This project was built and designed by Alex from Bevelish Creations. It’s a modern media console that combines rich walnut, bright white cubbies, and brass hardware into a clean and functional centerpiece.
Commissioned by a client looking for an 80-inch-long console with a sleek design and standout materials, Alex had creative freedom to bring the project to life. The result is a sharp, visually balanced build that blends traditional woodworking with modern styling.
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Project Goals and Overall Look
The design brief was simple: a long console with visual contrast and brass accents. Alex delivered a piece that merges solid walnut tones with painted MDF and clean lines, offering a modern but timeless aesthetic.
The walnut provides warmth and depth, while the crisp white cubbies brighten the composition. Brass pulls and soft-close hardware add elegance without distracting from the structure.
Starting with the Case
The build begins with plywood panels cut down to size using a track saw and table saw. Each panel is mitred at a clean 45-degree angle to keep the case looking sharp and seamless.
To reinforce the case while maintaining a minimal appearance, Alex routes dado and rabbet joints into the panels. These joints create strong, clean connections without visible fasteners.
Domino mortises are added to help with alignment and strength during glue-up. Once glued and clamped, the case is square and solid—ready for edge banding and interior components.
Adding Hardwood Edge Banding
Alex adds walnut hardwood edge banding to the case to cover exposed plywood edges and introduce a subtle, refined detail. Each banding strip is milled and rabbetted to create a quarter-inch reveal that frames the box visually.
The edge banding is glued and clamped carefully on all sides, producing smooth transitions and added durability. This extra step gives the console a higher-end, finished feel.
Internal Compartments and Shelving
With the outer case assembled, partitions are measured and cut to divide the inside into cubby spaces. Dados are used again to hold these dividers in place without needing visible screws or brackets.
Shelf pin holes are drilled using a jig, giving future users the flexibility to adjust shelf placement as needed. Wire management is also addressed with a custom hole in the back panel, complete with a CNC-cut cover to hide cables cleanly.
Painted Cubbies for Contrast
The white cubbies are built from MDF, which offers a smooth surface perfect for paint. Alex cuts and miters these pieces separately, routing dados for the internal dividers and using tape and glue for a clean assembly.
Once the box is assembled, it’s primed and painted a crisp white. When dry, it slides perfectly into the walnut case, completing the signature color contrast of the design.
Building and Installing the Drawers
The drawers are built from half-inch plywood and edge banded to match the rest of the console. Joinery is done using a clean and efficient table saw method, allowing for consistent sizing and smooth assembly.
Drawer fronts are spaced using temporary blocks and mounted with screws for a flush, symmetrical fit. Brass hardware is added last, providing a warm metallic accent that pairs well with both wood and paint.
Soft-close drawer slides and hinges finish the hardware setup, offering a smooth, high-end feel during everyday use.
Creating the Legs
For the base, Alex designs custom legs inspired by angled, modern forms. Each leg is shaped using a tapering jig and carefully matched with stretchers to support the structure.
After gluing the leg assemblies together, Alex adds a subtle reveal with a router bit for visual interest. This detail ties in with the quarter-inch reveals on the edge banding and keeps the look consistent from top to bottom.
What Makes This Project Stand Out
This media console stands out not just for its clean style, but for the thoughtful combination of materials and techniques. The blend of walnut grain, white-painted cubbies, and brass hardware delivers contrast, elegance, and balance in equal measure.
From CNC details to mitered corners and shelf pin systems, every element is designed for both functionality and visual appeal. It’s a professional-grade piece that still feels achievable for dedicated hobbyists or small-shop woodworkers.
A Great Example of Design-Driven Woodworking
This build demonstrates how intentional material choices and smart layout planning can produce refined results. By combining plywood, solid hardwood, MDF, and quality hardware, Alex creates a media console that fits seamlessly into modern homes.
The joinery, finishing, and proportion all reflect his signature clean style—proof that great design doesn’t require unnecessary complexity.
Learn more about this project here: https://www.bevelishcreations.com/plans/modern-media-console/.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
What really catches my eye about this build is how Alex uses material contrast to create visual interest without overcomplicating things. That walnut edge banding with the quarter-inch reveal is a smart detail — it frames the entire piece while hiding plywood edges. When you’re working with plywood cases, that kind of hardwood banding makes all the difference between a project looking DIY or professional.
The leg design here is worth noting too. Using a tapering jig for consistent angles is the right approach when you need matching parts. Those angled legs can be tricky to get identical by hand, and any inconsistency really shows on a piece this size. The stretcher system also provides crucial support for an 80-inch console — that’s a lot of span without proper bracing underneath.
I appreciate the shelf pin hole system for adjustability. Drilling those holes accurately is where a good jig pays for itself quickly. If you’re tackling something similar, take time to set up your jig properly and test it on scrap first. Nothing’s more frustrating than misaligned holes when you’re trying to get shelves level in a finished cabinet.
The soft-close hardware is a nice touch that really elevates the user experience. Quality drawer slides and hinges cost more upfront, but they’re what separate furniture that feels solid from stuff that feels cheap. On a commissioned piece like this, those details justify the investment every time.