Robert Fuller: His Casa Can Be Your Casa

Recently I met with the ever-so-charming Robert Fuller, Director, Visual Merchandising, Chanel U.S. and owner of an antiques shop in Hudson. His creative expression not only reflects his vision and outlook on life, it takes you on a journey where you can benefit from his thoughts, his interpretations of art and craft. If you didn’t own something from Robert at Home, you would make it a point to find his antiques shop and continue the journey for yourself. In one of the most delightful interviews I’ve had to date, I spoke with Robert to find myself inquisitive about who he is as well as the how and why of his passion.

JC: Robert Fuller, you are clearly a man with a creative and expressive mind when it comes to work and art. What is your his-story?

RF: I was born and raised in Brooklyn and grew up being exposed to the vibrance of the city and its surroundings. Appreciating the multi-cultural aspects the city has to offer, I think, has a lot to do with my creativity and my style.

JC: Can you talk about your influences, and do you believe you’ve made an influence with your creative expressions and interpretations?

RF: Some of my biggest influences were the professors and faculty at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I went to school. After realizing what path I wanted to take, I was able to network with the faculty there, and sort of be an apprentice to them on their projects and work assignments. What I learned was tremendous, and it taught me different ways of looking at design, at retail, at everything. So this really challenged me. And when it comes to the question if I have influenced others, my immediate impulse is to say, I don’t think so, but when you look at people’s faces when they walk into my shop, people really see the space and energy. I’m a very nostalgic person, I tend to add a vintage twist to any space I design. I think people are aware of vintage and antiques, but they never think about using it the way I show them how to use it. It adds a sense of humor. I think you should be able to have fun with design, and a sense of approachability. By extension, I suppose, I am influencing people.

JC: Did you ever feel like you had to stand out of the crowd, being a Black man from New York, with all the sometimes intense competition?

RF: I honestly feel like I’m typically and quite often one of the few if not only Black men in my circles, particularly in the industries of design and vintage furniture. So quite often, whether I want to or not, I do naturally stand out. Honestly, I feel that works to my advantage, because people want to hear what I have to say, and see what I have to offer.

JC: What is your mis-education statement? Something where you would think, that really isn’t the case about Robert Fuller?

RF: I would say, many people, my colleagues especially, say I’m extremely talented. I however, never see myself that way. I simply enjoy what I do. I don’t look at it even as talent and I’m very passionate about it.

JC: Can we talk about Robert at Home, which is truly a remarkable collection. When we first met, I had an eerie feeling about something I had in my house which might have been from your shop, only for me to screenshot it, send it to you, and you telling me that you were looking for that item and you wondered what happened to it. Sorry that I bought it, and happy that I bought it. What do you look for when selecting pieces for your shop?

RF: It’s an interesting question, John, because no piece enters my shop unless it’s something I would have in my own home. Everything in the shop I secretly want to keep myself, but I just don’t have the room for it.

JC: You could have picked anywhere to launch Robert at Home between New York City and Upstate New York. Why Hudson? And how can readers find it?

RF: I started to come to Hudson in the late 90s and immediately fell in love with it. I was inspired by the vibe, by the energy, by the local artists, and I knew years later that this would be the place to start my passion and business. Robert at Home is located at Door 15 of the Antiques Warehouse. My Instagram is @robert_athome.

JC: Where do you find your pieces and is it true that you also craft pieces for Robert at Home?

RF: Most of my pieces are found pieces, but there is a portion of pieces created exclusively by me, including custom upholstered footstools, side tables, and coffee tables that are hand created using old or vintage crates, vintages suitcases and television consoles. Generally, I find pieces from all around the world, but due to the pandemic, I am much more local with the pieces for Robert at Home.

JC: What is the intention for Robert at Home, especially as we are in the middle of a pandemic, and what could visitors and locals expect for the fall and winter from Robert at Home?

RF: During the pandemic, I’ve noticed that people are spending more and more time making their homes more comfortable, and I feel there’s a demand for creature comforts if you will, and so my job is definitely far from done. For the near future, I see Robert at Home expanding its inventory, and hopefully, securing yet an additional location. For Fall/Winter 2020, we can look forward to more items that bring plush and comfort to the homes. One example to look forward to are luxurious, generously sized storage ottomans with vintage tweed fabrics, and unique finds for the at-home office.

JC: Let’s keep some of this real. The piece that I recently purchased was for a really good price, which isn’t very usual at some of the places around Columbia County. How do you keep your prices affordable in this challenging time?

RF: As a consumer myself, bringing value to my customers is one of my priorities. Honestly, when I shop, I love a good deal, and I feel the same is true of my customers.

JC: Finally, what is the greatest lesson you have learned that you can share?

RF: That’s a good question. One of the lessons I’ve learned especially in this business is to trust my instincts. When an object speaks to me, it becomes more than an object, it is having a conversation with me. So, I’ve learned not to let it go. Hold onto it, especially when it evokes meaningful times, and memorable moments.