Allyson Forrister

Allyson Forrister

With nearly 10 years experience in many aspects of the residential design and building industry in Massachusetts, Allyson loves working closely with clients to help them bring their vision to life.

The daughter of a skilled carpenter, the home renovation bug bit her at a young age while visiting job sites with her dad.

She'll work within your budget, aesthetic tastes and spatial constraints to create a truly special and beautiful end result that suits the way you want to live.

While Allyson considers the Kitchen Views showroom in Berlin, MA her home-base, she often works with clients and contractors at our National Lumber location in Gardner, MA.

Allyson Forrister
Sales & Design
Based in Berlin, MA
With Kitchen Views Since: July 2019
Phone: 978-838-0810

Email Allyson Forrister

Photographer: Kate Babetski

Retro-Mod Kitchen

Private Residence, Renovation

Designed by Allyson Forrister

This was a kitchen update in a newly purchased c.1910 two-family home. The client loved the craftsman details in much of the home but wanted to create a sleek kitchen with retro detailing.

The keystone of the design is the fully-restored Chambers gas range (c.1950). The range informed nearly every aspect of materials selection in this project.

Lighting always plays a very important role in a kitchen. The ceiling design answered the call. The tray ceiling houses an array of recessed, dim task lighting, a central ambient fixture and hidden, dimmable cove accent lighting.

Allyson's interior design talent is obvious in the coordinated details that give this kitchen its unique personality.

A collaborative approach between designer and client is something that Allyson believes is of paramount importance.

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Retro-Mod Kitchen designed by Allyson Forrister seen behind the dining room
Photographer: Kate Babetski

Universal Interior Design

Allyson incorporates universal design elements into all projects because it produces high quality design solutions, also known as design thinking.

Universal design means designing thoughtful solutions for the largest possible spectrum of users and abilities. Remodeling is what separates a decorator from a designer. Allyson is able to design and oversee the remodeling of any and all spaces within a building envelope.

Allyson is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

She is interested in many aspects of architecture and design including but not limited to inclusive design, residential design, sustainable design, restoration, remodeling and historic preservation.

Allyson Forrister earned a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for IFDA (International Furniture and Design Association).

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Flowering potted plant in Retro-Mod Kitchen designed by Allyson Forrister
Photographer: Kate Babetski

Testimonials

Allyson is a creative professional who cares about the desires and needs of her clients. It is easy to brainstorm design ideas and she is open to client input. When things need to change, she calmly walks the client (who is usually the one freaking out) through everything. Highly recommended!
~ Tina of Watertown, MA

My husband and I recently bought our first home and while looking for our dream home we kept in mind our long term needs, not just for myself even though I’m disabled but for my able bodied husband as well. This is the home we would like to grow old in. So we were patient until we found a beautiful ranch style home. Even though we kept accessibility in mind we still needed help getting it to be stylish and functional so we hired Allyson Forrister and with her help we achieved that goal!

Every step of the way she was informed with the latest technology and interior design. When people visit my home they all compliment the design and then I tell them it’s accessible too and they are shocked and amazed. I would recommend Allyson Forrister to anyone who wants a beautiful home you can live in for life.
~ Adrienne of Orange, MA

When decorating our new home, Allyson made understanding our tastes look easy even when we didn’t fully understand them ourselves. She made our new house feel like a warm and welcoming home that completely embraces our lifestyle.
~ Kate of Bolton, MA
Coffee Station Nook in Retro-Mod Kitchen designed by Allyson Forrister
Photographer: Kate Babetski

Hidden Gem

A touch of the unexpected is fun in home design. This coffee station nook brings smiles with its clever use of a small space and accent wallpaper that brings in the orange accent color seen throughout the kitchen. Cove accent lighting makes this hidden gem shine.

Antique furniture vignette by Allyson Forrister
Photographer: Kate Babetski

More About Allyson

Allyson is a certified antiques appraiser with an extensive knowledge of antiques and has worked in the antique industry, at some capacity, since 2001.

When she isn't hard at work on client projects, Allyson loves visiting antique stores, cross stitching and fair weather cookouts in her backyard.

In her spare time Allyson contributes to her community by delivering Meals on Wheels in Clinton.