The Custom Furniture Experience: What to Expect When Contracting Your First Custom Piece
Investing in custom furniture can be a thrilling journey that promises a unique piece crafted specifically for your needs and style. If you’re considering commissioning your first custom piece, you might be wondering what the process entails and how to navigate it effectively.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect and make the most of your custom furniture experience.
1 . Initial Consultation: Sharing Your Vision
If you are interested in a custom piece, the first step is to fill out our Custom Furniture Inquiry Form. Please use this form to write any and everything you are considering for the project, even if you aren’t certain about some details. The more you add, the more we can make sure to review in our consultation, which I will reach out to schedule.
During our initial consultation, this is your opportunity to share your ideas, preferences, and any specific requirements you have for the piece. Please take some time in advance to think about your space, how you plan to use the furniture, and any design inspirations you might have. Some clients like making mood boards, where they can add inspirational material like specific colors or tones, furniture pieces they admire, architecture, or virtually anything that you think captures your excitement for the project. This stage is all about gathering information and setting the groundwork, so if some of these conversations seem overwhelming or feel like they might go over your head, don’t fret! As the designer, it is my job to meet you exactly where you are at, and help fill in the blanks to make sure you get something you are 100% happy with.
2 . Concept and Design
Once we are in agreement over the must-have and should-have details of the project, we can start taking the abstract and bringing it to reality. Through both hand-made sketches, as well as highly detailed digital renderings, you will begin to receive preliminary designs that allow you to visualize the piece and provide feedback. In this stage, you will review different design options, materials, dimensions, and budgetary options to fine tune the details. It is critical during this stage to communicate openly and honestly to ensure that the final design aligns with your expectations. Please ask questions early and often, as the further into the design we go, the harder it may be to add in additional features or considerations later.
As we reach the end of the design phase, you will receive a number of important materials, including:
Dimensional drawings that highlight the critical dimensions of the piece.
Renderings that show a number of different angles of the piece, as well as a close approximation of the wood tone.
An Alternate Reality (AR) version of the piece that you can use to visualize the piece in its space in real time.
Please review all materials closely and carefully, as many of the design details may not be changed once the Build phase begins.
3 . Crafting the Piece
With designs all finalized and approved by you, the process of bringing the piece to reality begins! This stage involves the meticulous build of your furniture according to the agreed-upon specifications. Depending on the complexity of the design, this process may take several weeks. During this time, you might receive updates or progress photos to keep you informed and excited about your piece coming to life.
4. Delivery, Install, and the Rest
After the piece is completed, it’s time for delivery. We will reach out as the project nears completion to find a date and time to deliver. Depending on the size and complexity, this might involve careful handling and professional installation to ensure everything is set up correctly in your home. Once your custom furniture is in place, take the time to review the piece and ensure it meets your expectations. This is a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and uniqueness of your new addition. Please take the time to also ask any questions you may have around use and maintenance. We will happily provide any instructions to help you maintain the beauty and functionality of your piece for years to come.
Conclusion
I am always so excited to receive inquiries for custom pieces. Whereas with my product collections, it is a customer entrusting me to build something I have 100% researched, designed, and executed, custom furniture allows me to play a very different role with clients: collaborator. I encourage you as the client to embrace this opportunity to collaborate with a skilled artisan, enjoy being a key part of the process, and enjoy the pride of owning a one-of-a-kind piece that truly reflects your style and personality.
