The Dovetails standard
What leaves our shop carries our name.
We build in small numbers, answer our own email, and put our hands on every piece before it leaves. These are the standards we hold ourselves to, no matter what we are making.
- Built hereDesigned and made in our workshop. Not outsourced, white-labeled, or bought finished.
- Materials named plainlyWe tell you what a piece is made from, where it matters, and why we chose it.
- Designed for real roomsIt has to work once someone lives with it, not just look good in a photograph.
- Clear expectationsWe tell you what is in stock, what is made to order, and when it should leave the shop.
- We make it rightIf something arrives damaged or is not as it should be, we take care of it.
For this piece
- Handmade one at a time in Alabama
- Solid American black walnut construction
- Distinctive stepped-in mid-century silhouette
- ¼-inch solid brass rails and screws
- Three sizes with flexible spice storage
- Satin lacquer finish · Custom wooden crate
THE SILHOUETTE
Not your mother's spice rack.
Nobody said a spice rack had to be boring. But judging by most of what's out there, you'd think somebody did.
A Taste of Honey borrows its lines from mid-century furniture, not kitchen organizers. The upper section steps back from the deeper base, giving the piece a silhouette that's unmistakable from the side. It's a little architectural, a little unexpected, and a lot more interesting than another wooden box with shelves.
The walnut and brass do their part, too. Dark, expressive grain against the warm glint of solid brass. Clean lines, balanced proportions, and just enough attitude to make you look twice.
It holds your spices, of course. We just didn't see any reason it couldn't look good doing it.
A Taste of Honey borrows its lines from mid-century furniture, not kitchen organizers. The upper section steps back from the deeper base, giving the piece a silhouette that's unmistakable from the side. It's a little architectural, a little unexpected, and a lot more interesting than another wooden box with shelves.
The walnut and brass do their part, too. Dark, expressive grain against the warm glint of solid brass. Clean lines, balanced proportions, and just enough attitude to make you look twice.
It holds your spices, of course. We just didn't see any reason it couldn't look good doing it.
THE DETAILS
The good stuff is in the details.
We could have hidden the screws. We didn't want to. The exposed brass fasteners are part of the design, right alongside the ¼-inch solid brass gallery rails. Against the dark walnut, those small details make a big impression. And it's all solid brass, not plated hardware pretending to be something it isn't.
The case and shelves are made from solid American black walnut, with a ¼-inch cabinet-grade walnut-veneered plywood back. There's a reason furniture makers use stable panels in places like this. Wood moves with the seasons, and good construction accounts for that.
We finish the walnut in satin lacquer and lacquer the brass separately to help prevent tarnishing. Prefer tung oil, hardwax oil, or traditional varnish? Just ask.
We like good materials. We like showing how things are put together. And we think the details should be worth looking at.
The case and shelves are made from solid American black walnut, with a ¼-inch cabinet-grade walnut-veneered plywood back. There's a reason furniture makers use stable panels in places like this. Wood moves with the seasons, and good construction accounts for that.
That same thinking runs through everything we build. See how we approach materials, joinery and finish on our Our Craftsmanship page.
We finish the walnut in satin lacquer and lacquer the brass separately to help prevent tarnishing. Prefer tung oil, hardwax oil, or traditional varnish? Just ask.
We like good materials. We like showing how things are put together. And we think the details should be worth looking at.
Solid walnut. Solid brass. Exposed fasteners. The little details that make A Taste of Honey anything but an ordinary spice rack. We think we did the song proud.
Shop note
We designed A Taste of Honey with a little swagger. The stepped-in silhouette sets the rhythm, the dark walnut gives it some soul, and the solid brass adds just the right hit of shine. Nothing about this piece happened by accident. We wanted a spice rack with the personality of mid-century furniture and a little of the attitude of the song that gave it its name.
Every one is made by hand in our Birmingham studio, one at a time. And when the last note has been played, we build a wooden crate just for it. After all, a piece this good deserves a proper send-off.
Every one is made by hand in our Birmingham studio, one at a time. And when the last note has been played, we build a wooden crate just for it. After all, a piece this good deserves a proper send-off.
THE MATERIAL
Walnut looks good in brass.
American black walnut gives A Taste of Honey its rich color and expressive grain. The brass brings the contrast.
Walnut
Walnut doesn't ask for attention. It already has it. Deep chocolate brown with a quiet authority that settles a busy room rather than competing with it. It's the wood we reach for when a piece should feel like it has always belonged there.
Specifications
Every measurement has a reason.
| Width | 16" |
|---|---|
| Small height | 41 1/2" |
| Medium height | 52 1/4" |
| Large height | 63" |
| Upper shelf depth | Approx. 3" |
| Lower shelf depth | Approx. 5" |
| Case and shelves | Solid American black walnut |
| Back panel | 1/4" walnut-veneered plywood |
| Gallery rails | 1/4" solid brass |
| Fasteners | Solid brass |
| Finish | Satin lacquer |
| Mounting | Wall-mounted |
| Construction | Handmade in Alabama |
In the box
- One carefully packed spice rack with brass screws to attach it to the wall
Frequently asked questions
A few things worth knowing.
What is the difference between the three sizes?
All three sizes are 16 inches wide and share the same stepped-in silhouette. The Small is 41½ inches tall, the Medium is 52¼ inches, and the Large stands 63 inches tall. The Medium includes one taller compartment for larger spice canisters, while the Large includes two. The Small is designed for standard spice jars.
Is A Taste of Honey made entirely from solid walnut?
The case and shelves are solid American black walnut. The back is ¼-inch cabinet-grade walnut-veneered plywood, chosen for its stability. It's the same approach we use in fine furniture and cabinetry, where the right material matters more than making a blanket claim about solid wood.
Will the brass tarnish over time?
We use solid brass gallery rails and exposed brass screws, never plated hardware. Each brass component receives a clear lacquer finish to help resist tarnishing. Like any finish, that protection can wear with use, but routine brass polishing shouldn't be necessary.
Can I order A Taste of Honey in another wood or finish?
Absolutely. American black walnut with satin lacquer is our standard combination, but we can discuss other hardwoods and finishes, including tung oil, hardwax oil, and traditional varnish. Contact us before ordering so we can work through the details and pricing.
Does the spice rack arrive assembled?
Yes. Each A Taste of Honey arrives fully assembled. We build a custom wooden shipping crate for every piece to help protect it during transit.
What makes A Taste of Honey a mid-century modern spice rack?
Its stepped-in silhouette, clean lines, and combination of American black walnut and solid brass take their cues from mid-century furniture design. We wanted a spice rack that looked like it belonged alongside a well-made walnut cabinet, not hidden inside one.
Can A Taste of Honey be mounted on a wall or pantry door?
Yes. A Taste of Honey can be mounted directly to a wall or hung over a pantry door with appropriate over-the-door mounting hardware. Its stepped-in design combines shallower upper shelves with deeper lower storage, making it a practical choice for keeping spices organized without taking up counter space.
A Taste of Honey | Mid-Century Modern Spice Rack
$895.00