For the Love of Metal

British designer Kate Noakes has worked with metal since falling in love with it as a material while studying for a BA (Hon) in Fine Art. It has been the driving force behind her career, first as a sculptor and lecturer and now as a designer and maker of furniture. Initially inspired by the work of Andre Charles Boulle, “furniture jeweller” at the court of Louis XIV, Kate developed a process of applying her original designs cut in sheet metal onto existing furniture which are then inlaid with gesso.

A form of modern marquetry that creates a durable, functional and dynamic veneer that transforms furniture back to a new and vibrant life.

“The Inspiration for my designs comes from industrial design, architecture, paintings and historic textiles.

But perhaps my greatest influence is a love of the metal itself.”

Since successfully launching her first collection of furniture at The London Design Fair in 2012,, Kate has worked extensively with both interior designers and private clients in Europe and America - sourcing the original furniture to suit the client’s criteria and then transforming it into unique statement pieces,