The Custom Details
Various Projects | Santa Barbara, CA
Every room has its gaps—the awkward wall, the missing storage, the detail that would pull everything together if only it existed. These projects gave me the opportunity to design exactly what was needed: custom furniture, built-in cabinetry, and architectural details conceived specifically for each space.
Challenge
Remodels and refreshes often reveal what a room is missing. Whether the goal was to maximize storage without sacrificing floor space, create a focal point, or bring cohesion to a room that had grown disjointed over time, off-the-shelf solutions weren't the answer. Each of these projects called for something designed from the ground up.
Design Solution
I approached each piece as both a functional and aesthetic problem to solve—designing to the specific constraints of the space, the needs of the client, and the character of the home. Custom millwork was central to every project, providing the craftsmanship and detail that elevate a room from well-furnished to fully considered. Often it was the smaller elements—a carefully proportioned molding, a thoughtful hardware choice, a built-in that reads as original to the home—that made the most meaningful impact on the overall style. The result in each case is an element that feels intentional and native to its surroundings rather than added on. Project details and specifications are noted in the captions below.
This custom shelving unit was designed to provide an elegant solution for organizing and displaying books, and other treasured items, and fostering visually appealing organization within the space constraints of a smaller bedroom shared by two.
Built in bunk beds created private spaces filled with storage and display shelves for two teenage girls who had to share a room. The custom built in created more floor space, making this small bedroom feel more spacious and airy.
This custom display cabinet was crafted from four vintage windows to display jewelry at a local salon.
This modern bookshelf was custom built for this corner to bring interest to the room, add storage, and connect to other elements in the room.
This corner bookshelf was designed to hold collected art and other items the client wanted to display, as well as creating interest and cohesion in style across the newly remodeled living room.
The simple lines in the wall detail draws your eye to texture and adds interest behind the TV.
The Reed wall was crafted by a skilled finish carpenter and painted with a glossy version of the wall paint color to accentuate its texture and to give the room a modern contemporary feel.
A wall was shortened to give more of an open feel to both the kitchen and dining areas, and this custom cabinetry was created to provide much needed storage, and functionality as a casual dining + office area. The deep green paint and streamlined hardware continued the condo's modern contemporary vibe.
This walnut dresser was specifically designed with storage for two, materials used, and a pleasing aesthetic in mind. Its transitional style included refined details in the molding, bead detail and size.
This living room was lacking attractive storage and needed to feel a little more spacious. The updated mantle, open shelving and closed cabinet space delivered a connected design style that was attractive and functional.
This locker inspired cabinetry was created to provide organization, and a large storage solution in a laundry room. It gave each person in the family a place to put shoes, sporting equipment, and other items in consolidated, beautiful space.
This armoire and bookshelf served as a focal point alongside creating storage and display space in this small living room.
Wainscoting detail brought transitional style to this small galley guest bath. The contrast of paint colors and clean lines felt ordered and elegant.
Building the medicine cabinet with slim windowed doors added to the transitional feel of the bathroom, providing needed organization and storage shelves without taking up space.
Wainscoting was added to this bedroom as an alternative to a headboard. Displaying framed photos across it expanded the space between the walls, and using light paint colors helped to illuminate the room.
The zinc top table was designed and created to expand seating for up to 10 in this dining room. It's shiny black painted legs and skirt add contrast and grounding to the light metal surface. It's functional and easy to clean as well as unique and beautiful.
