Creating Custom Furniture

Do you have an empty wall that is screaming for a console but just don't know what to get?  While many retailers have great options, if you can't find what your heart desires, consider getting a piece custom made.  We do this more often than not for clients, whether it be because we can't find the right size, or a certain finish, custom furniture is a great alternative!  When working with a designer, you will get a better price than just walking in off the street, but the prices aren't as scary as you may think, and they quality is usually far more superior than a retail store.  Plus you are supporting local craftsman, win win right?  

Let's talk about some of the elements to your custom furniture piece to really make it your own.  

Wood Species

Walnut: my favorite species! Walnut is characterized by its beautiful cathedralling and warm caramel color.  Not a very hard wood, so make your to consider that!  Character grade has more knots and is lesser priced than select grade walnut.

Alder is often used because it is fairly inexpensive and accepts stain very well.  Knotty alder is more rustic and busy with knots, clear alder gives a more uniform look.

The unique grain pattern of Curly Maple, also known as Tiger Maple, offers beautiful patterns which makes it an ideal choice for distinctive furniture pieces.  This wood is also strong, heavy and hard.

Teak is a great option is you like a more modern, contemporary look because of its straight grain.  It has a warm color and is very durable.

We can talk later about hardware and legs in a part 2 post of Creating Custom Furniture.

Photo Credits: http://takeovertime.tumblr.com/post/41687728895/rypen-modern-credenza-in-solid-natural-walnut, 

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/joystyle-interior/item/wonder-dk150-b-al/, http://www.custommade.com/modern-coffee-table-bench-in-curly-maple-cherry/by/josephmurphy, http://www.creamandchrome.co.uk/product/vintage-1950s-daybed/, 

Area Rug Assortment

There are a few things that I'm a sucker for- great lighting, wall coverings, and a beautiful area rug.  I think those three things can make or break a room.  Let's focus today on the last item, the area rug.  Do you know the difference between the different types?  Let's have a review, shall we? 

Dhurrie Rugs

These are a very affordable option and a great look.  They are a flat woven rug that come in many different styles.  So if you are budget conscious, or maybe there's an area of your home where you are height concious (maybe right under a door swing?), these could be this area rug for you.

Tufted Rugs

Tufted rugs are a great compromise because they are typically made of quality products, such as wool, but because the manufacturing process isn't too intense, they are generally reasonably priced.  They are created using a tufting gun, where the wool fibers are looped in and out of a backing into a pattern and then sheered into a cut pile.  

Woven Rugs

These are created on a loom, and because of this, they can be stocked with many different colored yarns. Both loop pile, aka berber, cut pile rugs and a combination style can be made this way. The loom is the oldest known rug making technique, and continues to be a means of creating beautiful area rugs.

Kilim Rugs

Kilims are produced by tightly interweaving the warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) strands of the weave to produce a flat surface with no pile. These rugs are not the most durable, so make sure you place them in a low traffic area.

Photo credits:  http://cdn.decoist.com/2013-10-30/eclectic-interior-design-style/, http://www.westelm.com/products/abstract-angles-wool-dhurrie-ivory-t1380/, http://www.shadesoflight.com/XH13035,  eBay, http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Tropics-Seafoam-Hand-Woven-Rug__SUTRO1004.aspx, http://blog.justinablakeney.com/2013/08/the-best-boho-rugs.html