So when designing for oneself, I decided to take myself through the steps I take my clients. 1. What was the purpose, 2. what are the constraints (what does it have to do; 3. what kind of style was I thinking of? 4. What kind of color and pattern would you like on the sofa given other items in the room. 1. The sofa was to go in the living room and was one of the first things you see when walking into the room from a long entry gallery. It is an open plan room where the dining room is open to the living area. The dining room is painted a different color and has six faceted walls with windows and a chandelier which define the space. But I would like to define the living room space a bit more. 

 2. It has to be as long as possible because me and my partner would like to be able to lie down on it. Also it has to be comfortable and the seat has to be high enough where you can sit down and get up with a drink in your hand! Also, I like high back sofas that support your head and have wings at the end so it feels cozy, almost like your in your own room. So I looked to see what sofas were out there and, while I did not find any that were exactly what I wanted, I found loads of inspiration. 

  

In photo  number 1 i like wings and the long legs, in no. 2 I like the doulbe humped  back  and low arms, in no. 3 I liked the shape of the wings, how they go out and then in. and in no. 4 Iliked the tufted back and the front to back stretchers on  the legs.  I also decided I want one cushin and some nailhead trim.  Also in all of them I liked the high back.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

So I came up with this drawing of a custom sofa for MARK OF MWS DESIGN. 

 48″ high with an arm height of 24″ and a seat height of 19″ where the cushion crowns.  For comfort I chose a down and feather wrapped cushion with a sprung deck underneath the cushion.  The arms are narrow so that the cushion length is mazimized and the tufting on the back will make it comfortable and instersting. It is 7 1/2″ off the floor and has a funky streatcher connecting the legs on the sides and back of the sofa.  I wanted nailhead trim because I like it.  I will add some throw pillows so that you can group them and lean into the corner.  The cushion is about 24″ deep and the sofa is 7 feet long and with a cushion that is 6 feet 6 inches long.   

  

Now I have a sofa that is long enough to accommodate a 6ft 6″ person and enough room to have side tables at either end.  It’s high back will define the space and because the back is tufted I do not need back cushions.    

One last detail, it wil fit  in the door and in the elevator to my flat!  

So now onto fabric.  My first take was that I wanted a wow factor and a pattern that would make the sofa more contemporary given its traditional design.  So I chose a big pattern for the outside of the sofa and a stripe for the cushion. and the inside of the wings and arms.  For the tufting I chose the plain caramel color velvet in the stripe.  The fabric are all cut velvets so they are comfortable to sit on and I will put fabric guard on it so that it will not stain easily.  Also I will order 4 yards extra of the stripe just in case.

  

Here are my fabric choices so far, I am still looking in case I find some thing better while the upholsterer builds the sofa frame and fabricates the cushions and springs and walnut base (about 6 weeks). 

So I will let you know how it goes and post a photo of the final product! 

Whew. 

Mark 

 MWS DESIGN