Custom Process
Designing your space can take many directions. You may start with a very clear idea of what you want and need. The information then needs to be communicated to a company that has the experience to translate your idea to paper. That company could be your local home center with design software adapted for ready-made production cabinetry. If the home center does not have an adequate selection or style to fit your needs or the quality to meet your taste or lifestyle, you may want to consult a custom cabinetmaking or furniture craftsman shop.
At Bayne’s Quality Custom Furniture, Inc., we have the experience to translate your ideas onto paper and to create the finished product.Your idea could be less specific and need further development. There are some cabinet and furniture craftsmen who can work with you to develop those ideas and to make suggestions to help sharpen your view of the space you are trying to dress up or personalize with custom furniture and cabinetry. BQCF can serve you in this capacity.
There are independent design firms and interior designers that you might consider as well to bring a new perspective to your thoughts. Bayne’s Quality Custom Furniture will work with designers in order to fully develop the scope of your ideas.
You may simply have a space in mind to use for a given purpose. Does this space need structural changes? If so, you may need to contact an architect if changes are major. Some contractors and reputable home improvement companies are also capable of making structural modifications. Once the structural changes are handled, then the earlier options are available.
Custom cabinetmaking shops generally do not handle home improvement issues, such as plumbing, electric, or structural changes. Those issues are best handled by a specialist in the appropriate field. The custom furniture craftsman shop specializes in space planning and utilization, materials, finishes, aesthetics, fine details, joinery, hardware, and the many options and details for the functionality and appearance of your cabinetry.
It doesn’t matter if your ideas are vague sketches or magazine clippings, or carefully detailed drawings or photos. Bayne’s Quality Custom Furniture, Inc. is able to work with you.
Start by identifying your needs:
What is it? Do you have a closet that needs more hanging
space, shelving or drawers? Do you need an entertainment center for a
new television, audio equipment, or a game system? Do you need a formal
library, a den, a fireplace mantle, or wainscot to dress up a dining
room?
Select features:
Do you need drawers, doors, open display, shelving, space for future expansion, etc.
Define the space:
Determine the parameters of the space you plan to use for the project.
Design:
What look do you want? Is it contemporary, traditional,
Victorian, country, etc? What do these terms mean to you, and do they
mean the same to the cabinetmaker?
Put your thoughts on paper.
This process could be as simple as a note pad with your
ideas scribbled down over time or a detailed list with specific
dimensions or a carefully sketched drawing.
Gather photos from magazines, catalogues, historical
books, etc. that help to convey the details, the feeling, or the tone.
Budget:
Give some real thought to the amount you wish to invest
into the project. As you begin to talk to a professional, the budget
will help to determine whether your goal is achievable. Managing
realistic goals save design time.
Contacts:
Talk with friends who may have had work done. Were they pleased? What issues did they encounter? What positive experience did they have? Would they recommend the craftsman?
Contact professionals. Many professionals and craftsmen will meet with you for a no-obligation introductory meeting. Use the time wisely to give as much information as you can and evaluate any feedback. Were you able to get your ideas across? Did you get good feedback? You should come away from the meeting with new input that will help in further planning. There may be a lot of questions that you will have to consider.
Interior Designers
Advantages:
Experienced in balancing styles and colors.
Often able to recommend experienced craftsmen to complete your project.
May have been trained in many aspects of aesthetics, space planning, proportion, lighting, etc.
Disadvantages:
Once you begin, there will be a fee associated with each consultation.
Architectural Design Firms
Advantages:
Can work with you on proportions and structural changes.
Can provide overall concept or view of your projects.
Disadvantages:
Typically, do not specialize in providing interior details of finishes and cabinets.
The cost of designing minor structural changes could exceed your budget.
Home Improvement Contractors
Advantages:
A reputable home improvement contractor can handle most
small structural changes as well as coordinate with electrical and
plumbing sub-contractors.
Able to provide recommendations and obtain necessary permits for construction.
Disadvantages:
Generally not experienced with interior design.
Options often limited to stock pre-made production cabinetry (often from retail home centers).
Many home improvement contractors operate without credentials. Verify
that the contractor has proper licenses for performing the work and seek
recommendations from a reliable source.
Custom Cabinet and Furniture Maker
Advantages:
Can work with your ideas to help design your cabinetry and millwork.
Familiar with products available for cabinet interiors.
Can help mix existing component parts with custom work to meet specific needs or to save labor cost.
Can often identify and match existing details, materials, and finishes.
Has knowledge of a wide range of materials that will give you choices in appearance as well as cost.
Many will provide design drawings as part of the cost of the project.
Can eliminate cost of other professionals when structural changes are not necessary.
Disadvantages:
Many shops specialize in limited areas.
Difficult to determine level of expertise.
Expense varies.
Selecting a Custom Cabinet or Furniture Maker Shop
Discuss your project with the custom cabinetmaker or
furniture maker. The representative should acknowledge being able to
meet your needs and be able to understand the parameters of the project.
Insist on seeing examples of the shop’s work. The best way to judge a
shop is through personal recommendations from family, neighbors, and
friends or business associates. An established shop should have an
extensive photo or video portfolio. Additionally, ask for endorsements
from satisfied customers, whether any example of the shop’s work is in a
public area, or if any projects have been published in a magazine or
newspaper.
