The sectional hunt for the playroom was a bit of a rollercoaster but it ended in such a happy place. None of it will make sense though without this extremely awful photo of our downstairs. Let’s call this the before photo.
I use this photo I dug up on my phone because you can see where the “playroom side” lights and table are as a reference. The built-ins/television will be on that far wall with a sectional facing it. That was the dream. We just had to find the perfect one with the perfect configuration in the perfect size for a reasonable price. Cue nervous laughter.
This H2 Design + Build space is serving as a big inspiration for our downstairs. And the sofa with 2 chaises seemed perfect for our setup. Everyone would be facing the screen while still providing the extra feet-up comfort x 2. We have no problem paying a reasonable price for a good quality sofa that will last, but we checked everything from Restoration Hardware (the price literally knocked the wind out of me) to Crate & Barrel since we already know we love their Lounge (but the sizing was all wrong for this space). Finally, I ended up on Yellow Brick Home’s site (turns out, Kim is always my answer to everything!) after a search for affordable custom sectionals. She did a whole post about Interior Define, a company revolutionizing quality, custom upholstery at an attainable price.
They have a flagship store front in Chicago (another to open in NY later this year!), so Kim and Scott were able to see and lounge first hand and I’m so glad because she took these photos (below) of their Ainsley sofa that struck a heartstring–that piping!
Of course, it wasn’t exactly what we needed, but could they put another chaise on the other side? Could they make it around 155″ wide (the space budget we were working within). How “custom” were these custom sofas? I emailed them and the same day I got a response back that they could check off all the items on our wish-lists, and for a steal! Through its online focus and made-to-order approach (leading to no inventory overhead), Interior Define is able to serve customers with an exclusive custom furniture experience at an attainable price point (generally 30% to 40% less than comparable brands). Which meant, our dream Ainsley sectional in exactly the right dimensions and configuration was less than any other sectionals we had already seriously looking at.
The next step was picking our fabric. They offer complimentary swatches of all their fabric options (they came about 3 days later) and although I was pretty sure I wanted something gray, Chris tossed in a few varying options just in case.
TOP ROW Heavy Cloth Midnight Blue, Pebble Weave Zinc, Pebble Weave Storm, Linen Blend Pewter, Performance Felt Evergreen BOTTOM ROW Basketweave Stone, Performance Felt Ash, Pebble Weave Dove, Heavy Cloth Natural, Heavy Cloth Ivory
The Pebble Weave in Dove (bottom row, center) was a nice warm gray with some variance–always a plus when kids are involved!–had a lot of texture to it but still felt extremely soft. It was the winner! Our sectional came to about $3500, but they have really beautiful custom sofas beginning at just $900, including white glove delivery, a 365 day return policy, and a dedicated service concierge!!!
Full disclosure: Since getting in touch with Interior Define a few weeks ago, they’ve asked us to partner with them. We truly loving the service they provided and are really pinching ourselves about the custom sofa headed our way. This also means there is a big fat giveaway for you as soon as our sectional arrives. Can’t wait! Now for some throw pillow shopping. :)
I am interested in ordering/creating the same sofa sectional that you have selected. It’s just what we’re looking for. what is the nae of the sofa so that I can reference it to Interior Design. Thanks so much for sharing and I love your blogs and Instagram pics. The’re so inspiring.
I want to buy our sectional by tomorrow because of their sale going on and have been using your blog as a checklist! It is wonderful. One question though, what type of cushion fill did you choose?? The standard, the double down, or the down alt.? I have no idea what to pick! Please help ????????
We’ve always done their standard fill.
I’m in the market to buy a couch and I want the Pebble weave in dove as well! I see thats what you purchased. Can you please describe any issues you’ve had with it? The designer told me this fabric is harder to keep clean and i worry about the cotton/ linen blend wearing and being fuzzy. Can you please email me? Interior Defines sale ends tomorrow so a response sooner than later would be MUCH APPRECIATED!
Sincerely,
Jaclyn
Ours still looks good as new! We don’t allow our large dog on it (claws would be problematic for this fabric) but our little ones are all over it.
Thank you so much for your quick response! Did you treat or scotch guard your couch with anything to help with preventing stains? We don’t have any animals or kids, but spills seem to inevitably happen.
I’m sad to see such negativity from readers posted towards Julia. If she was creative enough to start such an inspiring blog and get sponsors more power to her. Her blogs have greatly helped me lean towards different directions. My husband and I are DIY’ERS and in the process of building our own home. When I say DIY I mean build and frame every wall in our home, drywall, countertops, flooring, paint, plumbing etc. Julia has been a huge inspiration to me. I never knew about Interior Define prior to reading her blog, and I am now inspired to save a few extra pennies to get a mid-priced sectional on their website. Thank you Julia for all of your tutorials and blog posts. I enjoy reading each and every one.
Just a follow up question… I’ve been looking at Interior Define a lot since this post and I’m really thinking about pulling the trigger on a massive sectional for our family room in 2017. I’ve looked at swatches, and I really like the choices. My only concern is the cleaning/care instructions. Several choices mention that they cannot be cleaned with water, including the pebble weave you chose, and I’m wondering how that’s held up with kids and pets? If you spill water (or basically any beverage, really) does it leave a terrible stain? What do you use to spot treat?
We’ve wiped up our couch with no issue at all. Although Interior Define does have fabric options that are more wipeable than others. And a little bird told me, that they are coming out with more fabrics REALLY soon for kids and pets specifically.