Custom-made furniture on the rise

Creating personalised pieces for the home was once a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets.

But the rise of local Australian manufacturers specialising in custom-made furniture means supplier and freight costs are low. 

Rob Santalucia, ​General manager of Focus on Furniture, suggests the consumer trend can be attributed to the popularity of Pinterest and home renovating shows over the past decade. 

“Customers are researching styles and designs that suit their homes and they often know what they are looking for because they have so many ideas at their disposal,” he said.

There are some easy ways to get the most out of your custom-made experience. 

Working with a local manufacturer rather than interstate usually affords more creative control.

Function should always come before form when designing your piece.

Create a moodboard for your manufacturer, including fabric samples, magazine cut outs or sketches.

Consider working with a manufacturer in upcycling a vintage find rather than having one made from scratch for a custom piece for less.

Choosing to work with sustainable materials like recycled timber can leave you with more than just a clear conscience – it means you end up with a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture with a rich history behind it.