A built in mail sorter cabinet (with an art desk!)
This is one of those projects that's really useful for a busy family on the go... a built in mail sorter cabinet that serves as a hub for "catching stuff" as people walk in the door and need a place to stash their things.
This little desk looks simple, but it has about a million uses:
But before we got started, this area was just an awkward, unused niche that tended to collect gym bags.
- The shelves and cubbies at the top are ideal for catching keys and sorting mail.
- The bulletin board is great as a catch-all for reminders and school calendars... or showing off the kids' artwork on a rotating display.
- The desk area could function as a mini-home-office for paying bills... or as a place for kids to sit and color while Mom or Dad works in the kitchen.
- The hole drilled in the counter allows this to serve as a charging station, with phones plugged into the outlet below.
- Upper shelves can hold longer-term storage items such as office supplies or off-season winter items.
But before we got started, this area was just an awkward, unused niche that tended to collect gym bags.
The homeowners had already hired us to install custom entryway cubbies, but those were more suitable for coats and hats than catching keys. Fortunately this empty niche was right in the middle of the home, near the kitchen and the master bedroom, so it was an ideal place to add a little bit of organization.
As always, we started with a 3D model so the homeowners could preview their new desk before we built it. One of the innovations we added was a combination of small cubbies for ordinary bills, plus larger ones that could hold big envelopes, like the ones insurance paperwork usually comes in. Most of the pre-made mail sorter cabinets have just one size, which seems like an oversight when you think about it.
As always, we started with a 3D model so the homeowners could preview their new desk before we built it. One of the innovations we added was a combination of small cubbies for ordinary bills, plus larger ones that could hold big envelopes, like the ones insurance paperwork usually comes in. Most of the pre-made mail sorter cabinets have just one size, which seems like an oversight when you think about it.
We also added a drawer to catch all of those little things that you need to keep around, but don't want to display, like take-out menus and spare phone chargers.
After our client approved the design, we got to work at our studio. (Our dog, Silver, kept a careful watch on the proceedings.) We pre-assembled as much as possible, then did the final cuts on site so that everything fit like a glove.
After our client approved the design, we got to work at our studio. (Our dog, Silver, kept a careful watch on the proceedings.) We pre-assembled as much as possible, then did the final cuts on site so that everything fit like a glove.
Since the homeowners ordered the marble slab separately, we made a second trip to install the bulletin board. When we got there, we found a surprise... Smarties candy in the drawer.
The little girl of the family was so excited to have a new art desk that she left us a present. Now that's when you know that you've done the job right!
If you need a place to catch your mail and keys, give us a call. We can help you turn any empty little niche into a useful and beautiful corner... so you spend less time looking for your stuff, and more time relaxing at home with your family.
If you need a place to catch your mail and keys, give us a call. We can help you turn any empty little niche into a useful and beautiful corner... so you spend less time looking for your stuff, and more time relaxing at home with your family.
