Innovative Design

Dennis Dubas wants to make your home the stage for your life.
By Alina Makhnovetsky

It was six years and three of her friend’s houses later, when Barbara Tauber finally got the chance to have Dennis Dubas decorate her Southampton home, and she was thrilled. For years, Tauber glanced over his impeccable work, the brilliant sense of color, concept of space and the extraordinarily wise selection of textures and fabrics; awaiting her turn. Dubas didn’t disappoint. Last year, the owner of Innovative Design, completely revamped Tauber’s 1950’s kitchen and made over her living room, even sizing up pieces that would best fit his petite client. “It’s gorgeous, it’s colorful, comfortable and inviting,” says Tauber.

The true talent that is Dennis Dubas is evident from the overwhelming sincerity and declaration of happiness from his previous clients. The passion for interior design, or rather as Dubas himself puts it “the nuts and bolts of it,” is even more obvious. Dubas is not merely a decorator, but instead a visionary that has honed his craft from a surprising background, which lucky for his clients, still finds its way into his designs.

Initially, Dubas studied fine art and later art history before carving out a path as a costume designer at La Salle University’s music theater, producing distinctive creations for such classics as “My Fair Lady” and “The Sound of Music.” Dubas’ flare for the dramatic, and a clear penchant for drapery and textile did not go unnoticed and soon Dubas was learning a new profession from the ground up, one that would allow him to use even more creativity and natural ability—interior design.

Today as a designer, Dubas is a revered expert in the field, largely for his uncanny blend of his inimitable achievements and expertise to benefit his clients. The art history background helps Dubas find pieces that are relevant to each period, making his designs authentic and cohesive. While, the previous career in costume design, allows Dubas to incorporate unmatched choices in textiles, for one of a kind result.

Also important, is to make the necessary distinction between a basic “decorator” and a “designer.” Dubas is the later. With Innovative Design it is not about picking out rugs, lamps or end tables—well it is, but that part is the last element. Dubas prefers to play dual roles. As a near contractor, Dubas is able to mend his initial design and make educated selections in crown moldings and tiles, as well as, work with a stonemason or attune to any other architectural detailing. The designer can easily incorporate a flat screen and audio theater and even manipulate his sketches to make best use of natural light. Innovative Design’s presence in the community has also garnered Dubas incredible contacts and the designer is able to hand select from various showrooms at a discounted rate. Thus, many of his clients have the luxury of not paying the showroom prices. Randi Fair of Bucks County found working with Dubas such a rewarding process, she called on the designer twice; first, for her home in Holland, and then for her condo in Atlantic City. “Dennis was so easy to work with. He was reasonable and you are able to do a bit at a time, and he really includes you in the process,” says Fair. “It’s been ten years since Dennis designed my house and I haven’t grown tired of it. I still sort of fall in love with it, every time I see it,” admits Fair.

“Every job presents its own unique challenge, people want a beautiful environment and a theatrical design,” Dubas says, knowingly. Although, it may only take an ultra soft pillow and a superbly plush couch to have comfort in your home, to have a stylish and an inviting one, for the next act in your life, a consultation with a designer may do wonders, and Dubas, well he is always ready for another challenge.

Innovative Design is located at 5997 Carversville Road in Carversville. For more information, call (215) 297-9751.

Alina Makhnovetsky is a freelance writer and lives in Philadelphia, PA.