Functional Furniture:
“ I'm looking for something I could use as a drinks cabinet, a stylish piece, but it has to fit in a specific gap I have in my lounge... I like the Chinese style cabinets but they're too dark...or the more traditional ones with curved legs. Something practical.”
Brief: Drinks cabinet
Preliminary sketches
After discussions on the influences and overall feel of the piece, and having established the maximum dimensions that the unit could expand to, we were able to produce some preliminary sketches. These included details of the interior, optional features that might fit with the use that the client had in mind and suggested materials and finish.
Design
Having reviewed the sketches and after some further refinements, including handle selection, the client settled on a slightly modified design (notably removal of the front valence panel) which gave the piece a cleaner, lighter look. We produced the technical drawings and specifications for final approval before moving into production.Drinks cabinet
Commissioned for: £600
Oiled wood and beeswax finish. With the outer dimensions of the design fixed by the space it would occupy, the proportions of the various sections were designed around the "golden ratio" to give the cabinet a classical feel. The detailing on the doors was based on Chinese cabinet designs, whilst the cabriole legs add a unique twist. Plenty of storage for glasses and drinks, and a neat serving tray that makes entertaining and serving guests easier and quicker.
The overall look of the unit echoed Chinese influences along with the classical cabriole style legs, in a light toned, yet warm softwood ply.
Storage for wine bottles (in the mock-drawer fold down section) and space for spirits and glasses along with the built in serving tray inside the cabinet.
A simple "engraving" on the cabinet doors revealed laminations in the plywood that gave a nice range of contrasting colours for the Chinese style motifs.