8. Fixing a budget; 

There is a reason I left budget until the very end given that we generally tend to underestimate the cost of home products and services.  There are also other variables that affect your spend apart from circumstance and vary greatly between one project and the next.  Setting a budget prematurely I believe, is introducing a constraint in this instance, that might otherwise be flexible.

Hopefully, the 7 parameters discussed in my last week’s blog assisted you align your vision bringing you to this point.  If my experience of working with clients has taught me anything, it’s that our priorities vary greatly which affect decision-making, especially when it comes to spending habits and the value we place on our home. 

For some, having the latest technology or annual family holidays will take precedence over interior fittings and they will match their spend to suit.  Others may also share these interests but recognise the longterm value on purchasing a quality product and are prepared to wait while time-lines and availability present other decision drivers affecting choice. These aligned with circumstance will inform your spend.

When it came to fixing my budget, the circumstance of a provisional living arrangement plus the addition of a hound, dictated my spend.  While I wish I could state that the #Oliver Gustav model from last week sits proudly in our living space, with a price tag of €12,000.00 I too had to work within certain parameters.  As a design professional, how I want my home to feel obviously holds great value to me but not at the cost of impracticality or unsustainable practice. 

9. sourcing your sofa;    

Thanks to Mr. Gustav, the vision of my style aligned with his and so began my search without a fixed budget and with the luxury of time. I was prepared to compromise but required the informality of certain features including relaxed linen covers to achieve the look I wished to create. Our classic #Ektorp Sofa which had so far endured, witnessed many shared moments of joy buy my taste for a simpler aesthetic, had me long seek a more streamlined version to replace its curves and piped upholstery.

If your vision remains unclear, then the obvious place to start is with visiting a showroom.  Depending on where you live, it may be worth travel further afield to view what’s on offer. If you do intend on making this trip and venture as far as the capital, then please book ahead to ensure you are allotted adequate time and avail of the expertise a member of an inhouse design team can offer you.

Otherwise, refer to your priorities, and look for the details I discussed. Be selective and critical. Do you need to compromise?  What does it feel like when you sit on it?  Does it envelope you or does it feel like you’re sitting in a Doctors’ waiting room? Does it speak of you. Searching and ordering online is also an option but given the many variables with furniture components, it can be a minefield unless you are familiar with the product.  If you find the model for you, then I highly recommend going through a reputable supplier who will offer you their experience and will be able to advise you on your purchase. 

Catherine and Patricia Mcginnis of @wearemaven stock some of the best Irish and European product design (including HAY) offering a vast choice of sofa arrangements with an indepth knowledge.  Emily Maher’s @lostweekend in Dun Laoghaire showcases a curation of some of the world’s leading furniture brands including @delaespada, a favourite collaborative.  Killian McNulty sources rare vintage @midcenturyonline while Carol-Anne Leyden, founder of @cadesign.ie in Portobello offering more accessible ‘inpsired by’ classics plus other European brands.

If time is on your side and you enjoy the pursuit, then don’t underestimate your neighbours’ car boot sale, E-bay or ‘buy and sell’.  If vintage, rare antiques or mid-century are your thing there’s a wealth of choice to be found city and countrywide, not forgetting auction houses.  #Arnotts still remains a popular destination with a vast choice of renown brands and styles including #ethnicraft, #ercol and offering #design project by john lewis at one point. These are just a few of my many stops from past projects.

If you wish to buy into high end luxury at a reduced offering, I’ve recently posted about retail giants’ collaborative efforts with world leading designers including @haydesign and #IlseCrawford for Ikea with @Vincent Van Duysen currently teamed up with #ZARA HOME. The latest partnership includes #Athena Calderone of @Eyeswoon fame for #Crateandbarrell; She is currently offering many sofa variations in her signature style should you wish to further investigate with shipping costs surprisingly low as a percentage of the overall spend.

The search for my own Danish dream eventually ended back at Ikea, Dublin.  Though not quite perfect, I could see the potential the #Farlov sofa model with its singular cushion and narrow armrests could offer my space. While slightly larger than I would have liked, I was willing to overlook certain aspects with its €729.00 pricepoint and reimagined it with linen upholstery and the of removal of its rear cushions. The fact that I was also looking at the last remining model in store meant expediting my decision before getting to decide on the final colour.

Fortunately, my search for linen upholstery brought me to the swedish website #Bemz who specialise in sofa covers for Ikea furniture. While we waited for these to arrive (a short lead time of 4 - 5 weeks) our sofa remained unpacked on our living room floor, waiting to reveal itself.  Despite the 12 year high maintenance and upkeep of white, I persevered for a second time ‘round but am already dreaming of a natural finish for the winter months. If your search like mine should also end at Ikea, then a visit to this site will customise and elevate your purchase, no matter what your circumstance.

Does your dream project overwhelm you with choice and decision-making?