Trading Spaces: Faber Dewar

Faber Dewar, Carpenter

"Being a good furniture maker is akin to being a good chef ... its important to pay attention to all elements of the process: prep, creation and finish."

Carpenter and furniture maker Faber Dewar joined the cast of Trading Spaces in November 2003. A Scotsman who has been raised to value hand-craftsmanship, Faber prides himself his resourcefulness, believing that inspiration can be found just about anywhere. Woodworking and furniture making is his true passion, and he's thrilled to be able to indulge that passion on Trading Spaces.

Professional Background: A self-taught craftsman, Faber began tinkering around in the garage of his home in England at a very early age. After studying in England and eventually moving to Hawaii to pursue marine biology, he began renovating old houses and both buying and restoring antique furniture. Faber moved to Los Angeles in 1995 and started his furniture business, Alderley Edge, in Venice Beach. There's a distinct Japanese arts and crafts influence in his work, and he has done pieces for many Hollywood celebs including Steven Spielberg and Pierce Brosnan. In addition, Faber recently founded a biodegradable packaging company called Vanish Products and Packaging.

Personal Background: Faber was raised a small village called Chislehurst, just south of London, though both parents are of Scottish descent. He attended university in England, then moved to Hawaii ... falling in love with diving, surfing and spearfishing in the meantime. Though circumstances eventually brought him back to England, he has retained his passion for all things ocean related, and continues to enjoy watersports in his travels to remote islands and beaches around the world. He also enjoys fencing and archery, and is the owner of a yellow lab named Jake.

Design Style: Faber's pieces possess a distinct Japanese influence, and he often uses Japanese tools and methods when building. Each one has a "soul," drawing inspiration from Old World architecture styles as well as modern influences. He loves using recycled materials or "architectural salvage" such as leather, old copper and ceiling tin tiles, and claims that part of the fun — and the challenge — of Trading Spaces is locating resources in unfamiliar cities.

The Pieces: Faber enjoys recycling wood whenever possible, and is particularly proud of an armoire he built for designer Christi Proctor in San Antonio from "found" wood. He's especially pleased with another piece he built for designer Laura Day in Oklahoma — banquette seating made from the discarded wood from the sides of an old barn.

- Info from TLC.com