Risley’s Furniture & Design, whose roots in Knox County are over 100 years old, is a business steeped in tradition that continues to this day.

Risley Furniture is still operated by the same family and is still in Bicknell, Indiana. The original store, although no longer open, was built on Main Street in downtown Bicknell in 1904 by Alfred Pickel, great-grandfather to present owner Greg Risley. It was rented by the Humprey brothers until Greg’s father, Jack B. Risley, returned from WWII. He began operating the store under the moniker Risley and Son Furniture Company with his parents, Ira and Chloe Risley, and Aunt L. Mae Pickel.

“I grew up in the business,” says Greg. “I started going to market with my dad and grandfather when I was four years old.” The family took a train to Chicago to purchase inventory.

Risley soon added floor sweeping and window-washing to his duties in the family business while still a young boy. He advanced to installing carpeting and floor covering. Risley continued to pay his dues to the business into adulthood, obtaining his bachelor’s from Oakland City College and his master’s from Butler. Additional studies have taken him from Worcester College to Oxford University, where he pursued his special interest in English Country House and Gardens.

Greg Risley became a full partner in 1974, and at the same time, the store underwent a major renovation. It was separated into vignettes. The ceilings were lowered, and new carpet and lighting were installed. A new focus was then placed on interior design.

Greg Risley took charge of the family business in 1979 and is now the sole owner.

Risley’s Furniture & Design has done work in 13 states and in Europe. He has also co-authored a home furnishing book, serves as an interior design internship instructor, and has received many national honors. Though his reputation continues to grow, Risley says he has no regrets maintaining headquarters in his hometown of Bicknell. He views design as universal, untethered by geography saying:
“The main idea of good design is to turn a house into a home.”

Greg Risley is celebrating 51 years of interior design, making lifelong friendships, and he is so grateful to still be designing for friends like you!