Top FIVE Reasons to Use Custom Furniture
When I meet with new clients, I usually ALWAYS bring up custom pieces - furniture, drapery, fixtures, built-ins and more. These pieces are what make each space uniquely yours, a custom piece just FITS, it makes the whole design cohesive. But I also find that many times when I mention “custom”, I can see my client’s eyes get wide and immediately suspect. They think it means more money, more hassle and because it is a “vision” rather than something that already exists it is a little harder for them to envision and picture in their space.
One of the many aspects of my job that I love is the number of local craftspeople I have met and had the privilege of introducing to my clients. Through their expertise, I have been able to bring unique items into so many of my clients (and my own) homes. Custom pieces don’t necessarily mean more expensive and more hassle so, here are my Top FIVE PROS for going custom:
PRO ONE: Just because it is custom doesn’t mean more expensive especially if you compare quality and price. Custom means built with craftsmanship, quality and and eye towards longevity. When I work with my network of craftspeople we are in a conversation about the specific space and project from the get go. They are crafting their pieces with that specificity in mind and what results is a far superior and longer lasting product.
This kitchen nook is filled with custom elements, the gorgeous table, the custom built-in window seat and custom window treatments. Off the rack chairs complete the space! These pieces will last in this busy, well used corner of the house a lot longer than something you may order online.
PRO TWO: It allows the creation of a piece that fits EXACTLY the way you want it. Tables to fit perfectly in a nook, upholstered items that sit right and comfortably, both in the space and how you sit! Custom pieces are designed specifically for the space and client bringing together function and form perfectly.
For this cute beach getaway in Ipswich we wanted a casual elegant feel for the dining table that wasn’t too heavy but could stand up to the crowd! By mixing metal and wood we achieved the look and the “inner” base doesn’t box the chairs in making the space feel more open and inviting be it for a formal gathering or a cup of tea.
Can you believe how cute this little sofa is?! AND, it is an oldie, this project is from 2015 and I still love that pattern today. Timeless and unique with staying power. Notice how it fits perfectly to the flow of the room? Not too big and bulky but just big enough to make the statement.
PRO THREE: The world is your oyster! Going custom allows you to choose and combine styles, textures, colors and shapes. You are not forced to make any compromises or settle for less than ideal you can get the exact shade, texture, shape or vibe you are going for.
When you have a Cape House on the ocean, it makes sense to bring the coastal colors in, but no kitschy coastal here just beautifully handcrafted table and chairs that are clean, fresh, breezy and yes, very coastal.
PRO FOUR: FUN! Your space should feel like YOU, not a showroom replica.
For the bench to go along our “coastal” painted chairs we “dipped” the base in the same color. This added such a coordinated yet fun and modern feel that we could not have gotten from the catalogue or showroom. Doesn’t it just make you smile?
PRO FIVE: My favorite pro - UNIQUE!!
For this project we needed a media cabinet. Have you looked online for media cabinets? I’m sorry, but they are awful! So many are so clunky, boxy, awkward, dark or just plain ugly. My client wanted something that could appease her design aesthetic while being the perfect height for a TV that suited her husband’s desires. This one was fun to design. We combined the colors, textures and touches of elegance like gold pulls with the function of storage and the proper height for the TV. Now both Mr and Mrs are happy!
Interior Design should be fun. Yes, it is an investment and I don’t take that lightly. But if you really want a space that says “you,” don’t be afraid to go custom. I promise it will be worth it!
Let’s Design for Good,
