Flair Design Studio now open in Rehoboth Beach

Looking to help people decorate their homes with unique and refurbished furniture finds, Susan Frei and Donna Schiele have opened Flair Design Studio in Rehoboth Beach.

Located in the Rehoboth Service Center off Rehoboth Avenue Extended, Flair Design Studio brings together the skills of two women who have worked together for years, but are opposites of each other.

“One’s anal and one’s not,” said Frei, laughing, while adjusting the cushions of a chair that she found and Schiele reupholstered.

“It’s a yin and yang situation," said Schiele.

Frei was in the high-end hospitality and tourism industry for 30 years. After she retired, she said she got bored, went back to school and ultimately opened her own consulting business in Alexandria, Va., that specialized in designing interior space.

“I always had love for this aspect of the hospitality business,” said Frei.

Schiele is the longtime owner of Cushy Tushy. Frei met Schiele as a client years ago, and she’s been bringing her own clients ever since.

“Every client I had, I came here to see Donna,” said Frei.

The Flair Design Studio is located on the second floor of a two-story space in the service center. Schiele’s Cushy Tushy work space is on the first floor.

When the space above became available, Schiele talked with Frei about taking it over because she thought it would be a good opportunity. They had a small event in December to gauge interest. The reception was positive, so they decided to make a go of it.

Frei said she specializes in finding unique pieces, some of which need repair or are old and need to be livened up, which is where Schiele’s skills come into play. Frei said she’ll go anywhere to procure her finds – auctions, estate sales, furniture stores that are closing. The second floor is where Frei displays the furniture in vignettes.

Customers will like multiple pieces of furniture, but have a hard time picturing them together, said Frei, on her arrangement style. 

“I try to cover a little bit of everything,” said Frei. “You’re not going to go to a furniture store and find what we have to offer.”

Flair Design Studio is primarily open by appointment only; however, it has Saturday hours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

For more information on Flair Design Studio, 37021 Rehoboth Ave. Ext., call 703-928-3670 or email susanfrei123@gmail.com.