Plate Rail for Dan & Steve

I recently completed a fun project crafting and installing a plate rail in the dining room of Dan & Steve's home.  As can be seen below, there is a line on the wall, which has a gap of about three inches needing to be covered.  The story goes that there was something there originally, but previous owners had removed it and covered it (partially) with a 1x4 pine board that does not match the paneling.  I was engaged to create a plate rail as a decorative and functional architectural feature.

Some design inspiration from the mantel in the living room.

A mock-up of the new design a pleasing combination of combination of fabricated pieces, molding and dimensional lumber; red oak stained to a mahogany brown, closely matching the existing paneling.

One of the blocks being glued with molding.

Installation of the blocks, crown molding and shelf.  The facing molding has yet to be attached.

A more finished look.  A section of the plate rail that has been completed.

The project is finished, literally!  Everyone is happy.  When I get the chance I will post a few photos (with better light!) of the final project with the furniture back in place.

France Trip

A brief note about something I learned while visiting Bordeaux, the French are not afraid to embrace the new if it is done right.

I'm not an ultra-modernist, I like to preserve and restore whenever possible, but I have to admit that when it is done right a new approach can be quite stunning.

Chair Restoration for Mark

Mark asked me to restore this family heirloom, a high chair once owned by his grandmother.  It mostly needed to be cleaned up, with paint drips removed and one minor repair to replace a missing rung of the chair.

The chair has been gently cleaned up, no more paint spots, and is being finished with a tung oil.  The rung has been replace and stained to match.