Seating to love
In residential design, seating does more than fill a room — it shapes how people live, gather, relax, and express their personal style. Homeowners want comfortable pieces, complementary to their space, and that support the rhythm of daily life. I work with my clients to specify seating that meets those needs with intention, comfort, and a clear design point of view.
A few classic pieces I love and recommend often are functional, adaptable and stylish and shown below: Vitra’s Panton chair (left) and Knoll’s Saarinen Executive Chair (right).
Things to consider when evaluating seating options
Does it support your lifestyle?
The best residential seating is designed for how you actually live. That means pieces that are comfortable enough for long conversations, durable enough for everyday use, and flexible enough to move between rooms as needs change.
Seating requirements from Clients:
reading nooks
family movie nights
casual entertaining
home offices
multipurpose spaces
When seating is thoughtfully selected, it becomes a natural part of daily routines rather than something that needs to be “managed” or protected.
The Parks dining chair from Ballard Design is well made, comes in a barstool option and two finishes - ivory and chestnut. It’s an easy chair to move around due to it’s quality and style. Stylistically this chair crosses into modern, transitional, cottage, farmhouse, traditional interiors.
Does it fit your personal style?
Every homeowner has a unique aesthetic, and seating should enhance that style rather than compete with it. Designers choose pieces that complement the home’s architecture, color palette, and overall mood — whether the space leans modern, organic, eclectic, or refined. Versatile seating allows you to express your preferences through:
fabric choices
wood finishes
silhouettes that match their design sensibilities
pieces that transition easily as décor evolves
Listen to your Client, understand their want and needs. Take that information, read between the lines and you will give them the perfect seating. When seating aligns with your aesthetic, it feels like it truly belongs in the home.
Does it adapt easily as spaces and needs change?
Homes evolve — kids grow, rooms get repurposed, layouts shift, and tastes develop. Seating that adapts gracefully becomes a long-term part of the home rather than something that needs replacing every time life changes. Keep in mind classics are the best for longevity in a home. Often changing the fabric can give the chair a new life and style.
Is it well made and unique?
Unique options from global sources: Etsy is a good source to find people working all around the world with the ability to ship to you. At left, I was looking for unique wood counter-height chairs for a client who wanted something interesting but that fit the style of her recently updated home’s patio area. It took awhile, but I found the perfect chair on Etsy. Tarang Counter Chair; Etsy: TheVintageRealmStore
Worldwide manufacturing has changed everything. With trends, products start to look similar and you can find an item in multiple variations. I do enjoy the look and feel of a crafted item and there are times imperfections are perfection. With worldwide manufacturing we get worldwide shipping which has advantages for those creating unique items all over the world.