Grahame Appleby - Upholsterer

Grahame is a third-generation upholsterer whose passion for quality craftsmanship has been shaped by a lifetime spent in the furniture industry. Growing up in a family deeply involved in furniture and upholstery, he learned the value of traditional techniques, meticulous workmanship, and creating furniture that's built to last.

Throughout his career, Grahame has specialised in all ranges of upholstery, from dining chairs, occasional chairs, cushions, and restoration projects. Much of Grahame's early career was spent working from his workshop, where he completed a wide range of contract upholstery work for local furniture manufacturers and retailers. His reputation for quality craftsmanship led to opportunities working on premium furniture using some of the finest materials available.

During the late 1990s, Grahame spent three years contracted to La Paz, a then-renowned interior design and furnishings store in New Plymouth. There he specialised in high-end upholstery, restoring and upholstering premium furniture using luxurious fabrics imported from Europe. This experience refined his eye for detail and further developed the high standards that continue to define his work today.

Since 2004, Grahame has operated from his home workshop in Merrilands, New Plymouth, where he has built a loyal customer base through quality workmanship and personalised service. Following a period away from the trade, he has returned to the same workshop to continue doing what he enjoys most.

Today, Grahame combines decades of practical experience with traditional upholstery skills to offer a personalised service specialising more in smaller domestic jobs in dining/small chair re-covering, cushions, repairs, and bespoke up-cycling projects. Every piece is completed with care, precision, and a commitment to craftsmanship that has been passed down through three generations of his family, represented by the family crest in the business logo.