How luxurious it feels to have furniture designed and built especially for you!
Mexico has a massive number of artisans and craftspeople with extraordinary skills, and it is always a pleasure to get to know their work. In local markets, handicraft fairs, and commercial shops, you can find inspiration, and—more importantly—artists who can create something special just for you.
I generally arrive with some simple sketches and measurements of what I'm looking for, and then work with the artisan to refine the idea and settle on a price. Fortunately, in Mexico commissioning/purchasing bespoke furniture is not particularly expensive, and results in a one-of-a-kind piece.
In my latest project, I needed a small cabinet to help define the entry of my small house. I don't particularly like the front door opening directly onto the main room—I like a transition space that marks the change from outside to inside, from public to private, from open to intimate. Traditional homes all across the planet include this feature, but in more modern architecture it sometimes gets left by the wayside.
I had previously purchased a carved and painted wooden screen to provide a bit of a visual buffer between the open front door and my guests within the space, but I felt I needed something more substantial to anchor the space. Also, it's essential to have a convenient drop zone for keys, loose change, mail, etc.
With these needs in mind, I visited a maker who advertises his expertise in custom furniture, Israel Custodio López. I looked at some of his sample projects, and then we began to talk about what I wanted.
I knew I wanted open shelves as well as storage behind closed doors, while the small space dictated the measurements of the piece. I had brought along some rough sketches to aid in the conversation. Israel asked me a number of great questions about what type of wood, style, finish, hardware, etc., I wanted. I knew that with the narrow space I didn't want handles protruding from the piece, so I asked if he could instead add holes for opening the doors.
Israel also asked me about color and finish. I had seen a photo of a vintage cabinet with a beautiful antique green finish, and Israel asked me to send the photo, so that he could try to duplicate the style.
Satisfied that he knew what I wanted, I paid him a 50% deposit and headed home. Obviously Israel went straight to work, because within 30 minutes he sent me some renderings done in his CAD system. He offered two slightly different treatments for the sides and legs, and asked for feedback.
Fast forward two weeks later, and Israel called to ask when could deliver the piece.
Now in the spot for which it was designed, I couldn't be happier. He nailed the antiqued finish and rich color of the inspiration photo, and the craftsmanship is excellent. It is solid and substantial yet disappears into its space.
It brings a smile to my face every time I leave or re-enter my house. It solves a sticking point of what to do with the contents of your pockets as you enter, and demonstrates once again the mastery that Mexicans bring to everything they do.
If you're in the Morelia area and would like Israel to craft something for you, I heartily recommend his work, and provide his information here.
Israel Custodio López
Calle Arnulfo Avila #57 (near the other furniture makes in the Monumento area)
Colonia Morelos
58030 Morelia Michoacán
443 520 1914
