PDF version As you know, I have a specific soft spot for Early American furniture.  I love the simple primitive look, the milk paints, the distressed edges, and the solid wood design.  Early American furniture also tends to be highly "buildable" because it was handbuilt for centuries before factories did the work.  Think of it this way, you've got a hammer and some nails, what would you build?  This differs greatly from say modern furniture, where the question is, you've got a laser saw, particle board and an assembly line, what would you build?  Now I'm not saying we can't knock-off modern design, I'm just proposing that it's easier and people have more success knocking off a design that knocks off a handbuilt design . . . we've come full circle haven't we? I love the simple lines and the finish of Pottery Barn's newest coffee table, the Lucy Coffee Table . . . but the particle board and oak veneers . . . not so much. I also love this idea, a big basket (this one pictured is sized 24" x 18" x 10", close to the dimensions of the Pottery Barn Shayne Basket) under the coffee table to store  . . . toys. Speaking of kids . . . I decided to go with a solid wood pine project panel for the top.  You can buy these at any Blue or Orange store.  Using a solid wood top means that the edges are not going to peel or wear, the top can be refinished, and any scratches in the finish can be considered character rather than blemishes.  Bring on the crayons.

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