Lokal Babes | Kasten Company
WORDS + PHOTOS: Stef Richardson
It’s all in the details when it comes to the work of Kasten Company - a local cabinet and furniture business in the Blue Mountains. Refined, gorgeous, retro, sexy and slick are other words I’d toss around to describe the handmade pieces but I’m not a professional, just someone who completely admires the work of Kasten.
Owner and friend, AJ Carter, has been in the trade for over 10 years now, doin’ his thang and doin’ a real good job. Eventually (like most with the entrepreneurial spirit), he realized waking up each day, his own boss, is exactly what he was after. AJ now has the full creative freedom to explore new techniques, foster meaningful relationships, source quality materials, focus on the finer details, and dream up unique designs - all things that as a business owner, are imperative to the endgame.
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KASTEN COMPANY // AJ CARTER + DJANGO
AJ is one cool, unassuming, witty, and humorous fellow! Aside from his designer talents, his love for supporting local and his doggo Django don’t go unnoticed. And I can always count on him for the latest and greatest craft beer review. Fridge is always stocked with interesting pints. To read on about AJ and his biz Kasten Company, scroll down.
Q+A
How would you describe your style of furniture to someone who had no idea about your biz?
My work is primarily high end modern cabinetry and furniture. Everything I make is designed and built by hand specifically for the space it’ll occupy. I enjoy working with design driven architects, designers and builders to come up with a millwork package that fits seamlessly into the home.
Do you have a favourite material or strain of wood you enjoy working with?
White oak - particularly “quarter sawn”, which has a very tight grain pattern. It can be extremely unforgiving, but when the finished product comes together it is much more satisfying than working with something easier.
Describe the ideal client?
When I’m working directly with a homeowner, it’s great when they have an idea of what they’re looking for but trust me with the creative process. Details are everything to me, and they’re also part of what takes a project from typical to unique, so it’s great when a client is open minded.
What's the coolest thing you've ever made for a client?
A year ago I had the privilege of doing a residential project in Creemore designed by Ian MacDonald Architect and built by Scotia Custom Homes. I built all of the cabinetry for the home, which included everything from the kitchen and bathrooms, down to custom beds and a built-in sofa. IMA has a distinct, timeless style, so it was exciting to have my millwork included in their project. It also pushed the boundaries of what my shop is capable of.
Is there a certain song/band or genre that gets you jazzed up and ready to create?
It’s all over the place, depending on what I’m working on. I listen to a lot of instrumental music like jazz or electronic when I’m doing the technical stuff. Other times I’ll be listening to things like Bad Religion, Anderson Paak., Gary Clark Jr. and Grizzly Bear. Lots of podcasts too. I’ve always got headphones in at the shop.
You've got a Friday night off - how are you spending it?
We’ll usually have some drinks and listen to some records — COVID has gotten us to enjoy things at home a lot more. In the winter, Friday nights will be spent at Blue too, I hope.
What are you drinking lately? Top 2 craft beer recommendations.
Collective Arts Ransack the Universe is a go-to
Tough to pick just two because it’s always fun to try new ones, but I just ordered some Matron so I’ll see how it is!
What do you love about living in Grey County?
Being able to live and work in an area with so much access to the outdoors. You can plan a full day off here and almost have too many options. The take-out options have been great lately too.
Describe high school AJ - any trends you participated in? Sports teams? Fave activities?
I was really into snowboarding and skateboarding, so a lot of the trends that go with that. I was also into the classes that were more hands-on, like art and metal shop so it’s not surprising that I ditched my architecture plans for an apprenticeship.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur/biz owner?
I think my reasons are similar to why most people decide to work for themselves. I was feeling burnt out working for someone else, not feeling like I was fairly compensated for my work at the time, and mainly because I couldn’t stand behind the quality of product I was making. I took on a “temporary” full time job doing trim carpentry while moonlighting with side jobs for a year or so, until I built up to a larger shop and lined up enough work to go full time. It’s a lot more work, but it’s great to have full quality control and make my own schedule."
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Check out Kasten Company on Instagram and make sure to check out their website if you want to get in touch!
https://www.kastencompany.com/
