In the Spring of 2020 a young family asked me to design a built-in cabinet for their dining room that would store art supplies and cleaning tools along with the usual complement of dining room wares. They wanted to upgrade from the hodge-podge of furniture most of us start out with (junk shop finds, flat-pack casework, hand-me downs) to something of cleaner design. Riffing on mid-century work by Finn-Juhl and Tage Frid, I came up with this — a modular piece in three main sections, all assembled on an adjustable base. Although it’s firmly attached to the wall behind for safety, it reads as a free-standing piece and can be taken out should the family ever move. The little bit of space on all sides helps keep the large cabinet (approximately 92″ high x 60″ wide x 24″ deep) from appearing overly massive; it also enabled me to install the piece quickly (an especially important consideration during a pandemic) and leave the family to get on with their day.

We went through several iterations of the color plan. I sent thumbnail sketches in colored pencil to indicate my suggestions.

They decided to go with colors they already have in the house.

As I was leaving, they gave me this portrait of the cabinet by their younger daughter.