In a world increasingly dominated by disposable trends, Pistol Pete’s Upholstery Shop in Yarmouth stands as a testament to craftsmanship, longevity, and artful transformation. Founded nearly two decades ago by “Pistol” Pete Faris, the studio has become a hub for thoughtful upholstery in Maine and Boston, blending meticulous technique with a sense of fun and collaboration. Today, alongside Rachel Schwartz from SoPo Sofa—Faris’s former employee and now partner—and shop dog Libby, Pistol Pete’s Upholstery continues to reshape the narrative of furniture design in New England.
The story of Pistol Pete’s Upholstery took a transformative turn last summer when Faris and Schwartz decided to team up once again. Schwartz, who had been single-handedly running SoPo Sofa after four and a half years of working for Faris, returned to her mentor’s shop not as an employee but as an equal partner. “It’s tough running everything on your own, and it can be lonely doing it all yourself,” Schwartz admits. “When Pete reached out, there was no hesitation. We work so well together, and he’s so fun—it’s been the best decision.”
The duo’s complementary skills and shared vision have allowed the studio to flourish. Faris brings a background in theater set design, where he honed his skills in carpentry, soft goods, and creative problem-solving (“Upholstery seemed like a natural segue based on my skillset,” he says). Schwartz, originally trained in graphic design, discovered upholstery through a series of classes, eventually transitioning her hobby into a career. Together, they create pieces that are both functional and visually appealing.
While Pistol Pete’s Upholstery has a solid foundation in reupholstering beloved pieces, it’s their custom work that truly sets them apart. Whether crafting a bespoke banquette for a sleek kitchen or designing statement headboards that anchor a bedroom, Faris and Schwartz approach each project with precision and care. Their process begins with understanding the client’s space and needs: customers and designers often visit the studio to test mockups, discuss dimensions, and select from an array of materials. “It’s completely tailored,” says Schwartz. “We talk about every detail—from seat height and cushion density to fabric texture and armrest style. It’s exciting to see a piece evolve from an idea to a finished product.” Recently, the duo completed a striking kitchen banquette that appears to float within its space. “It was one of those projects where every curve and angle had to be perfect,” Faris recalls. “The end result was a showpiece that completely transformed the room.”
When asked how they ensure their creations remain timeless, Faris points to two key principles: quality and versatility. “From a construction standpoint, we build pieces to last,” he says. “They can be reupholstered again and again. And while trends come and go, fabrics and finishes can be updated to give a piece new life.” Schwartz emphasizes the importance of collaboration with designers. “They play a big role in guiding the aesthetic choices. We’re seeing a lot of demand for understated neutrals and classic silhouettes, especially for larger pieces.”
What sets Pistol Pete’s Upholstery apart is the duo’s keen ability to tackle challenges that most studios would shy away from. From intricate mid-century modern chairs to leather projects that demand absolute precision, Faris and Schwartz thrive on complexity. “Every project is a puzzle,” Schwartz explains. “Leather, for example, doesn’t allow for mistakes—once you stitch it, that’s it. A lot of upholsterers will add a surcharge for leather because of all the time and care involved. But the payoff is worth it.” The most complex furniture Faris has worked on are “those oddly shaped, midcentury modern, Scandinavian pieces from the fifties and sixties. They’ve got all these crazy shapes and they’re super comfortable, but everything must be sewn just right. They’re a fun challenge, but they can be very particular.”
Their expertise extends to boat interiors, a unique coastal Maine niche requiring materials and techniques that withstand harsh marine conditions. “Everything on a boat has to be functional and durable,” Faris says. “We work with marine-grade materials and design for tight, unconventional spaces. It’s all done in pieces, and it feels like everything we make is a Transformer.”
Working together as a team, Faris and Schwartz have cultivated a community of designers, clients, and fellow upholsterers through platforms like Instagram, where they share their projects and draw inspiration. “It’s a solo craft in many ways,” Faris says. “But Instagram has created this virtual workshop where upholsterers can share ideas and push each other to improve.”
The future of Pistol Pete’s Upholstery is as dynamic as its team. In addition to custom work, they’re exploring semi-custom lines for local retailers, like a collaboration with Portland designer Susie Smith Coughlin at her new Falmouth boutique, Le Marchande (see page TK to learn more). “We love the variety in our work,” Schwartz says. “One day we’re upholstering for a ski lodge; the next, we’re designing pieces for a restaurant lobby. It keeps things exciting.”
Everything is completely tailored. We talk about each detail—from seat height and cushion density to fabric texture and armrest style.
One day we’re upholstering for a ski lodge; the next, we’re designing pieces for a restaurant lobby. It keeps things exciting.