CUSTOM FURNITURE STILLWATER MN
612-707-9435
My goal for 2026 is to design and make many new and different objects. Here is a sample of my most recent work.
Each piece is inspired by antiques using traditional joinery to create unique and beautiful furniture that lasts generations. I stand behind all my work and guarantee all my joinery for the lifetime of the object.
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Have you ever felt scattered while working on a project? Or maybe you’re in the middle of a task and you realize your space and your mind are a mess. It’s in these moments that I turn to knolling.
Knolling is the practice of organizing objects in a visually pleasing way, arranging them parallel or at 90-degree angles. It’s a simple act that clears the clutter, not just on your table, but in your head. For me, it’s the perfect way to reset and get my focus back.
While I used to knoll on my coffee table or kitchen counter, I found these large, open surfaces actually promote chaos, tempting you to pile things up without a system. And drawers and boxes hide your things and give you the illusion of order.
I discovered that the key to a successful, sustainable knolling practice is using trays. The right set of trays provides a defined structure, turning a large surface into a series of smaller, more manageable segments. These simple boundaries encourage you to be deliberate with your items instead of just “dumping” them.
It’s with this idea that I designed my new knolling trays.
I created these trays to be more than just a place to put things. They’re a tool for clarity and control. Their various sizes, thicknesses, shapes, and textures break up a surface, encouraging a habit of organization for your everyday items.
My knolling trays aren’t just about making your space look better; they’re about helping you find a sense of calm and focus. They turn a messy surface into a source of inspiration and control.
It’s easy to look at a tray and think you can just make one yourself. While a tray might seem like a simple object, the reality is that the best home accessories are made with intention.
You can certainly find or build a simple solution to hold your things, but the design and craftsmanship of a dedicated set of knolling trays make all the difference.
This isn’t about simply containing clutter; it’s about investing in a habit. It’s about surrounding yourself with beautiful, well-made objects that inspire a sense of calm and control.
When you buy one of my knolling trays, you’re not just purchasing a piece of wood—you’re getting a meticulously crafted tool to help you find your focus, one perfectly-placed item at a time.
When you buy one of my knolling trays, you are not just getting a beautiful, functional object. You are also supporting local woodworking and a commitment to sustainability.
Each tray is created from hardwood offcuts, sourced right here in the Twin Cities. I work with species native to the area, including ash, hickory, elm, white and red oak, and maple. This ensures that high-quality wood that might otherwise be discarded gets a new life.
The trays are finished with all natural shellac, a simple and non-toxic finish that is easy to repair and emits no harmful VOC gases.
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I did finish the updated work table and delivered it. Then got an email that one of feet failed.
When I investigated, the table was used with a fairly heaving rocking lounge chair. When the chair frame tipped forward, it applied a racking force to the foot. Racking force is when a joint is pushed laterally from the side, rather than straight down. The leg failed along the vertical grain just after the mortise. This highlighted a couple design issues:
The table was easily repaired but the flaw still remains.
This table needs to be portable and sturdy so it can be pulled in close to chairs and sofas. The issue with the failed design is in the decision to have the leg “flow” into the foot using a curve.
It does not seem possible to curve the leg into foot and cantilever the top. The curve is not needed to deliver on the design brief.
I reviewed my sketches and decided on featuring a castle joint. The joint interlocks of all three pieces of wood making up the leg and both feet. The 2 feet are joined with a half-lap joint and this assembly then fits into slots into a thicker leg.
This design eliminates the non-traditional box joint for the leg and replaces it with more traditional joint.
The cantilevered top and corner leg frame allow the user to pull the table surface in close. The added “toes” should allow it to slide under furniture with more durability. I hope it will also allow it to be used on thicker carpeting.
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Tim B Studio 