I think you pretty well hit the nail on the head. Most better pieces are made pretty much open, in the classic furniture style of construction. Cheap stuff is just cheap.
The best way is to custom spec exactly what you want, then get it made to order. A lot of folks get spooked by the word "custom" but in today's economic climate I'm finding my small woodworkers have reduces their prices to keep the cash flow coming. When times are good, custom work is expensive, but right now its can be done about the same price as better production brands.
Start out with a sketch that you make, or take a design such as you linked to above and tweak it to your needs, then get it quoted. Be aware however that electrical add-ons can be put into the piece, but you would need to source the electrical items and instruct where you want them placed, etc.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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