For three years, the Midhill family lived in a one-bedroom apartment in suburban Atlanta. The walls were thin, the neighbours loud, and the humidity made their small living room feel even smaller. Their bar cabinet, a cheap IKEA unit from 2018, was falling apart. "We needed more space," says Sarah Midhill, "but everything we found was either too small or too flashy for our neighborhood.">
The Midhills had a problem common to many American families in apartments. Their apartment measured 75 square meters, typical for young professionals in the Atlanta metro area. But their lifestyle required more storage. Their daughter’s growing collection of glassware, their husband’s work trophies, and seasonal decorations filled every inch of the apartment. "We had to choose between family photos and whiskey glasses," Sarah recalls.
The IKEA cabinet was their last resort. The matte white paint had peeled at the edges, the metal handles were bent from pulling too hard, and the drawers were too shallow for anything but socks. "We even tried putting a humidifier inside to protect the drinks," laughs John Midhill, "but it just made the cabinet moldy."
In January 2022, the Midhills decided to replace their broken bar cabinet. They started by researching mid-range furniture stores, focusing on brands that offered durable pieces suitable for apartments. "We didn’t want something that looked like it belonged in a mansion," Sarah explains. "We wanted something that felt like home."
They visited several stores in their Midhill neighborhood, but nothing felt right. The Modern Glam 9-Drawer Chest of Drawers caught their attention at a furniture store in Brookhaven. The price tag of US$6270.00 seemed high at first, but Sarah and John knew they wouldn’t have to replace it for years. "The quality was undeniable," says John. "The drawers slide so smoothly, and the gold trim adds a touch of elegance without being over the top."
The Midhills were impressed by the storage capacity. Each drawer was 25cm deep, perfect for wine glasses, shot glasses, and even small vases. The balanced 3x3 layout was both functional and stylish, making the cabinet a natural focal point in their living room. "Before, we had clutter everywhere," Sarah says. "Now, everything has a place."
The Midhill family also appreciated the durability. The matte milk-white finish was less likely to show fingerprints or scratches, and the gold trim added a luxurious touch without being gaudy. "It looks expensive but isn’t fragile," John points out. "That’s important when you have kids."
What truly set this cabinet apart was the signature mixed pulls. Some drawers had elegant long bar pulls, while others had smaller, rounded handles. The combination created a sense of movement and rhythm. "It’s not all the same," Sarah says. "That’s what makes it modern and unique."
The furniture store delivered and installed the cabinet in early March 2022. The delivery team was careful not to damage the apartment walls, which had been a concern for the Midhills. "They even put protective pads on the legs," Sarah notes. "We were impressed."
Once installed, the cabinet became the centerpiece of the living room. The Midhills filled it with their most treasured items: their daughter’s collection of vintage liquor bottles from her travels, John’s work trophies, and seasonal decorations. "It’s not just storage," Sarah says. "It’s a display of our family life."
The Midhills’ experience reflects a growing trend in American home design. As more families live in smaller spaces, they’re looking for furniture that offers both storage and style. The Modern Glam 9-Drawer Chest is an excellent example of how modern furniture can meet these needs.
Its size makes it perfect for apartments and suburban homes alike. In cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, where square footage is at a premium, this cabinet can serve as both bar storage and a side table. In suburban homes, it adds a touch of luxury to living rooms or hallways.
The climate in the US also plays a role. In humid regions like the South, the matte finish resists moisture better than glossy paints. In dry regions like the Southwest, it doesn’t collect dust as easily. The durable construction means it can withstand both extreme heat and cold without fading or cracking.
After living with their new cabinet for a year, Sarah and John have a few tips for other families looking for storage solutions:
"We’ve had compliments from everyone who comes over," Sarah says. "It’s not just a bar cabinet—it’s a conversation starter."