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Taking vintage to contemporary,  designer and artist Sebnem Koray is transforming the traditional pieces of years past to modern rustic chic furnishings.

“I always wanted to be an interior designer,” the Parsons Parsons School of Design graduate said. Instead she chose fashion design working in the textiles market for many years.

It was after moving to Toms River that this New York City transplant and Istanbul native caught the home decor bug.

“I saw, living in South Jersey, there was a huge variety of old furniture that nobody wanted,” she said. “Instead of creating extra garbage. I paint them, I renew them, and I put a little bit of a twist so that they are a little funky and contemporary.”

She took to her garage, using chalk paint that is sealed or waxed to create a rustic chic finish, many with stencil appliques. By 2009, Koray created an online business and began doing custom work. When more and more of her clients began to suggest she open a brick and mortar storefront, Koray chose Asbury Park.

I know Asbury is such an awesome town,” she said, noting that she was attracted to the arts and culture aspect. “I lived in New York for many years and people over here are the same. It’s such a beautiful town.

Koray says her business grew in part because customers were opting not to purchase laminae construct yourself pieces. Instead, there was an appreciation for the craftsmanship of furniture from years past.

“The material and workmanship are all in really great shape but no one wants them any more,” she said. “I try to make them more posh, more contemporary.”

Inside her 500 square foot store in the Shoppes At The Arcade on Cookman Avenue, there are dressers, nightstands, seating, tables planters and wall hangings. Vintage oil paintings are transformed by her creative frames, and lamps and chandeliers are reborn.

“A lot of people don’t like the classic pieces but if you make a little bit of twist in colors they are very decorative,” she said.

On Sunday, a grand opening ceremony was held to welcome her to the neighborhood. The single mother of twin boys said she was welcomed by the local business community and Chamber of Commerce.

“A lot of people offered help,” she said. “They told me if you call the mayor, he’ll come down and do a grand opening.”

Koray said not only did Mayor John Moor offer to come down but asked if could bring a few people along.

Sheby and Sheby is located at 658 Cookman Ave. For more information, call 732-455-3752, email info@shebyandsheby.com or visit her website and Facebook and Instagram pages.

[Grand opening and profile photo courtesy of Koray]

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