About
Coe Design Studio is run by Amanda Coe, an upholsterer trained through the English AMUSF (Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers). Her focus on traditional upholstery stems from a love of hand craft and an interest in preserving traditional trades.
Amanda received a bachelor’s degree in textile design from the Rhode Island School of Design. She worked in the field for 6 years, spending 3 years in Jaipur, India working with hand block print artisans. She later returned to the States and worked as a studio manager for a company making hand painted textiles. While dabbling in upholstery and taking classes on weekends, Amanda realized that there was a lack of traditional skills in America. Modern workshops were replacing artfully stitched horsehair with prefabricated padding and low cost materials. The results were incorrect profiles and often a shorter lifespan. This drove Amanda to go to England where she completed her upholstery training, receiving distinctions in several of her projects. Amanda continues to travel to England for professional development and inspiration.
Along with her English training, Amanda apprenticed for Bruno Paulin-Lopez, a master of French upholstery based in Upstate New York. She learned some of the unique forms and stitching methods applied to traditional French furniture. Amanda has an appreciation for materials and imports many under-layer fabrics and fillings that are not available from US suppliers. Detail is paid to the origin of a piece when deciding on the correct size and spacing of the webbing. Linen under-layers are preferred over jute for their longevity.
Amanda works from her home studio based in Edison, New Jersey. Her clients include antique dealers, private collectors, and lovers of antique furniture from the NYC area and beyond.
