Unto This Last

A Shoreditch-based independent furniture studio which specialised in locally produced, digitally crafted birch plywood products, known for its modern, functional, and minimalist designs.

Interior of a modern furniture store with wooden ceiling beams, white and natural wood furniture, creative lighting, and decorative wall art.

The challenge

Unto This Last were in need of a visual refresh: their digital comms and overall user experience felt a bit scattered. The brand did not have a consistent catalogue of product photography either, their existing image bank filled with distracting background elements and incorrectly lit shots.

The solution

I helped Unto This Last with key brand strategy work, setting up a visual communications plan to help the studio achieve a more modernised look & feel and consistent user experience. I was also tasked with three key design projects while freelancing with them: web design, modular product catalogue, and product photography.

*Hero image supplied by the brand

Scope

Art direction, Brand strategy, Design thinking, Digital design, Image retouching, Product photography, Web (UI) design

Laptop on desk displaying a furniture website with images of a wooden angle table and tulip-shaped light.

Screenshot of an online furniture store webpage titled 'Unto This Last,' featuring images of a wooden angle table and a tulip-shaped pendant light.

A website displaying round trays with a close-up of the trays on the right side. The page includes information about tray sizes, colors, and prices.

Open furniture catalog displaying images and diagrams of tables and accessories, placed on a wooden block against a white background.

The name "Unto This Last" is derived from a book by John Ruskin, an influential writer who advocated for local craftsmanship and opposed the inefficiencies of large-scale, distant industrial production.

This ethos trickled down to everything Unto This Last did, including their interest in adaptable, modular furniture design.

Page of a document with blacked-out text and red highlighted text at the bottom that reads 'Prepared template used in Supply template section: Check for User Theme.'

A medication sheet titled 'Board Therapy Interprofessional Plan' with sections and text that are blurred and illegible.

A collage of six interior design photos showcasing a modern cafe or workspace with minimalist decor, natural light, greenery, artwork, and organized displays.

Design magazine page showing modern interior and signage design elements, including wooden signs with text, directional icons, and graphic layouts.

Minimalist modern stool with a wooden seat and white frame, set against a plain white background.

A modern wooden chair with a minimalist design, featuring light-colored wood and a simple, curved backrest.

Simple wooden chair with a straight backrest and four legs, placed against a plain white background.

Red wooden bench with a slatted lower shelf, set against a plain white background.

Small wooden chair with slatted backrest and seat, minimalist design, photographed against a plain white background.

Modern white chair with wooden slats on the seat and back, against a plain white background.

A modern wooden chair with a minimalist design and angular backrest, set against a plain white background.

Wooden bench with a backrest against a plain white background.

Light wooden side table with four angled legs and a lower shelf, set against a plain white background.

Design takeaways

Closer creative influence. In a small studio like Unto This Last, I had the opportunity to contribute to various types of creative projects during a short time period – feeling like my work had a direct impact on the brand.
Strong design culture. I also greatly appreciated being part of a team of young furniture and product designers with keen eyes for design and creativity. This created a warmer environment to exchange ideas within, as designers who care about aesthetics, materials, architecture and storytelling.
Alignment with sustainability and craft. Unto This Last became known for local production, made-to-order furniture and reducing waste through digital manufacturing. As a designer who is interested in ethical branding and environmentally conscious design, that’s been a meaningful niche to be a part of.

Let’s work together

If you have a similar project you’d love a new design perspective on, get in touch with me at hello@chromakane.com – I look forward to finding out about your brand’s story.