Furniture Alchemy: How We Transform Your Existing Pieces Into Design Gold
The most beautiful homes aren't furnished from scratch—they're curated from stories, memories, and unexpected discoveries hiding in plain sight.
At Studio Garrison, we don't start with empty rooms and shopping lists. We start with you—photographing, measuring, and uncovering the stories behind every piece you own. Because that bedroom dresser might be perfect for your entryway, and your grandmother's chair could be the soul of your living room.
The Geode That Changed Everything
Sometimes a single piece rewrites the entire design story. One client owned a rare, cathedral-sized Tobermorite geode, stunning but homeless. Working with master stone artist Lawrence Stoller, it was transformed into a bespoke kitchen nook table, cradled in custom bronze legs.
But here's the thing about statement pieces: they demand companions worthy of their presence. We added red lacquered Christopher Guy chairs that could hold their own against the geode's raw power. A custom sitting area spoke to how this couple actually lives—comfortable, practical, beautiful. The final touch? A commissioned Wendell Castle three-pod coffee table on an oversized Flokati rug, creating conversation between organic and sculptural forms.
The geode went from "beautiful but bodacious" to the heart of their home.
When Scale Goes Wrong (And How to Make It Right)
The biggest mistake we see? Homeowners lose sight of scale and impact. They scatter meaningful pieces throughout their home instead of grouping them for maximum effect.
Take the antique bergère chair gifted by a client's favorite aunt—a talented milliner. Instead of hiding it in a corner, we reupholstered it with intentionally off-center tufting, a subtle nod to her aunt's craft. Positioned prominently, it became a conversation piece that honored family history while serving the present.
The Art of Strategic Addition
In a 1909 Arts and Crafts home, we inherited a client's flared-arm sofa—good bones, tired fabric. One strategic move transformed everything: a rich brown linen slipcover that honored the home's architectural heritage. Then we added mixed upholstery and wood stains throughout the room, creating layers of character and visual interest.
Sometimes one perfect addition—whether it's new fabric, a complementary piece, or strategic repositioning—elevates everything else.
Your Collections Have Stories to Tell
We love when clients bring us their "problems": the saddle that sits by a desk (perfect), heirlooms that add charm to a hallway (brilliant), or collections they don't know how to display (our specialty). These pieces carry your story in ways new furniture never could.
The key is placement and context. That bedroom piece might be perfect for your living room. Those scattered family photos might create magic when thoughtfully grouped. Your "problem" might be our starting point for something extraordinary.
The Studio Garrison Process: Beyond Decoration
We photograph and measure everything, but more importantly, we listen to the stories. Why did you choose this piece? What does it represent? How do you actually live in your space?
Then we reimagine, reposition, and selectively add. Often, it's far less about buying new furniture and more about seeing what you already own with fresh eyes.
Start Your Own Furniture Alchemy
Look around your home tonight. Which pieces hold meaning? What's hiding in the wrong room? What collection deserves a better display?
Your most beautiful home isn't waiting in a showroom—it's already with you, waiting to be discovered.
Experience the Garrison Process
Schedule a no-pressure chat with Garrison