Custom Furniture
Making custom furniture is a collaborative journey between the client and the furniture maker. It should be both fun and exciting. It starts with an idea for a piece of furniture; what will the piece do and where will it live? Some clients may have a clear vision of what they want – the type of wood, the size, the finish, but most just have a rough idea of a concept or category of furniture that they want to personalize to their style.
I help each client articulate and explore their ideas, we can meet at my shop or discuss this remotely. I’ll then design and build their furniture to achieve their goals for that custom piece.
While developing the initial design I’ll make a number of sketches and provide a price estimate. With a down payment I’ll develop the design and provide a final cost before starting construction.
Designing furniture often includes making small scale models that show different design options. Small models are extremely useful at showing the overall feel of a piece, converting two-dimensional sketched into the three-dimensional object they represent. A model can be seen from every angle, and show what the piece will look like and how it will make you feel.
Through the design process I welcome feedback and will continue to explore design options until everyone feels it is right. Taking our time with this process ensures that the final piece will achieve the client’s goals.
Clients are welcome to visit my shop and provide feedback while I’m making the piece too. A successful commission isn’t one that just results in a beautiful piece of furniture, its one where the client has participated from start to finish and gets a piece of furniture that they helped to create.
Make it your own
Do you have an idea for a piece of furniture that you’d like to have in your home? Start with answering a few questions: What is its function? What space will it inhabit? What style or feel are you looking for? Gather pictures from catalogs, magazines, and the internet of items that you like the look of. Take pictures of furniture that you already own and love. Then contact me so we can discuss you ideas and start the journey toward a custom piece of furniture that you be proud to own and use regularly.