Bob Richter’s love of design has been ingrained in him since he was a latchkey kid in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Often ‘refreshing’ his mother’s house before she returned home from work, Bob got his inspirations from old movies and attic treasures. He began collecting antiques at the age of 7, while tagging along with his older brother, thus beginning a life-long love affair with garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops.
Bob grew up working for the family interior design business, which specialized in custom window treatments. There he began his appreciation of textile and color. Operating under the motto, “Just a Shade Better,” the business was run by his grandmother who trained Bob’s eye and gave him a strong design vocabulary. At 96, his grandmother still remains one of Bob’s greatest inspirations.
Upon his arrival in New York 20 years ago, Bob began working for an antiques dealer who specialized in Art Deco. He worked for her throughout his education at NYU, where he earned his BA in Communications, and his MA in Education.
Bob then launched a career in public relations, and after stints in various agencies, founded his own successful firm, which just celebrated its 10th year in business. While running his PR firm, Bob continued his passion for all things design, becoming a regular presence at local flea markets and furniture shops. People noticed, clients followed, and Bob began to apply his taste and expertise to interior design jobs.
Specializing in a marriage of comfort and smart design, Bob offers up a fresh take on living with “stuff.” His tongue-in-cheek mantra, “More is More,” speaks to his love of art and antiques, which he culls from around the globe. The Paris flea markets are a favorite haunt, as Bob’s style is decidedly French, but most of his greatest finds have come right form the heart of NYC, his home, and all-time favorite city.
Eclectic, fun and colorful, Bob is a mirror of his design work, which graces the homes of many a happy client. For Bob, the best part of his job is the hunt. “I’m a hopeless shopper, and if I had to only buy for myself, there would be paintings under the bed and lamps in the closets. This way I get to spread the wealth.”
