This is a remarkable piece. I don’t remember where I first heard about it. Perhaps it was Scandinavian Design 101 or maybe 1st Dibs. Regardless, it is stunningly proportioned (40″w x 60″h x 18″d) and rustic, yet refined. Executed in raw pine and featuring bespoke hardware. I also like that it is on a recessed plinth.
The folks of Scandinavian Design 101 explained that in the 30s the welfare state was taking off in Sweden and the emergent middle class was starting to build sport cabins (summer homes). Axel Einar Hjorth designed the Lovö Series for Nordiska Kompaniet to furnish these weekend getaways. The series was meant to imitate traditional Swedish peasant furniture.
The humble material of raw pine is elevated here. I like it when something humble is used tastefully and surprisingly. There is a poetry in that that speaks to my soul.
In my view, this cabinet could serve many uses: armoire, cupboard, possibly a bookcase or other miscellaneous storage cabinet. And as it is so captivatingly proportioned, it could just sit there as a piece of art. It is dreamy.
My initial thought on an homage, given the proud and recessed nature of the front and sides, was to replicate the work in 1x mahogany decking and to use Soss hinges, but mahogany decking can be a bit rough. If I could go back in time, I would process it–definitely. Working with processed stock would have made everything more satisfying including the finished product. I would also have used Honduran, however, I do like that I found this water-damaged African. I think that the water damage is intriguing.
My second thought was to make the piece out of BS 1088 3/4″ meranti ply with piano hinges. I think that would come out very nicely. Thought 2.1 was to apply laminate to the outside faces of the cabinet for a bit of color and interest. Maybe a plum on the outside and a rich yellow on the inside. Lately, I have become fascinated with furniture that is on casters. Perhaps that is a temptation to resist in this instance. Perhaps not. Maybe the 125mm polyurethane casters would work nicely here, though I have always considered those to be a bit large and ungainly.
There is something special about this piece. It is unusual and has a presence. I am considering paste waxing it. I think the African would take a coat of paste wax well.
Oliver Liu 