The Custom Design Process
Sometimes the furniture that you envision in your space just doesn’t exist. It could be that you have a uniquely sized space and/or it could be that you simply want something that is one-of-a-kind and is designed specifically for you and your space.
Regardless of your reason, Timber & Tulip can help. Custom furniture has been the primary focus of our business model since the business started, with an emphasis on creating not only showstopping, heirloom quality pieces but to also include an exceptional client experience to boot. We believe that if you enjoy the process, you will love your custom piece even more!
First off, let’s rundown what you can expect from our process start-to-finish. There are 4 key phases:
1./ COMPLIMENTARY 1:1 APPOINTMENT
First step is setting up a complimentary appointment for an initial chat! This can all be done online at www.timberandtulip.com/freeconsult. Pick a date & time that works for you. This initial appointment usually run about 15-30 minutes.
2./ CONSULT PREP FORM + PHONE CONSULTATION
Once you have scheduled your phone consult, you will receive an email with a link to our ‘consult prep form’, which you’ll fill out before we jump on a call. In a nutshell, you will be asked to share the following:
Type(s) of furniture that you’d like to discuss
Inspiration photos/ideas, if applicable (this can be a description, links to Pinterest, etc.)
Dimensions (if you don’t know, that’s ok! We’ll discuss sizing on our call)
Budget (if you’re not sure, that’s ok too! We can discuss high-level estimates on the call as well)
Timeline
Other questions/considerations
On the phone call, we will walkthrough and discuss the above items, in addition to some initial brainstorming of ideas for your custom piece.
3./ FINALIZE DESIGN SPECS
We take all of the details that came out of our phone chat and pull together some mockups and estimates to talk through with you, which is the final step before deciding whether or not you would like to bring your custom creation to life! This is a pressure-free process through and through so when you are ready, we are ready!
4./ FABRICATION & SPECIAL DELIVERY
And now we build! We take a hands-on approach with everything happening behind-the-scenes, ensuring our vision and timeline stays on course, reaching out to you, on an ‘as needed’ basis, should any questions or points of clarification come up mid-fabrication. We have some of the most talented local craftsmen in our corner so rest assured, you will have a piece of furniture that is as sturdy as it is beautiful.
Once your piece is ready to go, we personally deliver your finished product if you are anywhere in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area – making sure that your new piece of furniture is setup just right in its new home and you are fully satisfied. For deliveries outside of our local area, we make special transport arrangements to ensure your piece is delivered safe and sound.
Still interested in hearing more about our process?
Here are a couple real-life examples of the custom process and how it comes to life:
Tom & Justine had just moved into their new home in Excelsior, MN. They were looking to furnish their home with designs that real spoke to them, including a one-of-a-kind live edge headboard for their master bedroom. With their strong appreciation for the beauty of wood, they wanted something that both felt organic and made a bold statement.
After our initial consult, I went on the hunt for pieces of wood that would fit their style and deliver that WOW punch. I tracked down a handful of options for Tom & Justine to consider. They ultimately decided on a Monkeypod cookie from Costa Rica, which was the perfect size and nothing short of stunning.
A few words from the clients themselves:
“The amount of enthusiasm and excitement Brianne had was parallel with ours. She was able to walk us through the design process and was on a mission to deliver the uniqueness we desired.
Working with Brianne and getting a Timber & Tulip personalized piece of furniture made especially for us, felt rewarding and very sentimental. Something that would be passed down to our kids later on.”
Clients Tricia & Jim were looking for a statement piece to round out their new basement remodel. After discussing the details of the project with Tricia during her initial consult, I learned that this piece would sit in the center of their space and be used as a freestanding bar table when hosting friends & family. They wanted something streamlined in appearance but using a wood that had a certain 'wow' factor.
There were a few options that we considered for this piece, but the client ultimately decided on Monkeypod, which is a wood that pairs well with many color palettes and has a swirl in its grain that never disappoints. Sustainably sourced from a company who grows and mills all of their own Monkeypod trees down in Costa Rica.
Tricia describes her T&T experience in a little more detail:
“I called Brianne and we worked through ideas on sizing, materials and design. She was great to work with, quick to respond and patient as I debated the options. She came to our home with wood samples, so I could see the color and grain in my space, with our light and all our other interior finishes.
I loved that she shared updates during the fabrication process; and when she delivered the table, her team joined her to make sure everything was just right and we were happy with the end product.
Every time I walk down the stairs and see the waterfall, it makes me smile. We’ve received compliments from every single person who’s seen it!”
Have a custom piece that you’ve been dying to make a reality? Schedule your complimentary consult and let’s get started! Click here to schedule.