Wood Plane

About Me

Hello, I’m Julian, owner of Appletree Interiors. It’s hard to believe I’m celebrating my 20th year since turning my passionate hobby into a full-time profession.

Early Years

Having access to a small workshop, I was always interested in woodworking. I began working with all the tools then learning about and working with the machinery as I got older. I was amazed to see the potential in a simple piece of wood.

I also had a keen interest in art and design, so after finishing school, I studied Graphic Design for three years at Gloucestershire College of Art and Design.  Thinking this was the direction my career was going, I worked for several well-known companies as a Graphic Designer and Technical Illustrator.

Julian

Turning Point

As technology advanced, I put my down my pen and paper and produced all my work with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Desktop Publishing (DTP). This was an exciting changeover, but as my career progressed, it was less hands on and therefore less of an opportunity to express my creativity.

I found myself coming home every night and channelling my creativity into DIY and joinery projects. Having recently purchased Appletree Cottage, a 300-year-old property I found new inspiration. My new home had been poorly modernised in the Seventies and I knew immediately that it deserved to be restored traditionally and sympathetically.

In 2002, I decided to leave the confines of the office and combine my love of design and joinery and started Appletree Interiors. After twenty years, many projects later, and established relationships with repeat Customers, it was definitely the right decision.

Turning Point

As technology advanced, I put my down my pen and paper and produced all my work with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Desktop Publishing (DTP). This was an exciting changeover, but as my career progressed, it was less hands on and therefore less of an opportunity to express my creativity.

I found myself coming home every night and channelling my creativity into DIY and joinery projects. Having recently purchased Appletree Cottage, a 300-year-old property I found new inspiration. My new home had been poorly modernised in the Seventies and I knew immediately that it deserved to be restored traditionally and sympathetically.

In 2002, I decided to leave the confines of the office and combine my love of design and joinery and started Appletree Interiors. After twenty years, many projects later, and established relationships with repeat Customers, it was definitely the right decision.

Today

I have been very fortunate over the past twenty years for the opportunity to work on such a variety of projects. Some Customers know exactly what they want, and it is rewarding to bring their designs to realisation. Other Customers present me with challenges, and it is really satisfying to find solutions for them.

I’ve carried out projects for large manor homes, tiny cottages, and all sizes in between. I take pride in matching my furniture to your home style, be it a modern home or a period property.

Most of my business comes by word of mouth; delighted Customers who ask me back or recommend me to their friends and neighbours. Many times, I’ve started one project in a neighbourhood and ended up doing four or five more.

As the company has grown, so did the need for a bigger workshop. My workshop is in Bisley where I have plenty of room for my tools, specialist machinery, and my 100+ clamps. A Joiner can never have enough clamps! My workshop contains a small office where I can conduct business privately, email drawings, create quotes, etc. There is also a paint room separate from all of the wood dust.

My Principles

Working on my own home gave me two immediate realizations.

  1. Customers deserve to have things done properly and that should not be taken for granted. Each project represents a family, a way of life, the sanctuary where you spend most of your time.  It can be daunting to find the right person to trust, allow into your home, and rely on to provide you with quality-built furniture you deserve.
  2. Houses deserve to be treated with respect and sympathy. When I removed the plasterboard archway between the kitchen and dining room at Appletree Cottage and found the original wooden beams, it was an “oh wow!” moment. The elegance of a Georgian interior, the time-honoured simplicity of a cottage, or the sleek lines and open spaces of a modern build must be treated with the sensitivity they deserve.

 

My Principles

Working on my own home gave me two immediate realizations.

  1. Customers deserve to have things done properly and that should not be taken for granted. Each project represents a family, a way of life, the sanctuary where you spend most of your time.  It can be daunting to find the right person to trust, allow into your home, and rely on to provide you with quality-built furniture you deserve.
  2. Houses deserve to be treated with respect and sympathy. When I removed the plasterboard archway between the kitchen and dining room at Appletree Cottage and found the original wooden beams, it was an “oh wow!” moment. The elegance of a Georgian interior, the time-honoured simplicity of a cottage, or the sleek lines and open spaces of a modern build must be treated with the sensitivity they deserve.

 

Having always lived in the Five Valleys, when I take on your project, I want to give something back to the community. I do that by being environmentally friendly, adding value to properties, and by giving my patronage to local businesses.

I’m proud of our company values that mirror the best of our community – true craftsmanship, reliability, trustworthiness, accountability, and genuine respect for people. I want you to be delighted, not simply satisfied. So, when I ask if you are happy with your finished project, I sincerely mean it!

the five valleys

Guild Of Master Craftsmen

The Guild is an organisation devoted to the promotion of excellence and the engendering of craftsmanship. I have been a member of the Guild for 18 years. This is added assurance that you can expect a high and reputable standard of work.