Custom Cabinets, Shelves, Cases and Other Wooden Creations

Welcome to my site of custom-built wood creations. I will build items like this for you. This diverse collection includes cases, shelves, cabinets, stands, frames, doors and even beds. And they are all being used. None of these creations has been posed in a designer home; they are either shown installed or before being handed over to a family member. Some of those in use are dusty and a few even have cobwebs -- and you'll see how they look in a home with down-to-earth people responding to their own practical needs.

So let's get started. Each photo has a link and a description. I've grouped them somewhat, but remember that the idea is to build something out of wood for you. It will be special, like the Dutch bed or the home office. It might fit a peculiar location, such as over a stove hood, or hold CDs or a sewing machine. Everything was custom-built for a specific purpose or location.

For custom-made musical instruments, please visit my musical instruments page.

Who Am I?

I am Dennis Báthory-Kitsz, a composer, performer, author, editor, ghostwriter, technologist, photographer and sometime woodworker. I build stuff, with the strong guidance and experience of my wife Stevie Balch -- a woodworker herself who taught me everything I know about practical cabinetry and the aesthetics of simplicity, and is responsible for many of the actual design ideas on this site. Sometimes the work is completely utilitarian: barn doors, a cedar shake roof, outside portable steps, speaker stands, a Dutch door, a deck, jewelry boxes, even stage sets. Other times it's something personal and beautiful, like the school desk or Theremin stand or pergola.

Another area of woodworking is musical instruments, which I began doing in the 1970s to solve sound problems in composition. Chances are you won't want any of these, because they're especially made for my own compositions. But keep me in mind if you have a special performance that needs a collaborator (instrument building or composition).

Some friends have been surprised that I'm doing this. The truth is, I realized that I have more than 30 years experience already, and others might be taken by the design approach. So why not? My workshop is outfitted with tools that go back over a century to my grandfather's home shop. And I enjoy working with wood.

If you need something that you just can't find pre-made, drop me a note. We'll bounce around ideas and see what wooden creation comes out of the conversation.