Some people walk past the little things. Others notice them — the subtle shift in thread colour, the way a shadow lands across a wall, the perfect line-up of a tile. Then there are those who base their entire practice around it.
In this first instalment of Obsessed with the Details, we speak to three makers whose work thrives on precision: furniture maker Kara Douwma, mosaic artist Amy Exton, and designer-maker Josh Page. Different materials, same obsession: details matter.
Kara Douwma | Uncommon Ancestor
The Craft 🪡
I make finely crafted furniture with bespoke embroidery. Specialising in footstools and benches, each piece is designed with custom motifs that stitch a unique story into the canvas of the fabric.
I originally trained as an architect but after university switched to working in behavioural science… Alongside my job I honed a passion for making things with my hands.
Eighteen months ago, I took a sabbatical. During that time I made the first Story Stool for my husband, stitching our shared memories into the fabric as a wedding gift. People seemed to like it and soon I had new commissions… In April 2025 I launched Uncommon Ancestor.
I like to say that life unfolds as a rich tapestry of stories and from these threads, the next chapter in my very own began.
The Detail 👀
I would say colour combinations. I spend a lot of time choosing thread colours for each of the motif designs… I tend to gravitate towards colours that occur in the natural world. These tend to be colours with lower saturation that are said to reduce visual stress and create a feeling of comfort and calm.
The Process 🧵
I think to do something properly is to have the ability to critique your own work… The craftspeople I work with on the embroidery, upholstery and frame making all work from small studios in Central and East London. They know how to do things properly!
The Inspiration 💡
I’m lucky that I live in London so when in search of inspiration I tend to look for an exhibition… Interestingly, Dior embroidered Peter Doig’s lion for their aw21 collection, it’s amazing and an early source of inspiration for the Uncommon Ancestor motifs.
The Hardware Edit →
● FOLD Long Edge Pull Handle – Timeless simplicity
● PULLMAN Circular Hook – Perfectly formed
● ALERIA Wall Light – Sleek design, blends everywhere
Amy Exton | @amyexton
The Craft 🪟
I make mosaics, specialising in ceramic and glass mosaic for interior and architectural application… I decided on mosaic on a bit of a whim to be honest, but fell in love with it, and ended up being classically trained at the now closed London School of Mosaic.
The Detail 👀
The tessellation of the tiles… all of the tiles are shaped by hand so they tessellate harmoniously.
The Process ⚱️
For me it’s adhering to the neoclassical rules as much as possible, even though its not something anyone who’s not trained in mosaic would likely ever notice.
The Inspiration 💡
I get my inspiration from all over the place… I like to draw inspiration from disparate sources though, mixing up traditional and contemporary design elements and colour palettes.
The Hardware Edit →
● Paintable Light Switches/Sockets – Useful, beautiful, totally customisable
● NOVI Ceramic Wall Light – Playful, space-age vibes
● SQUIGGLE Single T Handle – Simple tweaks completely transform it
Josh Page | @joshpagestudio
The Craft 🪵
I design and make Furniture and homeware… It was at the National Gallery where my practice began, turning offcuts and discarded timber into furniture during lunch breaks. Eventually, Josh Page Studio was born.
The Detail 👀
Every piece that leaves my studio is slightly different… I often build into the design something that can be altered with each make.
The Process 🪚
I want my pieces to last more than a life time… the quality and process to make these objects is always 'done properly'.
The Inspiration 💡
I draw inspiration from many places, be that art books namely Picasso, nature or quite often the material itself… The biggest thing for me though is to have fun and enjoy making it. I hope this shows in the work.
The Hardware Edit →
● SQUIGGLE T Bar – Playful, bold, resonates with my work
● PEBBLE Wall Hook – Beautifully organic
Why Details Matter
