We’ve been convinced for two generations (or is it three now?) that replacing everything is better than taking the time to repair it and prolong its life. But we’re paying the price for it now. The fashion industry falls just behind oil and mining as the second-largest polluter of the planet, and home furnishings can’t be far behind. It’s beginning to sink in that we need to change our wasteful fast-fashion ways.
As we rediscover ways to throw off unnecessary consumerism, a new group of heroes emerges: the highly skilled masters of the forgotten arts of repairing, refurbishing, rewiring, reupholstering, and more. One local example: Santom Upholstery & Refinishing, founded in 1958 by Bill and Sylvia Santom. Current owner Jack Leviere joined the company in the mid 1970s when the steel mills closed in Pittsburgh, soon followed by wife Jennie, who ran the office and showroom.
The Next Generation
Their sons carry on the work these days. The Levieres are surrounded by an extended family of craftsmen at Santoms who make magic happen everyday with their deft work with fabric and wood – skills that are quickly vanishing in America. The team does everything from antique restoration to custom building modern furniture. All work is done on-site in the North Hills workshop.
“They truly ‘just don’t make it they used to,’” comments brother Jason about a lot of new-ish furniture that makes its way to Santoms for a freshening up. “Many manufacturers just can’t find the skilled labor or resources to build things to last.
“…We are seeing many young couples moving towards antiques (such as the Mid-century modern movement) because they find that rejuvenating these solid frames is a much better investment in the long run. Restoration is never the least expensive choice – but for longevity and quality it makes sense. We also do work on items from modern retailers, and there are adjustments that can me made to extend the life of these frames, like replacing padding and foam supports with commercial-grade materials that last 10 to 15 years longer than what comes from the factory. We can brace newer frames that could use a little support, and even restyle details to improve the design.”
The Levieres’ biggest piece of advice? “If a piece of furniture is 10+ years old – keep it and find a way to repurpose it. Paint it. Refinish it. Recover it. Slipcover it. Just don’t let it go. The investment is worth it. Upcycling the classics is better for the environment and it’s better for you too!”
Pittsburgh Regional Reuse/Recycle/Repair Heroes
Since 1958, Santom offers home refurb servies, as well as commercial services that include custom building furniture, outside-the-box upholstery, lacquer painting furniture, project on-site consultations, and local white glove pick-up/delivery.
Services offered include repair and conditioning of leather, plastic, vinyl, fabric and upholstery, in homes, cars, boats and offices. Their color-matching technology helps ensure an accurate restoration.
Tale Weavers are experts in restoring damaged chair seats in cane, rush, cord, splint, and more. They deal with American antique chairs and benches, as well as patio furniture and other everyday objects. Located in Erie, Tale Weavers picks up and drops off to several shops in the area.
Mario Ulizzi takes pride in the quality of his craft, and it shows. A second-generation cobbler, his knack for restoring well-loved shoes is second to none in the Pittsburgh region.
These skilled folks can brighten your day with lamp and chandelier repair.
“We hear almost daily, ‘Oh, we threw this stuff away years ago, who knew it would make a comeback?’” say owners Jeff Gordon and Roger Levine. “We love items that have a sense of playfulness and whimsy from the 1950s. After all, it’s not a home unless there’s laughter.”
Founders Rebecca Harrison and Tia Tumminello believe that every textile has a story. “Mending is a lifestyle choice, and it takes dedication to slow down for it,” says the duo. Specializing in visible mending (darning or patching that you can see), Old Flame can “fix anything but a broken heart.”
It’s best not to go into Construction Junction with preconceived plans: leave room for inspiration. The nonprofit’s mission is to support and promote conservation through the reuse of salvaged, reclaimed, and secondhand raw building materials.
Located in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh Furniture Company offers a curated, eclectic mix of Mid-century modern and contemporary furniture and textiles.
Owner Wade Shehady has been restoring rugs back to their unique beauty for over 40 years, and also teaches the art of restoration to carpet dealers all over the country.
Kevin and Ronni Murphy are what you might call “design nerds.” The pieces that come through the doors of Shindig Alley, the design-forward vintage textile and furniture showroom in Philipsburg, have deep style-backstories.
Story by Alexandra Lancianese
Photography by Erin Kelly
Chair by Santom Upholstery
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