A few years ago, I read Krenov’s The Impractical Cabinetmaker and loved the cabinet he describes in chapter ‘Carved Curves’ (p. 86 ff). After finishing another project I decided to build a similar cabinet. I chose ash as my local lumber yard had a nice supply with the grain in some pieces sweeping in a direction suitable to make the sides. The sides taper towards the middle and sweep out both at the top and the bottom. The thickness of the sides shows a similar variation. The doors are curved outward. In the middle, where the doors meet, this is a simple curve, but where they meet the sides this is a compound curve so they match the shape of the sides. I made two different sets of handles but wasn’t happy with either so I decided not to install any for the time being. I installed five removable shelves to optimize storage space. The back of the cabinet is made from rosewood-faced plywood, left over from the bed my father made over 40 years ago. As I was born in this bed, it felt very special using this leftover piece. I used camellia oil as a finish on the outside and most of the inside as it is clear and does not yellow with age. For increased protection against wear and tear I finished the shelves with hard-wearing varnish.

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