KELLY FINLEY
“Finding solid pieces and realizing a simple change like new fabric can transform them into something special is incredibly rewarding.”
The Claudia Lounge Chair | Before & After
Kelly Finley founded Joy Street Design in 2011, and it has since grown it into a bi-coastal, nationally acclaimed design firm with large-scale projects nationwide. She and her team’s work have been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, House Beautiful, and many other publications. Mission-driven at heart, Finley also founded Joy Street Initiative in 2018, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the living conditions of those suffering from trauma, violence, and homelessness.
“The chair's design was actually inspired by the fabrics I found first, particularly the main Schumacher fabric, Binary Order,” says Finley. “I loved that its large repeat pattern offered versatility--you could turn it and each square would look different. It became the main upholstery for the chair, allowing us to create the illusion of different fabrics while maintaining a cohesive look.” She shares, “The chair was initially all black and white, but we wanted to infuse it with Joy Street's signature style. Currently I’m in a pink and purple moment, so we decided to incorporate those colors.”
Finley shares that breathing new life into beloved pieces enables clients to keep furniture they love, adding “it's more sustainable and cost-effective to reimagine these pieces than to start from scratch. The durability of older furniture is remarkable compared to fast furniture.”
