Founded in 1984, Darkwoods is the result of decades of devotion to fine woodworking, grounded in tradition, family, and uncompromising craftsmanship.

The story begins in 1971, when Dzemail Cohadarevic arrived in Belgrade at the age of thirteen to apprentice under master craftsman Spasoje Pešić. What began as formal training quickly became a lifelong commitment. Over the next thirteen years, Dzemail refined his skills through discipline, patience, and close study of traditional woodworking methods. In 1984, he opened his own workshop in Belgrade, laying the foundation for what would become Darkwoods.

From its earliest years, Darkwoods distinguished itself through a relentless pursuit of quality and innovation. Within two years of opening, the workshop earned recognition as one of Belgrade’s finest furniture makers. Large furniture manufacturers from across Serbia turned to Darkwoods for prototype and sample production, using these models as the basis for mass-produced designs. At the same time, private and institutional clients discovered Darkwoods’ exceptional ability to create precise, museum-quality reproductions of antique furniture.

Over the years, Darkwoods has built an elite and diverse client list, including the National Theatre of Belgrade, the Royal Family of Serbia, embassies in Belgrade and Podgorica, prominent academics, public figures, and international brands such as Versace and Ellesse. These clients were drawn not only by technical excellence, but by the workshop’s deep respect for tradition, detail, and authenticity.

Darkwoods is a true family enterprise. A few years after the company’s founding, Dzemail was joined by his brother Selim and his wife Nada, strengthening the workshop both personally and professionally. Today, Dzemail has passed his knowledge and skills on to his sons, ensuring that the craft continues across generations. With more than thirty years of experience, Darkwoods stands among the most respected woodworking studios in Serbia.

At the heart of Darkwoods’ philosophy is the belief that furniture should be made by hand. The majority of the production process relies on traditional handcraft techniques, following methods craftsmen have used for centuries. While this approach is slower than industrial manufacturing, it ensures that every piece is unique. Clients are welcome to visit the workshop at any stage of production, gaining insight into the authenticity and care behind each creation. Handmade furniture, at Darkwoods, represents the boundary between art and industry.

Design is another cornerstone of the workshop’s work. Decades of experience allow Darkwoods to realize virtually any concept and adapt furniture seamlessly to existing interiors. Clients value the studio’s ability to transform ideas into one-of-a-kind objects, many of which have never been made before and will likely never be repeated.

Material selection is handled with equal care. Darkwoods works primarily with walnut and cherry, while also using pear wood, oak, mahogany, and other noble species when appropriate. Each piece of wood is chosen meticulously, taking into account the region in which the tree grew and the specific qualities of the grain. The same attention is applied to veneers and all finishing materials.

Darkwoods’ craftsmanship encompasses a wide range of specialized disciplines. Mold making is essential for furniture featuring curves, bent surfaces, or complex forms. This highly demanding process often requires more time than constructing the furniture itself, yet it allows for shapes and surfaces that few workshops can achieve. Despite modern technological advances, Darkwoods continues to rely on traditional methods, believing that certain aspects of fine furniture cannot be rushed or mechanized.

Woodcarving plays a central role in the workshop’s identity, adding depth, ornament, and character to each piece. Intarsia is another area of distinction, particularly Darkwoods’ ability to apply intricate designs to curved and bent surfaces, a rare skill made possible through precise mold construction.

Finishing techniques such as wood coloring, gilding, and decorative drawing are performed entirely by hand, using traditional methods including real gold leaf and fine brushes. Varnishing and waxing are carried out with great care, typically involving multiple layers with detailed sanding between each stage to ensure durability and beauty. For antique furniture and piano restoration, historically appropriate finishes are used.

Upholstery is treated with the same level of importance as woodwork, balancing comfort with refined aesthetics. Restoration and antique reproduction further reflect the workshop’s respect for history. Darkwoods approaches these projects with deep reverence for the original craftsmen, preserving both material integrity and artistic intent.

Darkwoods’ capabilities extend beyond furniture alone. One notable project involved creating a full-scale wooden harp for the National Theatre of Belgrade, a complex undertaking that required extensive mold making and carving despite the workshop not specializing in musical instruments. The successful completion of this project reflects Darkwoods’ belief that if something can be imagined in wood, it can be made.

Today, Darkwoods remains dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship while meeting the highest standards of contemporary design, creating furniture that carries history, skill, and human touch into the future.