Hi, I'm Ria.

I'm a blue jean, t-shirt, barefoot kind of girl who has found her alter ego in bold, sophisticated, elegant chairs and settees.  Nothing is more satisfying than marrying vintage chairs with fantastically fearless fabrics! And if I can't find a fabric I adore, I simply design it myself! The result is practical works of art for you and a ton of fun for me! Whether it's a finished chair, custom work, or just a design consultation, I'm ready to get lost in the fantasy!
 

I arrived "fashionably late" to  the creative upholstery scene after I retired from teaching. All my life I have loved creating. From drawing just for fun, to a photography hobby, to writing everything from poetry to a non-fiction reference  guide - I was never genuinely happy unless I was creating something.  I’ve always NEEDED to create – like I need to breathe! Upholstery, however, had never even appeared as a blip on my radar until I answered an upholstery challenge. I thought, "Why not give this a try?" I was  immediately hooked!

Chair frames present the perfect art medium. They come in so many distinctive styles, allowing for literally endless possibilities for creating unique looks using various fabric  combinations and paint options. Here was something I could grow into a business - but, more importantly, it was a creative outlet I could feel  passionate about.
 

And reupholstering vintage chairs keeps these precious heirlooms out of a landfill and reduces the need to produce more chairs. It's kind to the environment. Ultimately, I’m providing my customers with a unique product – and hopefully some joy and inspiration.
 

Art nouveau, art deco, and Hollywood regency styles probably inspire me the most, although there  are also some wonderful Victorian pieces out there. I look for chair frames that bring something special to a space:  elegant or unusual shapes, interesting carvings or strikingly clean lines, asymmetrical  pairs or smart rattan pieces! I like to bring out the details with  antiquing and paint, gold leafing, or with other refinishing techniques. Let's bring on the glamor!
 

For upholstery fabric, I look for sheen, texture, embroidery,  or an unusual or unexpected pattern or combination of fabrics. If I  can't find a pattern I like for a particular project, I'll design one myself and have it printed. I've even gone so far as to upholster a tasteful, black & white, vintage photo of a semi-nude woman on the front of a settee. (I told you that I'm fearless!)
 

The ultimate trick, however, is to respect the historical nature of the piece while  bringing it into the present day.  These are NOT your grandma's chairs! They're modern jewelry for your room! They’re opulent conversation  starters that never fail to bring the bling! --- Ria