By: ERodney Davis
A quality sofa can last a lifetime, if one can stomach the initial shock of its price tag. Not only should a sofa be aesthetically pleasing, sofas are essential to one’s well-being since they are the most functional piece of furniture in any home. Take for instance, this Timothy Oulton sofa that was purchased in 2010 for over $5000 (the most this author has ever spent on furniture). Eleven years later, it still anchors his latest living space.
This chestnut-colored leather resting place, accoutered with nail head accents, manages to be classic and modern at the same damn time. It’s also incredibly comfortable and spacious. Having withstood one ex, two dogs, two Brooklyn condos, one non-rent-controlled Brooklyn apartment, almost a dozen birthdays, countless night’s sleeps, and many meaningful conversations with family and friends, this couch is made to last. Additionally, It has traveled hundreds of miles to the great room of a beach house in Norfolk, Virginia, and back again.
The ONLY downside of buying a sofa this light in color is the issue of its occupant’s skin’s oil production. The leather is aging quite well, but it does have “soul-glow” discoloration where its occupants rest their heads after sinking into its incredible plushness.
It’s no secret that well-made pieces can be quite expensive, even if purchased at outlet prices (hello, Restoration Hardware!), but there’s irony in the amount of money one can save in the long run. Quality pieces should anticipate a 15-year lifetime, but with any luck, a quality sofa will live on for much longer–idealistically in a great country home to be enjoyed in summers and on weekends. After all, what’s more country than a worn-out leather chair?
Based in Brooklyn, NY, Davis’ career spans from general market and fashion advertising to model casting to becoming founder and CEO of Basic White Shirt LTD., an agency representing world-class celebrity hairstylists, makeup artists and model/influencers. He recently began cultivating his long-time passion for interior design and is now helping time-strapped clients develop their own design aesthetic with total home and home-office makeovers.
