Front page article in Westwood Press March 4

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• Wicked Local Staff Photo/Kate Flock | Stacy Church works on a table at the new Chroma Design storefront on Day Street in Norwood.

By Max Bowen
mbowen@wickedlocal.com
Posted Mar. 3, 2014 @ 10:00 am
Updated Mar 3, 2014 at 10:23 AM

Though the move to a permanent storefront wasn’t one which Stacy Church had given serious consideration to, her new location in Norwood has turned out to be perfect for her business.

Church’s custom furniture business, Chroma Design, opened at the new location on Jan. 11 at 58 Day St.

“It’s kind of a big space,” said Church. “There’s a double window across the front, a landing area which is perfect as a showroom. I moved all my studio work and do all my painting here as well.”

Church rented the space as a holiday showroom last December, and said she loved the location, near a shoe repair store and Day Street Sports. She added that the nearby businesses have brought in a lot of foot traffic, and some interior designers have come into the store and spoken to her about doing some work in the future.

When she ran Chroma Design out of her home in Westwood, she said customer feedback wasn’t that common. Now, however, she’s often talking to potential customers or those curious about the store.

“The custom painting has really taken off,” said Church. “It’s a bright, open, and cheery space.”

The location is one of a number of businesses on Day Street, though it was closed for about two years before Church found it. She said renovating the location was the biggest challenge, and her two children and a number of friends pitched in to give the old place a new look. She said the building is one of the oldest in Norwood, and even has the original hardwood floors.

It’s not just at the Norwood location that business has grown. Church runs a blog for Chroma Design, as well as an Instagram account—with some help from her daughter—where she posts numerous photos of her work. Both have paid off in a big way, as she has heard from an architect in Sweden and other locations.

“It really does change it [the business], because people are following what I am doing,” said Church.

Chroma Design was launched last May, after Church stepped down from her position as assistant in the Westwood Library children’s department. She combines old furniture she’s collected over the years with new furniture she seeks out at yard sales and completely refines the entire piece. She sands every item, touches up whatever needs fixing, and adds layers of bright color paint with a shiny finish, giving the furniture a vibrant and lifelike feel.

Items Church works with are tables, chairs and end tables, however she will take on any challenge which she can bring home.

Page 2 of 2 - “I was kind of shocked when I found this space,” said Church. “The layout of this place is great for what I am doing. Now I feel really lucky.”

Chroma Design is open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for open studio, and the showroom can be open for appointments. Visit Chromafurnituredesign.blogspot.com or e-mail chromafurnituredesign@gmail.com for more information.