Mid-Century Modern?

It was fun to be asked to design a bed and bedside tables with a modern look.

This customer was removing rosewood tables which looked great with the carpet and fabrics of the room. I found some some impressive rosewood veneer as the starting point. We experimented framing it in different ways trying black lacquer first. We ended up loving the striped look of the cross-banded rosewood in a simple dark mahogany "picture frame".

Covering the headboard in fabric kept the strong figure of the veneer from dominating. The result is a dramatic panel in a light, almost delicate structure.

To compliment the bed I scaled down the picture frame and feet of the tables. The tops needed to remain uncluttered hence the open shelf right below. Two drawers allowed me to show off some more rosewood as well as provide storage.

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Corner Cupboard

Corner cupboards are fun. Each one is different. They look best when they fit the room, from floor to ceiling. This cupboard replaced a wood stove. The corner had a brick hearth and brick faced walls. We covered the brick walls with sheetrock and the brick hearth with flooring to match the room.

The design was an amalgamation of various 18th Century features. I composed the design to use the best of what appealed to the customer after looking at many pictures. We think that the results are stunning.

The finish has an undercoat of salmon colored milk paint with top coats in blue-green. It is rubbed through and oiled to give gloss and a feeling of age.

The carved rosettes are of dogwood flowers, a motif I have used before and perfectly suited to New England furniture.

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New Camera/Morris Chair

In an effort to improve my furniture photography I have purchased a new camera. My first practice session was in my own home on a piece I made for myself.

The Morris Chair is exquisitely comfortable with its soft leather upholstered cushions stuffed with foam and down. The angle of the back is adjustable and the curved wide arms are perfect for elbows, a wine glass or a book. I keep it near the fireplace.

My new camera is a Canon Rebel XSi with a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens. Lighting was controlled by venetian blinds and a small table lamp moved about to fill in darker areas. Outdoor light was full sun reflected off snow cover.

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Mid-Century furniture

Another recent commission reflects the current craze for Mid 20th Century designs. This copy of an Italian Art Modern hall table was scaled up to seat ten. The client directed me to an antique dealer's show room where I could see the inspiration in person.

The intended use as well as the dimensions of the room required a few changes in the design. We made the top round and 78" in diameter. I added a polished wrought brass molded edge and created the veneered sunburst pattern in the top in curley walnut. A highly polished, full gloss lacquer finish dazzles the observer.

Some creative engineering for the pedestal and custom cast brass slipper feet completed the design. Note the curved stretchers between the legs.

Our next project will be to design and build dining chairs to complement the table and room.

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Inspiration at the stone yard

A good customer was visiting a granite and marble distributor's yard and noticed an unusually beautiful slab of marble. He bought it not knowing exactly what he would do with it.

He called me and we began a conversation about making a piece of furniture to utilize this distinctive piece of stone.

This is the result. A cherry serpentine sideboard.

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