IF YOU’VE ever bought flat-pack furniture, you’ll understand the problems they create. Not just with the missing screws and dodgy instructions – but they’re made to measure in the creator’s studio, not your home.
And don’t even get us started on the flimsy nature of some of the items you can buy. They might be cheap, but the quality can be lacking.
So just what do you do if you have a dream home in your head, but can’t find the furniture to match?
Bespoke, custom-made furniture, created in Wokingham, using quality materials and to your specifications is on offer from Toutley Road-based Blueprint Fitted Furniture … and even better, they’ll install it for you too. No more agonising over which screw should go into which hole.
The company is run by John and Helen Vickers and its vans are a familiar sight around the borough: the independent furniture manufacturer supplies homes and businesses with unique furniture from the best materials available.
The company, which was launched in 2012, is based on John’s 20 years’ experience and passion for creating expertly crafted pieces. It has a showroom that can be visited offering a glimpse at the quality on offer: mocked up bedrooms, offices and under stair storage show the variety and depth of its work.
And a look through the window offers a tantalising view of a spotless workshop: they might be hard at work making dream homes come true, but they also clean up after themselves.
That’s a reassurance if they’re coming to your home.
It’s no wonder then that the company gets rave reviews wherever it goes: when people ask for recommendations on social media, others recommend Blueprint.
Its Checkatrade score is an impressive 9.94 out of 10 from nearly 60 reviews.
One said: “I absolutely love the fitted wardrobes and ottoman. The fitters were incredible, very efficient, professional and always left the place spotless.”
Another noted: “We are delighted with the finished result and would have no hesitation in recommending them.”
And a third wrote: “The process from the start – identifying our choice to completion of work went smoothly. Blueprint’s knowledge, friendly help, service, quality and workmanship was excellent.”
Others praise John and Helen’s good advice, friendly installation teams and helpfulness.
Helen says: “There are lots of things that make Blueprint different.
“Everything is completely made-to-measure using 18mm woods to ensure it’s nice and solid.
“We’ll meet you on site to measure up, this means that everything fits perfectly. We have a range of doors, finishes, handles all available, oak, maple – you name it, we can do it and produce it in any colour.
“We are really lucky to have a hardworking team of talented carpenters that will turn your vision into a reality.”
And Helen says that the company is really keen to support Wokingham. All of its team are employed, so there are no subcontractors fitting your furniture. Some of these will be trainees that they nurture: John is keen to pass on his years of experience.
“John has been working in furniture since he left school when he was 17,” Helen explains. “At our heart, we’re a family business, shopping with us means you’re supporting the local economy, using a local employer.”
And this support for the community means that Blueprint is a champion of Wokingham, lending its support to a range of initiatives including sponsorship of Wokingham & Emmbrook FC – the Sumas.
Now that we’re in September, thoughts will be turning towards Christmas: how long do you need to place an order to ensure your home is ready for the big day?
“It usually takes six to eight weeks to complete a project from start to finish,” Helen says. “If you want your dream home for Christmas, you’d usually need to book in by mid-October.”
And there’s one other important thing to know about Blueprint: not only does it offer bespoke quality furniture to your vision, it also aims to be transparent about its pricing.
“Some firms will price high and then offer discount incentives,” Helen says. “We’re not like that. We will give you an honest price and no ridiculous sales techniques. We have an honest approach to all we do.”
Its hundreds of happy customers will vouch for that.
Blueprint Fitted Furniture is based at Unit 12, Metro Centre, off Toutley Road, Wokingham RG41 1QW. For more details or to arrange an appointment call 0118 989 3438 or log on to: www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk
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