Tony Wong of Abode NY

What is your name and what do you do?

I’m Tony Wong.  I’m a co-owner of Abode New York.  My co-owner is Brian Sahd.  We both run Abode New York.

What kind of furnishings do you prefer?

I like furniture with a mid-century feel -- clean and simple lines, furniture makers that are locally produced.  Simple lines, well-designed.  We brought in two pieces from Montreal.  We also bring in furniture from Williamsburg by Meredith Goodwin and Isidoro Cruz.  We’re trying to develop new furniture as well.  I like to mix mid-century with new so that you can see a story of furniture design development. 

What’s the hardest part of what you do?

Making sure our stock is not too expensive, that it is well-designed and also affordable, and not outrageously priced.  Also that it’s not too handcrafted or amateurish.  It has to be somewhat polished – no macaroni gluers.  It’s important that people see a certain refinement. 

What’s an underappreciated furnishing in the store that you really like?

Pillows from France by AKLH.  They’re based in Paris.  They are really great designs.  I guess they’re too decorative.  The emphasis seems to be more on function. 

[Pictured here: One of Tony's favorite items in the store is these felt trivets/table runners from Finland.]

Say an average homeowner wants to decorate his house.  What should he know before he starts?

Buy magazines.  There are lots of home design magazines.  Start pulling out pictures of products and rooms and use them as a guide.  Don’t start with a blank canvas.  I like World of Interiors.  It’s kind of high end, but it’s also quirky.  I also like Dwell and New York Spaces.

What pays off in the long run?

I would say good wall color.  Don’t be afraid of color.  Buy furniture that is well made.  Buying a heirloom piece is the best form of recycling, because it won’t go into the trash or fall apart on you.  When you buy cheap furniture and it starts to fall apart, it just goes in a landfill.  Well-made furniture might cost more up front, but if it lasts for 25 or 50 years, it’s worth the investment.



Abode New York is located at 179 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 1121, or online.