cGiving up custom furniture may seem like a daunting and extravagant task, but there are many practical reasons to do it. Bespoke furniture and storage solutions can transform your home, making the most of every available space to help it function better and look more stylish. With the right mindset and craftsman, the commissioning process can be simple and incredibly rewarding, resulting in a unique future family heirloom.
This week, I turned to Alexander and Helen Shepel, the duo behind multi-brand design studio and bespoke furniture manufacturing company: Shepel. With more than a decade of experience creating what they call “functional and deeply personal art,” Alexander explains here how to order custom furniture and the benefits it can bring.
Why should you invest in custom furniture?
Alexander begins: “By making it bespoke, you can create pieces that perfectly suit your unique tastes, needs, lifestyle and environment. While one-of-a-kind pieces can be expensive compared to mass-produced furniture, the quality and longevity of handmade items will far outlast high-street options.”
Kitchen cabinets top the list in custom design, maximizing every inch of storage space.
(Shepel)
He adds: “A custom-made piece can be the answer to practical problems, such as unusual designs. We often craft joinery to solve design dilemmas that cannot be resolved with existing parts available on the market. Commissioning something handmade also presents the opportunity to support a maker you believe in and support a small business, rather than a “quick furniture” maker.
For which items should you prioritize personalization?
“Furniture, like kitchen cabinets and cabinets, tops the list when it comes to investing in custom design,” says Alexander. “When tailored to your home, they can extend to the ceiling and fit into awkward corners, maximizing every inch of storage space and helping you stay more organized, while syncing perfectly with your existing design style.”
Bespoke pieces will perfectly fit your unique tastes, needs, lifestyle and environment.
(Shepel)
What key information should I have ready when approaching a manufacturer?
He explains: “A good furniture maker will take care of everything, personally visiting your space to take all the necessary measurements and get to know your style. We determine the appropriate scale and size for your piece based on the room layout and your personal preferences. For shelves, cabinets and dressers, consider what you plan to store inside. “This will guide our plans for shelf heights and drawer sizes.”
You should keep an open mind throughout the process and embrace creative experimentation.
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How can I articulate my vision in a design brief?
Alexander says: “One of the important parts of our work is to identify the client's wants and needs through a conversation about their habits and hobbies. We will ask you exactly where the piece is going to go and what functions it should fulfill. We'll ask you things like, do you anticipate this item being used a lot or being more ornamental?
Commissioning a custom piece is asking an artisan to create something new, entirely for you.
(Shepel)
“Next, we'll explore your personal style and aesthetic preferences, asking questions like: Is there a period you like or a particular design movement that stands out to you? What materials do you find attractive? We'll ask you to think about other pieces of furniture you've loved and what design details you'd like to incorporate into a new piece. We'll also need to understand how important this piece is within the room as a whole: do you want it to be the star of the show or a functional object that blends into the background?
Alexander Shepel knows exactly what questions to ask to create a truly unique work of art.
(Shepel)
How can I make sure I love my final piece?
“Before the design is approved and manufacturing begins, we provide sketches and detailed 3D models to help you visualize your part,” he explains. “We will also review finishes and fabric samples to ensure you are confident in your choices. Confirming all details in person is key to ensuring there are no surprises when you receive the finished item.”
You will be provided with detailed 3D sketches and models to help you visualize your piece.
(Shepel)
How long will the process take?
Alexander says: “The creator should be transparent about their project timeline. For us, the entire production process usually takes between 14 and 20 weeks, depending on the type of furniture.”
He concludes: “It is important to keep an open mind throughout the process, as commissioning a bespoke piece asks the craftsman to create something completely new. This may require them to master additional techniques or try unconventional materials, which means you need to leave room, money, and time for creative experimentation. But in the end all of this should pay off, leaving you with a piece that is perfectly aligned with your vision.”
