Onnen Cabinet

The Onnen Cabinet is a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece designed to grow with the rhythm of everyday family life. Thoughtfully made for a client who needed practical yet elegant storage, the cabinet offers space for both adult and children’s books, while incorporating hidden compartments for items best kept close at hand but out of sight. Crafted entirely by hand in Cornwall, the Onnen Cabinet was designed to complement an eclectic home filled with character and personal history. From the start, my focus was on finding the right timber - something with its own story that could quietly command attention without competing with the surrounding interiors. The answer came in the form of a stunning collection of Olive Ash, felled and seasoned right here in Cornwall. By sourcing timber locally, the cabinet not only honours its natural origins but also keeps its carbon footprint refreshingly low, an important consideration for eco-conscious clients and interior designers alike. The flowing grain and warm tone of the Olive Ash are given centre stage, enhanced with a natural matt finish of oils and waxes that protects the surface while maintaining its tactile, organic feel. The structure itself has been carefully considered: a removable internal shelf allows for adaptability as the family’s needs evolve - whether accommodating board books for young children or taller hardbacks as they grow. Deep, soft-close drawers offer generous concealed storage, ideal for toys, tech, or household essentials. The height of the cabinet was also intentionally designed to provide clearance for plug sockets and to allow flexibility for further under-storage if required. Designed for interiors where practicality must meet refined aesthetics, the Onnen Cabinet is a bespoke furniture solution tailored to modern family life. It’s an investment in design that values function, sustainability, and the quiet beauty of natural materials.