No. 18 Contemporary Chest of Drawers -Bedroom Cases Week

     I have spoiled you reader. I want to apologize for that. The last few days have featured so much writing that I fear you have become dependent on "words" rather than "sketches", the very essence of this blog. Secondarily, the aforementioned writing causes me untold anxiety and consumptive thoughts of inadequacy, knowing that I cannot maintain the "quality" nor sheer volume I have established as the archetype. This ends now. From this point on, short and sweet is the name of this game. No more fancy word play. No more clever prose to describe what perfectly adequate pictures illustrate in a fraction of the time and space. Oh, don't even get me started on time and space...Sorry. Back to topic. From here on out, as a great Philosopher once wisely stated: just the facts.
     Looking at this piece I just had the realization that the diamond shape of the legs was the first form I learned to draw in perspective. OK that was technically a fact, but not the kind I was talking about. Aside from the leg shape this case is pretty self explanatory. The only thing out of the ordinary are the continuous pulls, not because they are new to my designs (I have used similar pulls in recent designs), but because they are offset from center on the outer drawer banks. Combined with the center drawer pulls and horizontal drawer dividers they create a subtle grid work pattern.

The Good: This is a solid design. It is functional. Unique without being flashy. Stable but not overweight.

The Bad: The details. It always comes down to the details. Breadboard ends? Thickness of top/legs/bottom rail, etc. etc.. Not "Bad" per se just unfinished, unresolved.

There is only one more day to get your ideas in for reader submission week. Submit your ideas here.

Also, don't forget to submit your own designs over at furnituredesign.tumblr.com

No. 17 Ladder Drawers -Bedroom Cases Week

     Working in a single category for a week. I wasn't convinced at first, and to be fair I'm only three days in, but I think I like it. I don't think I would do it every week, however two weeks a month seems reasonable. We'll see.
      Teaching Moment: This design started in one direction, turned ninety degrees and flew off. This is not uncommon for me (can't speak for anyone else), but rather than crop the other starts out as I usually do, I left them. I thought that showing my process, unedited, might be helpful to someone out there. If you just start drawing, eventually something will stick and you can run with it.
      This piece is definitely not from your traditional bedroom suite, which is a plus in my book. Some might argue that it's function is compromised by it's design, at least for use in a bedroom. I agree completely. This is probably not where you would keep your sweaters. However, for the right items, this chest would provide a unique storage solution. The frame has a ladder effect on the sides, a feature I have been waiting for the right piece to use. The case is fastened to the frame with leather straps. The bottom shelf can be used for display. The leather element continues through its use as drawer pulls. Like yesterday's piece I don't really have a feel for wood selection. The only thought is that the dark brown leather should be accentuated by contrasting with a lighter wood species.

The Good: I love the mix of wood and leather. Don't ask me why, just one of those things. I like the honest, elemental feel of this piece. It brings bamboo fastened with reeds in some tropical local to mind (my mind at least).

The Bad: While I liked the shape of the bottom shelf in the front view I'm not crazy about it in the perspective. It may be a bad rendering, but it may need to be reworked, or perhaps made flat. This is where full scale drawings and models helps the design process.

There are only two more days to get your ideas in for reader submission week. Submit your ideas here.

Also, don't forget to submit your own designs over at furnituredesign.tumblr.com