You may remember a few years ago I purchased an antique set of caned chairs and table made by Baker -see the post
HERE. While the caning looked great, it wasn't very comfortable or practical and I had decided to have cushions made.
I used Aku Merali at
Marketplace Interiors in Alexandria, VA. He is a well respected upholsterer here in DC used by everyone, including the White House. He recommended attaching a pad on a wooden base to the chair instead of seperate cushions and I followed the experts advice! I am so pleased with the result and couldn't be happier. The fabric I chose is
Ralph Lauren Home's English Riding Velvet in Lovat -a beautiful muted turquoise.
After picking up the chairs on Saturday morning (thanks Mark!), I decided to host an inaugural launch and had some friends over for some fresh strawberry shortcake and champagne. I bought the
Paisley Table Throw from Potterybarn which coordinates beautifully with the chair fabric. To go with the dessert theme, I used my
Strawberries and Cream china by Royal Doulton and some Adam styled antique silver from Ms. Pixies.
I am so happy with how it all turned out and even more pleased to share my small changes with you all.
You may remember a few years ago I purchased an antique set of caned chairs and table made by Baker -see the post HERE. While the caning looked great, it wasn't very comfortable or practical and I had decided to have cushions made.
I used Aku Merali at Marketplace Interiors in Alexandria, VA. He is a well respected upholsterer here in DC used by everyone, including the White House. He recommended attaching a pad on a wooden base to the chair instead of seperate cushions and I followed the experts advice! I am so pleased with the result and couldn't be happier. The fabric I chose is Ralph Lauren Home's English Riding Velvet in Lovat -a beautiful muted turquoise.
After picking up the chairs on Saturday morning (thanks Mark!), I decided to host an inaugural launch and had some friends over for some fresh strawberry shortcake and champagne. I bought the Paisley Table Throw from Potterybarn which coordinates beautifully with the chair fabric. To go with the dessert theme, I used my Strawberries and Cream china by Royal Doulton and some Adam styled antique silver from Ms. Pixies.
I am so happy with how it all turned out and even more pleased to share my small changes with you all.
Those are beautiful Stefan, that was exactly the right choice in both form and fabric.
ReplyDeleteTurned out to be very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love Champagne and strawberries
Beautiful! Love the Paisley table throw. Centuries ago when I was single, had the same color velvet curtains in my bedroom. It seems we have a common liking for certain things and colors :)
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteYour chairs are beautiful, thats was the good choice.
Greetings
Jérôme
David -thank you! I think the cushion updates them a bit and they're much more useful now too.
ReplyDeleteLa Petit -they were delicous!
Paisley - funny how the blog world does that! Brings together people of similar tastes.
Jermoe - Thank you so much!
They look fantastic! I really like the Paisley table throw, it looks very nice with the new fabric.
ReplyDeleteThey turned out so well! I love the blue.
ReplyDelete{love the little vase}
ReplyDeletemurphys -thank you! I couldn't resist after doing the chairs.
ReplyDeleteJanet - I think they add just enough color to my apt but not TOO much - i'll let you and the gentleman be the judge!
Meg - I love using old candle jars as vases -no muss no fuss! $3.99 flowers from Trader Joes!
LOVE those chairs!!! And LOVE strawberry shortcake! By coincidence, I made it for dessert last night with berries from the Farmer's Market. the strawberries are fantastic right now. Hope you had a wonderful celebration!
ReplyDeleteKatie -thank you! The party was a lot of fun. I love hosting just dessert after eating out -so much less fuss and you can linger without angry waiters wanting you to leave! Strawberry shortcake is my favorite dessert. They're in season so get them while they're hot!
ReplyDeleteMy office is a graveyard of velvet from peacock to aqua for dining room chairs. I can't seem to narrow it down...if only I knew, I would have let you choose for me since yours look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThose chairs are over the top gorgeous! The entire space is enviable, the mirror, the framed gallery wall, so chic and anything but tired ol' stuff.
ReplyDeleteAcanthus - I recommend the RL fabrics - they have some beautiful blues expecially! I was dying over the silk velvet but thought it wasn't the most practical for dining room chairs.
ReplyDeleteKerry, thank you so much! Sometimes I think it feels a bit cluttered so it's nice to get some validation!
Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou know I love that muted turquoise and the upholstered seats look so refined and inviting. You're going to have many great times with them.
Also, love the print of that tablecloth. What a great pairing. Enjoy the summer dinner parties and lunches ahead!
Cheers,
Courtney
Thank you Courtney! All of your posts on fabrics have really helped me define the styles I like. I've learned so much from you.
ReplyDeleteFunny how I loved the chairs with the caning so much but as you point out -they are much more refined looking with the upholstery.
I'd plopped down in the blue cushioned chair and grabbed my fork, I think some Pixies was playing on the box; this was starting out great... Opps, there you go talking about furniture when I was having strawberry shortcake munchies attack.
ReplyDeleteYour table and chairs look the perfect part for a Lady Bracknell tea with men called Earnest and Jack.
ReplyDeleteDo you like seed cake? For some reason seed cake or madeira cake come to mind when I look at your table. Good chairs, too. Great solution to the seats.
The chairs look great, and your dining area is most inviting. What better backdrop for dinner and good conversation than to be surrounded by books.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to meet you in High Point at Hickory Chair. You made vast improvements to the chair, and the velvet choice was perfect. I have to admit the PB linens are excitingly within reach. I'm in Alexandria quite a bit, I'll have to look you up.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Liz
love the change and the paisley with the china and don't those candles containers make great vases, very nice, as I would expect. pgt
ReplyDelete