A good question from Kevin :

"I am looking for someone in the Chicago area that makes custom furniture. I want a console sideboard free standing cabinet built to be used as a media center. I am going for a vintage modern look.

I haven't found anything new (want something different than Room and Board or Crate & Barrel) that I like or fits the size I want (30" H, 23" D, 84" L) to maximize storage and I don't want to buy a real vintage modern piece and cut holes in the back of it for the wiring/ventilation. Thanks."

Chicago Home Magazine is good place to start. They have an excellent resource section for local custom cabinetry and furniture design - it starts on page 140 of the Winter 2006 issue.

We just saw some really nice, innovative furniture design and construction last week at DWR's Modern+Design+Function exhibit. Three sites to check out - Michael Koehler at koehlerdesignbuild.com, Carson Maddox at carsonmaddox.com and Luke Wong at studiowai.com.

If any readers have had a custom piece of furniture made please let us know. Any ideas, suggestions, tips and recommendations for Kevin are welcome...