“Why use white? “White appliances in a kitchen with white cabinetry can add to the flow of the space, which is particularly important in a small kitchen,” explains Susan Serra, a certified kitchen designer. Also, “white’s reflective properties, especially in large appliances such as a refrigerator, help make a space appear lighter in volume rather than heavier, such as a black refrigerator might.” Here are some ideas for using white appliances in all styles of kitchens.”
Here’s and exert from our latest newsletter
.Wine Oak Barn Door Inspiration
Building doors is a large percentage of work that come through the shop. Whether they close a doorway or an arch, a cabinet or a furniture case, doors have a known function. But well-built and well-specified, they can leave a deep impression.
When I was a kid, probably six–the same age my son is now, I got my first job. It wasn’t paid work, but at that age, I didn’t mind. My father was in charge of the ushers at our church. He had grown tired of the unreliable adult volunteer work force, so he drafted my brother and me into service. We were ideal candidates for the position. In general, we did what we were told and not showing up for church wasn’t really an option for us. We were always dressed properly on Sundays, as my mother saw to that with great care. It didn’t matter to him that we were kids, nor did it matter to anyone else, as it turned out. In fact, it became sort of a welcomed surprise, a fortunate turn of events, in a town where life seemed ordered by a persistent urge to resist change.
As an usher, I greeted people at the church steps. I’d say “Hello,” or “Good Morning,” and offer each of them a program. They always took it, and usually smiled back and would say something nice, which felt good. Sometimes I’d be asked to help someone through the beautiful polished-by-the-years massive oak doors of the church and walk them in to the church. Being only six, my customers were, for the most part, much taller than I, so I wasn’t particularly qualified to assist this way. Every now and then, someone was grumpy or unfriendly or just strange, but that was infrequent, and thus exciting.
As the time for the service drew near, we usually had a rush of visitors, followed by some quiet time. I’d remain out front as they were always a few late comers. This quiet was my favorite part of the job. Once you sat down inside and the service had begun, you could not get up and walk around. A six year old needs to move around frequently, so being outside was a priceless reward.
I stood in the sunlight as the organ churned through the first hymns. The singing voices filled the cavernous vault of the old stone church. Pressing my hand against the doors of the church, I could feel the vibration of the music. All that energy inside was sealed by those wooden doors.
I’d listen, then drift off as 6 year olds do, and study the doors. I examined the carvings for tool marks. I felt the curves of the raised panels. I looked closely at the joints of the stiles and rails and wondered what was holding them together. How does a door work?
Now I make doors. Thick, usually oversize, solid, reliable doors, from oak we reclaim from wineries. We carefully select each piece and assemble them together and polish and hone and send them out all over the country. The style is different but I do use some of the same edge details I remember from those big church doors. Sometimes when we work on them, and especially when one is done and the oil finish is polished, we stand it up, and I can almost see that old church door and hear the music vibrating through.
See the whole newsletter: Growth Rings Winter 2012: Doors.
Barn Doors are a useful and beautiful tool in defining space. This article shows a great range of styles. Our included.
“We are getting ready to start a much needed remodel on our home that we bought almost 2 years ago. This home is a true fixer upper. I thought we would of started and finished the remodel by now. But I am glad we haven’t because over the course of 2 years I have changed my mind on some things. I have found that I can make decisive decisions for others but when it comes to my/our home I fret over so many of the details–”
via “Things I Love” Week – Barn Doors | Just Spiff It!.
Thanks M, for this great post about the doors. Currently fulfilling orders for Minnesota and Pennsylvania — new states for us, “Shipping across the United States” is becoming more and more meaningful.
“Hey M,Where can I find a re-claimed barnyard door? I would like to separate my office with a beautiful, rich colored wood door. -HeidiHi
Heidi,I love Cliff Spencer’s barnyard doors that he makes out of “Wine Oak,” a name he coined. Cliff Spencer is a furniture maker who likes to use re-claimed wood and reclaims oak staves from California wineries and transforms them into barnyard doors and other one-of-a-kind pieces. Yes, I did say wine. How cool would it be to have a door stained from wine- Pinot Grigio for a light stain or Pinot Noir for a darker stain? Check out the beautiful colors and great joinery and craftsmanship! They are uh-mazing! He uses hardware from Crown Industrial.Cliff Spencer primarily works in Los Angeles but he does ship furniture across California and the Unted States.”
via heyMdesign innovations: Free Tip Friday: Re-claimed Barnyard door.
Just rediscovered this photo of our bamboo bed. We designed it to work for kids or adults. It doesn’t have to be in blue.
Crafted from oak, reclaimed from the trucking industry, the wood for this bench was forced into retirement when the job of dunnage was handed off to plastics. Discovered off a Craig’s List posting, 12 tons of dunnage was made into a variety of furniture pieces by Cliff Spencer and a local collective of woodworkers in Los Angeles. The simple design is enhanced by floating dovetail joints and finished in a unique and beautiful stain from a chemical reaction from a rusty nail and vinegar, then sealed with an oil and wax hand-rubbed finish. Use it to sit to remove your shoes at the front door, at the breakfast table, casual seating in the den or endless other ideas.
42” W x 18” H x 15” D
$1200. 3 available now. info < at > cliffspencer < dot > net
I am a big fan of letterpress. I think woodworking, the way we do it, and letterpress are parallels. What are those problems on the SAT called, anagrams. Letterpress: Printing as Handmade Furniture: Furniture Production. Something like that.
I found Night Owl Paper Goods, who knows how, at least three years ago and I have bought cards from them every year for the business and our family, for the holidays, thank you’s, birthdays, everything and anything I can.
After our first package arrived years ago, I realized they came from Cliff’s hometown, a suburb of Birmingham, AL. I don’t believe in coincidences, so it’s just interesting. We tried to visit their shop on our last visit there over Thanksgiving, but they were busy, I dunno, eating turkey or something.
Our business is still so small, I can still hand write all our cards, as the list isn’t that long. Though this year, the list of customers, suppliers and collaborators has grown enough, so that I couldn’t in good budgeting faith buy all letterpress or wood, as I had in the past, and bought the faux printed wood on FSC paper. The sacrifices we make! Isn’t this guy cute, though?
I was very excited when the package arrived. I love the screened bags they come in.
Scout helped me put on the labels and the stamps. Next year, he’s signing them.
When ever I get my hands on thick yummy letterpress, like freshly cut wood, I just want more. Right now, I am coveting this set.
It’s a whole collection, a few for every “emergency” holiday. For me, it’s just an excuse to run my fingers over some nice type.
Did I mention that I love letterpress?
