Refining the design

Mock ups, drawings, samples and communication all add up to an informed and involved client. Commissions are a way to solve a clients needs while designing and refining my personal furniture design style.

Dashing pile 'o wood

Nothing gets a project going like a good wood score! This mahogany will be used for the tops, drawer fronts and panels of the desk, paired with ash lumber for the legs and stretchers, these species will create a cool contrast between light and dark, warmth and strength, structure and surface. My original design has tapered drawer banks, custom pulls and a "Tori gate" detail that is the extension of the rear legs through the top and capped with a sweeping piece, see sketch.

Desk and credenza project

My next pieces will be this desk set, I am designing it for a client in Michigan. Using drawings, wood samples, emails and the digital camera, the client and I are having fun refining the design to fit his office and work habits. I wrote an article about home office desk design for the Taunton Press Home Furniture magazine, and I will be using some of those design principals during this project.

Display cabinets get a home.

This cabinet set sits well along the wall of the living room, the breakfront design makes this piece look balanced and inviting, while the details like tapering top edges, curly oak panels, open display areas, glass doors and matched cherry grain all add up make the design as pleasing as the objects within. Please see my next project as I design and build a desk and credenza set for a client in Michigan.

Prep for delivery

The parts are now done and ready for delivery and final assembly in the client's home.

Reassembling the parts

Now that I've got the finish completed, I can reassemble the doors, hinges and tops. The finish has a #55 sheen, a nice richness without too much gloss.

applying finish

On this project I'm using a clear lacquer and keeping the cherry its natural color. The wood color will darken with exposure to UV sun light, changing rapidly in the first 6 months and then slowly over longer time, becoming one of the warmest and best looking woods.