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The true interior decorator > Back
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By Linda Matchan, Globe Staff | April 29, 2004
Responding to the theory that buying furniture
these days is too complicated, expensive, and stressful, a new
subculture of professional has arisen -- the furniture guru, who
not only designs furniture, but helps you feel good about what
you're buying. Two of them -- Christopher Lowell, who designs
for Flexsteel, and Cristina Ferrare, who designs for Magnussen
Home Furnishings -- were on hand last week at the International
Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., selling furniture
and peace of mind.
CHRISTOPHER LOWELL
Things he used to do: Actor, set designer, advertising
executive
What he's doing now: Designing furniture, writing
decorating books, hosting "The Christopher Lowell Show"
on the Discovery Home Channel.
Major concern about American life: "Hypertasking
allows us to do many things poorly. I fear we will lose our spirit
or sense of creativity."
How he is helping: Precoordinating furniture
collections for consumers, to spare them time and minimize mistakes.
"Our mental interior matches our physical interior. I want
to get people in touch with their personal creativity (and) alleviate
the anxiety of making decisions about high-ticket items."
Philosophy of decorating: "If you can put
an outfit together, you're already overqualified to design a room.
You can do it!"
CRISTINA FERRARE
Things she used to do: Model, TV host, jewelry
designer, automaker John Delorean's wife
What she's doing now: Designing furniture, marketing
her new book "Realistically Ever After: Finding Happiness
When He's Not Prince Charming, You're Not Snow White, And Life's
Not a Fairy Tale."
Major concern about American life: "Women
always do everything for everybody. When you have things around
you that are pleasing, you can find yourself."
How she is helping: Encouraging women to embrace
their own sense of style; designing furniture specifically for
women, such as a 12-drawer chest with cubbies for potpourri and
candles and a nightstand that holds a bedside tray, so they can
be served breakfast in bed.
Philosophy of decorating: "It's all about
being comfortable with who you are."
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