A time-served upholsterer by trade, Tony Blowman established Upholstery Designs in 1977 together with wife Tricia. Tony initially reupholstered and refurbished furniture in a workshop in Hedon Road, while Tricia was the face of the business. Having quickly built a reputation for quality and service, the couple moved to their first shop where demand for Tony’s new, hand-made suites rapidly grew.
Forty years on, Tony and Tricia remain at the helm of Upholstery Designs, where they lead a team who share their values and commitment to quality and service.
“For more than three decades we’ve gradually built our business on personal recommendation and repeat custom,” says Tony. “Our customers’ satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do – it’s a sound business principle that has seen us through an ever-changing economic climate. There’s nothing we love more than seeing someone truly delighted by something they’ve bought from us!”
A time-served upholsterer by trade, Tony Blowman established Upholstery Designs in 1977 together with wife Tricia. Tony initially reupholstered and refurbished furniture in a workshop in Hedon Road, while Tricia was the face of the business. Having quickly built a reputation for quality and service, the couple moved to their first shop where demand for Tony’s new, hand-made suites rapidly grew.
Forty years on, Tony and Tricia remain at the helm of Upholstery Designs, where they lead a team who share their values and commitment to quality and service.
“For more than three decades we’ve gradually built our business on personal recommendation and repeat custom,” says Tony. “Our customers’ satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do – it’s a sound business principle that has seen us through an ever-changing economic climate. There’s nothing we love more than seeing someone truly delighted by something they’ve bought from us!”
As Tony and Tricia’s son, Ian Blowman was born into the family business. He now has 21 full-time years with Upholstery Designs behind him, having begun with deliveries while building his knowledge of products and the furniture trade. Ian is also a qualified leather technician, skilled in both repairs and sourcing high-quality leather furniture for the store.
“We unwrap and inspect everything we buy and sell,” says Ian. “Leather furniture is highly fashionable and popular but not all leather is the same – it’s vital to look for good quality, and we travel to factories to ensure a product’s build, materials, quality and finish meet our standards. I would never risk my reputation on selling anything less.”
Ian is also the driving force behind Upholstery Designs’ expansion into contemporary, chic furniture. “Our store is known for its classic designs and traditional, elegant furniture,” says Ian. “Now there’s an additional dimension too, with the latest modern styles in sofas and accessories. It’s like two generations side by side – just like our family business!”
Tricia Blowman launched Upholstery Designs with husband Tony 40 years ago and has always ensured the business side runs smoothly and efficiently. Tricia takes care of the financial and administrative matters that underpin the company – but you’ll also find her on the shop floor from time to time, where her many years of product and sales knowledge are an asset to the store.
“We’re known as a family business, and although we’re expanding our store and our product range our priority is always to provide the same personal service and traditional good quality that has built our reputation,” says Tricia.
“When customers visit Upholstery Designs, they don’t come for cut-price deals or fast-talking sales pitches. They’re meeting furniture craftsmen who can design, build and finish a suite to a high quality. That’s why furniture from other manufacturers has to meet some very exacting standards before it can reach our shop floor.”