The Halo Cabinet: Designing a Sanctuary for Memories
Can furniture design bring memories to life?
That was the question that started the Halo Cabinet. The intent behind the design was to create a specific space for storing cherished memories — a sanctuary that lets light filter into the interior, giving special objects a real sense of presence. While the bottom drawers offer practical storage for everyday life, the lofted top section is designed to highlight the things that matter most.
But taking a concept like that and turning it into a physical object that weighs over 50 pounds requires more than just good intentions. It requires a balance of engineering, careful material selection, and a few unconventional techniques.
Here is the story of how the Halo Cabinet came to be.
Defying Gravity with Design
The most striking feature of this cabinet is the “floating” effect. I wanted the heavy solid wood case to appear as if it were effortlessly suspended.
To achieve this, I tapered the legs from bottom to top, drawing the eye upward and reinforcing the illusion of lightness. Sharp corners were rounded, guiding the eye smoothly around the piece.
Why Wood Selection Matters
For this build, I chose stunning cherry wood from Gutchess Lumber. One of my favorite design philosophies comes from Jony Ive, who said that people can perceive far more than they can articulate. You might not know why a piece of furniture feels “right,” but you can feel the intention behind it.
Rare “figured” grain grows in waves rather than straight lines, creating deep, shifting reflections.
I selected boards that were long enough to wrap the grain around the entire case, creating a seamless flow of grain and color. For the top, I found a ridiculously curly, figured piece of cherry. It creates a beautiful moment of surprise when you walk up to the cabinet. However, I used it sparingly. If the whole cabinet were this loud, it would be overwhelming. The key is balance — letting the standout details shine without fighting for attention.
Hidden Strength
While the design is about elegance, the construction is about longevity. I want my clients to know that their furniture is built to last centuries, not seasons.
For the leg-to-top connection, I used a wedged mortise and tenon. It’s a centuries-old joint that is mechanically locked by a simple wedge. It’s so tight it could hold together without glue, ensuring that even if the cabinet is lifted by its top, the base will never separate.
Tactile Details
Furniture isn’t just meant to be looked at; it’s meant to be touched.
I finished the Halo Cabinet with Osmo Polyx, a hardwax oil originally developed for flooring. It’s durable enough to walk on but leaves the wood feeling silky smooth rather than encased in plastic.
Finally, I collaborated with local blacksmith Bradley Schwarz for the hardware. We used hand-forged pulls that feature subtle asymmetry. The slight variations in the handmade hardware give the piece a soul that mass-produced handles just can’t match. I even chiseled custom recesses for each pull to ensure they sit perfectly square, blending the precision of the cabinet with the expressiveness of the metal.
Function Meets Form
Underneath the artistry, this is a practical entryway piece. The drawers run on BLUM undermount slides — widely regarded as the best in the industry. They are smooth, silent, and hidden from view, ensuring that the experience of using the cabinet is as refined as looking at it.
Summary
The Halo Cabinet is more than just storage; it’s a study in balance. It balances heavy hardwoods with a floating design, practical storage with a lofted display for memories, and precise machinery with the soul of hand-forged metal.
Interested in building something special together? I love collaborating with clients to create expressive, one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story.
