Hewett is quick to remind that custom doesn’t have to mean more expensive. “It simply means tailoring a piece to fit your personal needs, budget or lifestyle,” the Lake Highlands designer says.

Custom furniture can be a wonderful way to make a big statement in a small space, she says.

“Designing a custom tufted banquette in this client’s breakfast room provided us with an opportunity to create a unique wow factor and allowed us to specify family-friendly fabrics necessary for the use of the space,” Hewett says.