Decorating & Design
Shops We Love: Steelwood Design Turns Old Wood Into Handcrafted Creations
Published on March 17, 2021

Designers and makers Alexis Dodd and Fred Masaro of North Vancouver-based Steelwood Design handcraft repurposed wood charcuterie boards, serving trays, bowls and utensils in eye-catching shapes. “Old wood is so much better than new wood — I’ve gone to some crazy places to find it,” says Alexis. Every last scrap of antique oak, maple, walnut or ash this father-daughter team gets their hands on is given new life. “We started making spoons because we had all these little pieces of wood that were still stunning,” says Alexis. Conveniently, the eco-friendly ladles function as sculptural bowls for dip and olives because, as Alexis puts it, “Who likes a soggy charcuterie?” Scroll down to see more of their stunning creations!

Sculptural spoons artfully upcycle small bits of leftover wood.

“My favorite thing is taking something that no one would want and finding the beauty in it,” says Alexis (right), pictured here with her father, Fred, in their workshop.

Their big break? A wall of serving boards the duo crafted for Santa Monica, California, designer Windsor Smith in 2019 caught the eye of client and Goop founder, Gwyneth Paltrow. “She followed me on Instagram, and I said, ‘Let’s make the boards for Goop,’” says Alexis. “She replied, ‘Let’s make them for Goop and my house.’” The lifestyle brand also collaborated on an exclusive line of party-size holiday boards.

You wouldn’t believe this charcuterie board was once an antique table! When you’re not using it to display a delicious spread of meats, cheeses and veggies, prop it up on your countertop (because something this beautiful needs to be shown off).

This elegant board has a handle on each end, which makes carrying a loaf of fresh-baked bread or roast chicken to the table that much easier.

True to its name, this hand-carved wooden bowl has a unique grooved exterior reminiscent of a gear. It’s perfect for serving dips at your next family dinner or holding keys in your entryway.
House & Home March 2021