Designing Your Dream Piece, Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start

Upholstered furniture plays a central role in how a room looks, feels, and functions — so don’t settle for just anything. Whatever the piece, it should be something you love. If you find something in the showroom that speaks to you, that’s fabulous (and means you can take it home quickly, without the wait of a custom piece!). But if you have a specific vision — or want something tailored to your taste and space — custom is the way to go.

Still, we know that dreaming up a custom piece can feel a little overwhelming. You might know what you like, but not how to bring it all together — or maybe you’ve heard we do this kind of thing but haven’t been sure where to start. That’s what we're going to talk about today!

Whether you’re starting with an existing room, a fabric, inspiration photos, or a completely blank slate, our team is here to help you make thoughtful decisions — and create something that feels distinctly yours.

Start with the Essentials

It’s easy to get caught up in fabric choices, accessories, and all the layers your space might need, but all the pretty details mean nothing if you fall in love with pieces that won’t fit in your space (or you and your lifestyle)! Going into a project, large or small, give yourself a little time to think through how you use a piece or space and how it needs to work for you going forward. Knowing minimum and maximum dimension requirements, potential challenges (from long periods of direct sunlight to small doorways that might prevent a piece from moving through) and budget are all helpful things to consider from the start. 

Select the right textiles

The right material sets the tone. It shapes how a piece lives in your home, how it feels to the touch, how it complements the rest of your space, and how it will withstand being used and loved over time. But how do you know which is the right one for your piece, space, and lifestyle?  

We can help you navigate the options in our design studio, where we have a vast library of fabrics and leathers — everything from soft, neutral linens to bold, saturated velvets, playful patterns, and high-performance blends (and even performance leathers). We’ll guide you through the pros and cons of different fibers, talk scale and tone, and help you find a fabric that works best for you.

Make It Yours with Custom Details

This is where the real fun begins and creative juices start to flow! If you’ve ever looked at a piece and wished it packed just a little more punch or personality, this is your chance to turn up the volume on your own pieces.

It’s easy to see a finished space or piece of furniture and know you love it, but when it comes down to verbalizing what, exactly, it is that you love about it, it can become more difficult. And, how do you turn images and elements that you love into an inspired space or piece that’s uniquely your own? We’re here to help! We can ask the right questions to zero in on the bits and pieces that you’re drawn to, and assist in pulling together your own unique mix of elements to create the finished piece or space you’ve envisioned.

We can walk you through options and help guide you in the direction you want to go, whether you feel like the path is clear and straight forward or a bit of a winding road. We’re here for the journey either way and are honored to be part of it. Need some ideas to get your design gears turning? Here are customizable elements we love to showcase in the shop.

Contrast piping or trim that draws the eye and defines the silhouette.

Base and skirt styles —there are options aplenty and little tweaks can yield major style, like adding trim to a sofa base or a pleated skirt for a formal traditional touch.

Back cushion or seat accents, such as trim, contrasting fabric, flanged edges, and more.

Arm shape, seat depth, and cushion fill — all of which can be tailored to your taste.

You don’t need to know the lingo or have the vision fully formed — we’ll help you shape it as we go.

The Finishing Touches

We’ll help you tie your piece into your space beautifully by thoughtfully considering existing elements from the start.  The photos, measurements and swatches you bring to your initial design appointments ensure that your selections are working towards a cohesive completed space.

Need those last few finishing touches? Add pillows made from our in-stock or special-order fabrics (and by hand in our on-site workroom), layer in a throw, or pop in an accent table next to it to complete the vignette.

Let’s Create Something Together

Custom shouldn’t feel intimidating — it should feel exciting and fun! It’s not about having a perfect plan before you begin, it’s about showing up with a few ideas (or even just a feeling) and working with us to bring it to life.

Whether you’re dreaming of something bold and expressive or soft and subtle, we’re here to help — and now through July 15, it’s the perfect time to begin: enjoy 20% off all in-stock and custom upholstered furniture.

We recommend making an appointment with one of our designers — in person or virtually — to get started. And doing so sooner rather than later means you’ll be able to take full advantage of the sale. We can’t wait to help you create something that feels just right! Until next time – Happy Designing!