Breathing New Life Into a 1970’s Lane Staccato Brutalist Walnut Credenza & Hutch

Every so often, a piece comes into the workshop that reminds me why I love what I do. This Lane Staccato Brutalist unit was one of those projects, a chance to honour the original craftsmanship while creating something truly personal and unique for my client.

Lane Staccato Before Restoration & Redesign

Manufactured in the United States in the early 1970s, this mammoth piece had long been part of my workshop collection, just waiting for the perfect project. So when a client requested a custom whiskey display cabinet, I knew this beauty was made for the job!

After each block was removed, the piece was stripped and sanded back to its original timber. A touch of midnight blue was applied to the interior, sides and base to give it a modern edge, while a hardwearing wax oil brought out the richness of the walnut grain.

A mirrored back was added to create depth and was paired with made to measure, adjustable tempered glass shelves. Remote controlled, dimmable lighting was installed to highlight my client’s extensive whiskey collection.

Lane Brutalist After Restoration & Redesign

I handcrafted a pull out drawer for glasses and lined it in warm rust coloured felt. The central drawers were also felted to match, creating a tidy and cohesive interior. The original handles were replaced with luxury stainless steel hardware sourced from Etsy and refinished to complement the piece. I also managed to source a serving tray, which I refinished to match and complete the look.

Restoring and redesigning this unit was no small challenge, and it did throw up its fair share of problems. But now, as I step back and admire it, it not only stands as an elegant home for my client’s whiskey collection, it also highlights the enduring beauty of Lane furniture and what bespoke restoration can achieve.

The Beauty Of Lane Brutalist

If you are interested in having your own bespoke piece created, I carry a carefully sourced selection of vintage stock in my workshop that is waiting to be restored and redesigned into something unique.