Take a Seat
A chat with Classic Sofa owner Blake Anding
What is your connection to Nantucket, and why did you decide to bring the company to the island?
My aunt and uncle first came to Nantucket in 1977 and planted the seed that has grown for an unwavering love of this timeless island. The respect that they have for the island’s history and keeping things as they once were has made an impression on me and how Irun our business. Sometimes, new isn’t always better and if it isn’t broken then why fix it? Nantucket, to me, represents a sleeping beauty that I always look forward to heading back to because I can count on certain things not changing, and in this busy world it’s nice to know that I can always rely on this island. Bringing Classic Sofa to Nantucket came about when my aunt and uncle couldn’t get sofa cushions and a slip cover made in season. I got a phone call from them and had the cushions and slipcover made and delivered in a fortnight. I realized then how underserved the community was and how much we could help Nantucket residents. In full disclosure, I also relish the excuse to get out on the island more often.
Tell us about your approach to manufacturing. How long does the process take?
Unlike competitors that outsource work, we own and operate our own factory and have done so for close to 50 years. Our master carpenters and upholsterers pass down the trade using Old World methods of manufacturing to our apprentices so our level of quality and attention to detail is unmatched. Our Bronx-based factory produces all of our new custom designs and we have a local production facility on the island for reupholstery, as well as a reupholstery factory in our West Palm Beach location. Many of our employees have worked with the company for over 30 years, so there is a unique cohesion at Classic Sofa that allows for quality, custom manufacturing to happen with unmatched lead times of three-five weeks for new pieces andseven-10 days for reupholsteries.
How do you work with customers on a specific design?
Our design process opens the door to endless possibilities. Clients can base their project off of designs in our catalogue or they can send in a picture for inspiration that we can then reference. Our design team can combine a number of attributes in different styles to create something completely unique. Customers can feel free to bring a wood base from one design and an arm or back style from another, and we’ll combine them into a one-of-a-kind creation. From handmade legs to brass plinth bases, unique tuft patterns, dress maker skirts, contrast trim, bullion fringe and perfect fitting slip covers—our team is capable of creating any design.
Is there any inherent risk in buying custom furniture?
Not when working with Classic Sofa. Our design process eliminates any issues during the production process. When customers work with our design team, we take the time to review their design goals from the aesthetics of the design, to the overall dimensions of the piece and finally to the preferred seat depth, height and density level that fits each client best. After the production details of the style and dimensions have been solidified, our in-house drafting team will put together a CAD rendering for customers’ approval. Lastly, with complex design we offer the option to upholster the piece in muslin and invite clients to the factory to sit on pieces before fabric is cut to ensure everything is to their liking. Most importantly, at Classic Sofa we are always on your side and we never stop working on a project until our clients are completely satisfied with the end product.
For someone who just bought their dream home on Nantucket, or someone redesigning their island home, what can Classic Sofa offer that other companies might not be able to?
The quality that comes from our factory is something that competitors simply can not replicate. We have the best craftspeople in the industry who love what they do and work seamlessly together as a cohesive team. With hundreds of years of combined experience, our manufacturing team works in tandem with our design team to ensure that everything a client wants to create can be done exactly to plan, and many times the manufacturing team will advise clients on a different way to design a project that will provide a better finished outcome. Most importantly, the Classic Sofa team represents love of design; we love who we work with, and we love what we create.
What are your goals for the company on Nantucket?
We are proud to be exhibited at Nip & Tuck It at8 Amelia Drive with Rebecca Tolliver at the helm. Her knowledge of the upholstery industry and passion for interior design equals my own, and her innate ability to work with clients to efficiently and effectively communicate exactly what they would like to have ensures a seamless production process. Her experience and expertise in the top fabric lines also gives Nantucket clients everything we offer in the D&D Building in New York City. My goal is to become an integral part of the Nantucket community where the Classic Sofa name becomes synonymous with quality.
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