Custom Vanities and Creating Drawings

Recently some custom vanities I designed were installed at a beautiful home in NOTL. While selecting the finishes and hardware is a fun part of the job, something I have always enjoyed with design is pulling together all of the drawings, working through the math, and putting together the working documents. These vanities, built by Dan Parker Cabinetry, turned out so beautifully, I thought I would give a behind the scenes look of what goes into my process of creating drawings for custom cabinetry. 

First things first, after a consultation discussing the client needs and taking measurements, I always start by taking my chicken scratch measurements, ideas, and doodles and refining it into a basic hand drawing.

Once I have my rough measurements and design planned out, I always put my designs into AutoCAD. This is a computer software used for drafting plans and drawings. I love working in AutoCAD and it is one of my favourite things to sit down and work at. This is the time where I refine the measurements and start to add all my notes and details.

After the drawings are created in AutoCAD, I use the 3D modelling software called SketchUp to created 3D models and perspectives of the design. This is where the designs start to come to life and all the details start to pop. In these designs, the countertop details, custom mirrors, and decorative furniture base made this custom look.

As you can probably tell, all these drawings/designs have a variety of different design details and elements. This is all part of the process! One of the fun parts of designing is seeing how the design evolves over time, the tweaks that get made here and there, all the way to the final installation. After design revisions, material mood boards, and plumbing selections, the final designs were confirmed and we awaited the spring installation. 

These vanities got installed a few weeks ago and they turned out absolutely fantastic! The homeowner sent me these photos of how great they look in the spaces. I love how these almost feel like a walnut piece of furniture was added to each space. 

I don’t think the surreal feeling of being entrusted to design something functional and beautiful for someone will ever fade for me. It is one of my favourite parts of this job and I am so thankful for each and every opportunity that is brought my way.