Each of us, on some level, is busy creating the lives we want to live, which is also reflected in our living spaces.  For educator and writer Jon Carroll and his wife, actress and filmmaker Nkechi Carroll, of Encino, California, that means not only time spent pursuing their creative endeavors, but also raising their three-year-old son Isaiah.

When they moved into their two-bedroom condo in 2007, much of it already reflected their style, as seen in the polished hardwood floors, and the warm earth tone palette of the walls. But one area that hasn’t caught up to speed is the designated office space, just on one side of the living room.  While the placement is good, form gave way to function when they moved into the condo. “We got rid of our old computer desk because it didn’t really work in the space,” explains Nkechi.  In it’s place, they used a table that was left behind by the previous owners, and put it together with a combination of other storage units to form the space where Jon has spent many hours completing work on his PhD in education, writing his children’s book, and collaborating with Nkechi on a television project.  Nkechi has been equally hard at work on her film and television scripts.

The couple have always had plans to update the desk, but “you get comfortable with things,” says Nkechi. And so they were–until aspiring woodworker Andrew Thacher (who also happens to be my husband) spied an opportunity to take his craft to the next level while at the same time creating a gift for our friends. “What I noticed was that the space seemed incomplete and inappropriate for two people who are very serious about the work they do,” says Andrew. “They deserve to have a work space that more fully reflects their work ethic.”

Andrew’s interest in woodworking stems from a lifetime of watching his father build and repair things. Among his first projects were a Japanese-style sword stand, and a shelf unit he built for yours truly. “I have a great deal left to learn, but I hope I can create something that is worthy of [Jon's and Nkechi's] creativity.”

After taking measurements of the space, and discussing the design at length with Nkechi, Andrew has decided to build an L-shaped unit with a curved interior corner that will also allow them to keep some of the free-standing storage units they currently have.  It will also include an attached cubbyhole unit for bills, stationery, and other office sundries. For inspiration and technical guidance, Andrew has researched many web resources including  free design plans and a how-to video series.

The foundation of our friendship with the Carrolls is built on our various mutual artistic pursuits: performing (for Nkechi and Andrew, who is also an actor), writing, and championship bouts of Taboo on game night at Chez Carroll. So it’s not hard to imagine how or why Andrew would use his own creativity to benefit our friends.  “We all have gifts, whether it be cooking wonderful meals or building things–they’re ours to share. What skill I may have, I’m happy to put at their disposal–I’m happy to be of use in that way.”

The Carrolls were surprised, but excited about the unexpected gift idea. “The functional gifts are always the best ones,” says Jon.  And as friends go, they’re worth it.

Last 5 posts by KellyThacher

• O Tannenbaum . . . - December 23rd, 2009
• Lighting a Candle - December 22nd, 2009
• All For Show - December 21st, 2009
• Faking it with Flowers - December 20th, 2009
• Color Clinic - December 19th, 2009

Author: Kelly Thacher

Kelly has been a writer since she was in grade school where she received early recognition for her Young Author's project. Magazines like Home Entertainment, Luxury Consumer Electronics, Vertical Living, Luxury Home and the Robb Report were happy to have Kelly's editing talents on various projects. A series of career twists and turns has offered her invaluable experience in journalism, magazine and book publishing, and fiction writing.

Kelly Thacher has written 30 articles for us.