Top Tips for Getting Custom Made Furniture Right

The dictionary defines the word ‘custom’ as: anything made or done to order; custom-made.  What this means is that the object is a handcrafted item by someone who has invested a lot of time to hone and practice his or her craft. It also means it will be a one of a kind or limited run item, ensuring it is truly bespoke.
 
When this ‘custom’ method is translated and applied to custom built furniture, it means the furniture is not being mass-produced and, as a result of this, it will usually take a reasonable amount of time to create.
 
“When you create by re-using existing materials or objects, you’re drawing on its previous life. Redirecting it, giving it another purpose. There is something special in taking that story and using its energy in another form. It already has a soul present that you just don’t get when creating from scratch.”
 
So, what steps should consumers wanting to avail themselves of a stylish custom furniture designer take to ensure they get their customisation right? www.customindustrial.com.au
 
Expert custom furniture and lighting designer, Durwin Lambe of Custom Industrial has some top tips for those people wanting to showcase unique, hand crafted furniture in their homes.

1. Research, research, research:

“When you’re seeking custom furniture, I recommended you research your potential makers too. Especially when it is something that is effectively made by hand, commissioned by you, usually to your specifications, doing research for a suitable craftsperson will ultimately get you best results,” explains Durwin.  www.customindustrial.com.au
 
The opportunity to see the craftperson’s style first-hand, and understand the type of work they create and whether their products are in line with the home owner’s personal tastes is crucial to a successful customised commission.
 
“Let’s be honest, not everyone likes the same style, that’s why you’re wanting something custom in the first place. Do your research, ask around, view their previous work, and invest in them as a craftsperson.”

1. Understand what a custom piece of furniture is:

Following on from the definition above, a custom piece is not usually something that can be purchased cheaply compared to mass-produced items. Once this is known, people tend to then understand that they’re actually investing in the person or individual with whom they’ve commissioned to create a piece of furniture.  www.customindustrial.com.au
 
“For me, custom means investing in the person and knowing they will deliver something greater than you were expecting. Custom furniture is an investment in quality, craftsmanship and individuality,” Durwin explains.

1. Don’t limit the options:

Durwin’s big piece of advice here is to ‘Expect the unexpected’ and trust, trust, trust.
 
“Remember why you wanted custom built furniture to begin with, so take advantage of the skillset of your maker. Trust your artisan, as they will often bring something to the commission that you would not expect, it may be left of field and may be a challenge to understand at first, however once you understand it, THIS is what will more than likely make it custom, unique and expressing another level beyond what you thought was possible,” says Durwin. www.customindustrial.com.au

1. Be prepared to invest in time:

In the current day and age, its seems society is all about a ‘have it now’ mindset, where having to wait for something is totally unacceptable.  Durwin has some sage advice here too;

“‘Quality takes time’ as the saying goes. This is no truer than when it comes to creating custom furniture, after all if you are going down the path of commissioning someone to hand-make something for you, it’s worth remembering that it is just that: handmade, and it usually takes time. Apart from your item being a one-off, it also usually evolves during the creative process, which also equates to time,” says Durwin. www.customindustrial.com.au

1. One of a kind:

This is really another way of saying ‘customisation’. Having something made to the consumer’s exact specifications is exciting, so Durwin advises people to not be afraid to be bold.
 
“Really go for it rather than just doing a similar version of what you saw elsewhere. Challenge yourself and your maker, you will end up with a better result. A one of a kind. A truly custom piece that will last for generations.”


About Custom Industrial
 
Custom Industrial is a unique furniture and lighting design company and one aspect of their work is re-purposing of old machinery, parts and unusual items into exclusive pieces. Everything Custom Industrial creates is individual, using timeless craftsmanship. Their products are made to last using the best measure of both time-honoured techniques blended with modern day efficiencies.
 
The business was born from a love of the unique and interesting, and influenced by the founder’s family history working in and around the wharves, surrounded by patina worn, heavy industrial machinery. Combining this with skills gained in the building and timber industries, a passion was fuelled for turning the unusual and unique into custom pieces of furniture and lighting that captured the feeling of those childhood memories.

Contact Information

Durwin Lambe

Founder

Custom Industrial

(61) 0438 805 522

durwin@customindustrial.com.au