Ian Ingersoll, renowned cabinetmaker from West Cornwall, is multilingual. "I love the classics, but I am tasked to work in the modern world" he said, "so I work in five different languages of modern design."

After 42 years in the woodworking business, his world is still unfolding. "You have to go where the market is," he said. "I have no idea what will be next."

Ingersoll began his odyssey when he built a house and its furnishings for himself after he got out of the Army. "Then some friends twisted my a...