Country Cabinets

by Michael Berkowitz /Master Craftsman

 

Michael Berkowitz has been a carpenter, cabinetmaker and home renovator for more than 40 years working mainly for high end customers. His clients have included Jon Stewart, Robert Redford, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, Placido Domingo, John Belushi, the Newhouse family, Edward Albee and many others. His last project before retirement was a seven-story, triple-wide brownstone in Manhattan for the Emir of Qatar.

Several years ago, Michael developed a passion for country furniture. He creates free-standing, one of a kind, vintage-style units, utilising traditional milk paints, antiqued crackle and wax-resist finishes. Reclaimed wood and salvaged turnings create authentic-looking pieces that go well in eclectic environments alongside antique, modern and ethnic collections.

Whatever your needs or space limitations, color or style, he can design and build virtually anything. Don't feel constrained to country style, either. Over the years, Michael has worked with New York City's top architects to create everything from gold-leafed Deco style cabinetry to installing genuine Tiffany windows in custom millwork.

Don't have a big budget? No worries! Michael can use new, store-bought lumber for your project, and using aging techniques and vintage style hardware, still make it look like it's been around for a hundred or more years. (Many of the items on this page are of new wood.)

Need lighting or other electrical wiring integrated into a wall unit? Perhaps a wet bar built-in icemaker? A fireplace with a marble or tile surround? Leaded glass windows in your doors? No problem!! Michael is a Jack-of-all-trades, with decades of experience in all aspects of renovation. He's a champion problem solver with a confidence-inspiring presence.

Contact him today!

 

 

Designed to fit a particular wall in a kitchen without obstructing baseboard heating, this unit offers tremendous amounts of display as well as storage space.

Custom built for a front hall with limited space, this unit features a blue-over-yellow crackle finish with blackened antique style hinges.

 

Book case/storage unit crafted to fit in a narrow corner of a guest room, between a bed (which Michael also built) and the wall.

Long view of the bed and bookcase

Long view of the bed and bookcase

A guest bed with built in bookcase creates
an inviting nook in a tiny room

 

Early American style bookcase designed
to maximize an awkward corner space

 

 

 

 

Cedar-lined chest also functions as a window seat.
Features rusted vintage style hardware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 


Fireplace mantle custom fitted to wrap around asymetrical chimney projection. (Note left side of mantle top recedes 6 inches while right side is flush against the wall. It was impossible to order such a mantle ready made.) Installation and slate surround included.

Custom-built to fit a narrow space between a wall and window. The top doors hide wine glasses; the lower cabinet hold tableclothes, napkins, more; and the drawers hold silverware, serving utensils, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

all the knobs are unique and one of a kind,
but follow the same basic design
(available separately)

Custom-built L-shaped wall unit (top moldings not up yet) Tons of adjustable display shelves, with lots of storage cabinets and drawers (almost flat-files). Hand-painted, decorated knobs.
Antiqued green beadboard shelf
Large living room wall unit with a ton of display and storage.
Simple white table and bench,
commissioned for store display

Small blue, antiqued country style bench

For sale. Please inquire.

Antiqued sideboard done in blue milk paint with crackle finish. Although currently used as store display, it is for sale. Please inquire.

White wall cabinet. Beadboard and vintage spindles with antique crackle glaze.

One of two tables for the very limited dining area of a tea shop. Note recessed leg so table can comfortably accommodate three chairs.
Custom, rough-hewn dining table.
Michael has made a few of these, all custom-built to size.
Same table as above, alternate view
Custom kitchen cabinet. Currently, there is open shelving on the bottom, but will soon have doors with punched tin inserts.
Shoe storage bench.
Can take a long pillow on top (or not!)
Fabulous headboard using vintage spindles and cutouts. In shades of pale aqua blue and creamy, butter yellow. topped with a crackle finish.

Punched tin panel cabinet
in distressed blue/teal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closeup of hand-made punched tin panels, before distressing

Better view of variegated colors and distressing

Take a video tour of this amazing Indian-inspired day bed.

 

New! Farm and Zinc-top Tables

These gorgeous tables are carefully and cleverly aged to look as if
they have been sitting in a farmhouse for generations!
Each one is unique, with "distress" that tells a story!
They are available in a variety of finishes and milk-paint colors.
Perfect for your country home or as a display in your store!

 

 

Farm table with distressed top and blue legs.

Aged to perfection!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same table, different view.

This table is 28.5"W x 8'L x 30" H but
yours can be custom-made in any color, any size.
Please inquire.

 

Some detail...

Finish on the top

 

 

 

 

 

Farm table with distressed top
and aged white, tapered legs.

(This particular table is 28.5"w x 7'l x 30" high)

White farm table
White farm table, detail of top

Zinc-top table with drawer
blue distressed, crackled frame

 

40"x40"x30"high

Zinc top tables can be ordered in any size, any color.
Zinc backsplash also available.
Please inquire.