ABOUT US
At Victorian Renaissance Store, we bring the past to life. Contrary to popular belief, we are firm supporters of more is more.
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We’re old house specialists, enthusiasts of the Victorian Era, crazy about antiques, historic homes, and vintage furniture, each carrying its own unique narrative from a time gone by.
At the heart of Victorian Renaissance is Omri Lahat, a house restoration expert and architectural designer, who recognizes the beauty & potential in unique items that are often overlooked and forgotten. Unfortunately we live in a world where art is often overshadowed by minimalist, practical, and readily available options. Victorian Renaissance is a reflection of our commitment to preserve and highlight the intrinsic beauty and historic value of these timeless items.
Our diverse services – from interior design, an online boutique, masterclass, consultation, to carpentry & furniture restoration – is crafted to ignite your creativity & passion for the old world. Our mission is to educate and inspire individuals to appreciate the value of original pieces, potential art, and reveal the hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered, restored, and appreciated. We challenge the modernist approach that equates old with useless. -
Meet Omri
Born in Israel in 1984, Omri Lahat’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for craftsmanship. From his early years, Omri sought avenues beyond traditional institutions, driven by a desire to harness his unique potential. His service in the Israeli army for 3.5 years, followed by a brief tenure with the Ministry of Security, instilled in him discipline and determination. Choosing to forgo formal education due to past experiences, Omri embarked on a self-taught journey into the world of business. He delved into the intricate art of buying and selling, which all began in the Israeli flea market. Ultimately enabling him to understand the value of items across cultures, and appreciate the often-neglected art left behind by time. This foundation in repurposing and restoration would later become a cornerstone of his career.
New York City, a melting pot of opportunities, summoned him next. While an initial foray into real estate provided insights, it was the leadership role at an insulation company that truly expanded Omri’s horizons. Here, he mastered the nuances of modern construction, architecture, and specialized services like fireproofing, waterproofing, and soundproofing. This expertise allowed him to identify the vulnerabilities in contemporary construction techniques. Hurricane Sandy’s devastation in New York and its surroundings presented a unique challenge. Omri rose to the occasion, aiding in the massive renovation efforts, transforming damaged structures back into homes. It was during this period, in the historic neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, that Omri had an epiphany. Witnessing the disposal of intricately crafted old doors and fireplaces, he realized his true calling: merging old-world craftsmanship with modern construction and design.
Collaborating with developers, Omri assembled a skilled team, restoring his first house and subsequently delving deep into the world of restoration, craftsmanship, and design. Having overseen more than 10,000 job sites, Omri’s vision is clear: to bridge the gap between the modern and the old world. He believes in reviving the essence of the past, not just as a nostalgic sentiment but as the very foundation upon which great cities are built. Omri’s multifaceted skills encompass artistry, interior design, carpentry, and painting. A polyglot, he speaks four languages – Hebrew, English, Spanish, and Arabic, and possesses the unique ability to read hieroglyphs. An avid reader of old books, a collector, a builder, and a fixer of antiquities, Omri Lahat is on a mission to reintroduce the world to the timeless beauty of the past.
Meet Natalie
Born in 1996 in Bulgaria to a Romani family, Natalie Kaduri found her home with a warm-hearted Israeli family in Miami. Raised amidst the vibrant culture of Miami, her life took a pivotal turn when she chose to enlist in the Israeli army at the age if 18. Natalie’s innate passion for photography, paired with her discerning eye, not only allowed her to capture the world in unique ways but also endowed her with a clear vision for her business endeavors. This keen insight became the cornerstone upon which she built and shaped the direction of Victorian Renaissance.
Inspired by Omri’s passion and depth of knowledge in art and design, she felt a renewed connection to the world of art. Recognizing the untapped potential, Natalie envisioned a deeper more profound direction for the business beyond mere restoration. She steered the business towards a richer narrative, one that resonated with the timeless beauty of art, design, and interior aesthetics. Her goal? To inspire, educate, and reconnect people with the foundational roots of architectural arts.
Natalie’s leadership in content creation is marked by a keen understanding of audience engagement and storytelling, ensuring that the brand’s message resonates deeply with its target demographic. Fluent in Hebrew, English, and Spanish, her linguistic skills further amplify her versatility. Art, for Natalie, is not just a profession but a rediscovered passion. Under Omri’s influence, she has honed skills such as painting furniture, collecting antiques, and even writing a book. When she’s not immersed in her work, Natalie indulges in her diverse hobbies, from photography and scuba diving to cooking and playing the harmonica.