The Avid Antiquer: Ashbourne Designs

Antiques may just be the start of a complete redesign for some people, and if you are one of them with no idea what you want except for a change, Ashbourne Designs may just be the store for you.

"I do private design by appointment but people are welcome to come in to get ideas as well," said owner Christine Gentile.

Her store is part antique store, part design showroom and part linen store. There are three bedroom vignettes in the store that feel similar to the shabby chic look with some country cottage thrown in for good measure and pops of color in mostly soft, muted colors. Gentile said she has painted a lot of the antique furniture in different shades of white to retain its antique feel while making each piece feel right at home in any decor.

"I originally imported most of my antiques from Europe, but I got away from that due to the expense," Gentile said. "Now, I get my antiques from Ohio and Pennsylvania and sometimes even Florida. I have gotten to know a lot of vendors from over the years."

The store features antique chandeliers, bedside tables, dressers, and cabinets. Some of the pieces are from Norwalk Furniture, Vanguard Furniture and others. There is also a full line of linens from Pine Cone Hill, Yves Delorme and Dash & Albert.

Gentile said customers receive one-on-one attention for whatever they need. In addition to what is in the store, Gentile and her staff also help with picking paint colors, selecting fabrics and window treatments, lighting and other details necessary to finish the job to the client's satisfaction.

Gentile, a Centerport resident, has been a business owner in Huntington since 1992. Ashbourne is her fifth store. Design has always been a part of what she does, but home design was not what she started out doing.

"I went to FIT and specialized in children's clothing," she said. "But then I became interested in design and antiques. It was natural to me, sort of self taught."

Her own antique collections have also evolved over the years. "I go in and out of things," Gentile said. "Right now, I am collecting antique jars with sterling silver tops and antique pine."

Like many people in a customer-driven business, Gentile said that is the best part of her job. "My customers and clients have become friends," she said. "I have decorated and redecorated many homes and rooms. When a client has a new baby, I redecorate the room. It's nice being part of their lives and those important moments."

Ashbourne Designs is located at 380 New York Avenue. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday. For more information, call (631) 547-5252.