker tenet of using the best materials, and building with them in the best possible way. Face frame cabinetry, inset doors and drawers and traditional joinery impart true craftsmanship. Integrated appliances and a modern consideration of the use of space combine to create warmly inviting kitchens that are a pleasure to spend time in.
Scrupulously finished inside and out, every aspect of the kitchen is built to last using natural materials that can be repaired, repainted and refinished, not disposed of when trends change. Colour is incredibly persuasive. Repainting can reinvent a space without the unnecessary waste of a renovation.
Designing and working with the maker, Steve's customers benefit from the clarity that comes from conveying their ideas and needs directly to the maker of their kitchen.
PROJECT GALLERY
DETAILS
THE MAKER
Steve Culumovic was named after his Grandfather (Dida) who came to Canada from Croatia alone and singlehandedly built his home including all of its cabinetry and millwork.
Steve followed in his Dida's footsteps. Growing up, he had a natural desire to build things, studying framing at Mohawk College and going into business as a custom home builder. Early in his career, he was drawn to the finer points of woodworking and began transitioning to the craft of furniture and cabinetmaking. After gaining extensive experience working in shops in Whistler, B.C. Steve opened his own shop in Ontario in 1995.
Working at the same bench built and painted by his Dida, Steve employs integrity, competency and passion in the making of every piece he creates. He often collaborates on creative projects with Gayle Hutchings' Framing Studio.
PRESS
‘Meet the Maker' Look Local magazine, Oakville & Burlington, March 2020
'Going With The Grain' Hamilton Magazine's INTERIORS, Fall 2005
'Made in Burlington' Burlington Post, May 2004
CONTACT
Located in Burlington's Escarpment Country