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The Hawthorne at Room and Board is very similar and is only $1199 in the stocked fabric--maybe you could do it in leather for less than the Sundance sofa? I came very close to buying the Hawthorne (I actually regret that I went with something else)--it's very comfy and very reasonably priced.

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19327&category=rm_living_spaces&subcategory=sofa

Check out Room and Board's Hawthorne sofa http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19327. It can be covered in a distressed leather similar to shown (with time) for $2599.

Does it absolutely need to be leather?

The Tyler Sofa in Chocolate Velvet from Macy's is very similar - except for the base...

...but if leather is a must - have you checked out Cisco Brothers in LA?

Arizona leather. They make custom couches for reasonable prices. I have a lovely comfy teenager-dog-cat proof one!

Anthropologie!!! Almost all the anthro stores that i've been into have amazing leather couches like this for around $2000 i believe... they are usually one of a kind pieces available to purchase from the store, so they aren't always listed on the website. Good luck!

The Stockholm sofa from IKEA ($1499) is very nice and very comfortable. It looks MUCH, MUCH better in person than in the photo on their site -- and it's more brown than black, the photo is dark. Definitely take a look at it (and sit!) in person!

I second the Ikea (cant remember if it is stockholm) but it has a nice shape to it that would work in a traditional or modern place. I personally liked the cream color. I wish it came in fabric though- Being a vegetarian, non second hand leather seems hypocritical!

Go for the hawthorne, it is really comfortable. It's really well made and I love my sister's!!

Never buy an Ikea sofa! Waste of money (sorry Anna)

A sofa frame should be hardwood (maple/oak/etc) or marine grade plywood. It should be corner blocked & reinforced. It should also have a decent and sturdy spring system.

I really liked the DWR Portola sofa when I was looking. Its not quite 1500$ less than the Kent sofa, but I think DWR is having a sale soon. We didnt get it because we were afraid the cat would pierce the leather but I was very impressed with the quality of the construction.

And the leather was sooooo buttery soft and dreamy! :)

Although not quite $1500 less, the Restoration Hardware Maxwell sofa is on sale for $3700 and you can get a discount if you have AAA. Shipping looks to be the safe for both the Kent and the RH at around $350. I've never seen the RH Maxwell in person, but online its beautiful. http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1020088&navAction=jump&navCount=1

Also, if you have a RH Outlet near you, they may get in sofas. The one by me does get them in quite often. I purchased my table and a set of chairs there for a great price. I received an additional discount b/c I had AAA at the time. Also, they will work with you and lower the price . . . you just have to ask.

The RH sofa looks a bit larger than the Kent. RH also has a loveseat which is $3100. http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1033010&navAction=jump&mybuyscid=3568716895

4ddh--

The RH sofas are from Mitchell Gold, so other local retailers may have access to the same piece at a different price.

I love everything about that Sundance Catalog sofa except the price.

The leather Ikea Ektorp sofa is more on the classic, rather than modern side. I've lived with one and I don't see it as a waste of money at all - it's held up really well and looks great.

I also have the IKEA Ektorp sofa, the sectional to be exact. It has been subjected to 4 men sitting heavily on it for 6 years and is only slightly worse for the wear. (OK, the guys did stand up occasionally.)
I can't vouch for the Stockholm, but I would absolutely buy the Ektorp again. Only problem is that this one seems like it will last a lot longer. Don't fear the IKEA! (or if you do, check out their warranties! A lot of the sofas have 10 year coverage.)

Re: the Maxwell from RH- I was in the store about a week or so ago and a sales woman told me the sale runs until the end of the month. Bonus, at least at the store in Corte Madera, CA they were throwing in delivery at no cost so you may want to go in to an actual location instead of ordering online. I was tempted. Very tempted.

No one has commented on the adorability of the dog on the much-discussed couch (which is lovely). So I will. Who needs to be kissed? Who?

Why pay retail?
Charles Carol Designs is having a warehouse sale starting 3/27. Savings run 50% off or more. They manufacturer some leather sofas. 833 E Third St., Los Angeles

Arizona Leather has a factory outlet out in Chino. Savings are on discontinued and overstock at 30%-60%.
4235 Schaefer Ave., Chino.

Z Gallerie Outlet
1855 W. 139th St. @ Western
Gardena, CA 90249
Information from BargainsLA.com

Find a local sofa shop/designer. We had ours made from a discontinued leather, and spent only 1500$ for a quailty handmade leather 3 seater after some minor negotiating. It's been over two years and we are still pleased.

bepsf - Thanks. I didn't know that. Makes me think twice about some items I have bought at RH now.

I did some searching and found the Maxwell for 3,100 - it's called Maverick by Richter Designs. Same couch. Looks like they used to design for RH. Might be able to find a better price too. Beautiful couch!
http://www.thehomeloft.com/basket/product.php?productid=16226