Value

In my guest bedroom sits a quality sofa. It is now fifty years old. The sofa was purchased by my parents, the same year they were married for their first apartment. The year was 1967 and the sofa was purchased at Ridpath’s on sale for $600, which at the time was a sizeable sum.

Growing up in a home where music, food, the arts and a concern for the aesthetic were appreciated, I was gifted the opportunity to immerse myself and learn from my surroundings, something I cherished early on. Whether it was organic, wholesome meals, clothing or a new piece of furniture, my parents instilled in me, an understanding and regard for things created with pride and of value by telling me, “ Buy the best you can afford”. I’ve always remembered this. When shopping for myself or for my clients, it has been my mantra.

It asks you to be patient as well as to seek out quality items rather than purchasing what is readily available, cheap and easy.

In an age where furniture and home goods are mass produced it is far to simple, even tempting, to fill the void by acquiring items readily at hand. This is one of the benefits of engaging a designer/decorator who works with integrity and values this principle.

Sourcing for projects has always been a joy. Each time I set out to research and find furniture, lighting and fabrics is a journey of discovery. However, I am always looking for the common threads in each item.

Value. Quality. Pride in craftsmanship. Authenticity. Historical accuracy in reproductions and antiques and, of course, beauty. Regardless of price or budget, it is crucial for me to provide my clients with choices that are the best they can afford.

In searching for the best of interior items, I have had the good fortune to travel internationally. This has afforded me great insight into the importance and value of both handmade, quality goods and age old traditions that are such an integral part of time honored craftsmanship. From a 17th Century Venetian textile house, a glass blower on the island of Murano, to an antiques dealer in Marche aux Puces – St.Ouen de Clignancourt, to the shops of New York, the common thread is quality, value and integrity.

The sofa in my guest bedroom has now been reupholstered a least five times to suit a new home or to be re-purposed in a different room of the home. Eventually it has made its way to where it has its new place of pride - reupholstered and reincarnated in a new raised velvet fabric, but with the same original soul.