DESIGN & DECOR
Where Architecture, Art and Life Meet
Something Fishy’ s riveting aquarium installations present a design element that doesn’ t just sit still. EDITED BY EDELINDA BAPTISTA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REALPRO STUDIOS
I N A WORLD OF STATIC FINISHES— STONE, WOOD, art, lighting— a custom aquarium introduces something completely different: motion, depth and rhythm. It evolves with the space, responds to light and becomes an integral part of the architecture rather than decorative artwork.
DESIGNED TO BE EXPERIENCED For homeowner Nick Kishfy, the inspiration was in curiosity. That curiosity became the sense of living movement, central to this design. The Something Fishy team integrated the aquarium into the architectural language of the home, which featured custom cabinetry, concealed plumbing and precise structural coordination, all planned during early construction.
While technically complicated, the homeowner believes the installation process to be quite smooth.“[ Something Fishy ] craned this giant piece of glass, handled the cabinetry and plumbing. It was fascinating to watch and, as the homeowner, you don’ t have to worry about it,” Kishfy says.
What begins as sketches on paper is something more captivating than imagined in real life.“ It was exactly what we planned, and somehow even more impactful once it lived in the space,” says Kishfy, indicating the difference between designing an aquarium and a living environment.
THE HEART OF THE HOME David Lahousse, owner of Kay’ s Restaurant in Woonsocket, offers a different perspective about aquarium ownership.“ This was the first home we ever built,” he shares.“ We wanted it to be comfortable for us, and comforting when people walk in.” The aquarium— now a central feature in the room— is the“ heart of the home,” described by Lahousse. The vibrant installation stands out where the grandchildren play, where the conversation flows, and where the movement and color complement the architecture.
BUILT FOR LIVING, NOT MAINTENANCE What often surprises homeowners most is not the beauty, but the simplicity. The technical requirements for an aquarium system require great precision, but to the client, it should be effortless.
“ Honestly, it was the easiest part of the whole build,” Lahousse says.“ They ran the plumbing while the house was still just studs. Perfect timing and completely professional.”
Ongoing service is designed in the same way: Discreet, meticulous and reliable. Technicians come prepared to protect your home and handle all the details to ensure your aquarium remains a feature of enjoyment, not obligation.
“ You don’ t need to have incredible knowledge of fish,” adds Kishfy.“ You can just enjoy it, and that’ s pretty unique.”
SOMETHING FISHY 175 Metro Center Blvd., Warwick 877-FISH-TALK / 877-347-4825, somethingfishyinc. com
MORE THAN A FEATURE In both homes, the aquarium has become something more than anticipated. It’ s not simply decor; it’ s movement in an otherwise still room. It’ s architecture that breathes. It’ s design that moves people in amazing ways. ◆
20 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’ S NEST | 2026