I love design this is multi-functional and practical, but sometimes you just have to think outside the box in order to get something that is a real talking piece. On this project, it is the interactive coffee table for feline fun and adult enjoyment that gets the WOW.

As we know, Tamara and Andrew have a menagerie in their home, and it wasn’t so much the size of the Great Dane that made me worry for the furniture, as the cats clawing at the fabric. A satisfied cat is a busy and entertained one, so what better than a coffee table that has a hidden cat alley, with toys, and a path straight to a scratching post on exit! This piece was really a folly of mine and if it keeps the cats away from destroying the couch, then my job is done.

The lounge room has a formal feel and despite its hidden cat features, the coffee table still had to feel like an elegant piece of furniture that spoke to the timber in the existing fireplace. Given the bespoke nature of the design and these additional requirements, I enlisted the help of an expert to bring my idea into fruition. I took my design to Luke at Christopher Blank and he did the rest. Luke is a true craftsman of his trade and his magic timber touch created an exquisite piece of furniture that will stand the test of time.

The surface is made of three tray like pieces that combine to create a simple jigsaw table top. Its solid timber composition has been stained a deep walnut colour and ties to the other wooden elements in the room. Underneath is where the party is at though! Lifting the removable centre tray reveals an L-shaped cat walk painted in a deep red, a small dowel has been hung and cat toys are dangling as an invitation for play. The rest of the base has a hidden storage compartment with an additional three base shelves, so that small things can be put out of the way and are not resting on the beautiful timber top.

Now, I don’t have cats, but if I did – this would be the first thing on my list! Now to work out a dog table…

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Images: Vanessa Hall, Lifestyle.