Kate McAlaine

Realizing the aesthetics of simplicity

One night, our upstairs neighbor, who we had deemed to be a pseudo-celebrity, because she is the owner of the Holy Donut. was over for dessert. Tapping on our kitchen island, she asked me "Where did you get this table?" After explaining that I had made it from salvaged wood and steel pipe, she said "Can I commission you to make something like this for my new shop on Exchange Street?" In shocked disbelief, I enthusiastically agreed. A few days later, looking at the space together, she explained what she envisioned. I took measurements of the large recessed wall, on which she wanted shelving for merchandise. Since the shelving was going to be on the left side of the space, tables and patrons would be seated in front, which added an element to the design challenge. I scurried off to Old House Parts in Kennebunk Maine and delighted flipped through piles of old shutters, window panes, narrow doors, and mismatched leaves of dining room tables. Soon I saw a large stash of wooden shelves that were appealing for multiple reasons: they were only 7" deep, which was perfect for the shallow space; they had a grove along the front edge for labels; and they had a knob and groove at each end, which was an historic detail I appreciated. Full of excitement, I sketched the design to scale, priced the materials, and presented a quote. Leigh gave it the go ahead. A few nights later, Led Zen, an employee and local musician kindly cued up Pandora, gave us the keys to the shop, and let us at it. My brother and I laid out the design, talked through the installation process, and joked as we worked away. A few F bombs went off, but more high fives were had. We were pleased with the final product, and more importantly, so was Leigh. Do yourself a favor, go get one of her dark chocolate sea salt donuts.... now!

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Portland, Maine

Contact Information: kmcalaine@gmail.com