Overcoming obstacles in home styling often parallels the challenges faced by Karen Arakelian, founder of White House "Designs for Life". Her journey underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in creating spaces that resonate with personal style and functionality.
Arakelian's passion for interior design was serendipitous. "I started back in 1978. It was kind of by accident," she said. "I was actually in the antiques business and couldn't find good things to sell anymore." This transition led to the establishment of Red Barn Furniture which later became Uptown Country Furniture and then rebranded to White House Living, housed in a historic 1903 dairy farm barn in Wayne.
The evolution continued with the opening of White House "Designs For Life" Furniture in Fairfield, housed in a quaint white house on Bloomfield Avenue. Reflecting on the expansions, Arakelian explained, "In '94, we bought this building that we're in now and decided to renovate it and make it our showroom."
Each showroom offers a unique experience. The Wayne store exudes a more casual vibe, while the Fairfield location is more “designer-oriented.” The Chester location, though smaller, is upscale with many options in the compact space. Meanwhile, the Paramus store stands out as a Hunter Douglas Design Gallery—one of only two in the nation—boasting the largest display of cutting-edge motorized shades, making it a haven for tech-savvy home automation specialists and homeowners alike.
For Arakelian, the obstacles have been varied and significant. Physical obstacles that impacted her stores to navigating the complexities of sourcing during the pandemic, each challenge has shaped her approach to home styling. "We've survived fires and floods," Arakelian said. "The pandemic was bad at first but became a blessing because many people decided to redo their homes."
Such resilience is crucial when styling a home. It involves not only selecting the right furniture and decor but also integrating these elements seamlessly into a cohesive design. At White House "Designs For Life", this process begins with understanding clients' preferences and needs. "When someone comes into our showroom and they like an item, we can put rooms together around it," Arakelian said.
Personalizing spaces goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's about creating environments that reflect individual tastes and lifestyles. Whether through custom window treatments, unique furniture pieces, or curated accessories, the goal is to transform a house into a home that feels distinctly personal.
Arakelian emphasizes the importance of quality and longevity in home decor. "We sell good products. I won't sell anything that I don't believe in," she asserted. This commitment ensures that every piece chosen contributes to the overall aesthetic while meeting high standards of craftsmanship, with the majority of products being sourced from the United States.
Styling a home also involves staying attuned to trends and evolving tastes. Arakelian attends furniture markets to stay ahead of emerging styles and color schemes. This proactive approach enables White House "Designs For Life" to offer clients the latest in home fashion, tailored to both contemporary trends and timeless elegance.
For more information on White House "Designs For Life" and their journey, visit their website www.whdesignsforlife.com or visit one of their four locations across New Jersey.
Paramus (Hunter Douglas Gallery)
Phone: 201-809-3012
Address: 160 NJ-17 North, Paramus
Fairfield (Luxe & Design Resource)
Phone (Design Resource): 973-575-1331
Phone (Luxe): 973-575-8317
Address: 131 Route 46 West, Fairfield
Wayne (Living)
Phone: 973-831-8300
Address: 867 Black Oak Ridge Rd, Wayne
Chester (Home)
Phone: 908-888-3109
Address: 197 US Hwy 206, Chester