Gentleman's Valet Stand

In 2003 I was invited by The Guild Shop in Toronto to participate in their "Turning Traditions" exhibition. Wanting to build something new for this event I designed a custom valet stand specifically to meet the needs of today's man.



This Gentleman's Valet Stand measures 25" wide x 25" deep x 52-3/4" high in the closed position. When the split shell opens the dimensions increase to 39" wide x 26-3/4" deep.

The exterior is crafted from a rare sampling of Curly Birds Eye Maple, which has been an integral part of my core stash of for many years. A purfling of Mahogany and Ebony is interwoven as inlay on all 4 sides, plus top.



The cabinet interior is crafted from quarter cut Makore, with 7 drawers stacked over a pair of lower doors. The upper drawer is fitted with compartments for wrist watches, cuff links, billfolds and fountain pens.



The image inlaid into the top of the chest is that of a turtle, and its form was inspired by an ancient aboriginal rock glyph. Not only is this image symbolic of protection, but given that turtles do not move very fast it also suggests the need for patience.

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The Executive Office - (Part 6) - The Scotch Bar

Yesterday's post showed the work in progress on the custom desk and credenza being made for "JLT's" executive office. Today's post will feature the Scotch Bar.

The inspiration for the design of this piece has its genesis in the Gentleman's Valet Stand we displayed at the 2005 Interior Design Show in Toronto. It was here that "JLT" first saw my work, and I remember him saying how much he thought the Valet Stand would make for an excellent Scotch Bar. I kept that idea in the back of my mind for several years, until it came time to design the furniture for his office.

Since "JLT" also shares my appreciation for the work of Art Deco furniture maker Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, I also wanted to incorporate a subtle "Ruhlmann" feature into the design. Rather than copy or try to imitate Ruhlmann outright, I sought to create something original that still managed to give a respectful nod to the master.

Hopefully this was achieved by incorporating some faux ivory diamond inlays into the face of the exterior split shells. The image below shows the inlay being fitted into place.

The design of the apron and leg assembly that supports the main cabinet was inspired by the work of the late James Krenov. The flared curved legs were milled from 8/4 solid cherry, while the solid cherry aprons were fitted to the legs with mortise and tenon joinery. A pair of elevated cross ribs between the front and back aprons support the upper cabinet, while creating the illusion that it "floats" over the base.

Although the apron and legs are shown as natural unfinished cherry, the intent is to darken them during the finishing process with a traditional ebonizing solution of vinegar and iron. The idea is to keep the base as simple and utilitarian as possible, so that the visual focus can remain on the upper cabinet.

The interior of the Scotch Bar will feature LED lighting, a bronze mirror back, glass shelf, granite slab surface, a pull-out tray for serving, plus a utility drawer for utensils and accessories.

The following video gives a sneak preview of the motorized T.V. lift and swivel mechanism, which will be the subject of tomorrow's post

Next: The Executive Office - (Part 7) - The Motorized T.V. Cabinet

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The Executive Office - (Part 2) - The Initial Site Meeting

In my previous post I described my first meeting with our client "JLT" at the 2005 Interior Design Show. For a variety of reasons more than 5 years would pass before any tangible work would begin on the custom furniture for his office.

On some level this was a good thing, because it gave me ample time to mull over ideas and consider the most appropriate design for his furniture. From talking with him I knew that "JLT" dislikes clutter, so any design would have to be done in a way to ensure that everything had its place - out of sight as much as possible.

"JLT" also insisted that he didn't want a "throne" for a desk, so I knew the desk would have to be light in design - ideally with no modesty panel. He also liked the possibility of the Gentleman's Valet reconfigured as some kind of scotch bar, and having a big screen T.V. that could be hidden from view when not in use.

With these parameters in mind we had our initial site meeting to discuss possible options.

The photos that follow show the raw office space that was about to be renovated to create "JLT's" new executive office.

At first glance it seemed obvious that "JLT's" desk should back onto this corner. Notice the tiles and the fluorescent lighting in the ceiling - I insisted on replacing these with proper fixtures, since the limited spectrum of fluorescent light is too narrow to do proper justice to fine woodwork. (Fluorescents simply "wash out" the warmth and natural beauty of wood.)

I also made note of the locations of outlets and phone jacks. Since "JLT" wanted to hide all wires and cables to the greatest degree possible, it would be necessary to have outlets and jacks moved to where they'd be hidden by the built-in furniture.

In this photo the wall on the left was slated for removal so that the adjoining room could be merged with the corner office to create one large space. The door in the foreground will also be replaced with an extended wall from the right, to allow for the installation of a flat screen television that is to be hidden in a motorized lift mechanism.

Next: The Executive Office - (Part 3) - The Renovation Begins

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The Executive Office - (Part 1) - A Case Study

In 2005 we displayed our Gentleman's Valet Stand in the "Studio North" area of the Interior Design Show in Toronto.


At one point the inlay work on this cabinet caught the attention of a visitor from the United States, and before long he and I were engaged in a lengthy discussion about design and the works of Art Deco masters such as Jules Leleu and Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann.

Given this fellow's extensive knowledge of furniture design and craftsmanship, I assumed he was either an architect or a designer. It turns out he was neither.

Instead, this fellow turned out to be an entrepreneur who owns a mid sized company located in a major American city. He said he was shopping for ideas on having custom furniture made for his executive office, although he was in no particular rush to have anything done.

In the ensuing years we stayed in touch, until last year when things finally progressed to the point where we were able to move forward with a tangible proposal.

This will be the first post of several that will become a case study of the creative process behind the designing and making of custom furniture for the executive office of our client "JLT".

Next: The Executive Office - (Part 2) - The Initial Site Meeting

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500 Cabinets

I have just received word from Ray Hemachandra of Lark Books that 3 of my furniture pieces are now officially published in a new book entitled: "500 Cabinets: A Showcase of Design & Craftsmanship".

This is such an incredible honour to be showcased alongside so many exceptionally talented furniture designers and makers.

Juried by John Grew Sheridan, "500 cabinets" showcases the art and craft of fine furniture making with examples of contemporary works from 300 different makers.

Although the actual release date is August 3, 2010 copies of this book can be pre-ordered at online retailers such as Amazon. In the United States the link is here: http://amzn.to/94rXIv

To my understanding the Andiroba Cabinet was one of the pieces selected. In the photos below you can see this design sculpted out of Mottled Tangare, and fitted as a standing humidor.

For those wishing to respect the Cuban embargo, please close your eyes to the Cohibas.

Also featured is the Gentleman's Valet, which was crafted out of a rare sampling of Curly Birds Eye Maple, and inlaid with Makore and Ebony. Using a technique similar to the Andiroba, the outer case is made as 2 seamless half shells that hinge/pivot open to reveal the interior.

The inside of the valet contains 7 drawers plus a pair of doors for storage at the bottom.

The upper drawer has individual compartments to receive wrist watches and even loose change. Slots for fountain pens are located in the center tray.

The third cabinet accepted for publication is our newest creation called Digitaria/Blue Star.

This multi-angular design was inspired by the Wally 118 superyacht, highlighted by the subtle contrast between the polished stainless steel base and the satin black lacquer cabinetry.

In the isometric view the 3-dimensionality of the design is more apparent.

The interior of Digitaria/Blue star is crafted from natural maple plywood. The 4 drawers are dovetailed solid maple, and pop open using Blumotion slides and Blum's pneumatic touch latch system.

This detail view of the upper corner shows how the angles of the multiple surfaces intersect.

The top is bevel back painted glass, set into a recess.

Hopefully you feel inspired enough to pick up a copy of this book, and see examples of furniture arts and crafts at their finest.

If you feel motivated to write a review at Amazon http://amzn.to/94rXIv , by all means please do so.

Positive reviews help with rankings which, in turn, influence sales.

On that note please keep in mind that 5-star reviews are very beneficial, but even 4-star rankings are detrimental.

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