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A Family Home by Design - The Trupiano's
10/27/2009 - By Michael Berman
Photography by Al Kruper
The Tupianos’ Traditions Inspire Elegant Living
Lou and Marie Trupiano both grew up on Staten Island, but they didn’t meet until both attended a New Year’s Eve party in Miami, Florida, where, coincidentally, they were both vacationing. They discovered they had friends in common, as well as a very strong mutual attraction. Their relationship blossomed, and soon they were engaged, planning a wedding, and looking for a house to call home. Lou had grown up in the family business (named for his father). Agostino Antiques started in New York City as his father’s refinishing business many years earlier. Lou’s father grew the business over time, which included a factory warehouse in Staten Island, a designer showroom in Florida, and with Lou’s urging, a shop in Red Bank called, of course, Agostino Antiques. The business is truly a family affair and now includes Lou’s siblings, Sal and Marie. The family traditions of quality and service are being passed down from generation to generation, and Lou is very proud of his connection to these traditions.
When the Agostino showroom in Red Bank opened 5 years ago, Lou and Marie decided that since Agostino Antiques maintains a warehouse and workshop in Staten Island, the store in Red Bank, and a showroom in New York City, a central location for their home would be helpful. Lou and Marie found a wonderful 3-year-old home in a perfect neighborhood – one that had friendly neighbors and young families just starting out. The house, although new, needed the Agostino touch, so Lou and Marie started to plan a major renovation that was to be completed just as their wedding day approached. The total renovation took 5 months, and as Lou described it, “We edited the house.” They added what they wanted (like radiant heat), opened up some rooms such as the kitchen, and made numerous cosmetic upgrades including moulding, new floors, and paint; they did not, however, add to the footprint of the house.
While Lou and Marie honeymooned, taking in a tour of Sicily, the finishing touches were being made to their new family home. Lou’s family is originally from this beautiful area of Italy, and he shared many childhood memories with his new bride since he had traveled there many times before with his father. The family business imports many custom pieces (finished and unfinished), as well as antiques from Italy and other European locales. Lou and Marie can hardly wait to share this special connection with their own son, Agostino, now 18 months old.
Bruno, the family’s beloved Weimaraner, looks confident, comfortable, and right at home resting on a luxuriously tufted sofa. The elegant furnishing and decorator items are all from Agostino Antiques of Red Bank. Lou and Marie share a love of neo-classical and classic style furniture, and enjoyed the process of choosing custom finishes and pieces that worked in their own space. Agostino Antiques is known for working with designers and architects to customize and manufacture pieces, but when the designers are family members the process can be described as a family design party!
The Trupiano master bedroom and sitting room feature a number of Agostino Antiques signature pieces. The furnishings exhibit custom finishes, handrubbed glazes, as well as European antiques lovingly refinished to bring back the original sparkle. The mirrors, chandeliers, and custom fabrics are other Agostino specialties. “Little” Agostino is obviously a fan of the family business, as he enjoys a playful ride on this beautiful hand-carved horse.
The beautiful formal dining room features a satin wood dining table with rosewood banding. The chairs feature burled walnut and are directly imported (unfinished) by Agostino Antiques. Lou and Marie chose the custom finish and the work was completed in the Staten Island shop. Lou is proud of his father’s craftsman heritage and he feels the custom finishing and refinishing end of the business really makes Agostino a versatile design house.
The Trupiano kitchen underwent a major renovation during the 5-month design “editing” process. A half wall, taken out to open the space, as well as radiant heat and new flooring were added. The antique white cabinets with lighted glass display, the granite-topped island, plus all new appliances, the custom table and chairs, and a brushed metal lighting fixture combine to create a truly inviting atmosphere for this much used and enjoyed space.
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