Custom furniture makes a comeback

It’s an IKEA world, and we’re all living in it. While big retailers provide affordable, easy-to-build furniture, there’s no denying that there is something special about having items that are yours – and only yours. That’s why custom furniture stores are increasingly becoming the go-to source for furniture and accessories, where homeowners can ensure that there will (literally) be no place like home.

YP NextHome caught up with Gian Paolo Raviele, partner at Ele Custom, a custom upholstery store launching this April in Toronto, to get the inside scoop on all things custom – from the benefits to the costs to the trends.

“When watching HGTV, it’s apparent that people are becoming more design conscious – everyone is looking for something very particular,” says Raviele. Especially in a city dominated by small space units, finding furniture suited to your space is more imperative than ever.

An expression of self

Furniture is not one-size-fits-all; people have a diverse range of tastes, and going custom allows them to satisfy these tastes. “People can best utilize their space and have something that’s an expression of who they are. We’re already doing this with our wardrobes, our choice of brands we sport, our social media presence, and of course, with our living environment.” Custom-made furniture is the best way to express yourself in your home.

Many people, however, are obliged to express themselves within the confinements of a small space. To this point, Raviele explains that it’s also important for people to consider their lifestyle and how they intend on using their space. For example, some condo dwellers will select small-sized or multifunctional furniture to give them more floor space, but other who emphasize lounging and relaxation might opt for a large couch despite their small condo.

Custom – the anti-trend

Answering the question “What’s trending in custom?” is tough, as people often go the custom route to get something that’s unique – something that hasn’t been classified as a “trend.” According to Raviele, “That’s the great thing about going custom. You’re not confined to the current trend and what the market is offering to you.”

But in terms of common requests, Raviele explains that due to the increasing issue of space, most people will want to customize their sofa or sectionals. And since they can’t go big, they may as well go bold. “People are being expressive with their fabrics and choosing more elaborate designs. If they choose a solid colour, they’ll offset it with a lustrous fabric. Because they can’t go big in size, they go big with colour ” says Raviele. “People will come in with a picture of a chair from the 70s and say ‘I want this with a swirly fabric,’ identify the shape of the chair and then we make it.”

Is it worth the extra cost?

Originality is the be-all and end-all of custom furniture. But what’s that worth to you? Many will steer clear of custom because it’s more costly than, say, Homesense. However, as Riviele points out, it’s imperative to compare apples to apples. “The furniture we make lasts longer than most people will want it. Yes, it’ll cost you more in some cases, but it depends on what you’re comparing it to. We’re trying to be a custom line that is going to be more expensive than off-the-floor items at Leons, but it’ll be less expensive than the semi-customizable piece from Montauk. And it’s made locally in Toronto.”

The proof is in the pudding

Ele Custom was recently featured at the 2017 Interior Design Show. The company was displaying a sofa with a city drawn onto it with a sharpie. The sofa was created simply for spectacle, however, after an abundance of enquiries Raviele and his team are working to bring this sofa to market – a true testament to custom’s comeback. Consumers will essentially be able to select a city, and an artist will create it. Everything will be abstract, unique, and never duplicated.