John DeFaro

HOME FURNISHINGS AND ACCESSORY DESIGN  /1991 - 1997​

​In 1989, at the age of 27, John embarked on a transformative exploration of early American folk art design, rural intuitive outsider sculpture, and Shaker furniture design. His research extended to include his admiration for modern mid-century furniture, blending diverse influences into a unique creative vision.

As he delved into the examination of wooden exterior window shutters, John transitioned into the creation of sculpture and art assemblages that incorporated louvers. This three-dimensional art-making practice sparked a new approach to furniture design. The culmination of this effort was a collection of meticulously detailed drawings that presented a contemporary reinterpretation of 18th and 19th-century American design with a modern twist. These drawings covered a range of home furnishings, textile designs, and home accessories for both youth and adults, earning praise from the design and marketing teams at Masco Home Furnishings.

In the fall of 1993, the culmination of John's vision materialized in a 100-piece Home Furnishings Collection titled 'DeCristofaro, The ART and SOUL of COUNTRY,' presented by Lexington Home Brands to the retail home furnishings industry. This groundbreaking collection was in production from 1993 to 1997, leaving an indelible mark on the design world. John's influence, characterized by its freshness and profundity, has endured, making a lasting impact on the trajectory of design within the industry.​​