Some couches can put you at ease instantly.
The comfort factor could be why Karan Johar seemingly manages to get celebrities to drop their guard on his talk show, albeit momentarily.
But remember when families could bond over a nailbiter of a cricket match, or binge-watch movies together?
Distracted into seclusion by our phones, it is now more necessary than ever to turn whatever little family and friends time we can afford into a comfortable, and a happy experience.
This is what Create Your Couch (CYC), a bespoke three-year-old furniture brand that customises couches, intends to do.
Its founders, siblings Arjun Thomas and Amrita Thomas Modi, believe that a couch is often the single focal point of a living room.
“Most people want to figure out a couch first, before they add other elements to the room. Decisions are often made around it,” says, Arjun, 37, who was formerly a product strategist in the tech industry.
“When the family gathers to watch a game on TV, or to just chat, you should be able to put your feet up and sink in to your favourite couch that is designed, and created by you,” he adds.
Though it started as an online venture, CYC has now found a home at The Purple Turtles store.
“The idea is to let a discerning customer touch and feel the product, take his or her time in making a decision, and collaborate on a quality product,” says Arjun.
Customisation options range from the couch’s dimensions, fabric templates, polish furnishes, and the softness of the couch (which gives the “sinking in” feeling).
“We’re also teaming up with designers, including Krsnaa Mehta of India Circus, who has collaborated with us on a line of fabrics with his signature prints,” says Amrita, 33, a qualified architect from CEPT University, Ahmedabad.
Customisable fabrics range from linen, velvet and chenille, and a line with delicate embroidery, and quirky prints of elephants and cows to add a touch of whimsy.
Frameworks can be customised in walnut, oakwood, steel, light teakwood and more.
CYC service is available at The Purple Turtles, Chamiers Road. ₹23,000 onwards.