Bespoke Furniture | A Design Journey, Part 2
The free flow of ideas with your furniture artisan is crucial to achieving the highest value goal. For the home library build, several details emerged only after honest discussions and debate. The solutions were mutually agreed upon and mutually advantageous.
The honest discussions and debate were possible because of the initial communication relationship developed before embarking on the design path. Part 1 of this blog post explains those early efforts.
Symmetry and linear consistency was a key design element requested
The clients initially expressed a desire for fixed shelving to maximize the symmetry and consistency across the bookcases. While aesthetically homogenous, we debated the functionality of fixed shelves. Adaptability to their book collection would be lost. Do you make the shelf tall enough for the highest book, or might some books be forced to lie flat if the shelves were close enough to maximize space for most books? While choosing to lay books flat might be a nice design option, being boxed into that space could be less than optimal.
Adjustable shelves kept options open
With an understanding that symmetry and consistency could be achieved with adjustable shelves, while retaining the option for height alteration as circumstances warranted, we settled on a design that met, and exceeded, their initial goals.
It is difficult to get great outcomes with static thinking
Similarly, the initial request was for the library unit to live along one wall. As we talked through designs, the windows in the corner of the room were compromising a clean look, unless we turned the corner with the proposed build. Although the resulting plans were more involved and costly than their initial request, by being open minded and keeping an eye on the overall picture, the results exceeded their expectations and have increased the value of their family space.
It is difficult to get great outcomes with static thinking. By having both maker and client willing to discuss, consider and adapt, the value of the finished project will reward the additional work.