Bourbonic Times
A walnut dining set inspired by Le Corbusier’s floating geometry
Aashna’s dining room was missing one key element: a table that could match the room’s potential.
The space had sleek modernity and geometric elegance, but the existing table was too small for the large family gatherings they loved to host. It failed to align with what the room could become — a centerpiece for connection and style.
The goal was clear: design a dining set that comfortably seats 6–8 people, complements the home’s modern aesthetic, and becomes the focal point for memorable dinners.
We drew inspiration from Le Corbusier’s iconic table design, where the tabletop appears to float above its legs. To achieve this, we used circular birch dowels to create the elevation, keeping the structure simple and intentional.
The legs were designed as inward-angled trapezoids — balancing the roundness of the dowels and the softness of the walnut with sharper geometric lines. We started with the table and a matching bench, which replicated the table’s design exactly.
When it came to the chairs, we flipped the approach. The chair legs became fully round cylinders — echoing the dowels on the table — while the seat took on a trapezoid shape, and the backrest became a clean rectangle.
Chandani, Aashna’s mother, suggested we bring in some contrast, and she was absolutely right. We added leather cushions for warmth, and left all the joinery visible. The birch dowels against the walnut created a striking contrast that highlighted the craftsmanship and tied the whole set together.
The result is a set that feels intentional and functional, with just the right amount of contrast and detail to stand out — a centerpiece for the dining room and for the family gatherings it was designed to host.
The table came first. Every knot and imperfection in the walnut was examined, filled, and smoothed to create a flawless surface.
For the tabletop, the main focus was ensuring the walnut grain looked stunning and the joints between boards were seamless. For the legs, the priority was getting the angles just right — both visually and structurally. The trapezoid shape and inward angle had to feel balanced and natural while providing enough stability for the table’s size and weight.
The bench followed the same approach, mirroring the table’s design. We ran into an issue during the build — the bench legs were initially too narrow, affecting stability. We redesigned them wider and more supportive while maintaining the trapezoid shape.
The chairs brought their own challenges. The backrests involved laminating and bending layers of wood into form, using a custom-built press — think panini press for wood. The seats needed rounded corners to hold the cylindrical legs, requiring precision in shaping and fitting.
No screws. Every joint reinforced with birch dowels. Each chair was individually assembled and carefully adjusted to ensure everything fit perfectly.
Once constructed, we sanded everything smooth and applied a finish to the walnut, enhancing its natural grain. The birch dowels were left raw to preserve their contrast with the darker walnut. Leather cushions were custom-cut and secured, adding comfort and texture.
The final step was testing every piece for balance, comfort, and stability. Small adjustments were made to ensure the table, bench, and chairs worked together as a cohesive set.
The visible joinery highlighted the craftsmanship, while the mix of materials and shapes tied the design together. This wasn’t just about building furniture — it was about creating a set that would stand as the centerpiece for a family’s connection and gatherings for years to come.
Marking time, for lifetimes to come.
Labore et Constantia.
To make the set truly personal, we added elements that tied it deeply to the family’s story.
A custom cutting board was created with one of Chandani’s poems laser-etched onto its surface. The final lines — “our souls swirling like a double helix / marking time / until we combust seamlessly back into expanse” — added a profound sense of connection and meaning to the piece.
We also crafted a set of matching end-grain coasters, designed with the same care and attention as the larger pieces. These small additions brought the project full circle, combining functionality with emotional resonance.
Material
American Walnut
Joinery
Birch Dowel
Pieces
Table · Bench · 4 Chairs
Details
Leather Cushions · Cutting Board · Coasters
