Sometimes it's not only a matter of need. If you desire perfection in one or even all aspects of your home, custom items fit the bill. It's the difference between a sharp, good-looking suit off of the rack or a custom suit that fits perfectly and looks it. The first might work well at the office but a custom suit might be a better option for your wedding day, for example. You'll pay more for custom items but sometimes it's worth the additional cost. If you're stuck at some point in the planning of your décor, then a custom piece might be all you need to solve your dilemma.
Built-ins
One area where custom trumps prefab is in built-in storage. You can try to MacGyver a prefab unit into a space to make it look built-in but it rarely turns out the way you want. Custom built-in cabinets by a real craftsman will take into account your display and storage needs (like your larger books will actually fit into the case) and will fit the cabinet snuggly into the desired space. If you're simply putting in additional storage in a laundry room, the first, less expensive option will work fine. If you want open bookshelves to flank a grand fireplace then custom might be the better way to go.
New kitchens can cost a fortune but if you're going to put that much investment into your home you might want to consider going custom for the layout and cabinets. Getting a professional design prepared with your requirements in mind and then having custom cabinets installed to optimize the space will truly provide you with your dream kitchen. You may even be able to use both prefab and custom pieces to create the perfect balance in your space and in your pocketbook.
Custom furniture? Why not?
Having a hard time finding the perfect sofa for your living room? Perhaps a custom piece will fit your unique space and personal needs more adequately. Again, one size does not fit all. Retail furniture is often fashioned for taller, large men and rarely meets the physical needs of petite women and shorter men. You might remember my dilemma a few years ago in trying to find a normal-sized recliner for my vertically challenged husband. I finally did find one but my options in style and fabric colour was very limited. If you are in this predicament or you simply want to splurge on yourself by having a sofa with luxurious fabric and down-filled cushions then custom is the way to go. Places like Elan Designs Ltd can create custom pieces to suit every aspect of our needs. Elan Designs is a local company that has been creating custom sofas, chairs, ottomans and draperies in Winnipeg for decades.
If a totally custom piece is not in the budget you might go partially-custom with a pre-made sofa base but with your choice of finishes. Furniture stores do offer several fabric choices on some items or you can take your piece to an upholsterer where your choice of fabrics and details is almost unlimited.
Window coverings
Custom draperies have been around for decades. If you have unusual window sizes or shapes, custom is the way to go to ensure a good fit and a great look. Again, the go-between option is buying read-made panels and having them customized as I mentioned in a recent column. Whether you have the decor shop customize your treatments or you do it yourself with embellishments, a custom look on windows is a great decor booster that is affordable.
Area rugs
Finding the right area rug for the home can be a daunting task. I've been through this and though I did find something suitable it wasn't 'exactly' what I had hoped to find. If this is a dilemma for you, consider having a custom area rug made to suit your colour, pattern, texture and spatial needs. Places like The Area Rug Store can assist you with your area rug design needs.
Simple custom touches you can do yourself
A good place to start with a custom look that is affordable and doable is by customizing smaller décor items yourself. Things like bed linens, bath towels and kitchen linens can be monogrammed with your initials or your name to add a touch of elegance to your bathroom or guest bedroom. His and Hers monogrammed hand towels in a guest powder room, for example, will provide a special touch of elegance that is easy to achieve. Monogram lettering can be used to customize items like simple cafe curtains. Use the lettering to add whimsical words like Paris or Cafe in an elegant script for your bistro kitchen. .
If you're feeling stuck in any aspect of your decorating process, stop and take stock of why that might be. I usually find that there is a reason why things are working out the way I want. Sometimes it's a matter of patience but it may just be that you need something special for your needs. If can't find any solutions in the stores, look at the options for going custom. It might be the answer you've been looking for.
