Bespoke Sideboard - Gold Coast

After seeing my work online, Tony emailed me and asked if I was interested in pricing a sideboard for his newly renovated house in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

After a recent tour through Ernest Hemingway’s house, one of Tony’s most favoured writers, he was inspired by a cabinet he saw there and sent me through an image. It was a simple cabinet yet very practical, holding nothing more then Ernest’s own book collection, LP’s and a couple of ornaments. Tony wanted to take this idea of a practical use of storage and apply it to his vast CD and LP collection but he wanted it beautified with a craftsman’s touch as this bespoke piece of furniture was intended to be in the household for many generations to come.

Ernest Hemingway's original cabinet.

After chatting with Tony and getting a clear understanding of what he wanted, I came up with two drawings. Option A and B. Option A was a basic approach to the specifications that I received and Option B was a more minimalist, mid-century take of the Hemingway cabinet as I have incorporated raised overhead units with down-lights, glass shelves and also the main feature, A 800mm high by 2400mm long solid 40mm thick Black Butt bench top mitred at the corners creating a seamless join as the continuos grain wraps around this timeless piece of furniture.      

                           

Billy Mobbs gave me a helping hand during the installation.

Above is a detailed photo of the mitred cut bench top. It was important to me to try this method of detailed joinery as I don't see much of it these days. It was challenging to cut and join the mitre together and also to fit so perfectly to the wall, but as you can see it creates a seamless look and as a centre piece for the house, I wanted to make sure it was neat as a pin.
 

Detail photos of solid Black Butt timber beading used around the Sliver Ash drawer fronts. 

Detail shot of over head unit.

The contrasting timbers tie in neatly with the continuos grain in the drawer fronts.    

Full extension timber drawers with divisions in the for CD's are mounted on soft-close drawer runners and provide perfect functionality for everyday use.  

A drawer within a drawer. 

With Tony's faith in craftsmanship, it was a pleasure working on such a fine piece of furniture. Working with the highest quality timbers and well thought ideas, this job came together without one drama, even the installation was smooth and if ever given the chance, I would be more then happy to do it all over again.

-Martin.