It started with a shared love of vinyl.

My client—an avid collector and listener—reached out with a vision: a midcentury-style cabinet that could house not just his records, but the ritual of listening itself. Honestly, I get it. There’s something timeless about dropping the needle on a record, hearing the crackle before the music begins. I’m from these days too, but that analog warmth? It never gets old.

He had a clear idea for the bottom shelf: it needed to tilt at a 15-degree angle, a subtle but intentional design choice to make browsing records feel intuitive and tactile. We talked materials, and mahogany quickly rose to the top of the list. Rich, warm, classic. After a quick budget chat, we opted for a mahogany veneer—keeping the aesthetic intact while staying within reach.

With that, I dove into the design. A few sketches later, we had our concept. Then came the build.

As the piece began to take shape in the shop, he stopped by to check in. There’s something special about those visits—when the client sees the work in progress, the raw wood, the joinery, the soul of the piece still unfolding. I showed him how I planned to add a pair of brass pins to the top section to keep it secure and steady. It was a small detail, but one that added elegance and function.

Then, as we stood together looking at the nearly finished cabinet, inspiration struck. The top shelf of the lower section had a hidden cavity behind it—an unused space with potential. We tossed around ideas: drawers, small cabinets. But with records in the way, those options felt impractical. That’s when I suggested backlighting.

He lit up. “Perfect,” he said.

And it was. A soft glow behind the records, like a quiet homage to the music itself.

This piece was more than a commission—it was a collaboration. A dialogue between craftsman and client, between form and function, nostalgia and innovation. That’s what makes the work meaningful. Not just the final product, but the shared journey to get there.

🔊 Ready to Build Your Own Soundtrack?

If music is part of your soul, why not give it a home that reflects your story? Whether you’re dreaming of a vinyl cabinet, a writing desk, or a piece that holds memory and meaning, let’s design something together. I don’t just build furniture—I craft legacy.

📩 Reach out to start your own collaborative journey.Contact me
🎼 Let’s make space for the things that move you.