What I created for my final project

Inspirations and References

My primary inspiration came from Scandinavian minimalist woodworking, which emphasizes clean lines, functional simplicity, and respect for natural materials. I was particularly drawn to examples I found on the Vogue magazine website, where simple geometric shapes and layered wood textures combine to create elegant household objects. To better understand how to incorporate smooth rotation, I researched several Lazy Susan mechanisms and DIY spice rack designs from (citing 2 in my sources), learning about hardware options and typical dimensional constraints. For wood finishing and bonding techniques, I followed advice from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWLm-3_iogw , ensuring I was applying methods appropriate for kitchen use, such as food-safe finishes and moisture-resistant adhesives. I also got help from the Idea forge staff, who helped me think through the project properly.

Vision and Specifications

My vision was to create a counter-mounted Lazy Susan spice rack that not only organizes spice jars efficiently but also enhances the visual appeal of the kitchen. From the start, I wanted this project to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. I set the following key specifications: the piece should have a stable, non-slip base suitable for kitchen counters; it should rotate smoothly in both directions; it should include two or three tiers or sections for optimal spice storage; its maximum footprint should stay within the standard countertop depth so as not to overcrowd the space; and it should be finished with a protective, food-safe coating that enhances the natural wood grain. Artistically, I aimed for a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired look, natural wood tones, soft matte finishes, geometric cutouts, and subtle details that highlight craftsmanship without cluttering the design.

Sketches, Design Evolution, and Adaptation

My initial design sketches explored several directions. At first, I envisioned a multifunctional kitchen organizer meant to hold not only spices but also paper towels and utensils. However, after sketching out dimensions, I realized this concept was impractical,it would take up far too much counter space and demand advanced woodworking skills like edge-joining large panels and embedding hidden fasteners, which were beyond my current expertise and equipment. I pivoted to a smaller-scale idea: a circular board divided into three segments, with sculptural, chess-like posts forming railings around each spice shelf. While visually interesting, this design again posed feasibility issues, including complex woodturning, precise jigging, and significant time demands.

The breakthrough came when I found a design video featuring a multi-tier circular spice rack made from layered wood discs with simple sheet metal fencing. This approach required fewer specialized skills, was more adaptable to my workspace and tools, and aligned well with my aesthetic goals. From here, I began drafting precise specifications, testing materials and hardware, and refining my construction plan to fit my capabilities and timeline.

CAD Drawings and Final Design Plans

After performing the necessary testing with the fencing material and tear-out tests, I was able to move on. Once the concept was settled, I moved from hand-drawn sketches to detailed CAD models (attached in the blog post). In the CAD environment, I could develop exact dimensions for the rotating base, shelves, vertical supports, and connection points, ensuring stability, balance, and smooth assembly. The CAD models allowed me to simulate how components fit together, identify potential interference points, and map out the precise placement of hardware, including screws, dowels, and the Lazy Susan bearing plate. I paid particular attention to material thicknesses and cut paths, making sure the design could be executed with the tools available and that the overall form preserved the clean, minimalist aesthetic I was aiming for.

Embodying the Aesthetic in Design

Throughout the design process, I stayed focused on maintaining a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic: balanced proportions, clean geometric forms, and a respect for the natural appearance of the wood. Rather than adding ornate details, I let the grain and texture of the material speak for itself, emphasizing craftsmanship through precision and simplicity. Even choices like the type of metal used for the fencing or the profile of the base were made with this aesthetic in mind, preferring matte finishes, subtle shapes, and harmonious proportions. I wanted the finished piece to feel at home in a modern, minimalist kitchen, where every object serves a purpose and contributes to an overall sense of calm and order. Now it’s just a matter of using it for its intended purpose while it adds a cabin homey feel to my apartment in hopes it will live in a cabin of my own one day.

Sources

Vouge magazine https://www.vogue.com/article/what-is-japandi-style

My own IP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxH3jO539qM by user Boydston Grove

1. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353040058261155629/ made by Pinterest user Etsy