Today’s design came completely unexpectedly. While reading Twitter this afternoon, Alison Heath of Hardwood Artisans (and fellow Northern Virginian) suggested John Strauss for this week’s Follow Friday. Checking out John’s website, I was browsing through the Oak & Iron collection and came across his Oak and Iron Gable Entry Table. The drawers in that piece spoke to me, not only in the shape and size, but also how each drawer is contained in an individual sleeve, rather than being part of a larger cabinet.
This bureau brings several discrete drawers together into one open-air assembly:
Originally I thought this piece would use a darker wood like wenge or walnut for the frame and a lighter, figured wood for the drawer cases. Looking at it more, I can’t help but wonder how it would look with that darker wood as the drawers and something with a medium color (honduran mahogany?) for the frame. Another possible change would be to extend the drawers past the front of the frame; they are flush as drawn above.
One thing I really like about the cabinet is how it came seem boxy and weighty while remaining airy. I’m also pleased that I was able to draw it by hand in three dimensions - something I couldn’t manage to do for Week 1. I suppose that there is a bit of my day job (I work in IT) in this design, as it greatly resembles a server rack.
If I can keep finding inspiration for pieces in my day-to-day activities, this should be an easy 52 weeks of design!
Dang^2