James Nelson, Liquor Cabinet (FURNITURE 2025)

Photos:

James Nelson

Country

United States of America

James Nelson’s Liquor Cabinet is a capstone project created during his final semester in the Furniture Design & Woodworking program at SDSU, showcasing a refined blend of technical exploration and personal design philosophy. The cabinet was influenced by the delicate proportions of James Krenov and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow experienced in John Vugrin’s sculptural furniture. It features custom “spidered” legs - a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Cabriole leg, and a tall, slender profile meant to be viewed from below, evoking the feeling of monumentality. Built from bleached and dyed ash contrasted with rare Granadillo, the piece balances stark material differences: cool, pale exterior surfaces frame a warm, dark interior. A set of live-edge doors complete with a clever lighting trigger, fade the cabinet’s interior lights on/off when opened or closed. Thoughtfully organized, the interior includes designated shelves for various glassware, bottle storage, and a small mixing station. Sculptural yet highly functional, the cabinet is both a celebration of endangered materials and a showcase of Nelson’s evolving design language and craftsmanship.

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