A vanishing craft: veteran Montreal upholsterer retires after 50 Years

Peter Nikolakakos closes his Montreal business, leaving behind a rare craft and loyal clients.

A rare skill that is becoming even more so - upholstery. After 50 years in business, the man behind “New Vision Upholstery” is closing-up shop, and his clients are sad to see him go.

Peter Nikolakakos says he can turn any furniture idea into reality. He recalls a time when a client brought in a magazine photo, and he transformed it into a detailed diagram, laying the foundation for a custom piece.

Peter Nikolakakos has been upholstering, recovering, and building designer furniture since 1974. But at 70 years old, he says he’s ready to put away his tools for good.

“I tried to sell it and help the people that would have bought it—to stay with them, to get acquainted with my designers and my clientele. But it didn’t work out,” he said.

Finding an apprentice to take over wasn’t easy either. “Young people today, they don’t come into the trade. They find it hard. They’re looking for easier stuff,” he added.

With his retirement, a unique skillset will disappear from Montreal’s furniture-making community.

Bram Naimer, Nikolakakos’s longtime landlord and client, says his talent is irreplaceable.

“I’m very upset, very sad, because he’s been a staple in this building for so many years, a wonderful tenant and a wonderful human being!” Naimer said.

Despite stepping away, Nikolakakos plans to share his expertise with young talent in other shops. “The young upholsterers, they don’t know the trade the way I do. I can help them out,” he said.

As he clears out his workshop on Décarie Boulevard, he’s donating his remaining rolls of fabric to the Jewish General Hospital to sell.

Now, as a father and grandfather, he says he’s ready to focus on family.

His eldest grandson, who bears the same name says “It’s been a long road. He’s left the work very hard and always provided for everyone. It’s going to be sad seeing it finally end,” says the younger Peter Nikolakakos.

“Now, I’m dismantling the shop, everything is gone. Everything is practically sold. By the end of the month, by the end of January, I have to look and book a trip to down south to get some sun!” Nikolakakos said.