Custom Cabinetry for a Thoughtful Family Workspace
I recently wrapped up a really enjoyable project for a family who wanted to transform their office/playroom into a more functional, beautiful space. They were referred to me by a friend who had worked with a designer, and from the start, they had a clear vision: shaker-style cabinetry, hidden storage for toys and Legos, and a workspace for mom to work from home comfortably.
The final build included custom lower cabinets with doors and drawers, upper cabinets with a mix of closed and open storage, a full bookcase, and a standalone desk. What made this project unique was how comprehensive it was—we didn’t just stop at cabinets. I added beadboard paneling around the room, a peg rail for jackets, a plate rail for display items, and updated all the trim with new casing, baseboard, and crown molding. Everything was built with cohesion in mind, using shaker elements throughout to tie it all together.
One of the more technical and fun challenges was the custom desk drawer. It features a drop-down front for a hidden keyboard tray—something I hadn’t done before, but really enjoyed figuring out. I also partnered with a new finishing company for the paintwork, coordinating directly with the clients to keep things moving smoothly.
What made this job special, though, was the trust the clients gave me. They shared their needs, then gave me room to work creatively—from the way I laid out shelf heights to designing every element with real-world use in mind. In the end, they told me I had “outdone” myself—which, for a craftsman, is just about the best feedback you can get.
