Written by Hayashi – Artisan at Kagu no Hirayama, Kurashiki

Hello, this is Hayashi.
Today, I’d like to share the story of one of our most heartfelt projects—a custom center table crafted from an old ironing board made of magnolia wood (Hōnoki), passed down from our client’s grandmother.

Breathing New Life into a Treasured Heirloom

At Kagu no Hirayama, we often receive messages from people who say:

“I don’t want to throw this away. It’s not in use anymore, but it means something to me. Can you turn it into something new?”

This particular client already had a vision: she wanted to transform her grandmother’s vintage ironing board into a center table—a piece that could live on in her home with a new purpose.

The original board had character: decades-old wood with a natural twist and warp, signs of time and use. Working with old timber is always a delicate process. It requires not just technical skill, but respect—for the wood, and for the memories it holds.

A Delicate Process, Crafted with Care

Magnolia is soft and light, but when it’s aged and warped, it becomes challenging to work with. Still, we were determined to make it happen. We carefully explained each step of the process to the client—what was possible, what might be difficult—and stayed in close contact throughout.

Using traditional hand tools and clamps, we gradually realigned the warped surface. The final table was shaped with clean, minimal lines, letting the gentle grain and warmth of the magnolia speak for itself.

The result wasn’t just a table.
It was a continuation of a story—a piece of her grandmother, living on in everyday life.

What We Believe

At Kagu no Hirayama, we don’t just build furniture.
We shape memories.

Even when the job is tough, when we see the client’s smile at the end of the project, it reminds us why we do this work. It’s not just about design or durability—it’s about connecting people to what they cherish.

Let’s Shape Your Memory, Too

If you have a beloved item you no longer use—an old tabletop, a drawer, a piece of family furniture—we’d be honored to hear its story and see how we can give it a new life.

📩 You’re welcome to send us photos and your ideas.
We’ll work together, slowly and carefully, to turn your memory into something beautiful and lasting.