Advice on sofa for new apartment

[Oligarch]

Hi All, I’m buying a new flat and wanted advice on sofas. The flat is a 640 sq ft 1-bedroom in a new development with a loft-like feel (high ceilings, hardwood floors, open-plan kitchen that flows into the living room; big windows with lots of light). I’m looking for advice in choosing a couch and reading chair for the living room. I’m large (6ft 1in, 250lbs) and will be doing a lot of reading for grad school, so need something that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also very comfortable to sit on for hours on end. I’m abroad at the moment, so can’t see things in person before I return to the US in the fall, but was trying to at least create a short-list of brands and sofa models that I can then test in person when back. Any comments on Hancock & Moore sofas? I was thinking of getting something reminiscent of a chesterfield sofa from them (albeit with a higher and more comfortable back) that I can use as the centerpiece of an eclectic design in my apartment. I wanted something with a classic design that could still work with a younger bachelor-pad sort of environment. What do you guys think of the following models appearance-wise? Please keep in mind that when I order the sofa, I will get to choose the type and color of the leather -- advice on that front would be appreciated. I was thinking of going for something in red. Thoughts? These are the links on the manufacturer's website: http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...?productid=893 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1494 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...?productid=975 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...?productid=954 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1578 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1745 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1786 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1890 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1410 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...?productid=868 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1500 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1633 http://www.hancockandmoore.com/produ...productid=1634

 

[cchen]

these all look very old and staid, not sure if thats the aesthetic you want for a modern loft

 

[poorsod]

I looked into Hancock and Moore and they have the reputation as being on the top tier of leather furniture manufacturers - with prices to match. It's good to be King (or at least an Oligarch).

 

[Oligarch]

Thanks for the comments. I was somehwat inspired by the interior shown below (the walls are a bit busier than I would like). Was thinking of having a wall of books behind the sofa, which I was thinking of getting in red or a in a very rich, inviting brown or tan color. I'd like to evoke the feel of a late 19th or early 20th century private library, but with a brighter, updated feel, and with the functionality of a living room, if that makes sense. I'll probably have a plasma and my stereo on the wall opposite the books. The wall on the left of the couch has a floor to ceiling sliding glass door opening onto the outside, while the kitchen is to the right of the couch (a breakfast bar divides the kitchen from the living space). Re: the cost, I've seen some of the H&M prices, and they're admittedly not cheap. However, I've spent the better part of a decade living with various Ikea pieces as I moved from one rental to the next. I'd really like to get something that is high quality and comfortable since I now have my own space. I figure that that way, even though I'll probably end up shelling out something like $3.5K for a sofa alone right now, at least it will be something nice in year 1 and over time will be more cost effective than Ikea. I'm definitely open to other ideas in terms of high quality brands that are cheaper than H&M. I looked at Bradington Young, and while I hear the quality is good, I wasn't very inspired by their designs, which struck me as very conventional.

 

[dkzzzz]

The last one. Make it in crazy color.

I completely agree that it is worth spending 3-4K on a semi-custom sofa. Heck, it is not that expensive.

 

[poorsod]

Originally Posted by Oligarch

I'm definitely open to other ideas in terms of high quality brands that are cheaper than H&M. I looked at Bradington Young, and while I hear the quality is good, I wasn't very inspired by their designs, which struck me as very conventional.

Leathercraft is supposed to be on the same tier as Hancock and Moore. Check out their website. I don't see showrooms though and they have reps. So I wonder if they exclusively supply to the trade.

 

[guest]

chesterfield in mustard ftw!!!

someone posted a chesterfield site here. do a search.

here's a site for more inspiration.

http://www.soane.co.uk/shop/Browse.a...ry=Upholstered