In 2013, after years as a successful decorator in the film industry, Francesca Dappen returned home to Vancouver to help her father Frank Dappen run his thriving upholstery business. Located in the heart of Kitsilano, Modern Done Upholstery has been a neighbourhood institution for more than50 years
Even at 86 years old, Frank prided himself on coming to work every day. He enjoyed joking with his customers, calculating all of the estimates, and was always careful to work within people’s individual budgets. “Everyone loved him. He was a sweet man, an icon.” Francesca says proudly.
Whether working with designers to transform a hotel suite for a royal visit or recovering a simple footstool with low-cost remnants for a budget-conscious customer, Frank always provided fine European craftsmanship on every job. He developed his upholstering skills in his native Switzerland before immigrating to Canada in 1956 with just $20 in his pocket. Frank became a local success story; he made friends quickly, taught himself English, built a thriving business, and became renowned for his great work ethic and quality of workmanship. After three short years, he became the proprietor of Modern Done in 1959, and started his family, who are all very proud of his achievements.
His daughter Francesca grew up around fabric and antiques. Her flair for design led her to pursue a degree in film at UBC. She later worked in London, England with the BBC and as a freelance art director before returning to Vancouver to work as a set decorator in the city’s emerging film industry. Today, she brings her passion for design and decorating to her work as the current owner of Modern Done, carrying on her father’s legacy.
