This is a design for a stunning Gothic cabinet in the Burges style. It has the great Burges use of colour & massing to create a striking piece in any room. The overall shape is influenced by Burges's architectural pieces & the roofline draws heavily from some of his best furniture ideas. Much of Burges's best furniture was almost simple in form, using expanses of flat surfaces but with with wonderful shapes & profiles. What made his pieces so striking was the wonderful decoration of the surfaces. This piece tries to follow the same precepts. This cabinet could be used as a drinks cabinet, TV or Hi-fi cabinet, bookcase or general cupboard. The interior can be fitted out any way you like, as it is made to order.
While the general look & patterns of the piece are Gothic, it equally looks new as well; many of Burgess' pieces did the same. The gabled roof can be painted a single colour or have painted 'tiles', like many of Burgess' pieces. This cabinet looks visually cleaner without finials, but Burges more often than not would have included finials on such a piece. So you could have it with or without finials. The castellated cornice around the roofline gives a real architectural feel, which could have the crenellations picked out in another colour.
The only thing missing are the typical strap hinges, and for a reason. Burges used long strap hinges to visually divide up surfaces into areas of contrasting painting & colours. However, this is an abtract Gothic design best suited to an all over pattern. The overall pattern makes the piece, therefore strap hinges could actually detract for the design. The main decision is whether to continue the front pattern on the sides for overall unity, or to have the sides in 1 colour, matching the plinth & cornice; this emphasises the front design even more. The base could have additional decorative Burges touches, but for the design we felt this might look too busy visually.
If the colours seem not typical of Burges you would be correct, but they are accurate to a colour scheme for a wall treatment he designed - cabinet on the left. We've taken Burges unusual colouring a step further below, showing many variations you could do for the colouring. The door bolt is a suitably Burges Gothic style piece of metalwork, which adds to the overall look. But this could be substituted for whatever handles you wanted. If condering ordering something like this give consideration to access for larger pieces of furniture.
Version with carcase painted white; this makes the pattern really stand out & looks very modern. |
The carcase & roof are painted in the same colour. |
The carcase & roof are painted in different colours. |
This version's roof has painted roof 'tiles'. |
This version's roof has painted roof 'tiles' & 2 finials. |
This version's roof has painted roof 'tiles' & 3 finials. |
The design has been changed into a full size bookcase, cupboard or wardrobe. See wardrobe sections for more colour variations to this design. |
Please see page 2 where we show you lots more design & colour variations on this cabinet.
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