A WoodWork in Progress

Over the past few years, there have been several storms that have caused power outages that have lasted more than a few days, so many homes in the area have invested in generators to use as backup power. My client purchased a generator this summer and wanted it to be set-up outside, ready to be turned on at any time. The generator they purchased is a dual-power source generator, that can use a natural gas line from the house, or gas poured in from the top of the generator using a jerry can. It would need to be secured from theft, and also sheltered from the elements. I was asked to come up with a solution. One thought was a yard bin that is often used for patio accessories or garbage cans.  The issue with that is it can become inaccessible in the winter with snow and ice built-up. It also doesn't provide sufficient airflow for the generator. The recommended solution was a freestanding structure that would provide several benefits: sufficient fresh air intake clear path for the exha...

During one of my last projects at a client's house, I noticed their mudroom was full of shoes and boots laying in the middle of the floor. There are 2 adults and 3 teenagers, which apparently equals 50 pairs of footwear on the floor. They simply had nowhere else to put it all. They had a wall space that could handle a shoe shelf, but a store-bought shelf wouldn't fit that unique space. It needed to be a certain width, and quite tall. After speaking to one of the homeowners, it was agreed that a custom shoe shelf was needed. I was also recommended to extend the shelf quite high, to add additional storage and functionality. So, out of this necessity, I designed this tall shoe shelf unit. Their home had a recent major renovation to their main floor - all new stairs, bannisters and a gate. All of those elements were hardwood maple. It made for an attractive upgrade to the their main entryway. Just off this entrance, was the access to the garage and their mudroom. This is where all ...