Summer Project #5

This one was a quick one but one that was badly needed!  The chairs that I bought a couple of years ago have been great ones.  They are cane-backed and I just love the style and wish I had ten more to go with the four we have.  When I bought them, they were freshly chalk-painted and had a newly upholstered seat covered in burlap.  However, the burlap didn't hold up as well as I'd hoped and the two we use most often soon needed a refresh.  There were several tears in the burlap from my frequent use of this chair as my home office this spring when we were sent home to work. 

Since that refresh worked so well on those two chairs, I decided to use the same for this chair.  So, I went to my fabric stash and dug out the remnant that was left.  There was barely enough to do one chair so that it would look exactly like the other two and there was enough to cover another chair if I lay the fabric cross grain.  So, I decided that this chair is the only one with arms and would get the cross grain treatment.

I don't think it is noticeable at all that the fabric is laid a little differently from the other two that I recovered in the kitchen and I like the fresh, new look for this chair.  It fits well in my bedroom at the little desk I have there and will probably fit well wherever I put it since the fabric is so neutral.

So, a quick little project makes a big, big difference!

Sofa Before and After...and After

Today, I'm sharing a little about a before and after and then another after which made the first after even better!  Below you get a glimpse of the after.  Next you will see the before.  And at the end you can see the after, after.  Are you ready for the story?  Oh good!  I was afraid I might lose you in all the before and after and after again.

I've been searching for a new sofa for quite a while.  Mike has complained about the one I brought with me into our house almost since the day it entered the door.  I loved it because it was big and snuggly and comfortable.  He hated it because it was big and hard-to-get-up-off-of and French/distressed.  You can see it below in all its glory.  

Recognizing that it has seen better days and the upholstery had become dingy and the cushion threadbare, I began the search for a new one.  There were certain things that fell into my criterion.  It needed to have a tight back - no cushions on the back.  I wanted one bench cushion to sit upon.  I wanted it to be a little less deep than the old French/distressed model.  I wanted it to be light in color so that it didn't overwhelm the room.  I wanted it to be a wee bit smaller than the old one.

My criterion certainly narrowed the candidates.  My criterion certainly upped the price range.  My criterion almost made me give up and settle.  Settle for more cushions or settle for darker fabric or just settle for something different than what I wanted.

I would find one I liked and search for it, only to find that the model had been discontinued.  Or I would find one mentioned or featured in a blog post only to find that it was way beyond what I had hoped to spend.  During the last few days when my team and I were working, I mentioned my dilemma during lunch one day and pulled up examples to describe my ideas to my friends.  Luckily, my friend, Stacy, was listening and kept her eye out for me.  

I had been working on my closet project - more about that later - and had fallen asleep on the old snuggly couch.  So, when I awoke and saw her text message with photos of one that was beautiful and fit in with almost every single criterion, I immediately sent her a text message even though it was in the wee hours of the morning!  See the photos she sent me below.

When the sun arose, she responded with more information about the beautiful option she had run across and I contacted the seller.  I learned that it retailed for $3900 before it was discontinued and it was being offered for less than a fourth of that price.  After several messages back and forth, I made a thirty minute trip to sit on it and inspect it and the couch became ours!  The young couple delivered it and even helped my bonus son, Stephen, to lift it into the house and put it in place in our den.

I immediately set about settling her in and poofing it to suit.  When I had time to research, I found that it is the Maxwell Sofa by Universal Furniture and is upholstered in Belgian linen.  The frame is milled kiln-dried solid hardwoods and the cushion is a down blend and has nailhead trim. 

There was one slight problem.  Rosie, my robotic vacuum cleaner could not clean beneath it.  I had sort of dreaded all the cleaning that would be needed after I had committed to buying the sofa as I was mid-project in another area of the house.  Yet, when Mike and I moved the old couch out so that I could donate it locally, I was so pleased that very little cleaning would be required.  There was only one little cobweb and a wee bit of crud in one little spot but the rest of the area was clean as a whistle! 

After being so pleased with the job Rosie does, I realized that this was a problem that could easily be remedied.  Recently, Karianne, over at Thistlewood Farms posted about updating an outdated chair.  So, I knew this would be a simple problem to solve.  The short round bun feet attached could easily be screwed out and new feet screwed on.

However, I didn't realize just how many choices in new legs there actually are.  There are all sorts of shapes and heights and colors available.  Finally, I decided to stay with something similar to what was already attached and simply add a little height to the new sofa.  So, I landed on these. 

Rosie needed about an inch and a quarter to slide easily underneath the new sofa and keep the floor clean like she had with the previous one. 

The new feet added about an inch and a half in height.  So, Rosie slides easily beneath and keeps things clean and beautiful!  Yet the sofa is not too tall to sit on and is easy to rise from.

Mike and I have both tried it out for napping and I even slept on it for most of the night one night when my back was giving me problems.  The seat cushion is firm and seems to provide that extra support. 

We couldn't be more pleased and the before, after, and after changing out the legs on it makes it even more perfect!

Chair Refresh

I thought burlap was a rugged fabric that would serve well on the chairs Mike and I use daily for dining.  When I picked up these chairs last year, I was thrilled with how the burlap seemed more fitting for a farmhouse kitchen and thought it would serve us well.

Now, less than a year later, this is how they look.

Mike's chair started showing wear at around Christmas and the burlap has just continually become more threadbare till there are big holes appearing.

My chair didn't start showing the wear as quickly but once it did show a bit of wear, the holes quickly followed. 

So, I decided that spring break would provide me plenty of time to give them a little attention.  I mulled over what type fabric I wanted to use because I don't see a need to use burlap again if it is going to wear out so quickly.  I considered getting a linen or using a drop cloth.  I also considered using a floral that I used to line the shades in the kitchen.  However, I liked the quiet neutral quality of the burlap and wanted something similar to it. 

Then, one day I remembered that I had a remnant of fabric I had picked up a few years back at Sirs.  (Gosh, I miss that place!)  I thought it was enough to do at least the three chairs that don't have arms which we use in the kitchen.  I brought it out and draped it across one of the chairs and decided it might work. 

With the bright sunshine calling me yesterday, I jumped into my chair updating project.  I thought I'd get that knocked out in less than an hour.  Boy!  Was I ever wrong!  I had forgotten that the hard part of covering furniture is removing the old cover. 

I had to study the under side of my chairs a bit because I knew that it was just a matter of removing a few screws to get the seat off.  However, I never dreamt that the screws would be really long like they were.  I finally became pretty certain of which screws were holding the braces to the chair frame and which might be the best candidate for holding the seat on and gave it a go.  The seat came off quickly and easily.  Then, it was time to remove the staples that were holding the burlap on.  All.  Those.  Staples!

I got a screwdriver and began prying them up and pulling them out with pliers.  My goodness, that is a job!  Eventually, I got them all removed.  I think I could have just tugged at the burlap and most of it would have come off without removing the staples but I wanted a clean surface before I reapplied a new cover.  So, they all had to come out.  The original tan cover was still intact on the cushion showing all its sadness.  There were stains galore there but it made for a good base cover to protect the padding and I decided to leave it there just like the upholstery person before me had done.

I laid the burlap out onto my fabric and cut a large enough square to cover my chair seat.  Then, my trusty manual staple gun and I went to work stretching the new fabric and attaching it with staples.  I do not have the strength I once did when I wrestled with cows or tossed hay bales around.  So, I had to also hammer each of the staples down into the plywood seat to make certain they were snug and strongly holding the fabric in place. 

I'm pleased with my finished product and my updated chairs.  They are still casual and quiet in a room filled with chairs and I like that.  I also like the freshness that the new fabric covering brings.  My stiff arthritic hands certainly hope these covers last longer than a year!

Fun Afternoon Touring

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the local Parade of Homes.  I try to do this every year.  I get some ideas and I see some trends.  I also see some things that I'd never do in my own home.  This year I got to see the homes with a new perspective.  Things just seemed to look a bit different during this tour.  Little things I'd never noticed or paid much attention to before stood out.

You know, little things like wearing the shoe protectors while inside each house.  My new perspective showed me that this wasn't really a hassle to stop and take on at the doorway of each home.  It really is pretty cool and a new experience sometimes.

Perching on the fireplace hearth and hamming it up for the camera is kind of fun, too.

Every closet makes for a fun hiding place.  Every. Single. One.

It is important to check out the showers in each house.  Nobody cares if you just step inside and close the door.

It can be great fun and is really kind of cool to pretend you are taking a shower in these fanciful places.

Some of those showers have a cool bench where you can climb up and sit down for a spell.

After a couple of stops, it is simpler to just walk around in sock feet instead of wearing the little protective booties.  Of course, that means having to sit down and put shoes on to walk to the next home and that part isn't always fun.  Mom can be pretty persuasive, though.

Some of these places have a cool porch or outdoor room.  There are lots of little niches, a couple of cool built-ins, several steps to climb up and down, and sometimes cushy grass and sunshine!

Some of these homes have cool decor that seem to welcome with open arms or just give a guy a big old bear hug.

One place even had a creative place for little fellows to express themselves and pass a little time while the grown-ups looked around.

Every home on this tour had staircases for fellows to climb.  Climbing up.  Climbing down.

It is fun in every one of them.  Every. Single. One.  Sometimes even requiring a climb up and down - twice.

All the furniture was cushy and comfy and welcomed little climbers and loungers.  The tchotchkes were interesting and not easily broken, either.  Of course, the glass-topped table might have been breakable if there wasn't a grown-up nearby to remind little guys to be gentle.

Again, a cute little wink goes a long way with grown-ups when there is something a little man wants to check out that might otherwise be hands-off.  That wink is the insurance needed so that Mom and Dad never find out!

There might even have been a time or two when the socks had to come off so that the cool fuzzy rug could be experienced to the fullest by squishing little toes around.

Touring the homes was so much fun that at the end of the tour a little fellow might not want to leave.  That little fellow might sit down in a chair and say he isn't ready to go. That tired little fellow might even sit down on the steps at the front of the house and refuse to walk to the truck.  (Moms and Dads can be pretty persuasive at times like that, too!)

New perspectives make even the ordinary and traditional seem lots different and, in this case, lots better!

Bedrooms, Furnishings, and Decor of the Tour Homes

I've posted that we took a tour of the local Parade of Homes and how much we all seemed to enjoy it.  In this post, I'd like to share the elements I really liked when it comes to decor and furnishings - especially those in the bedrooms (since I'm covering other areas of the homes in other posts).

I loved the French feel of this chair and ottoman.  It looks like a place I'd love to curl up with a good book and spend some 'me' time.  It also looks like a good place to spend some time with grandchildren - especially if they are as cute as this little guy.

The other side of this room had a big old king-sized bed that was painted similarly to the chair.  It had a pretty upholstered headboard on top of a board headboard that was an extended version of the foot board.  It was a pretty look and quite different.  The drapes were very neutral and almost matched the wall but had a contrasting ribbon with Greek key designed trim.  I loved the paint treatment of the tray ceiling and the light fixture was simple and pretty as well.  Maybe it was the pleasing and soothing colors of sand and blue that I strive for in my bedroom that made it all appeal to me, too.

I know this isn't a bedroom.  However, I did want to mention these bar stools.  I like the look of these basket weave stools.  I have always liked the look of this type furniture.  I wonder how it holds up?

While we are looking at bar stools.  I liked the tailored look of the slipcovers on these stools.  I think it was made of canvas like a drop cloth and the trim was simple twill tape.  It was a nice clean look, though.

The same type furniture was used in this covered porch area.  It also featured doors that would open up an entire wall.  A couple of homes had these.  It would certainly expand space when entertaining and blend indoor and outdoor spaces.  However, I wonder if the flies and bugs might not be a big problem?  I did like the use of this galvanized water tank as a coffee table, though.  Wonder whatever happened to the one we used to have for sheep?

This room was huge.  There are those accordion doors on the left.  I like this big old solid banquet table.  I love the color of it and the design of it.  I liked the soaring ceilings but know that I wouldn't want to heat or cool all that.  I also liked the benches flanking the table but don't know about their practicality.  I might like to sit closer to the table than my neighbors.  I also liked the tall candle holders and the triplicate of them.  The buffet table on the end had a French feel to it and I loved the massive lamps and arched window-type mirror on it.  It was really a beautiful and massive space that this photo doesn't really indicate.  So, while it might not be exactly my style, I do love it.

The sun glare in this photo doesn't show off the beauty of the bead board-panelled walls and glazed woodwork.  It also doesn't show off the beauty of this chair with a smooth leather seat and cowhide spotted back.  Loved it!

This upstairs seating area featured a cute bench used as a coffee table.  The cushion atop it would serve as more seating if needed.  The baskets underneath would be great for storage - games, children's toys, magazines, knitting, etc. would go well under there.  I also liked the metal table with the wood top that is on the right.  Open but also sturdy and well grounded.

This boy's bedroom was to-die-for.  The linens were fabulous.  A navy tailored bed skirt with box pleats and button details.  Notice that the covering for the round table with a glass top has the same tailored style.  The other bed linens featured whales.  The bed could have been an old flea market find that was painted bright red.  I loved the Roman shade with Greek key trim.  I loved the two-color paint striped walls.  I loved the circular rope chandelier.  (It would also look great in a cowboy room, I'll bet!)  I loved how they took the nautical theme to the utmost.  It even extended into the bathroom!

The furnishings looked sturdy but not too clunky.  I liked the striped sign above this 'chest' with the dog and oars.  I also liked that it was a metal rack with metal bins that could be labeled and a wood top.  Very industrial but serviceable piece for anybody but especially masculine looking.  Even the lamp fits just perfectly in this room.

Isn't this piece of artwork cute?  I'd love it if I could go to one of those painting with a group classes and learn to paint something like this cute pooch!

This girl's bedroom would be fabulous for any age little lady.  It was bright coral and the bed quilt matched it perfectly.  The navy print comforter and shams toned the brightness down a bit.  It also had a featured wall treatment with the paneled and painted area looking rather lattice like.  The gold light fixture was beautiful without being too prissy like a crystal chandelier would have been.  I also love the painted bedside table and the gold and white striped lamp.  Notice that items on the bedside table are corralled on a tray.

The wild paisley fabric used for shams, draperies, and a deer head on a pillow were just the touch needed to brink the colors together and add another layer of design.  I also liked that the bed skirt and the window shade seemed to be made of a rick-rack striped fabric.  While all this brilliance might not fit so well with my traditional tastes, I really do like it!

This was another bedroom that I really admired.  While I cannot say I have ever been a big lover of green in decor, I find that I'm really liking some uses of this bright green.  I've seen it used as an accent color and along with navy or black and I love the look.  I don't know if the fabrics set the tone or if the desk set the tone for this room but I really think it looks beautiful.  Using the desk as a bedside table seems practical and efficient - especially for a smaller room or a guest room.  I love the geometric bed skirt and shams and how the solid duvet cover with black accent trim tones that pattern down to make it seem like a background fabric.  There were two French looking chairs with this bold floral print upholstery and even though I cannot imagine having them in my house, I thought they were beautiful and fit this room well.  The fuzzy ottoman added a bit more eclecticism and was a bit of a spunky surprise.  I love, love the black and white striped lamps and the heavy black frame of the mirror.  The combination of the clean-lined, modern lamps alongside the heavy ornate mirror balances one another out.

The room also had a nice screen which would be good in a guest room to hold clothing, coats, and such.  My favorite feature was this tailored valence that was black and white striped and had a green monogram on it.  I absolutely loved it and want to find a way to put that in a room here in my house!

This hallway or long, narrow room area was outfitted as a craft or study area.  There was built-in cabinetry along one wall.  The little niche corner where the stairway joined this room with a hallway leading to bedrooms was outfitted as a reading nook.  I love that they painted such a classic quote from a Dr. Seuss book and a rendering of a striped hat.  The metal crates holding the picture books was cute and serviceable.  I like the little lamp mounted on the wall.  I would have loved an area like this as a kid!

The other end of this long, narrow room had cute fabric baskets on the shelving that could hold markers, paint supplies, Legos, or any number of things and still look tidy.  I also love the silhouettes, of course, and the fanciful frames really set them off!

The desk area had a chalkboard painted wall above it.  This little fellow was being creative and coloring a beautiful picture!

This boy's room was cute as well.  The linens were of patriotic colors - stripes, windowpane checks, plaid, and stars.  I liked the simplistic headboards crafted out of corrugated tin and lumber and topped by a simple wall-mounted lamp.  I also liked the huge glass urn full of baseballs.  It also had a large art piece that was a huge round metal sign in the shape of a baseball gracing one wall and a rack of beautiful bats displayed on another.  For close ups (and better photos) of those art pieces, check out Kari Anne's post over at Thistlewood Farms (because she had a chance to take a tripod and her time with photos, I'm sure!).

I don't know if it was the neutral colors or the variety of pillows, or the chest used as a bedside table, or the beautiful shape of the chest or the painting on the chest or the pop of color with the flowers or the trellis design of the drapery fabric or the tufted bench at the end of the bed.  I don't know if it was one of those things or if it was the combination of all those things, but I really thought this bedroom's furnishings and linens and decor were soothing and restful.  Maybe it was just that this might have been later in the tour, but I could have crawled right up there and taken a nap!

Even without the cute little toes squishing around on the softness of this rug, there is something about those spots and that natural hide look that appeals to me.

I've noticed that there is a popularity in decor blogs and magazines featuring a Dalmatian-type spot and cheetah-type spots in their natural and expected colors but also in unusual coloring like the blues/turquoise/tan cheetah spots of the shower curtain.

This was another of those paintings that I wish we could go to the session with a bunch of friends and learn to paint.  This guy just has so much character.  The painting was in a mud room and the expression on the giraffe's face just looks like what I might be thinking when I look down at the floors here in my house at times.  That he is holding a flower could be a peace offering or it could be a subtle way of trying so freshen it up a bit because the floor is so messy from us tracking in!  Loved it!

I truly enjoyed the home tour - and the company I kept while touring.