Alex Papachristidis had planned on going into the family shipping business. Eager for something more creative, a friend suggested he put his fabulous taste to good use and become a decorator. “It was like daylight in the swamps. What fun to follow my passion for beautiful furnishings, accessories and art and turn it into a business!” Alex exclaims. Flash forward fifteen years, Alex now has an established roster of clients and specializes in luxurious and comfortable homes across America, Europe and into the Middle East. Recent projects include downtown lofts, country homes, a beach cottage and numerous Park and Fifth Avenue apartments.
Papachristidis is the proud papa of an amazing miniature Yorkshire terrier, Theodore, who is two-years-old. “Teddy is an exceptional pet who goes everywhere with me, lights up the lives of everyone he meets and brings great joy to our home. He often runs around like a crazy beast, madly chasing his own tail- a small circle of flying fluff, like a tiny dragon!” Alex declares. “Being a great lover of animals, I use animal motifs all the time in my interiors, including the art. I custom-make clients beautiful beds for their pets. I also have carpets and furniture fibersealed as needed to protect from accidents!”
Alex was delighted to participate in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House this year and animals played a prominent role in his choices for accessories. “The Living Room at Kips Bay, what I called my Salon de Bois, (based on its restored, stained and French polished wood paneling) incorporated comfort, hospitality and luxury for both people and their pets. The first pieces I chose were an important pair of George II carved and gilt wood marble topped eagle console tables. Included were a Chinese bronze standing deer, a Japanese bronze camel and a Macaque monkey, a Murano glass rhinoceros, a pair of crane candlesticks, a pair of swan candelabras, and a Neoclassical Austrian clock topped by a gilt eagle.”
Apparently, his pooch is just as desired as his work. “People who came to the Show House were surprised and delighted by my movie star pup, who likes to pose as well as play. Regal atop a satin pillow, Teddy held court. Fans made special trips back to say their good-byes and line up for kisses.” Like a true New Yorker, Teddy gets groomed every ten days in order to maintain his stylish cut. As for future plans, Alex admits, “Teddy and I are working on developing a line of dog products: bags, leashes and collars, cashmere sweaters, and possibly a shampoo!”
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