Crafting the Perfect Built-in: Val’s Dining Room Buffet Journey – Part 4

The hum of saw blades and the scent of freshly cut wood fill the air as Val continues her remarkable transformation of the dining room. Dressed in the quintessential Sawdust Girl uniform – comfy PJs, of course! – Val has been pouring her heart and soul into this ambitious built-in buffet project. If you’re just joining us, you might want to catch up on the earlier stages of this incredible journey. Dive back into the initial vision and foundational work with Part 1, witness the exciting progress in Part 2, and explore the crucial design considerations and initial dilemmas in Part 3. Val’s dedication to creating a truly custom and functional piece for her home is both inspiring and a testament to the power of DIY.

Her diligent efforts are yielding impressive results, with significant milestones already achieved. The foundational elements, the robust bases that will support the entire structure, are now meticulously in place. This crucial first step ensures stability and provides the framework for the stunning built-in unit.

Following the successful installation of the bases, the elegant countertop has also found its rightful position. This solid surface not only completes the lower section of the buffet but also offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing area for serving, display, or simply as a functional workspace within the dining room. Each step brings Val closer to realizing her vision for a custom-designed, multi-functional piece that will enhance her home’s decor and utility.

Navigating the Bookcase Design Dilemma: A Crucial Turning Point

As the built-in buffet began to take shape, a pivotal moment arrived with the design of the upper bookcases. This wasn’t merely about adding shelves; it was about seamlessly integrating the upper storage with the existing cabinetry and the overall aesthetic of the dining room. We faced a significant design dilemma that required careful thought and, ultimately, a collaborative decision. Remember our previous discussion about the style options and the conundrums we encountered? Val, with her incredible openness, agreed to let us tap into the collective wisdom of our amazing community, and your opinions truly helped guide our path.

Here’s Val’s personal account of the entire design process, detailing the journey through various ideas, the passionate debates, and the ultimate decision that shaped the final look of her custom built-in dining room buffet.

Initial Concepts and Visualizations

The initial plan for the dining room buffet called for three distinct cabinets spanning the bump-out area, elegantly flanked by two additional side cabinets. Above each of these door and drawer units, a corresponding bookcase was envisioned, creating a symmetric and traditionally structured built-in. This layout offered a clean, classic appearance, providing ample storage both below and above the countertop.

However, as the project evolved, the design was refined to incorporate a total of four cabinets for the lower section. This modification presented a new challenge for the upper bookcases. If we maintained the original idea of placing a bookcase directly above each door, the visual effect was undeniably stark – creating a look that resembled lockers rather than an elegant, custom built-in. This starkness was a significant concern, as it clashed with the sophisticated aesthetic Val aimed to achieve for her dining area.

To get a real-world perspective on this “locker-like” appearance, I proceeded to build the two outer cabinet frames, knowing they would remain consistent regardless of the final design. I then placed them side-by-side, visualizing how the bookcases would sit directly above each cabinet. The moment Mike and I saw it, our reaction was unanimous and immediate: we absolutely did not like it. The individual, narrow bookcases created a chopped-up, uninviting look that failed to deliver the cohesive and grand statement we envisioned for the dining room built-in. This early visualization was crucial in guiding us away from a potentially disappointing outcome.

Exploring Alternative Bookcase Configurations

With the “locker” look firmly rejected, the next logical step was to consider a more consolidated approach: two larger bookcases, each spanning a pair of the middle cabinets. This design promised a more expansive and less fragmented visual. I enthusiastically constructed these two larger bookcase units, eager to see them in place. However, a critical structural issue quickly emerged. The middle cabinets measured a generous 37.5 inches across. While this provided ample lower storage, it presented a challenge for the unsupported span of the shelving above. As Sandra, the expert behind Sawdust Girl, consistently recommends, the maximum unsupported span for shelving should ideally be around 32 inches to prevent bowing or “sagage.” True to her advice, even without a single item placed on them, these wider shelves exhibited noticeable sag, underscoring the importance of proper structural design in custom built-ins.

(Unfortunately, a photo of this particular sagging stage could not be located, but the visual effect was clear.)

To address the sagging issue and ensure long-term durability, Sandra offered a brilliant solution: design the bookcase cases to be 32 inches each, and then strategically incorporate a decorative pillar on either side of the narrower bookcases. This approach would not only provide essential support for the shelves but also introduce an elegant architectural detail, transforming a structural necessity into a beautiful design feature. It’s a testament to how practical challenges often lead to innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions in custom woodworking projects.

While Sandra’s suggestion was practical and elegant, a part of me was still bothered by the “wasted” space that the decorative pillars would occupy. I felt a strong pull to maximize every inch of the built-in dining room buffet for functional storage or display. In a lighthearted, yet brainstorming, moment, I jokingly proposed the idea of “wine pillars.” To my surprise and delight, Sandra took the concept seriously and ingeniously designed them, transforming the space that would have been purely decorative into functional, stylish wine storage. This creative twist offered a unique solution, adding a personalized touch that was definitely different from conventional built-ins.

Val’s Rogue Design: The “Fiver” Approach

Despite the compelling options presented, I still found myself wrestling with the decision, particularly my reluctance to “waste” any space. Driven by a desire to create something truly unique and highly functional, I decided to go rogue. My vision was a “fiver” configuration across the front: alternating shelf widths of 18 inches, 30 inches, 16 inches, 30 inches, and 18 inches. This asymmetrical yet balanced arrangement aimed to maximize storage and create visual interest. I proceeded to build the two 30-inch shelves first, then used one of the outer cabinets to get a tangible visualization of how this “fiver” layout would truly appear. It was a bold departure from traditional designs, reflecting my personal aesthetic and commitment to optimizing every inch of the dining room built-in.

In my eyes, the bookcases looked fantastic. The middle section was perfectly centered over the middle cabinets, creating a balanced and visually appealing arrangement that I was quite proud of. Eager for feedback, I promptly sent a picture to Sandra and texted one to Mike. The responses, however, were not what I expected. Sandra’s text came back almost instantly: “I hate it!” Mike’s reaction was even more emphatic; he didn’t even text back. Instead, he felt compelled to call me, even while on his way to the airport, to emphatically declare, “I HATE IT.” Their strong, visceral reactions were a stark contrast to my own satisfaction, leaving me to ponder if my design eye was, perhaps, defective.

Living with the Design and Seeking External Opinions

Given Mike was out of town, I decided to live with my “fiver” design for three days. I questioned my own aesthetic judgment, wondering if I indeed had a “defective eye for design.” Yet, surprisingly, the controversial design didn’t bother me in the same way it clearly unsettled Sandra and Mike. I suspected their strong reactions might stem from an element of OCD in their personalities – a need for perfect symmetry and traditional balance that I, perhaps, lacked in this instance. I became convinced that Mike needed to see the design in person to truly appreciate its unique qualities, or at least to soften his initial strong dislike.

By day two, Sandra’s initial strong aversion had softened somewhat; she still didn’t *love* it, but she was less disturbed. To gain a broader perspective and help us reach a consensus, we decided to put all the design options out for a vote among her readers, the loyal Sawdust Girl community. The results were incredibly insightful. I felt a profound sense of validation in having discarded the very first, “locker-like” design option, as not a single person selected it. This confirmed our initial instincts that it simply wasn’t the right fit for a refined dining room buffet.

Furthermore, I felt a significant boost of validation for my own “fiver” design choice, as a considerable number of people in the community were actively selecting it. This widespread appeal reassured me that my vision wasn’t entirely flawed and resonated with many who appreciated its unique approach to built-in shelving.

However, despite the support for my “fiver,” the majority of voters ultimately leaned towards the design Sandra had initially suggested: the two 32-inch bookcases flanked by decorative pillars. This pragmatic and elegant solution, designed to prevent shelf sagging while adding architectural detail, proved to be the most popular choice among the community.

Interestingly, a dedicated group of individuals, including my neighbor Clayton Sandell, were particularly passionate about the third choice: the wine pillars. This option, which transformed the decorative space into functional wine storage, clearly resonated with those who appreciated its creative and specialized utility.

While the wine pillar design was undeniably clever and visually striking, I couldn’t help but question its practicality for our home. I doubted whether we possessed enough wine to fill such an extensive display, and frankly, I envisioned those narrow nooks becoming frustrating dust pockets rather than frequently used storage. Aesthetics aside, functionality and ease of maintenance are always key considerations for any built-in piece intended for daily living.

The Final Decision-Making Process

To further gauge opinions, I showed my mom the various designs. Her reaction was strikingly similar to Mike’s and Sandra’s – a visceral dislike for my “fiver,” coupled with a pronounced sense of OCD regarding symmetry. She spent a solid 15 minutes explaining why it was definitively the wrong choice. Despite the chorus of opposition, I remained unconvinced, holding onto my belief in the “fiver’s” potential.

When Mike finally returned home, he saw the “fiver” in person for the first time. To my relief, he wasn’t as bothered by it as he had been over the phone. This was a crucial development. Capitalizing on his softened stance, I then rearranged the units to illustrate Sandra’s suggested concept – the two 32-inch bookcases with decorative pillars. Seeing it physically in place, Mike’s reaction was immediate and decisive: “I really like that one better.” With that, I declared, “Alrighty, we have a decision!” Who was I to argue with the collective wisdom, especially when supported by the “OCD folks” and the community vote?

I promptly messaged Sandra, informing her that a decision had been made. However, just as she called, Mike, in a moment of endearing indecisiveness, interjected, “Honey, if you really like the fiver, it really doesn’t bother me as much as it did; I think I can live with it.” AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! The sudden pivot almost sent me spiraling, but we quickly regrounded ourselves.

Sandra and I then discussed the immediate next steps. The consensus was clear: I truly needed to rebuild the two center shelves, reducing their width to 32 inches. This adjustment was critical to accommodate the decorative pillars, ensuring they would be a proportional 4 inches wide. Currently, with the wider shelves, the pillars would have stretched to nearly 8 inches, which would have looked disproportionate and, frankly, silly. Happy to finally have a concrete decision and a clear path forward, I embraced the resolution and headed off to sleep, feeling a significant weight lifted.

The following morning, my first instinct was to revisit the shelves. As I looked at the new configuration, the clarity was undeniable: BOOM! There was no doubt, no questioning, no second-guessing – it was unequivocally the right decision. The sense of certainty was empowering. I deeply admire Sandra for allowing me the space and autonomy to ultimately arrive at this conclusion on my own. Perhaps the playful jabs from others like Becky and Malisa, who jokingly called her “bossy,” might have subtly encouraged her hands-off approach this time. I kid, of course! Sandra is truly not bossy; she genuinely empowered me. She was fully prepared to let me proceed with what she might have considered a “bad decision” if that was truly what I wanted. Her trust and willingness to allow me to learn through the process were awesome, fostering both my design independence and my skills as a DIY enthusiast. This journey through design dilemmas and collaborative solutions has made the upcoming reveal of Val’s dining room buffet even more anticipated.

The construction is nearing its exciting conclusion, and the custom built-in dining room buffet is about to be unveiled in all its glory. Don’t miss the grand reveal and witness the culmination of all this hard work, creativity, and collaborative decision-making!

Keep reading to see the stunning final reveal of Val’s magnificent built-in buffet!