The Velvet Couch Sisters

By David Cohen

If you’ve been following interior design influencers the last several years, you’ve most likely run across this fashionista combo coloring the industry with their own unique style. From High Point to Vegas Markets and throughout social media, it’s common to catch a flash of color out of the corner of your eye while walking into your favorite showroom or scrolling your feed. As you focus on what and who you’re seeing you'll likely be transfixed by the ferocious style of the Velvet Couch Sisters.

This dynamic design duo is made up of San Diego-based best friends, Rachel Moriarty and Treci Smith.

Rachel Moriarty, known as the “Queen of Color, is a luxury interior designer who is also a sought-after industry speaker, brand ambassador, style spotter and visibility influencer. Drawing from her multicultural roots, her career path has been much like the rainbow that her color palette embodies. Rachel spent time in both the fashion and banking industries prior to finding her home in interior design, where she has been able to apply her creative passions to transform clients' spaces through her visionary style. The same creativity that she brings to the design industry is also instilled in her two children. You can often find her daughter, India, behind the camera capturing some of her Mom’s most iconic moments.

Treci Smith (pronounced “Treecee”) is a real estate investor, interior stylist and an expert in thrift market finds and the repurposing of vintage goods. Working with her husband, Amir, she first honed her design skills while staging investment properties. She then expanded her natural talent to her business life when her love for vintage finds and thrifting blossomed into her own San Diego-based vintage retail business, Treci Smith Designs. Now very much a rising star, her Bohemian style is coveted by home and lifestyle publications. Raised within a military family and as the youngest of four siblings, she is now blessed with four beautiful adult children of her own.

Treci describes Rachel as “a maximalist with a flamboyant look,” as opposed to her own eclectic and often whimsicallypatterned color choices. Rachel describes the essence of her fellow Velvet Couch Sister saying, "Treci is soulful, bohemian, with a vintage vibe.” The two shine colorfully both as individuals as well as together.

Like psychic mind readers, this fashionable duo often shows up wearing identical outfits without prior coordination. When asked about their respective styles they shared, “There is not much difference, our visions really are usually the same which makes working together work so well.”

While their mutual love for bright global textures created their initial bond, it was shopping at a local IKEA that first brought the two together. Winding through the virtually endless aisles of home products they managed to bump carts in the lighting section. As they collided and looked up from their shopping missions, they not only noticed each other's style but that they both had the same exact lamp in their cart! It was meant to be.

Rachel Moriarty (left), Treci Smith (right) Picture by Steve Spatafore

Velvet Couch Sisters

vintage shopping tips

ALWAYS NEGOTIATE

The percent you negotiate can depend on the price of the item. Lower priced items you can usually get a 10% discount. As the cost of the item goes up you can increase your negotiations. Don’t low ball though and be respectful of the time, gas, and effort that goes into finding, cleaning and even repairing a piece so that it’s ready for its next owner.

GET TO KNOW YOUR DEALER

Being friendly and building relationships with your dealers not just allows you to have a better understanding of what they offer, but also gives them an idea of the type of things you’re looking for. Knowing your dealer puts you in a better position to negotiate as well.

LOOK AT HOW IT’S CONSTRUCTED

With furniture, how it’s constructed can help determine its history and value. Dovetailing is a sign of quality craftsmanship. Don’t shy away from pieces that don’t look symmetrical in their shape and construction because that is often an indicator that it is handmade.

CASH SPEAKS LOUDER

Paying in cash and not plastic provides you with further negotiating room on your next favorite piece.

SHAPE OVER COLOR & CURRENT FUNCTION

When repurposing it’s easier to change color and function of a piece than shape. So, try to focus on shape over surface-level looks.

HAVE MEASUREMENTS

There are no returns when vintage shopping for furniture and larger pieces, so make sure you have measurements of your space.

PAY ATTENTION TO CONDITION

Condition plays into the value of the piece as well as your ability to repurpose it. If you’re not someone that has the ability to repair or restore a piece, it might not be a piece that best suits you.

LOOK FOR A MAKER’S MARK

Both furniture and jewelry makers use maker’s marks or stamps that identify their pieces. Thoroughly look over a piece to confirm authenticity and let the piece tell you its story.

DON’T HESITATE IF YOU LOVE IT!

“If it’s a piece you really want, buy it right away.” Treci said, “It probably won’t be there next time you come around.”

If you were wondering which era of vintage is their favorite….it’s all of them!