Revival of the Fittest

After more than 40 years of refining his skill in the art of refinishing, Carlo Alu expertly restores antique and vintage pieces, bringing them new energy and life. Carlo began his trade at age 12 at his godfather's shop in Sicily and further studied the art in Switzerland as a teenager. At 21, he brought his knowledge of European craftsmanship to the United States and later opened Alu-Carlo Refinishing Co., Inc.

While he enjoys all aspects of his work, Carlo relishes the opportunity to work with antique and vintage furniture, in that it allows older pieces to be repurposed rather than discarded. Carlo's “sensibly green” art form reclaims what is old, thus reducing the need to buy new. His true affinity for renewing the pieces, however, lies in the basic premise that older is simply more interesting. “I love restoring a nice antique piece that is at least 100 years old,” Carlo says, noting that it's the history that fascinates him. “There are beautiful new pieces too, but antiques have a lot of character.” Carlo's talent and appreciation for his work is reflected in the perfection of all his finished pieces, which often become as much works of art as they are furniture.

But Carlo's work is not limited to furniture alone, as he has restored an array of pieces, from pianos to an old car with wood trim – even an 18th-century cannon. “As long as it's wood, we can finish it,” he likes to say. Even more, Carlo's projects are not always pieces from the past, as he is also known to liven the look of new items and custom-build pieces per customers' special requests.

The intricate details and personal touches throughout all of Carlo's projects are what make them so uniquely exquisite. “I always like to do a little extra,” Carlo says, and people certainly appreciate his attentiveness. “If I don't hear a ‘wow,' I get disappointed,” he says with a smile, making it clear that to Carlo, the satisfaction his customers express is what makes the many meticulous hours of work worthwhile.

Fresh Finishes

Carlo's artistic knowledge has expanded significantly since he began his art in Sicily, as styles and techniques have changed with the times. www.alucarlorefinishing.com