We are excited to be able to introduce you to another one of our resources today. Today we are spotlighting Ceci de la Torre of Custom Creations, which specializes in custom furniture.
How did you get started in this business?
We started in 1976 as an upholstery shop. A designer needed a custom piece and we provided that for her. It became obvious to us that there was a huge gap between re-upholstery and custom so we carved our niche in the custom world of high-end furniture manufacturing.
What questions do you ask before you begin a project? What is the most important information that you need?
Before starting projects, we ask innumerable questions about lifestyle, dimensions, fabric application, cushion fill, spring construction, seat height and depth, space constraints and finish details. As a project progresses, there are typically other questions that need to be answered.
I know that every custom piece is different, but is there a general process that you follow for creating a piece? If so, can you please describe the process?
Every piece starts with a template. We use templates to determine if dimensions are correct. Often, when we copy a design from a photo or tear sheet, dimensions are not available so the template helps us make sure that we’re getting the proportions correct.
What is your favorite part of the custom process?
Honestly, we just love it when the client is beaming from ear to ear!! Our goal is to do everything possible to make sure the client gets exactly what they want.
What is your favorite piece of furniture that you've created?
It’s very difficult to pick out a favorite. Often it’s the fabric selection that makes a piece really stand out.
What type of furniture is the most difficult to create and why?
Contemporary furniture is very difficult. Due to very minimal padding and clean lines, hand-sewing and hand-applying fabric has to be uber precise.
What is the most challenging thing about creating custom furniture?
Sometimes we are given poor photos and some of the details are not discernible. We have to use our many years of expertise to pluck out those details in order to create the piece as intended.
How would you describe your design approach?
Being the manufacturer of custom furniture, we don’t set the trends, we adjust to them.
What is the piece in your home that you can’t live without?
I cannot live without my kitchen island. I saw a photo in a magazine and custom modified a piece to fit in my space. It’s perfect for food prep, catchall and a standing dining area. It’s often the place where we gather to enjoy a glass of wine and share events of the day with the family.
Thank you so much Ceci for being part of the series and sharing more about yourself. If you have any questions for Ceci, please leave them in the comments below.
Be sure to read our last resource spotlight here.
All photos courtesy of Wade Blissard Photography.