About Us
It was 1954 when Stuart Walston, a recent World War II veteran and 1941 graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York, decided to break away from the family farming business and pursue his passion
for architecture and design. By the mid-1950s, Mr. Walston partnered with paint contractor Hubert Allen to form one of Wilson’s first interior design firms,
Allen & Walston Decorators. The partnership allowed Mr. Allen to paint the interiors of various clients’ homes, while Mr. Walston suggested the appropriate colors and additional ideas for enhancing the interior of the home.
Mr. Walston’s profound enthusiasm for the profession garnered notoriety among residents of the town. Dedicated to creating personal relationships with his clients, he often traveled to New York and Europe, returning with antiques and accessories that matched the personality of each client. Mr. Walston
also drew upon his long-standing relationships with fabric houses, artisans, and furniture suppliers to bring unique pieces and furnishings to the area.
In the late 1950s, Mr. Allen and Mr. Walston decided to work independently, and
Stuart Walston, Inc. (SWI) was officially incorporated in 1960. Since 1957, SWI has operated in its 1920s Spanish colonial-style house that currently includes a showroom, offices, a sample room, and exterior arches and columns that are associated with the firm’s image still today.
By the late 1970s, SWI was operating on a larger, more corporate scale; however, Mr. Walston remained committed to giving each client personal attention and service.
In 1981, following the footsteps of his father, Stuart Walston, Jr. joined the firm as President and expanded both the services and footprint of SWI. Under his leadership, Stuart helped SWI delve further into the commercial industry and revitalized the firm’s showroom, creating a showplace for SWI’s creative talent and a retail destination for fine antiques and unique accessories. With a background in design and construction management, he also expanded the firm’s outlets to provide custom furniture and upholstery, restoration and repairs, and interior millwork services. Moreso, committed to giving back to his hometown, Stuart engaged SWI in community outreach efforts such as the Wilson Education Partnership, the WilMed Healthcare Foundation, the Arts Council of Wilson, and the Barton College Scholarship Fund.
Working side-by- side for over 20 years, the Walstons shared their passion for interior design with countless families and businesses. Together, they established
The Walston Experience, where personalized service, inspiring design, and a commitment to excellence are the foundations of doing business. Sadly, in September 2004, Mr. Walston passed away.
Today, still led by Stuart Jr., the firm has operated in 17 states and has a team of designers with expertise in both residential and commercial projects. With
a clientele of all ages, SWI’s portfolio spans from one-room renovations to new constructions and from baby nurseries to second vacation homes.
As the firm continues to thrive, it remains true to the Stuart Walston, Inc. tradition of giving life a design.
