Why partner in the design process? The Case for Creative Partnership More Than a Manufacturer

Over the years, we’ve often highlighted customization as a defining feature of our work. But more than anything, customization reflects our ability to respond to evolving needs, to shifts in the design process, and to the individual vision of each designer we work with.

Today, designers are asking for more than a set of standard options. They’re looking for creative collaboration. They want to shape pieces that reflect the specific needs of their clients and the distinct character of their projects. Often, this means reimagining one of our existing silhouettes: softening a squared arm, changing the pitch, adjusting the depth, or modifying stitch lines to suit a particular use or aesthetic.

Customized Dali and Bounce ottoman for Designer Jeffery Designs, Pasadena showcase house

These kinds of requests don’t fall outside the norm; they point to a broader shift in the industry. As designers continue to stretch creatively, the demand for flexibility, responsiveness, and shared authorship continues to grow. At Nathan Anthony, we’ve built our process around meeting that demand with care and precision.

Sarah chair, customizing wood finish adding trim application
Sarah chair, customizing wood finish adding trim application

Our ability to do that is rooted in how we work. Because we design and manufacture in Los Angeles, we’re able to move quickly, maintain quality at every step, and stay closely aligned with our clients from initial concept to final delivery. That structure allows us to say yes more often – and to deliver on that yes without compromise.

As the year winds down, I’ve been thinking about the projects that left a lasting impression. They weren’t just successful because they were beautiful, but because they were built in partnership. They involved trust, clear communication, shared problem-solving, and a mutual commitment to doing the work well.

Nadia chair with plaid fabric: 4-way pattern matching (very complicated to execute)
Nadia chair with plaid fabric: 4-way pattern matching (very complicated to execute)

This kind of collaboration continues to shape how we think, how we work, and how we grow. It’s the part of the process I find most fulfilling, and it’s one of the values we remain most committed to in the months ahead.

Full custom bed for an Interior designer in South Hampton

If you’re interested in exploring how customization can support your design work, we’ve created a resource that may be helpful. Elevate Interior Design Projects with Customized Upholstery offers practical guidance, inspiration, and insights from our team on tailoring pieces to suit specific spaces and client needs. To request a copy, simply reach out to our Custom Design Concierge™ Team. They’re available to answer questions about sizing, COM/COL, finishes, and modifications—and to support you in finding the right solution for each project.

Tina Nicole
Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer
Nathan Anthony Furniture, Los Angeles

P.S. Let’s stay connected! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Pinterest. Check out our latest videos on YouTube, and follow #nathananthony, #nathananthonyfurniture, and #upholsteryart. We’d love to engage with you!

The Art of Form

I’ve always believed that furniture should be more than functional—it should be a form of self-expression, shaping how we experience our homes and lives. A recent renovation by Artistic Elements in Palm Beach, Florida, beautifully embodies this philosophy. This contemporary waterfront condo was redesigned to invite more light, maximize space, and create intimate areas for socializing and unwinding.

One of the standout elements of this project is its embrace of sculptural shapes, a design movement that continues to influence interiors this year. Architects and designers are increasingly drawn to pieces that are not just functional but artistic—graceful, organic forms that introduce softness, fluidity, and a sense of motion to a space. The Palm Beach project features a recurring motif of rounded silhouettes, creating a sense of continuity and effortless flow between rooms.

Image from Artistic Elements

When Artistic Elements’ principal designer Katya Thompson reached out to our design team, we were thrilled to help bring her vision to life. She selected and customized our Aethr chair and barstools, drawn to their curved, architectural form—a perfect balance of artistry and comfort. The chair’s sculpted silhouette commands attention, and to amplify the sculptural impact of Aethr even further, she chose an eye-catching three-dimensional upholstery fabric, transforming it into a true statement piece.

Image from Artistic Elements
Image from Artistic Elements

The beauty of our Aethr chair is more than skin deep. Each one is meticulously benchmade—crafted start to finish by a single artisan—at our Los Angeles facility. Built from kiln-dried hardwood for exceptional strength and stability, it’s designed to look stunning and to stand the test of time. 

Image from Artistic Elements

As we move further into 2025, the shift toward sculptural furniture continues to shape the way we design and experience our spaces. It’s a trend that’s here to stay, and we’re excited to see how designers continue to bring these bold, architectural forms to life.

Ready to create something unique for your next project? Contact our Custom Design Concierge™ team to get started.

Tina Nicole

Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer

Nathan Anthony Furniture, Los Angeles

P.S. Let’s stay connected! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Pinterest. Check out our latest videos on YouTube, and follow #nathananthony, #nathananthonyfurniture, and #upholsteryart. We’d love to engage with you!

The Joy of Collaborating

Customizing upholstery in partnership with our interior designer clientele is always an exciting journey for us. We absolutely love the process of collaborating with other creatives, and helping them to realize their vision for a client project. We also happen to be passionate about color, textiles and sartorial details, so we love it when we get to work with like-minded individuals. 

Sure; it may be simpler to only offer a selection of stocked items, but where’s the fun in that? As a trusted trade resource for couturier furnishings, it’s more gratifying for us to fill a niche within the design community and to play a role in the creation of projects both special and unique. 

Customizing furniture isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the entire process. The energy and vision our interior design clients bring to this work inspire us and fuel our creativity. With our designer-partners, we consider how each upholstered furnishing item interacts within its environment and the dimensions of the living space, along with how it will function. This collaborative effort involves our entire team. 

Dutch Model, Sanne Vloet (L), and our Creative Director, Tina Nicole (R) discussing the Freya sofa design before the first “sit test”

For instance, our Freya sofa/sectional is the result of a creative collaboration between Nathan Anthony, Dutch model Sanne Vloet, and Lauren Piscione of LP Creative. Inspired by our popular Hugo sectional, Sanne envisioned bringing the serene Japandi aesthetic—a fusion of Eastern minimalism and Western comfort—into her new LA home.

Dutch Model, Sanne Vloet arriving at the factory for a “sit test”

The resulting design, Freya, features elegantly cascading arms, soft rounded corners, and memory foam cushions for ultimate comfort. It includes large box accent pillows and double-down filling throughout its backs, arms, and pillows. This three-piece sectional offers generous, versatile seating with a wedge and center module that provide a range of lounging positions, including resting on the back rail for casual conversation. Named after the revered Norse goddess, Freya embodies both beauty and strength, making it a standout in any space.

The Freya sofa, final install in Sanne Vloet’s new LA home

At Nathan Anthony, we cherish these opportunities to create unique, functional, and beautiful pieces to be enjoyed for years to come.

Thank you for reading and please let our Custom Design Concierge™ team answer your burning custom upholstery questions and assist you with placing orders. 

Tina Nicole

Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer

Nathan Anthony Furniture, Los Angeles

P.S. Connect with us directly on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Pinterest, and check out our latest videos on YouTube. Or follow the hashtags #nathananthony, #nathananthonyfurniture and #uphlstryart. We’d love to engage with you online!

Lean Manufacturing, Luxe Results

After many years in the upholstery business, Nathan Anthony co-founder and CEO Khai saw the need for transformative change. To deliver greater value to our clients, eliminate wasteful practices, and optimize workflows, in 2016 Khai implemented a proprietary lean manufacturing system at our Los Angeles facility, drawing inspiration from the lauded Toyota Production System.

Co-founder, Khai working on the lean process with the team

This shift has revolutionized our upholstery approach. By minimizing waste and prioritizing efficiency, our artisans can now devote more attention to each piece. Lean efficiencies allow our team to swiftly identify and locate order components, facilitating timely adjustments. Moreover, we collaborate closely with our vendor partners to streamline the purchase, ordering, and delivery processes, ensuring a seamless experience at our warehouse.

Co-founder Tina working on a change order with the team, quick and easy to identify because of the proprietary lean manufacturing process

Instead of mass-producing items that may remain unused in inventory, we build each piece to order, allowing our craftsmen to meticulously handle every detail, from precise fabric cutting to careful seam stitching. This method helps us maintain the highest standards of quality and reduce the amount of waste we produce.

Our artisans take their time to execute their craft, meticulously and with their personal touch.

Under this system, our upholstery artisans have flourished. Free from the demands of high-volume production, our artisans focus on perfecting their craft. They have the time and resources to explore innovative techniques, whether mastering complex tufting, achieving flawless fabric alignment, or experimenting with unique material combinations. Our focus on quality over quantity can be seen in our finished product. We are proud to build heirloom-quality pieces.

Our proprietary lean manufacturing approach fuels sustainable growth, allowing us to deliver exceptional value to our customers while maintaining our competitive edge in the ever-evolving furniture industry.

The first step in our production process is to understand the client’s needs. Do you have a project that would benefit from our award-winning designs and superior craftsmanship? Contact our Custom Design Concierge™ team to get started.

Tina Nicole 

Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer

Nathan Anthony Furniture, Los Angeles

P.S. Connect with us directly on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Pinterest, and check out our latest videos on YouTube. Or follow the hashtags #nathananthony, #nathananthonyfurniture and #uphlstryart. We’d love to engage with you online!