When we received a request from a client for a custom wooden dollhouse, we couldn’t have been more excited. At Knots and Grains Studio, we pour our hearts into every project, but this one was truly something special. A mother, who had grown up with her own dollhouse, wanted her daughter to have the same experience—but with a twist. She envisioned a solid wood dollhouse that would not only bring her daughter joy but also stand the test of time and become a treasured family heirloom.
It was a beautiful vision, and we knew we had to do it justice.
Designing the Dollhouse
The first step in creating a solid wood dollhouse is the design phase. This involves sketching out the overall layout, including the placement of windows, doors, and interior walls. Each detail must be carefully considered to ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing final product.
Crafting a Timeless Dollhouse
The final piece measured 40 cm in length, 25 cm in width, and 50 cm in height. It included all the elements of a real home—a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and two attic rooms. One attic became a cozy TV room, and the other transformed into a library. Every room had its own personality, and we took care to make them both charming and functional.
The dollhouse itself was crafted from walnut wood, chosen for its rich color and durability. One of our favorite features was the door with delicate window panes and a skylight that fully opens, letting light flood the miniature rooms inside.
Turning Challenges Into Masterpieces
As with any custom project, building this dollhouse came with its own set of challenges. Working on such a small scale required precision and creativity.
One of the biggest hurdles was creating fully functional doors that could hold up over time without taking up too much space for the hinges. After much trial and error, we landed on the perfect solution: tiny hinges typically used for jewelry boxes. Each side of the house ended up with 10 hinges—small but sturdy enough to make the doors reliable and durable.
Another challenge was the intricate detailing. From the window panes to the frames, every piece had to be cut and assembled with incredible care. The level of craftsmanship required was immense, but we loved every second of it.
Adding the Finishing Touches
No dollhouse is complete without furniture and interior design elements. From tiny beds and chairs to miniature kitchen appliances, and even the showerhead, every piece is carefully selected or custom-made to fit the scale of the dollhouse. Interior design choices, such as wallpaper and tiles, add personality and style to each room.
We handmade the mattress, towels, curtains, and even tiny rolls of toilet paper. One of our favorite moments was creating the library—we printed and folded tiny books by hand to fill the shelves. Each small detail added an extra layer of charm and love to the project.
A Labor of Love
This project wasn’t just about building a dollhouse; it was about creating memories. Knowing that there’s a little girl out there playing with it every day and making her own stories fills us with so much joy. And thinking about how this dollhouse will be passed down through generations is an honor we’ll never take lightly.
Every piece we create has a story, but this one touched us in a special way. It reminded us why we love what we do—because it’s about more than wood and craftsmanship; it’s about connection, family, and love.
If you’re looking for a custom piece that tells your family’s story, we’d love to be a part of it. Let’s make something beautiful together.