Common Custom Furniture Mistakes Part2

As we shared in a previous post, ordering custom furniture for a client (or any custom furnishings) can lead to issues for interior designers and furnishing dealers. Having clarified the difference between “personalized” and custom furnishings, Part Two in this series will focus on choosing the right vendor and ensuring that function is as important as form in your choices.

Choose the Right Custom Furniture Vendor

It goes without saying that TD Fall is the right vendor for your custom furnishing needs because we only work with the finest lines and furniture builders. We’ve done the research and found some of the most creative craftsmen and luxury furnishing companies available.

“It doesn’t matter how much it costs or how gorgeous the sketches [are], custom furniture will always fall short if it’s not in the hands of a qualified, reliable vendor.” (ArchitecturalDigest.com)

Of course, this does not mean that one manufacturer will always be the perfect choice for every situation or for every interior design client. Whether you choose a custom build from the frame to the finished product like we might suggest from Michael Trent Coates and MTC Studio Designs to beautiful handcrafted furniture from Leathercraft or perhaps from the Donghia Furniture line of the Kravett family of brands, we have you covered.

Do Not Mistake Form For Function

Just as a cool-looking sofa that sits like concrete won’t cut it, a gorgeous, unique-looking desk lamp that does not light a custom-designed home office properly is basically an expensive paperweight. In other words, the function is as important as the form of any custom furnishings you may recommend to a client.

“It’s quite easy to get carried away with a particular design, simply focusing on the ‘look’ of an item,” says Brooklyn-based designer Isy Runsewe. “Designing anything custom without considering its intended use and context can result in a piece that just doesn't help the space function as desired, let alone as needed.”

To strike the right balance of beauty and brains, Runsewe encourages pros to ask vendors for photo and video updates to track a piece’s progress. “You may think it drives some vendors mad, but many understand,” she shares. “They also want to be sure they’ve created something the clients will truly love.”

As you reimagine any space for your clients, always be sure that the “latest iteration still serves its proposed function.”

And, for help avoiding either of these custom furniture mistakes, feel free to… Contact TD Fall today.

Spring Furniture Market Lines – Kewl Stuff We Saw & Showed

There is nothing quite like spending nearly a week at High-Point Market, whether spring or fall and taking in the stunning offerings in furniture lines, floor coverings, fabrics, wallcoverings, and accessories from the largest to the smallest manufacturer. At Market, finding beauty is a given while creativity and innovation are always a surprise… an almost mind-bending variety of unique creations whether new, old, or an innovative blend of the two.

Here, we offer just a peek at some of the beautiful offerings we either showed or discovered.

Curated Kravet

The tagline for Curated Kravet reads, Design. Click. Delivered®… And, as always, the more than a century-old industry leader lives up to that declaration.

From pillows to lampshades and from accent tables to framed prints and pillows, high-end accessories, and eye-catching décor add style to any space. By using Curated Kravet, you will be able to use subtle alterations in fabrics, finishes, and lighting that will make your client’s space elegant and unique.

Leathercraft Furniture

“I’m into leathuh.” (Thanks, Woody Allen)

What impresses us so much about the Leathercraft Furniture line is not just the incredible craftsmanship; or the high-quality leather they employ; or the handcrafted frames they build; no – we just love the way the line keeps growing. From beautiful fabrics to gorgeous accents and from the perfect trim to beautiful hardware, the designers at Leathercraft keep the line fresh and scrumptious.

And now, their NOW Program promises “30-day Shipping on Select Frames and Leathers”.

Jaipur Living

For 45 years now, the rugs, pillows, and accessories from Jaipur Living have been, and still are, hand-knotted, hand-tufted, hand-woven, power-loomed, and always, always beautiful.

Founded on the principles of dignity and fairness, Jaipur focuses on employing “untouchables” and subverting centuries-old practices and prejudices that had shunned the poor, women, and artists.

In fact, “The Jaipur System removes the middleman by employing a network of 40,000 artisans in more than 700 villages in India, ensuring quality and consistency.”

Kravet Furniture

Lee Jofa… Brunschwig & Fils… GP&J Baker… Donghia… Collection after collection, Kravet offers interior designers and furnishing dealers countless choices in high-quality, designer home furnishings. These choices include the best in designer furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings, rugs and carpeting, pillows, lighting, and innumerable accessories.

In short, there is no need or desire that the “Industry Leader to the Trade” in luxury home furnishings cannot satisfy, in fashion and style.

Well, we did mention fashion and style from Kravet, right? So, yeah, we doubled up on their images. (Someone got a problem with that?)

For more information on any of the lines we’ve shared here, or for answers to questions about quality, innovations, or turnaround times, simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Living Room Design – Seating Arrangements and Style from Leathercraft

What is the purpose of a living room? Is it a showplace or a true living space? The answers to these questions will vary from one design client to another (and another, and another, and…), but the one thing they will have in common is – seating arrangements. That is, whether showplace or living space, comfort and style will be needed in any living room design.

One of our most popular lines at this year’s Spring High Point Market was Leathercraft furniture. Of course, the line always presents well but this year we experienced an even more positive response to the product line than in recent markets.

“Why is that?” you ask. Well, because Leathercraft furniture embodies comfort and style, of course!

Robinson Sofa from Leathercraft (with Asha accent chair)

As the centerpiece of any living room, the sofa sets the stage while other pieces complement it. The Robinson sofa from Leathercraft grabs the eye while inviting one to take a seat and stay for a while. With myriad wood and leather finishes available (literally hundreds of leathers), using the Robinson to set the stage for surrounding pieces will make any designer’s life easier.

And don’t forget the handcrafted detailing, powder coat finishing of framing and internal mechanisms, along with more than 40 nail head choices to fit any look – and ensure the Robinson is unique for your clients.

Asha Accent Chair from Leathercraft

Of course, not every guest who visits your client’s home will fit on a single sofa (and some may not wish to). The Asha chair shown in an attention-grabbing finish alongside the Robinson sofa above offers a wonderful opportunity for you to add stylish comfort to your living room design.

Part of the Project Hope Foundation Collection for autism research, the Asha chair is a socially conscious yet stunning accent to any living room, with comfort as a given. With nearly 30 wood finishes and dozens of leather finish choices, you’ll have no worries about color, texture, or quality when you choose these pieces as accents for your client’s living spaces.

Phantom Recliner from Leathercraft

Then again, for a space that will be used for living rather than showing, the Phantom recliner from Leathercraft establishes comfort as the priority, without sacrificing style. (And don’t we all want THAT!)

Shown here with maple legs and Overtime Splash Pad leather, the Phantom recliner is just one of the featured pieces in Leathercraft’s “Quick Ship” program.

Windsor Ottoman from Leathercraft

With all of that said, and shown, if something truly unique is what you and your clients are looking for, the Windsor Ottoman from Leathercraft surely fits the bill. Shown here in Gator Coach leather with a Dark Roast finish, this prop is available with either a plinth or leg base.

As just one of some 100 ottomans and benches to choose from as accent and comfort pieces, the Windsor Ottoman is merely the beginning of what this 50-year-old leather furniture manufacturer can offer.

It's unfortunate that the demands of time and lack of space so severely limits what we can share in a blog post. What we can tell you though, is that simple numbers of finishes or designs barely begin to describe the variety of combinations a clever interior designer or furnishings retailer can put together for their clients.

Leathercraft Alexandra Chair with Kravet Fabric

For help putting together a comfortable and stylish living room design with Leathercraft furniture (which can be produced with, say, Kravet fabrics if you wish!), Get in touch with TD Fall today.