Need help with designing the end of an enclosed desk

[Dan Hahr]

I’m building a desk for my daughter. I’ll be turning the legs and creating a stack of drawers on the right side. I’m trying to figure out how I would create a panel on the end without running into problems with wood movement. I will join the top of the two legs with a apron and the bottom with a stretcher. This design will be sort of Victorian and painted white. I prefer to use solid wood but I am considering using a plywood panel in a groove in the legs and the apron and stretcher. I am also thinking about gluing up a panel horizontally in which the ends will be let into a groove in the frame. I also considered making a frame and panel but it looks weird to me to have the stiles stop at the apron and stretcher.

I can’t find any examples of a desk like this that is made from solid lumber. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks Dan
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