Custom Furniture Design | Get It Right

Our recent build involved better use of limited living room space in an early 1900s Denver home. A recent addition to the back of the house and renovation of the kitchen allowed the family to more comfortably spend time in the living room, yet there was little room for storage or display of whimsical collections.

The existing space informs the design

Taking cues from newer oak slat panels, and the rounded corners on a new oak coffee table, we designed solid white oak cabinets connected by round shelves. Sliding doors were used on the larger cabinet to make best use of the limited space next to the couch. The thick, solid doors slide beautifully in a well waxed groove in the cabinet body. The heavy brass pulls add to the weight and feel.

Are you willing to challenge the design?

Vertical oak slat panels were part of the original design. After reviewing the 3D modeling, we decided to break up the vertical wall space with floating shelves that mirrored the countertop. This gave the wall a better sense of scale and proportion.

3D models bring ideas to the page

Once the units were installed, and in the midst of placing the wall panels, we decided that the vertical slats might be a bit too much. They didn’t bring the sense of serenity that was needed. So we left the slats off and will work to find a different wall treatment - perhaps paint, perhaps complementary tile.

Proper custom furniture design involves assessing the entire space to ensure that the result is harmonious. The pieces don’t need to match, as we elected for this project. But they do need to integrate in a meaningful and thoughtful way.

Proper design also means having the willingness to change course when needed

Even though the 3D models were a good approximation of the final look, only when the project came to life did we realize the need to adjust the plan. It’s critical that your custom furniture artisan be willing to question the design at any time in the process. And that they’re open to your questions.

The beauty of bespoke furniture is that you get what’s important for you. It’s why you invest your time, energy and money - to get what is proper for you and your lifestyle.

Be willing to question your design