Custom furniture: The key to elevated interiors

Written by

26 January 2025

•

3 min read

Customisable furniture has the power to transform a space, adding that elusive quality that makes a room elegant, sophisticated, and perfectly proportioned. Here’s how bespoke designs can elevate your interior.

Sometimes you just can’t put your finger on why a particular room has that je ne sais quoi— the unique quality that makes it more stylish, sophisticated and perfectly comfortable. If you ever encounter this feeling in a room, certain key pieces in the room have likely been tailored specifically for the space. Customised furniture has the power to transform a room, seamlessly elevating the interior and enhancing the overall design of the space.

To understand the types of customisations possible, we spoke to Chelsea Back, an Interior Designer at DA Lewis Furniture, a New Zealand specialist in customisable, high-quality furniture since 1946.

The Tuscany sectional sofas are a customisable design available at DA Lewis.

Expert craftspeople upholster all of DA Lewis' customisable designs.

The art of customising furniture

The design of a sofa, for example, looks deceptively simple at first glance, but there are so many elements that go into choosing the look, feel, texture, colour, shape, and function of this essential piece of lounge furniture. According to Chelsea, the process starts with a personalised consultation, either in the DA Lewis showroom or at your home.

“When a client visits us to explore a sofa from our customisable collection, we start with an in-depth consultation to understand their needs, preferences, and lifestyle. We discuss size, style, fabric, colour, and any modifications they’d like,” says Chelsea.

After selecting a sofa style, clients can choose the ideal size and configuration for their space—whether it’s a classic sofa, sectional, chaise lounge, or sofa bed. Options extend to leg types and heights, with choices like metal, wood, or tapered designs. Comfort is also tailored, with varying levels of cushion firmness available.

“Our sofas can be further personalised with decorative details like studs or a valance, allowing clients to create something truly unique,” adds Chelsea.

DA Lewis has a range of high quality upholstery fabrics to choose from.

Visit the showroom to explore customisable designs.

The importance of fabric choice

DA Lewis offers a wide range of premium fabrics, including leather, linen, and velvet, enabling clients to reflect their personal style.

“Selecting the right fabric is crucial. It ensures the piece not only suits the space but also stands the test of time,” says Chelsea. “We guide our clients through colours, textures, and cushion options to enhance the overall aesthetic and comfort.”

The Dexter customisable collection from DA Lewis offers a sophisticated aesthetic.

Trends in Custom Furniture for 2025

While customisation allows for unique expression, Chelsea highlights key trends emerging for 2025:

Functional comfort: Sofas with a chaise remain popular for their versatility and comfort. Matching ottomans are also in demand, offering additional seating and serving as footrests or coffee tables. Bold patterns and colours are often used to make these pieces stand out.
Sustainability: As environmental consciousness grows, clients are leaning towards eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled fabrics. Locally crafted furniture reduces environmental impact and supports New Zealand’s skilled craftspeople.

“Choosing a locally made piece ensures longevity, with the option to re-cover and refresh it in the future, rather than discarding it,” Chelsea notes. “These pieces become treasured parts of the home for years to come.”

Explore customisable furniture from DA Lewis Furniture