FAMILY TRADITION: “We’re set apart by our service, quality products, and long history. Customers know they can rely on our extensive knowledge of the products.” The father and sons team at Gasior’s Furniture & Interior Design includes, from left, Todd, Dick (Dad), and Gregory. They are shown by a Hancock & Moore Austin leather tilt-back chair.

Not many furniture stores are found in a school house. That, however, is the unique setting of Gasior’s Furniture & Interior Design at 2152 Route 206 South in Belle Mead.

Opened in 1918, the Harlingen School accommodated kindergarten through 12th grade until 1972. Six years later, Gasior’s moved in.

“It was a good location for us,” explains founder and owner Richard (Dick) Gasior. “My wife, Donna, and I lived in West Windsor, and we had seen the school house. It provided a lot of nice space.”

The opening of Gasior’s was a continuation of Donna Gasior’s family history, continues Dick Gasior. “My father-in-law had a furniture store in northern New Jersey, and Donna had grown up in the business. We decided to start a venture of our own, and we thought being near Princeton was a plus for the store.”

Formal Elegance

The selection has evolved over the years, he reports. Originally, there was a cross section of furniture, but, in time, the focus changed to 18th century reproduction. For those who appreciated history, formal elegance, and high quality, it proved to be a good match, he adds.

“This furniture is timeless,” says Gasior. “It is the finest craftsmanship, including dovetail joints, and it is always of the highest quality.”

The formal 18th century reproduction pieces often feature mahogany, cherry, and walnut woods, and important manufacturers are Hickory Chair, Baker, Century, Hancock & Moore, Henkel Harris, and Kittinger (which has furnished many of the desks and conference tables at the White House), among others, along with Howard Miller clocks.

While there is still strong interest in these elegant 18th century pieces, a more informal style of furniture has become popular in recent years. Aware of changing tastes, the Gasiors have added more variety to their selection, including lifestyle lines offering dining room, bedroom, living room, and family room choices, as well as an entertainment, den, and home office selection.

“Furniture that is between traditional and contemporary is considered transitional,” explains Gasior, “and this style is favored by many people today. We offer lifestyle lines from Hickory Craft, Bernhardt, and Legacy Classics. Century and Hancock & Moore Leather are quality manufacturers that offer all styles, from traditional to transitional to modern.”

Customization in color, fabric, and finishes is available today, and many customers like to have this opportunity,” adds son Todd Gasior. “This offers a variety of options in many areas. Value pricing and quality are available. Customers like the chance for customizing sofas. chairs, and tables. You can pick your own, and there are many, many choices.”

Big Deal

Also, he points out, “Leather is a very big deal now in chairs and sofas. It is stylish and comfortable, offered in different colors and styles, and we have exceptionally soft leather.”

Transitional furniture often features gray tones, notes Dick Gasior. “Gray has been popular for the last few years, and continues to be favored. Transitional dining tables can be of all kinds of wood, and some offer a more contemporary style with metal legs.

“Swivel arm chairs and tilt-backs are big favorites now, too, and sectionals remain strong sellers.”

For those customers with game rooms and dens, game tables are also available at Gasior’s, and have always had steady appeal. End tables and occasional tables are all on display.

The store continues to offer a full range of accessories, including lighting, mirrors, and clocks. Floor lamps and table lamps from Currey and Company and Visual Comfort are favorites in many styles. Howard Miller offers a handsome selection of clocks, including grandfather styles, among others. Mirrors are available in many shapes and sizes, from traditional to dramatic and unusual.

Gasior’s selection of framed art is another attraction at the store, and highlights original oils, prints, and botanicals in assorted sizes and themes. Looking at the art while browsing through the many sample dining, living, and bedrooms is part of the pleasure of visiting this handsome store. Customers are never rushed as they try out a leather chair or admire the classic lines of a special sideboard.

Hand-Tufted

Gasior’s also continues to offer assorted gift items, such as popular blue and white porcelain bowls, specialty boxes, and topiaries, among other items.

In addition, the store carries the high quality Shifman mattresses, which are handmade in Newark. “These are two-sided, extremely well-made, and hand-tufted with natural material,” points out Dick Gasior. “Cotton is the primary fill. This is a signature item for us, and it is noted for comfort and durability.”

The interior design department has long been a highlight at Gasior’s. Headed by Donna Gasior, it offers complimentary visits to clients’ homes to help them create the perfect environment. Full design service, including carpeting and wall coverings, is available, and many samples are on display.

“We can help with one piece of furniture, one room, or the entire house,” explains Dick Gasior. “We do the whole range — draperies, carpeting, colors, and so on. This is very helpful for people. The designer can save you hours of searching. Why not avail yourself of someone’s expertise?”

As he looks back on Gasior’s long history, Dick Gaisor says he is struck by the many longtime customers — often the second generation in the same family. “Even when they move to new homes, they continue to be our customers, both for new furniture and design,” he points out. “In addition to the Princeton area, we go to Connecticut, New York, and even Florida to decorate.

“Also, we recently had a call from a former client who had moved and sent us a picture of a dining table they had gotten from us 27 years ago. It was solid cherry, and still in excellent condition. It just needed an adjustment on one of the legs, which we took care of.”

New Turn

Now, Gasior’s story is about to take a new turn, as Dick Gasior steps back from the daily responsibilities of running the business.

“I thought it was time for my sons to take charge,” he explains. “They grew up in the business, and have been involved full-time. Now they will be partners and manage the business. Donna will continue with the design work.

“It means a great deal to have the family business continue. It will really be the third generation, having started with my father-in-law. I will be on hand as a consultant.”

Todd and Gregory Gasior look forward to this new development in Gasior’s history, and are enthusiastic about new opportunities.

“We will continue to provide the service and quality Gasior’s has always been known for,” says Todd Gasior. “We are offering a selection of new quality products, and people can also now order online from our website. The challenge is always to reach a broader clientele, and we are confident that even more customers will come to rely on Gasior’s special service and quality products.”

Gasior’s summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (908) 874-8383. Website: www.gasiorsfurniture.com.