This is the third episode in our Design Basics Series, and today we are talking about furniture! Like most people, we had a shoestring budget when we were just out of college and freshly married. We bought plenty of furniture that was function over form and super cheap, but we found that those things really aren’t built to last. As we’ve grown our business and worked with talented carpenters/woodworkers like Kyle Levy of Broken Compass Woodworking (remember episode 8?), our appreciation for the fine craftsmanship of quality furniture has really grown. There is a time and a place for places to invest in quality and places where you might not want to. It’s important to think of your furniture as an investment rather than just an expense. We hope that this episode helps you think through your own home and how you can best invest in pieces that will last.

Timestamps

02:52 - Dad Joke of the Week

04:00 - Introducing Furniture

04:52 - The evolution of our appreciation for quality, well-made furniture. Growing up, our parents had quality and beautiful furniture, but we didn’t really understand the difference between quality-made furniture and cheap furniture. 

06:42 - Good, Fast Cheap - Everybody wants all three, but you can usually only pick two when it comes to furniture. 

8:40 - A couple of things that shifted our perspective on the value of quality furniture. 

• (1) Working with quality woodworkers like Kyle Levy at Broken Compass Woodworking

• (2) Going to High Point Market

“If you get a good piece of quality furniture, it can truly last a lifetime.”

12:51 - There is a time and a place for places to invest in quality and places where you might not want to. It’s important to think of your furniture as an investment rather than just an expense. 

14:45 - 8 questions we recommend you ask yourself when you’re buying new furniture.

15:00 - How long do you want to keep this?

15:35 - Where is it made?

16:28 - How is it made?

17:28 - What are the materials used to build?

You really just need to do your research so you know what you’re getting when you’re purchasing furniture - especially with the materials. 

21:32 - How is the customer service of the company?

Quality customer service generally indicates quality products. 

24:00 - Will it fit correctly into my space?

Measure twice, buy once.

25:45 - Is new really the best way to go, or should I be looking for something that’s used or antique?

27:25 - What about something custom?

29:25 - Things We’re Loving

• Jeremy - The gallery wall above my desk (be sure to check out my post about it!)

• Chandler - Homemade pizza on the grill