We recently had the pleasure of collaborating with interior designer Kim Schaaf from Linen & Clove on an exciting home finishing project in New Glarus. Our task was to help transform a plain TV wall into a modern family room feature wall with custom wood slats, adding drama, texture, and interest to the already beautiful space.
Kim envisioned a stunning design centered on wood slats and a wall-mounted media cabinet, complemented by pendant lights and lit floating shelves on either side. The primary challenge was crafting custom slats that matched the client's MDF media cabinet. Since stain appears differently on various wood species, we had to get creative to achieve a seamless look. We crafted several samples using different techniques and wood species, including maple and alder, and experimented with variations in coats and finishes. Ultimately, the homeowner chose the alder sample for its near-perfect match.
With the homeowners eager to host guests, they requested a shorter-than-usual timeline for project completion, which we gladly accommodated. Our process began with 1x2x8 alder wood planks, cutting 29 of them to size at 1" w x 3/4" d x 94". We meticulously sanded each slat, preparing them for staining and finishing. Achieving the desired color match required two coats of stain. Once the stain was dry, the slats received a coat of water-based polyurethane varnish and dried overnight.
On installation day, we started by assembling the media cabinet and installing the backplate. We then installed the custom wood slats ½” apart before positioning the media cabinet and filling in nail holes.
Kim and the homeowner were thrilled with the final result, celebrating with high-fives all around. The completed feature wall adds a unique and stylish focal point to the family room. This project reinforced our commitment to quality craftsmanship and our ability to bring creative visions to life, even under tight deadlines.
Do you have a plain wall yearning for drama and interest? Contact us for custom-crafted, wow-factor solutions.