Frequentlyasked questions

Palena Studio is a luxury furniture and lighting atelier founded by Ben Aftab and Carter. We design and produce handcrafted pieces that sit at the intersection of Art Deco rigour, organic naturalism, and the ancient material traditions of Istanbul. Every piece is made once, for its specific client, and is never repeated.

Our atelier is based in Istanbul — a city that has sat at the intersection of the world’s oldest craft traditions for millennia. We work with a small number of highly skilled craftspeople and source our materials internationally. We deliver worldwide.

Yes. We do not produce editions, stock quantities, or repeat commissions. Every piece that leaves our atelier is assigned a unique serial number and registered in our archive as a single original work. What our clients acquire is not a product — it is an original.

Atelier visits are available by appointment for clients engaged in an active commission. If you are considering a significant project and would like to visit, please reach out to us at enquiries@palenastudio.com to discuss arrangements.

The catalogue on our website represents the design vocabulary of our atelier — the forms and material approaches that define Palena. Each piece shown can be commissioned in a version made specifically for you, with the materials, dimensions, and finishes suited to your space. We do not maintain stock. Every piece is made to order.

We do not operate a permanent showroom. However, select pieces are available to view through our 1stDibs profile, and we periodically participate in design events and exhibitions. We can also arrange for material samples to be sent to you as part of the commission process.

No. The catalogue is a starting point, not a limit. We also accept commissions for entirely new designs — pieces that do not yet exist anywhere. If you have an idea, a sketch, or simply a description of what a space is missing, we would like to hear about it.

The process begins with a conversation — you describe the space, the feeling, and the idea. From there, we develop a design proposal with drawings, material specifications, and finish references. Once the design is approved, production begins, with updates at key milestones. Full details are on our Bespoke Commissions page.

Yes. We design from first principles when the brief requires it. Share a sketch, a reference image, a mood board, or even a written description of what you have in mind. We will develop the piece and present a proposal before any production commitment is made.

Adaptations of existing catalogue pieces typically require twelve to sixteen weeks from approval to delivery. Entirely new designs — from design development through to delivery — typically require sixteen to twenty-four weeks, depending on complexity and material sourcing. We provide a precise timeline at the point of commission and keep to it.

Yes. We accept commissions where the client supplies their own fabric (COM — Customer’s Own Material) or leather (COL — Customer’s Own Leather). Please provide the material specification including fibre content, weight, and supplier details at the time of briefing. We will advise on yardage requirements.

We do not offer expedited production. The hand-finishing, casting, and quality review that each piece undergoes cannot be compressed without affecting the result. If you have a specific deadline, we recommend contacting us as early as possible so we can advise on realistic timelines.

Our primary materials include cast bronze (in raw, brushed, oxidised, and mirror-polished patinas), Murano hand-blown glass, natural stone (Calacatta, travertine, onyx, and basalt), fine leathers, premium fabrics (bouclé, mohair, velvet, linen), and solid hardwoods (American walnut, white oak, ebonised ash). Every material is sourced individually for each commission.

Yes. All finishes — bronze patinas, stone treatments, fabric selections, leather grades — are adjustable as part of the commission process. We can also send physical material samples to help you make your selection before committing to a finish.

Bronze requires minimal maintenance and will develop a natural patina over time — which many of our clients consider part of its character. For day-to-day care, wipe with a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. If you wish to preserve the original finish, a very light application of microcrystalline wax once or twice a year is sufficient. Detailed care guidance specific to your piece will be provided at delivery.

Care requirements vary by fabric. Bouclé and structured weaves should be brushed gently and kept away from prolonged direct sunlight. Leather should be conditioned periodically with a specialist leather conditioner. Specific care instructions for the fabric or leather used in your piece will be provided at delivery.

All orders begin with an enquiry — through our Enquire page, by email at enquiries@palenastudio.com, or through our 1stDibs listing. A member of our team will respond to discuss your requirements and provide a formal quotation before any commitment is required.

We accept bank transfer (preferred for larger commissions), major credit cards, and payments through 1stDibs for pieces listed there. Payment terms for bespoke commissions are provided in the formal quotation — typically a deposit to commence production with the balance due prior to shipping.

Because every piece is produced specifically for its client, we do not accept returns on bespoke commissions. If a piece arrives damaged in transit, please document this at the point of receipt and contact us within 48 hours — we will manage the claim and arrange repair or replacement as appropriate.

Cancellations after production has commenced are not possible, as the work is made specifically for you. The deposit paid at the time of commission covers the cost of design development and early production stages and is non-refundable. We recommend confirming all specifications carefully before approving production.

Yes. We deliver worldwide. Every piece is individually custom-crated and shipped with full tracking and transit insurance. If you have questions about delivery to a specific destination, contact us before placing your order.

Each piece is packaged individually and specifically — there are no standard boxes. Furniture is wrapped in conservation-grade materials before being encased in custom timber crating. Lighting pieces with glass elements are padded at component level before crating. The goal is that the piece that arrives at your address is indistinguishable from the piece that left ours.

Transit times vary by destination. Most international shipments arrive within 5–14 business days of dispatch. You will receive a tracking number and a precise estimated delivery date as soon as your piece ships. Full details are on our Delivery page.

Import duties and local taxes vary by destination and are the responsibility of the client. We provide all necessary export documentation and will advise on likely import requirements for your specific destination at the time of commission. We recommend consulting a local customs broker for precise duty estimates.

Every shipment is insured for its full declared value. If there is any visible damage to the external packaging, please note this on the courier’s documentation before signing for receipt. Once unpacked, inspect the piece and contact us within 48 hours if you have any concerns, with photographs taken at the time of unpacking. We will manage the claim process directly.

Visit our Certificate of Authenticity page and enter the serial number engraved on your piece. Registration activates your ownership record, issues your Certificate of Authenticity, and gives you direct access to our support team. The serial number begins with PS- and is located on the underside or frame of the piece.

A digital document issued to the registered owner, confirming the piece’s serial number, production date, and origin. It serves as provenance documentation for insurance purposes and establishes ownership in our archive — which is particularly relevant if the piece is ever resold.

Yes. If you sell or gift a Palena piece, the new owner can register the piece in their name using the same serial number. Contact us at enquiries@palenastudio.com to initiate an ownership transfer and we will update our archive accordingly.

Yes. Our Trade & Atelier programme is open to licensed interior designers, architects, hospitality developers, and procurement firms. It provides exclusive trade pricing, dedicated project support, and access to bespoke commissions at scale. Full details and how to apply are on our Trade & Atelier page.

Yes. We have experience supporting architects and designers on multi-piece hospitality, residential, and commercial projects. For larger projects, we coordinate production scheduling around your installation phasing. Contact our trade team at trade@palenastudio.com to discuss your project.

Yes. Material samples can be arranged as part of the commission or trade enquiry process. Contact us with the materials you are considering and we will discuss what is available to send. Sample availability varies by material type and current stock at our suppliers.