Bill Merikallio
HasBrouck Sideboard

Claro walnut and hard maple, 1993-94.
63"x30"x18".
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Calendar		 This was my first commision after graduating from C/R. My clients asked me to build them a sideboard; I said, "Great! What do you mean by a sideboard?" They weren't exactly sure except that they wanted a piece to fit under the bay window of their dining room which would hold their china and silverware. I drew up a series of 27 different elevations and possible configurations of drawers and doors. As fate would have it, they chose the 27th.

This bowfront, six-legged version is reminiscent of 18th century sideboards as well as of french art deco designer Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. All of the veneers came from one plank of Claro Walnut. When I look at it, I am struck by its balance: it seems well proportioned as a whole and yet each of its three component sections of drawers or doors could easily stand alone. I also like how massive and horizontal it is, and yet how light and vertical it feels. I guess I'm glad that I didn't stop at 26 elevations.

©1997
Photos by Seth Janofsky

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