Is Custom Furniture Worth It? Wood Paneling Decisions, Easter Table Ideas & Our Design Win
Custom sounds intimidating.
Expensive.
Complicated.
Time-consuming.
But here’s the truth: sometimes custom costs the same — and performs better.
Why Custom Might Be the Easiest Yes
We’ve priced out big-box furniture made of particle board that costs the same as solid-wood pieces built locally.
Custom gives you:
Proper scale
Better materials
Longer lifespan
Personalization
In this instance, the cost of a retail table was about the same as having a local woodworker make the table. That way Wendy can sketch exactly what she wants it to look like!
White oak samples that we will test stains on so it will blend with the floor. We are hoping to pick up the lightest color of the flooring to keep the room bright.
We’re currently designing:
A custom dining table (white oak, subtle turned legs)
Nightstands
A sunroom chaise
Mudroom cabinetry
And the cost? Comparable to high-end retail.
Custom doesn’t mean extravagant.
It means intentional.
Pillows Make or Break a Room
This might be dramatic. But it’s true.
Oversized. Feather-filled. Properly layered.
Flat filler pillows kill momentum instantly.
If your sofa feels sad, start with pillows.
Check out our YouTube below, and let’s get into it! Your sofa will thank you later.
Choosing the Right Wood Paneling
Homeowners ask us constantly:
“What wood paneling style should I choose?”
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Shiplap: Transitional, clean-lined
An image from our Treehouse Office of shiplap.
V-Groove: Classic, refined (our mudroom pick)
Tongue & Groove: Seamless, versatile
Board & Batten: Architectural impact
Slat / Tambour: Contemporary warmth
An image from our Firehouse kitchen island.
The key? Match the architecture of your home — not just what’s trending.
Our ReFit Design Win
We entered a timed design competition with zero prep.
The challenge: design an accessible ADU using required mystery objects (yes, including a metal triangle and orange flower).
We built the concept around a burnt orange tile and plaid fabric pairing — and ended up winning the DUO category!
Sometimes constraints create the best creativity.
Easter Table Styling Tip
Texture is everything.
Layer:
Handmade ceramics
Linen napkins
Glass
Natural finishes
Add fresh produce to centerpieces for effortless styling.
Your table should feel as intentional as your living room.
Ready to Make Smarter Design Decisions?
If you’re tired of guessing and second-guessing your layout, furniture scale, or styling choices, our Living Room Guidebook gives you the framework we use in every project.
40+ interactive pages with layout formulas, lighting strategy, styling help, and shoppable links.
👉 Download the Living Room Guidebook and design with confidence.