Furnishing your home with unique décor is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. But if you’re working with tight spaces or selective tastes, purchasing furniture out of a showroom just doesn’t cut it. To attain one-of-a-kind pieces that fit your home and lifestyle down to the inch, custom furniture is the only way to go. And while you might groan at the thought of an arduous process customizing sofas or loungers, expert Kristine Christensen is here to help. Owner of Utah-born business Couches by Kristine, Christensen brings her client’s vision to life in the form of bold settees and luxurious loveseats. To assist in navigating the realm of custom furniture, Kristine offers her top tips to designing your dream sofa.
Do Your Research
Like any home improvement project, going into the customization process blind is bound to end in disappointment. Start by researching the manufacturer you’d like to work with, taking into consideration details like turnaround time and materials used. “Make sure you are asking a lot of questions like what kind of foam the company uses in their furniture and the type of frame they are using,” say s Christensen. One of the many benefits of customizing furniture is ensuring durability and lifelong comfort, qualities that stem from a selective manufacturer.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bold
Customizing your dream furniture invites creativity and aspiration. Christensen revels in projects that throw out the rule book and embrace the bold. “Forget the tufted and formal couch your grandma had. Today’s sofas are statement makers.” Some of her personal favorites include rich velvet loungers in saturated hues of maroon and emerald. Caramel and cognac leather sofas are also increasingly in vogue paired with neutral decor.
Determine Your Needs
Beyond design preferences, your furniture should also meet your functional needs. A stunning velour settee quickly becomes a deserted dust collector if it is uncomfortable to lounge on. Consider the purpose of the sofa as it applies to your lifestyle. “I’ll ask my clients if they need lumbar support, or if they want to fit a large family on one sofa,” Christensen says. Customizing your sofa to include long arms or deep seats are just a few ways to accommodate your functional priorities.
Be Patient
“My number one top tip is to have patience,” says Christensen. “You are working with artisans and craftsmen that are making pieces of incredible furniture, you don’t want to rush that process.” Although custom furniture made in the United States generally arrives sooner than factory furniture, customers can still expect an extended shipment period. As the saying goes, great things come to those who wait. “This is a piece of furniture that you are going to have for a really long time, and it is always worth the wait.”
If you’re interested in learning more about craft furniture, we’ve got you covered.
