Notes from the Field: The Atlantic Workshop

By Karin Lidbeck Brent

If you find yourself drawn to these words: Re-Use, Re-Purpose, Re-Make, then The Atlantic Workshop is a place you need to discover. Scott Feen, the artist, furniture maker and proprietor of this workshop, is dedicated to creating highly sophisticated and unique furnishings and home decor out of things many would consider junk. His creations are ideal for the discriminating homeowner and clients looking for items and accessories that could never be found in a catalog.

Photos by Karin Lidbeck Brent

Within his workshop you will find remnants of boats, buildings, factories, barns and mechanical equipment most would toss into a scrap yard. But Scott’s philosophy is simple: find old items and give them new life. The Chatham location of his workshop lends itself especially well to the uncovering of pieces of old boats and yachts, which Scott uses to create furniture with a nautical theme.

Scott, a serious sailor and furniture craftsman, blends his two passions to create items like this chair covered in old sailcloth. The attention to detail is made intriguing by including the spinnaker foot with its stainless steel ring on the side of the chair.

An armchair with an athletic appeal.

Old sailcloth has been transformed into upholstery.

Remnants from the fabric’s previous life.

Imagine finding a 1940s fishing boat that had sunk into the mud, and then creating from that a Stern Couch. This small settee is perfect for a nook in a beachside home.

Furniture doesn’t get more nautical–or sustainable–than this.

A green idea, painted in red, white and blue.

Hardware is covered by plush cushions.

Nothing goes to waste and that’s typical of The Atlantic Workshop. This small ship’s hatch table with stainless steel and bronze screws is an ingenious creation. A set of these side tables flanking a couch would be ideal.

Scott can put anything to good use.

As we’re all familiar with, coffee tables made from old rail carts (popularized by Restoration Hardware), these real-deal and turn-of-the- century passenger baggage carts created by the workshop are truly unique. You’ll never find two pieces that are exactly the same. Scott puts his stamp of ingenuity and individuality on every piece he creates.               

A baggage cart-turned coffee table.                      

A gallery store on Main Street in Chatham features a constant stream of new pieces brought in weekly, plus the hand crafted work of other Cape Cod artisans. The workshop is just blocks away the gallery.

A full view of a repurposed coffee table.

The Atlantic Workshop has a custom design division working with builders, interiors designers and businesses to fashion all kinds of custom furnishings for homes and businesses.

To find out more about The Atlantic Workshop, please visit atlanticworkshop.com

The Atlantic Workshop
33 Depot Street
Chatham, Mass. 02633
(415) 963-1707