I've had a lot of changes in my apartment recently which is strange because aren't we meant to nest in preparation for winter and not spring? Regardless I thought I'd share some of these upgrades as they're really quite exciting for me!
A few months ago I purchased this antique armchair from an estate sale which had last been upholstered in the early 1960s. While the fabric was nice in its own way (an embroidered silk) it was not quite to my taste and rather dirty.
Upon the recommendation of my friend Michele from the blog
My Notting Hill I checked out
Haute Fabrics in Ballston, Virginia (a DC suburb). There I found this lovely hand printed linen with a subtle paisley fabric that I just loved. I also found
Urban Castle Interior Solutions who proved to be an excellent upholsterer after my last one had sadly retired. I worried it would perhaps be a little bland but I have such a random assortment of things that I love in this room that I thought the neutral tones would tie everything together.
At the same time I purchased this lovely
Safavieh rug which really anchors the space. This is my living room in a 1 bedroom apartment so I really LIVE in here!
Now I have a comfy chair in which to read and relax which anchors this corner of the room- just what I always wanted! Now I just have to start looking for the perfect sofa to replace my underscaled loveseat (so no comments about that!).
I received no compensation for this post -just sharing some excellent resources! Picture quality is lacking because these were taken with my phone.
I can attest to the fact that your place is warm, cozy and charming, having spent a rainy winter afternoon there with old friends, catching up!
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Chair looks really good in the paisley fabric.I I am a fan of paisley anyway). This nook looks very cozy, many happy book readings and coffee in the chair :-)
ReplyDeleteI would dare comment on sofa; Since most of us are not given a fully furnished house when we start our adult lives. As we grow so does our nest :-)
One day we sure will read a post on a nice new sofa too.
Best wishes.
Lovely spot to nest in. I can see you perched there in that lovely chair~ sitting with either a cup of tea, a book or a special beverage~
ReplyDeleteI have been nesting too in anticipation of spring cleaning.
pve
I second Meg's comment! Love the fabric you chose, it looks very high end with it's subtle pattern. Am i allowed to say I like your sofa :)
ReplyDeleteLove the new chair, love the new upholstery - good choice!
ReplyDeleteBut, then, I'm a lover of the neutral. Before I got married, my living spaces were almost entirely neutrals. Wood, metal, taupe, grey, black and white. Especially when one is young, and move a lot - as the young are wont to do - it's so easy to set up house again; everything goes with everything. You just move it about to fit the new space. But look who I'm telling this to...? ; )
What a lucky find, only made better by your choice of fabric. Your place certainly looks cozy and warm.
ReplyDeleteI tend to do my spring cleaning in the fall, so I don't think you are strange at all. I like he chair but I am enough of a slob I would have to choose something not quite so light.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteThomas - It is scotch-guarded of course. Other than some wine or tea I probably won't eat much on it though. I tend to eat at only the couch or in the dining room and am not much of a snacker.
Paisley - my nest (all 850sf of it) is still growing! Things always change anyway
ReplyDeleteStephilius - I hadn't thought of it in that light but so true! Not sure how much more I'll be moving around but one never knows. I like the neutrals because then I can change the accents / art easily and it won't look too higgely piggely!
ReplyDeleteHi Stefan, so happy to see your charming space and your lovely new finds. The chair looks super comfy and love the new fabric find!! Wow. I am a big reader, so nothing beats a comfy chair and a little side table and a view into a gorgeous room...
ReplyDeleteLove the Safavieh rug too. I am trying to pull together disparate elements in my TV room and this would be perfect!! Great find...!!
xo Terri
You've made it all look very comfortable and personal! I like the neutral paisley a lot and the chair seems perfect for reading and have a drink on the table at the side.
ReplyDeleteI think I remember that mirror in your last apartment's entry hall — it looks just as great in this incarnation!
ReplyDeleteI think a great carpet ties a room together... your's is lovely. The chair is perfect with its new covering. Well done. My favorite upholsterer retired recently, and I was bereft. I worry that it's a dying art with few new people coming into the game. Great you got a new one who did a brilliant job on the chair.
ReplyDeletegreat chair. we found one similar years ago and it's a fave. and right on as far as neutral, light fabric choice.
ReplyDeletehave you ever posted about the wooden and metal chair pair in your living room? those are fabulous!
donna
Deana -it really is an art form!! I took a class in college on upholstery (and did a similar chair) and it was the most hard work I ever did. Never again!
ReplyDeleteDonna - The chairs and coffee table were my grandparents and I've had them for years. They're original Herman Miller Eames lounge chairs and a George Nelson bench /coffee table from the 40s but they're still in production today.
ReplyDeleteHow charming. I love the classic lines of the chair that have been made for a person and a book. Your new home is looking so lovely. And I agree with you about upholstery being both an art form and I would add a form of Sumo wrestling. Such hard work!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting ready to take an upholstery class. I'd be afraid, but look at the difference recoveing that chair makes. SO nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a fan of Safavieh. Ordered a carpet for the bedroom and I couldn't be more pleased with it.
(Helpful hint: when ordering online remember to specify "Home" for shipping. When your 8X10 shag shows up at the office your workmates will tease you mercilessly)
I just upholstered two wing chairs in toile...and now I want to die. I will NEVER do that again.
ReplyDeleteI just made my first Safavieh purchase...kinda...it was a brand new zebra print cowhide on Craigslist!
Your home is lovely, right down to every last detail.
I sure wish we were neighbors! I could see myself in that chair while you wait on me hand and foot! *big goofy smile*
xo
Andie
Great piece and perfect fabric. Doesn't it feel great to feather your nest? Love the mirror over the console behind the chair! Your apartment is surely looking spectacular. You should have it photographed one day. I love Haute - gotta get there soon . Happy spring ! Xo Nancy
ReplyDeleteI really like the fabric you have chosen for the chair. It has a subtle Liberty's feel to it, almost William Morris, but contemporary. Great choice!
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