Is it old or new?
comments (0) November 21st, 2009 in Project GalleryThe challenge for this project was to build a built-in entertainment center to match the existing 50 year old paneling. The client wanted audio equipment, large flat panel TV and large storage drawers to store games, CDs, DVDs, blankets, etc. Behind the existing wall was a 6’ deep x 33” wide closet (how practical was that). This actually presented a great opportunity to provide 24” deep drawers for storage and still providing access to the rear of the audio/visual equipment for connections and the same impractical storage space that existed before.
The 1st challenge was that the 6’+ wall did not allow much space for the size of their 58” TV, components and very much storage. We decided to lengthen the wall by about three and one half feet. We needed more of the WP profile Knotty Cedar bead board. I was not able to find that to be available in cedar. I would be able to get it in knotty pine but the modern stock was not even close to the same grade. We were fortunate that the original builders had lined the inside of the closet with all the poorer quality stock.
Interesting to note, that in this 75 year old farm house, recycled building materials was used throughout. Actually three separate buildings were brought together, 120 old undersized beams were used in the basement and the unfinished boards from inside the closet were stained a different color and finished on the backside.
I had to practically use all the boards from the interior just to get enough decent stock for the extra 3 ½ feet. With that resolved the next challenge was to finishing the wood to match the existing paneling’s color and warmth. The existing was yellowed, scratched and flaking in areas. With many samples and just plain trial and error, I was able to get a close match. It’s painful to muddy up a beautiful finish so as to match the nearby existing wood but the result was effective. Surround sound speakers are hidden behind the round wrought iron grills.
The clients and many of their friends can’t believe the work is not original but are baffled by the modern uses. This indicates the project was a huge success.
You may visit Architecturally Speaking’s website at www.archispeak.com
Design or Plan used: My own design - Architecturally Speaking Fine Cabinetry & Design
posted in: Project Gallery, remodeling, finish carpentry, cabinets, built-ins, cottage, media room, paneling, entertainment centers
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Contest Details
Update: Winner have been chosen! Be sure to browse through some creative storage solutions in our built-in cabinet gallery.
*Contest is closed.
Beginning November 16 and running through December 16, Fine Homebuilding readers can submit photos of their most creative built-ins and custom-made cabinets for a chance to win one of three Stanley prize packages.
First Prize
• FatMax Xtreme Portable Truck Box
• FatMax Lock & Stock Organizer
• Stanley 3-in-1 Tripod LED Flashlight
• Stanley 16” Lighted Level
• Stanley 24” Lighted Level
• Stanley 48” Lighted Level
• FatMax Xtreme 25’ Tape
• FatMax Xtreme Instant-Change Handsaw System
• FatMax Xtreme Twin Blade Knife
Second Prize
• FatMax Xtreme Portable Truck Box
• Stanley 3-in-1 Tripod LED Flashlight
• Stanley 48” Lighted Level
• FatMax Xtreme 25’ Tape
• FatMax Xtreme Instant-Change Handsaw System
• FatMax Xtreme Twin Blade Knife
Third Prize
• FatMax Lock & Stock Organizer
• Stanley 3-in-1 Tripod LED Flashlight
• Stanley 48” Lighted Level
• FatMax Xtreme 25’ Tape
• FatMax Xtreme Instant-Change Handsaw System
• FatMax Xtreme Twin Blade Knife
Contest ends December 16
Winners will be announced on or about December 21.

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