"Behind the Scenes - Bespoke Furniture . . . "

The Abottsford Sofa, SMW Design

Greetings,

When you're involved in living your day-to-day life, sometimes you forget how cool parts of your life REALLY are.  Like when I tell friends of mine that I also custom design furniture  They look at me with slightly furrowed brows.  For people not in 'the business,' the concept of putting pencil to paper (I still love hand-drawing my designs) and having a proper piece of actual furniture several weeks later seems like magic.  But, for me - it's just a ordinary activity at the office - and an necessary part of my ever-evolving home. 

Here is one of my favourite sofas, the "Abottsford" - as seen a few years back - that I had designed for my own home, the perfect length for my drawing room - and extra deep . . . so I can use tons of decorative pillows.  

SMW Design, San Francisco

(and notice that arm chair on the left, you'll see it again in a bit)

But, no magic needed.  Just a excellent (and super friendly) upholsterer.  And sometimes a bit of patience as one determines the proper lay-out of the tufting pattern . . . 

And a progress visit to see how the textile looks on the piece.

I love seeing the look of this ivory silk velvet.  The way it reflects the light is amazing.

And here it is safely returned to my own little home - all dressed for the holidays.

In fact, I'm curled up on this very sofa - writing this very blog - about this very sofa.

This is a new ottoman that I've been working on for a client.

And, another success.  Ready to be installed.  

These perfect arm chairs (vintage Baker that I found at an amazing garage sale years ago) have been in my home for what seems like forever.  (Yes, this is the same chair as that tapestry upholstered piece in the first picture!)

But, now dressed up in chartreuse silk.  With a new fitted back cushion and this time with welting instead of miles of brass nail head trim. 

And here, snuggled into my bedroom - I LOVE this bright textile, especially once it was back in the house!

And speaking of my bedroom - I really wanted something special for my bed.  

A bit of leather.  A bit of tartan.  And here's where the miles of nail head come into play . . . 

And I am so pleased with the results. It is just the greatest place to awake each morning.

At the actual drawing board,

Scot