How to Make a Family Room for the Whole Family

Our client’s family (two adults and three children) wanted a room in which all their different activities could take place. Their TV and stereo components, video games, the computer(s), the home’s business area, library shelving and additional storage (for all those small things that would clutter every surface if not put away)… were all incorporated into the plans for these built in cabinets… Our plan was to create a room that had a place for everything and look great at the same time.

Although they wanted built-ins that were richly appointed, they expressed their wish to maintain the appearance of ‘hand wrought’ craftsmanship. I knew they didn’t want ‘rustic’, but I felt that perfectly straight-grained, ‘select’ boards and veneers wouldn’t portray enough character for their tastes.

So… we decided use cherry but made sure to include some great looking imperfections, so you might get a sense of the actual trees from which this furniture was made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve included my renderings so you can appreciate how our plans became realized.

 

where the children do their homework

 

 

 

 

 

 

her antique desk sits in front of this piece that has 5 hanging-file drawers

Although labor intensive, the right details make a world of difference.

full beading on vertical corners, side walls paneled

 

create a thicker counter top with a routed profile

 

We’ve done many built-ins that were difficult to get a good picture of…

…and there are some that just seem to be made for it.

 

click on this master shot for full screen / it's crystal clear, 4,368 pixels wide

With smart design, honest craftsmanship… and a great client… it’s hard to go wrong.

Russell Hudson / 4-12

 

 

11 thoughts on “How to Make a Family Room for the Whole Family”

  1. Russell, Definitely some of the prettiest cabinetry I’ve seen! As for imperfections in cherry, I’m not so sure there is such a thing! Keep up the good work, and thanks for posting. It’s nice to see what others are up to.

  2. Russ

    Beautiful work. To say you are a craftsman is not enough. Most of us dream of having something that beautiful in our home. Thanks, now I have Family. Room envy.

    Love ya my friend, Greg

  3. russ,

    it’s a tall order to exceed your previous quality and design standards, but i think you succeeded! did you use a common grade of cherry or just select allowable defects from the fas? either way; great job!

    ray

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