In The News

"When we work with our clients, we want to make marriages," says A&R Interiors' founder Adrienne Rich, ASID, who founded her thriving showroom and design service in 1972. "We cultivate our clients and fulfill their dreams so they come back to us again and again when they want to refine or reinvigorate their decor, or if they move." That's not the only kind of marriage they create - the A&R staff of eight designers, plus Adrienne and her daughter, Allyson Rich Morren, are gifted in marrying a variety of unique elements to compose a cohesive statement in interior decor. These elements come from around the world, from major cities to tiny hamlets and villages. One example is a saddlebag for a two-humped camel, from Morocco. Another are some shadow puppets purchased when Adrienne visited Thailand, silk panels from Singapore and paintings from the Australian outback. Most decor items literally cannot be found elsewhere in New Jersey. "In addition, we order one piece from manufacturers because we don't like duplication. Our customers and clients do not like the cookie-cutter approach to interior design and want to make their OWIl distinctive statements," Allyson says. Adds Adrienne, "By providing the unusual, we can match the unique personality of the client. Our signature style is eclecticism. Traditional with a twist defines the essence of our styling."

Adrienne and Allyson believe in a classic approach that integrates the latest trends so that the look does not become passe in only a couple of years. Marrying the classic with the current ensures that the client's home or rooms do not look static or stale. "Most people hold onto larger pieces of furniture and family heirloom pieces, so it is a matter of updating and refreshing with accessories," Adrienne notes. "We always have fresh accessories and objets d' art in the newest fashionable decor colors, which, by the way, are getting deeper and more saturated. An Asian Fusion element is more in vogue, which is best described as contemporary mixed with Asian. We are also seeing a movement back to feminine overtones, and the indulgence of personal luxuries, such as that found in the world's finest hotels."

For 33 years, Adrienne Rich has been scouring the world for unusual pieces, expanding her vision of eclectic design and build- ing her business. She began out of the basement of her home. With a personal love of everything art deco, a structure that defined the design and splendor of 1930's architecture caught her eye. A 1937 movie theater in Denville was vacant, and available, and Adrienne knew it would be perfect to house her showroom (13,000 square feel on two stories) and growing staff. A&R Interiors has been thriving there since 1981. Adrienne admits that it took approximately half a million dollars to renovate the aging beauty. The marquee and charming ticket booth remain intact and the original house projector is on display. It is the largest interior design showroom in Morris County. The showroom is also distinctive in that it caters to other interior designers who seek something special. Interested clients meet with one of A&R's designer in his or her home so that the designer begins to grasp the space details, architectural elements and overall feel of the home, as well as the clients' personal interests. After establishing priorities, a time line and budget, the project begins. "Our designers understand that because the quality of a person's, couple's or family's life is greatly enhanced by the quality of the surroundings, creating a comfortable and stylish, as well as distinctive home environment is paramount," says Adrienne.

The design team will also work with clients, architects and builders at the blueprint stage to ensure that interior living spaces are paired seamlessly with the exterior of the abode. Allyson points out that A&R Interiors works within all budgets, so no one should feel excluded. "A skillful designer is one who helps manage a budget to optimize the funds available for a project," Adrienne says. "By working with such a skilled designer, the homeowner will ultimately realize great savings by avoiding the common and costly design pitfalls of do-it-yourselfers."

A&R Interiors works in all aspects of residential, commercial and contact interior design, from traditional or contemporary to ethnic and eclectic, whichever is specific to the client's desires. In addition, the design firm and showroom occasionally host showcase events. The most recent took place in late January at the showroom, which featured spectacular room designs influenced by the latest style trends, and which featured a demonstration of the ancient art of rug weaving by a master weaver from Tufenkian Carpets. Unique room vignettes created by A&R's design team included a woman's study, a great room, a traditional living room with a twist, and a modern adult play room. One attendee won a one-of-a-kind handcrafted Tufenkian rug.

Hosting interesting events for the public, catering to other designers, and constantly presenting new and fresh ideas in the showroom are factors that have made A&R Interiors a success, and a destination. Most of all, however, it is the soul and the enthusiasm of its founder, Adrienne Rich, that gives the enterprise a particular panache. She positively radiates when discussing her business and the nuances of design. "I'm having a wonderful time."