Houndstooth

This project involved revamping a kitchen with cabinets originally from IKEA’s discontinued Akurum series by replacing doors, improving the design, and adding decorative island panels. I interpreted the designer's architectural drawings, fabricated, finished, and installed new millwork while refinishing the existing boxes.

I adjusted sizes of doors and drawers to create cleaner, more precise reveals and also customized drawer boring to integrate the existing Akurum Blum Tandem hardware. Additional enhancements included adding filler pieces, making doors with horizontal grooves to simulate a door/drawer reveal, and installing doors over previously open shelving.

For the island’s tambour panels, I calculated precise dimensions to align with the designer’s vision and ensure the piece begins and ends at the base of the pattern on each end of the island. I also think the tambour profile showcases my prep and finishing skills, which will be an asset to your team however you choose to deploy those particular abilities.

Elevation -You can see some of the level of detail I addressed

This project involved refinishing, modifying and reinstalling a complex millwork piece in a teenage boys' bedroom, transforming it into a more sophisticated design. Although three other contractors said the piece could not be removed without damage, I successfully disassembled it by leveraging my knowledge of hidden fasteners and installation techniques.

Before

I carefully labeled and matched components during disassembly, ensuring smooth reassembly. I handled large heavy objects with a team member who I also trained to label and wrap components. By following standardized procedures, such as matching labels and photographing connections, I ensured a successfull outcome. The project required precision, problem-solving, and adaptability to ensure the piece was restored and reinstalled seamlessly.

Disassembly

Design Refinement and Customization

The client initially struggled to settle on a color, favoring a dark option but was concerned it might dominate the room. To balance the design, I proposed a wood veneer desktop instead of glass tops, which added warmth and contrast. After presenting veneer and stain options and confirming a preferred choice (rift white oak with horizontal orientation), we finalized the overall design.

I suggested transitioning to full-overlay drawer fronts for a cleaner aesthetic that complemented the new oak desktops and provided additional desk depth, addressing the client's need for more workspace. To accommodate larger computer monitors, I raised the overhead cabinets slightly higher, aligning them with an existing feature for a cohesive look. We also moved the grommet location from the corner to the center. Mockups helped illustrate these changes, ensuring the client was confident in the final design before implementation. And finally, I bored for new handles on the new drawer fronts and existing doors.

This project involved a custom floating desk, floating shelf, and slim shaker closet doors, designed to align with the client’s budget and goals while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.

To fit through the narrow doorway, I fabricated the shelf in two parts: a lower L-shaped section secured to hidden brackets and a snug-fitting top piece glued in place. The desk was templated and beveled to fit precisely between plastered closet walls, resting on floating brackets. Both pieces were crafted from rift red oak plywood, edge-banded, and stained to match the client’s floors.

For an IKEA Pax closet in the same room, I created slim shaker doors, a cover panel, and a toe kick. A mockup ensured the chosen design and finish met the client’s expectations.

Even on smaller-scale projects, I strive to deliver precise, tailored solutions that exceed client expectations.

Elevation - Shows the design and inspiration for the finished work