Tech and Timber: Claro Walnut Coffee Table Designed by Artificial Intellegence
There's a moment of stillness before every piece of creation begins. As a craftsman, that moment is often dominated by a blank canvas, be it a sketchpad, a piece of wood, or in this case, an empty digital interface. Design has always been a very interesting part for my woodworking workflow, and I’m always looking for new ways to spark my creativity. For this project, I decided to bridge the gap between age-old carpentry and cutting-edge technology, leaning on artificial intelligence for design inspiration. Here's a recounting of how an AI-generated design led to a one-of-a-kind claro walnut coffee table.
The Final Coffee Table In a Photo Studio
Discover & Design with Midjourney
My journey began with Midjourney, an image generation AI. It's a marvel how today's technology can streamline the creative process, churning out countless designs with each iteration just a bit different from the last. After a few minutes of tweaking the prompt for a mid century modern coffee table, one particular design stood out—a coffee table that beautifully melded form and function.
Sourcing the Perfect Timber
Claro walnut, known for its vibrant grain patterns and rich hues, was the wood of choice. The material for this project came from Cali Hardwoods, a local walnut specialty dealer in the southern Bay Area. They have a huge selection of different species of walnut, from Curly Claro walnut to English Walnut; from lived edge slabs, dimensional lumber to big cookies & rounds. The material of choice is dimensioned Claro Walnut. The allure of Claro Walnut lies in its dynamic character and mesmerizing grain pattern. It showcases a wide range of color variations and grain patterns. From deep chocolate browns to light sapwood streaks and reddish hues, the diversity in color and grain patterns makes each piece truly unique. Each piece tells a story, and it was essential for my project that the wood be as expressive as the design.
Generated Design from Midjourney
Bringing the Vision to Life
The most intriguing aspect of the design was the curved edges on the tabletop. This detail added a touch of organic fluidity, breaking the stereotype of wooden furniture being too "stiff" or "angular". When it comes to Mid Century Modern designs, the rounded edges often paired well with the minimalist designs and helped create a softer, more inviting feel to the furniture. The top portion is glued up as a box. A router is used to shape the edges, and the center divider is held together by a sliding dovetail joint. The tapered legs are cut out on a cnc machine and attached to the top via threaded inserts. The joints are then reinforced with some contrasting maple dowels to provide some strength as well as visual interest. Finally the drawer rests on soft closing slides to bring the whole piece together.
“The Box”
The top portion with center divider
Test Assembly
Dovetail center divider
Dovetail joint glue-up
The Future of Craftsmanship
This project wasn't just about creating a coffee table—it was an exploration. An exploration of how technology can augment human creativity rather than replace it. The AI is a tool in my creative process, just like my table saw and cnc machine. The design serves as a starting point from which my inspiration grows. There is still hard work and care that goes into making every piece and when I look at the finished piece, and I see a story that weaves together the past, present, and future of craftsmanship.
As I look ahead, I'm excited by the potential of integrating more technology into my design and crafting processes. From virtual reality previews to AI-assisted design modifications, the possibilities seem boundless.
If there's one thing I've taken away from this experience, it's this: The tools and methods may evolve, but the essence of creation—the spark, the passion, and the craftsmanship—remains timeless. I eagerly anticipate the next project, wondering just where the blend of tradition and technology might take me next.
In the meantime, every glance at the claro walnut coffee table will serve as a reminder of this unique journey, from the digital realm of Midjourney to the tangible, textured reality in my living space. Please enjoy these beautiful studio shots!
