The objective on this project was to convert a cupboard underneath a beautiful staircase into an area specifically for storing and displaying a wine collection.

The client and I both agreed that Oak would make a real statement, and the plan was to install some lighting, this combination gives a very warm and inviting look.

The first step was to lay an oak parquet floor inside to match the existing parquet in the hallway the staircase is situated in.  The internal walls were then lined in oak panels, and two large oak cube shaped storage boxes with internal ‘x’ shelves make the base. Above these large storage boxes sits some solid oak racking, with a bottom shelf for tilted bottles to showcase what’s on offer.

There is extra storage space underneath the staircase to the right-hand side, so rather than block this off I made a small door with a push to open catch which allows access for further crate storage and anything else that may clutter the display area.

Oak and glass doors give a lovely and tempting view inside, and some well positioned LED strip lighting illuminates the inside giving a lovely warm glow to an otherwise dark area.

Rao Furniture is run by furniture designer and cabinet maker Brandon Rao. He has many years experience designing and building beautiful bespoke handmade furniture. If you have an awkward space and are looking to create a piece of bespoke furniture to fit into your home Brandon would love to hear from you.

MATERIALS: Solid Oak Parquet Floor, Solid Oak Wine Racking, Oak Veneer Carcass With Solid Oak Lipping, Oak Veneer Panels for Lining of walls, Solid Oak, Doors and Framework 6mm Toughened Glass, Solid Brass Butt Hinges, LED Strip lights

FINISH: Parquet – Osmo Flooring Oil (applied by hand), Oak Cabinetry – PU Primer and Topcoat (spray finish)

LEADTIME: 5-6 weeks