The Brief
Every piece begins with a conversation.
For this project, the client was looking for a dedicated coffee station—something intentional rather than an object tucked into an unused corner. The piece was to live along a wall adjacent to the kitchen and carry visual weight of its own. The parameters were clear: walnut, open shelving, and a form with presence.
The Structure
The arch became the defining gesture early in the process. Its purpose was not ornamental, but structural—establishing both the proportions of the piece and how it would meet the wall. While the form reads as expressive, the construction itself is straightforward.
The double walnut arch was bent and laminated using a simple mold. The primary challenge was not shaping the curve, but accounting for springback so the legs could transition cleanly into straight vertical members. Once that relationship was resolved, the rest of the frame followed naturally.
With the structure established, attention shifted to the cabinet and back panel.
The Cabinet
The lower cabinet is built using full dovetail construction, assembled from sequential boards taken from the same tree as the open shelves above. This continuity allows grain and tone to flow through the piece without interruption.
The back of the coffee station is lined with imported Italian ceramic tile, chosen for its subtle variation and its ability to complement the warmth of the walnut without competing with it. Below, frosted glass panel doors with brass hardware provide enclosed storage, grounding the piece visually while maintaining a sense of lightness.
The Finish
The entire piece is finished with a hand‑applied oil‑wax blend. This approach preserves the tactile quality of the walnut, allowing the surface to feel warm and present rather than sealed or inert. Over time, the finish will develop a quiet patina, shaped by use rather than wear.
Details
Materials
American black walnut, Italian ceramic tile, hand‑blown frosted glass, brass hardware
Dimensions
35 × 15 × 84
Lead Time
12 weeks from deposit
This piece was developed as a response to a specific space and routine—designed to feel settled from the moment it arrived, while allowing the materials to remain visible and honest.
If you’re interested in commissioning a custom piece, start a conversation here →
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