A few self-imposed constraints for our home. Some of these constraints are philosophical beliefs, some are aesthetic preferences. Some constraints are somewhat arbitrary but provide cohesiveness to the space because style is consistent constraint.
Principles
- Every object and surface should be interrogated. Where did this come from? Who made this? We should be able to answer these questions in detail.
- Whenever possible, things should be made by us or someone we know. Collaborate and form friendships with local artisans, makers, farmers.
- Prefer solid materials over imitation materials. Wood, steel, ceramic, glass, iron, stone, paper, linen, wool. Materials that wear well, can be sanded, patched, welded, sewn, re-finished.
- If a mass-produced item must be purchased, prefer products that are durable, repairable, cleanable, maintainable. Consider cost per use.
- Make the home friendly to all creatures: adults, children, pets, plants, wild animals, even robots.
- Do not be afraid to edit. Remove things that are unnecessary or do not fit within these principles. Remember to ask what can we remove?
Furniture
For ease of maintenance and cohesiveness of the space, limit the number of different materials and finishes. What follows are the defaults for any wood furniture fabricated for our house.
Material · Prefer white oak for visible surfaces. Plywood may be used for structural panels1.
Finish · Use clear matte hardwax oil finish. A more protective finish may be used for surfaces that can get wet or stained, such as kitchen or bathroom spaces. Our preferred choice for hardwax finish is a coat of Osmo Polyx Oil-3051 (raw), followed by Polyx-Oil 3031 (clear matte). An alternative to Osmo is Rubio.
Edge treatment · Apply a 45° chamfer to edges. A chamfered edge catches light beautifully and honors the material. Chamfers are rarely seen on mass-produced furniture because it would expose the particleboard underneath the veneer.
Hardware · Use soft-close drawer slides and hinges when possible. Prefer Blum hinges and drawer slides. Where handles are needed avoid mounted hardware, instead use our integrated handle design.
House integrated handle.
In high-traffic frequently used areas consider doors and drawers that can be operated hands-free with your hips, knees, elbows, feet. You should be able to access important cabinets while your hands are covered in flour, carrying groceries, or holding a baby. Round door knobs can’t be opened with your elbows, but lever handles can.
Floor contact · Prefer toe kick and straight edge legs over spindle legs which make it harder to clean the floor. Toe kicks should be 4.5 inches tall and recessed 4.5 inches deep — a bit taller and deeper than normal. This creates an appealing floating effect, and provides ample space to vacuum and mop, particularly for robots.
Material thickness · Thick and thin
- Built-in vs. free-standing
- Multi-functional
Joinery · Finger joints
Use standard sizes
Power · Electrical outlets should be routed through the furniture with access panels. Prefer standard outlets over USB outlets and smart outlets.
Use
Robots
- Robots
- Roborock
- Toto
- Miele
- Self-reliance vs. automation
- Cords should be off the floor and integrated into
- 5” toe-kick
- Avoid spindle legs
Interfaces
- Edges, trim
Kitchen
- Hands free
Other
- Honor solid materials, their scratches and dents. Scars are beautiful
- Lighting