ADI, Inc. collaborated with a nine-year-old girl to create her dream bedroom. A passionate equestrian who already plans to become a veterinarian, the young client wanted to wake up and “feel like she was already at the stable.”  The design challenge was to create a space that would capture her imagination, provide adequate storage and evolve with her as she becomes a teenager.

ADI, Inc. began the process by selecting the big-ticket items that would comfortably transition with her.  A solid, hardwood bead board furniture set was chosen — bed, bookcase, dresser, desk and end table — all in a rustic honey stain. The desk chair, a vintage find, was restored and reupholstered.  Baskets, bookshelves, and plenty of draws provided amble space to keep the room timeless, organized and tidy.

The windows were treated with a sophisticated and beautiful blue and cream toile print of an English Victorian Jockey scene.  A softer shade of blue was carried onto the walls and the rustic honey stain was repeated on the custom drapery hardware.  The bed was dressed in cream quilted bedding and finish with a blue silk throw pillow.

A colorful, floor-to-ceiling mural of a horse farm was painted on the east walls of the space.  Complete with a riding ring, barn, grazing horses and rolling hills, the mural adds the playfulness a nine year old can enjoy. For whimsy, it includes a quote floating in the clouds: “To ride a horse is to ride the sky.”

The floors were polished and a soft, hay colored area rug was added for warmth. Riding ribbons, horseshoes, lanterns were the finishing touches, and an antique Currier and Ives horse print completed the theme.

We can use these elements inside the home without compromising the custom look and wow factor we want to achieve.  As an interior decorator I love putting my own twist on the familiar phrase. In my work, I like to reclaim, restore, and reupholster.

Recently, a client requested a recliner for his contemporary living room.  Initially, the thought of adding a typical recliner to that space made me cringe.  But it became a design challenge, and I started brainstorming.  After searching for acceptable pieces that might be possibilities, I discovered that reproductions of the stunning Eames lounge chair were available.  These mid-century modern pieces combine functionality with style in a seamless fashion.  However, the reproduction is priced at about $4,500 and there are only limited fabric selections. I decided to keep looking and started poking through vintage shops. Within a few days, I came across a 1962 Eames replica (picture to the left) by Miller.  It was rough shape and needed a lot of work, but the price was $588 — a bargain I couldn’t pass up!

Purchasing a piece that needed restoration allowed me the freedom to make custom changes.  I was able to select the finish that best suited my client’s living room, and then add details like a black lacquered edge along the molded plywood. This enhanced the chair itself and picked up on a newly restored and refinished black lacquered piano in an adjacent room. Choosing the ideal fabric was another plus for my client, and another opportunity to define his personality.  Reupholstering a reclaimed and restored piece gives it an entirely new identity.  Thanks to my Green approach, my client got exactly what he wanted at a bargain price, saving money and a worthy piece of furniture.

Reclaiming fabulous pieces from the past and seeing their potential is a way to reduce costs.  Look more closely at antiques that have faded upholstery, a dull finish or some cobwebs. A little love and attention could bring out their hidden beauty.  Take a closer look when you pass by items left for bulk pick up. Visit consignment or antique shops. There are many unique pieces with fantastic craftsmanship waiting to be found at bargain prices.  Before you invest in new furniture that involves expensive manufacturing, try to reclaim past pieces and make them present.

Restoring furniture is sometimes as easy are cleaning and oiling the wood, repairing canning or replacing missing hardware.  These small adjustments make a huge difference.  Other pieces might require a more complete refurbishing, but are still cost effective.  I used a great refinisher for the major task of restoring a baby grand piano.  I guarantee it will be worth it in the end!

Reupholstering pieces that have been reclaimed and restored allows these pieces to have a custom finishing touch.  Picking the perfect fabric is essential to bring a piece of furniture back to life.  It provides the opportunity to express individual taste and personality, and gives the piece its WOW factor.

Adding a vintage find into your space is easy on your wallet, a great way to add depth to a room, and gives you that high-end design feel.

The cape-style contemporary condominium lacked a sense of style and functionality. Alison interviewed me and quickly came to understand my tastes. Together we pursued a vision that incorporated my personality into the redecorating theme, all the while being cognizant of my budget.

Combining my love of art and respect for treasured family heirlooms, Alison created a welcoming haven from the stresses of my career, complete with a stained glass window, hardwood floors, a renovated fireplace, and a state-of-the-art entertainment center.

Adhering to an Art Deco style, Alison searched my attic for cherished items from my past, some of which I had forgotten about completely. A one-of-a-kind Eames replica 1962 chair adds the perfect air of sophistication to the living room. And finally, the piece de resistance is the total transformation of my mother’s beloved baby grand piano, a true work of art.

Thank you Alison for creating a home I can truly be proud of!”

Barry S. Saperia
Orthopedic Surgeon
Client: South Easton, MA

“Alison D’Auria Interiors did an amazing job transforming my living room from stiffly traditional and boring, to chic, colorful and comfortable. Alison has an amazing eye, and really listened to what I wanted, incorporating pieces that were important to me, and introducing new ideas while respecting my vision. The room, once barely used, is now both a welcoming retreat and a great place to entertain.”

Lynn Leahey
Editor-in-Chief; Soap Opera Digest Magazine
Client: Irvington, NY

“In a week, ADI, Inc. transformed my cluttered home, into a stylish showcase. For the previous eighteen months, I had been struggling unsuccessfully to get the house ready for sale.  Then Ali arrived.  With her impeccable eye and taste, she quickly came up with a plan that suited my budget.  A whirlwind of industry ensued.  Some of the changes were large –Ali rearranged furniture, changed lighting, and painted rooms.  Some of the changes were small  — Ali revamped tired curtains and rugs, lit up rooms with throw pillows, and re-hung pictures.

When necessary, Ali hired contractors and oversaw their work.  Basically, Ali managed the project from beginning to end, only asking for my input when it was really needed. I recommend Ali unreservedly.  Not only is she a hard worker and good manager, she also has a genius for creating beautiful environments. How would I describe my reaction to her work? Elated, amazed, inspired and delighted!!! “

Anne Salomon
Esquire
Client: Shoreham, NY

Alison D’Auria Interiors, Inc. designed the living room, music room and styled the powder room for a single Orthopedic Surgeon in South Easton, Massachusetts.  The design challenge was to create a space that combined the client’s contemporary taste with a large family heirloom, his mother’s bleached walnut 1922 baby grand piano.  The immediate decision was to work sophisticated Art Deco elements into the design.

The once out-of-place piano became the new focal point of the space. Over ninety man-hours went into its restoration as the instrument was brought to life with a striking black lacquer finish.  All of the original brass hardware was hand polished. The piano bench was re-upholstered and tufted in a beautiful textured yellow fabric.  The seat was finished with brass nail head bossing.  An artist was commissioned to make an exact replica of the original decal.  Original 1920’s sheet music was found at an antique bookstore and created the finishing touch.

For the living room, a 1962 Eames style lounge chair was purchased from a vintage furniture dealer in Boston.  The molded plywood was refinished in a rich walnut color and the chair re-upholstered in a subdued mustard colored zebra patterned fabric.

Existing armchairs once ultra contemporary, were also re-upholstered in subtle starburst pattern fabric true to the Deco era.  The original, traditional brick fireplace was reconfigured: the brick was replaced with polished granite, and the mantel was removed and reinstated with simple beveled molding.  A stained glass window that Alison designed (with inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright) was a complementary addition to the design.  A custom sectional was constructed to properly fit and balance the room.  Earthy brown chenille was selected for the sofa to anchor and add warmth to a room with over 20 foot ceilings. New hard wood floors were installed.

The windows were treated with custom tailored silk drapes and roman shades.  Working from Alison’s sketches a company in Germany manufactured unique hardware. A solid stainless design carried the sleek feel to the windows.

Alison concluded her design by styling with streamlined crystal candlesticks, a glass bust, plants, chrome lanterns, a beveled mirror, lighting fixtures, and a side bar table.  Throw pillows made with coordinating fabrics and her attention to detail completed the look.

The reupholstered, refinished Eames style chair will be featured in the February issue of Rhode Island Home and Living Magazine.