What happens when 1950’s nostalgia meets 2020’s tech? Artist and author Bill Morelan of Bilmor Studios built the answer: a handcrafted retro entertainment center featuring a 50-inch flat screen, a record player with a vintage vinyl collection, and a 36-inch soundbar — all tucked inside a classic mid-century cabinet.
When Morelan shared the finished project online, it racked up more than 174,000 reactions. We caught up with him to find out exactly how he did it — and how you can, too.
Where Do You Even Find Vintage Parts Like That?
Image Credit: Bill Morelan.
It turns out that Morelan’s secret weapon is good old-fashioned treasure hunting.
“I found the knobs, logo, and speaker cloth through a little searching on eBay,” he explains. “But when I run across unique objects in flea markets, I always buy them and save them for later projects. The time to buy unique items is when you see them because you may never run across them again.”
Whether you’re sourcing authentic speaker cloth or hunting for period-correct hardware, it pays to keep your eyes open — and your junk drawer stocked.
You Don’t Need a Workshop Full of Tools
Despite how polished the finished piece looks, Morelan built it in a corner of his home, and without access to big machinery.
If you’re handy around the house, you might already have the tools required to make a retro TV entertainment system like this one.
“A project like this is easy to do with a table saw, power nailer, bar clamps, etc. But I only had a circular saw, a drill, rope, and hand tools. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention,” he says.
If you’ve been putting off projects because you don’t have professional gear, Morelan’s ingenuity proves that a little ingenuity and basic tools can go a long way.
How Long Did It Take To Make This Piece?
Image Credit: Bill Morelan
Even with his minimalist setup, Morelan completed this build in just two days. “With a well-equipped wood shop, this would have gone much faster,” he says.
If you have the materials ready and a weekend to spare, you can likely pull off your own version of this project in about the same amount of time.
Want to Build One Yourself?
Image Credit: Bill Morelan.
Morelan describes the project as basically just a fancy box, and he’s even shared the cabinet plans online to make it easier for others to follow along.
To get started, cut all your materials to size based on the plans. Begin by assembling the outer shell of the cabinet. Once that’s done, add the interior partitions, build the TV surround, and then attach the finishing touches — the door, speaker cloth, knobs, and logo.
You can stain and seal either once the parts are cut (before assembly) or after the basic unit is assembled. Once that’s completed, you can add any finishing details: trim, knobs, logos, or accents.
Image Credit: Bill Morelan.
With a little patience and a dash of nostalgia, you’ll have your own retro-futuristic media console in no time.
