As an observer, I’m gripped by the secret lives of others–what people privately hold dear and what they stow away from the watchful eyes of outsiders. As a paranoid resident of New York City, I’m obsessed with keeping my “valuables” hidden. So it came as no surprise to me when, as I was browsing the latest Crate&Barrel catalog that I’d snagged from a random stairwell, I was struck by the handsome quality of the Hunter Trunk and its hidden offerings inside.

The large refashioned steamer trunk with three hinged lids opens to reveal generous storage areas with a surprise at every turn. The center compartment opens up to a space with removable dividers for stashing up to eight bottles of wine (served, no doubt, atop the removable serving tray). And if that isn’t enough, just pull out the lid support arms on either end to keep the storage areas open without sacrificing tabletop space.

The richness of the wood, its iron hardware with clear powdercoat finish, its various compartments for keeping odds and ends like remote controls and straggler DVDs in place. Yes, I could surely visualize my hardcover of The Count of Monte Cristo and a brightly colored, autumn knitting project atop this sophisticated, dark wooded trunk. What might be tucked away neatly underneath? Well, that’s a secret, of course.

There’s nothing quite like a traditional wood chest or trunk to polish off the look of a room, except maybe an old, oak grandfather clock or dark cherry wood built-in bookshelves or a sleek, black baby grand piano. . . but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.

If you’re into matching furniture, you might also want to check out the companion storage piece to the full-size Hunter Trunk – the Hunter Side Trunk.

Hunter Trunk: $499.00

Hunter Side Trunk: $329.00

Visit crateandbarrel.com for more photos and information.

Posted by Nicole Bruce