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Under-Stair Built-In Cabinet for a Historic Newton Home – A Reading Nook for Trevor & David

In November 2024, we were invited to bring new life to a lovingly restored 1800s-era home in Newton, Massachusetts. Our clients, Trevor and David, had spent years carefully preserving the historical integrity of their property—repointing masonry by hand, restoring original hardwood floors, and salvaging antique hardware. When it came time to add functionality to a previously unused space beneath their stairwell, they turned to us to design and build custom cabinets that would honor the home’s character while adding comfort and practicality.

Design Challenges in an Older Home

Working within the confines of a historic New England home presents a unique set of challenges. Nothing is level, square, or consistent. The stair stringer varied nearly 3/4″ from end to end, and the adjacent plaster wall bowed inward—conditions that store bought cabinets simply aren’t built to accommodate.

We began with a detailed site survey using laser measurements and digital templating. The asymmetry of the space required a custom fit on all axes. We created a digital model to visualize joinery, trim reveals, and drawer glide paths. Every component was fully custom-cut using CNC machinery but required significant hand-trimming and scribing during final assembly.

Fabrication and Installation Details

The bench base was constructed from pre-finished birch plywood for structural rigidity and ease of maintenance. Inset drawer fronts were crafted from maple and finished with a pigmented lacquer to match the historic trim color used throughout the house. The three soft-close drawers provided Trevor and David with discreet storage for board games, throw blankets, and pet supplies.

The nook’s side panels and shelving were detailed with classic bead and cove profiles to echo the architectural vocabulary of the home. We milled a solid poplar face frame and custom backband moulding that was site-fitted around the irregular stair structure.

For seating, the owners provided a firm upholstered bench cushion using a heritage plaid pattern sourced from a mill in Connecticut. The fabric not only matched the home’s Victorian palette but also added a tactile warmth to the space.

Aesthetic Harmony Meets Daily Function

Beyond aesthetics, the reading nook is a triumph of space efficiency. A previously underutilized corner now serves as a cozy retreat for reading or sipping coffee. The recessed sconce lighting, picture frame illumination, and built-in shelves turned a dead zone into a heartwarming architectural feature.

Trevor and David were thrilled with the result, calling it “the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.” For us, it was a rewarding reminder that thoughtful cabinet design can transform even the most awkward architectural spaces into something magical.

If you’re restoring an older home and need custom cabinetry that respects your space’s history, we’d love to help.