Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Upholstery: before and after

As many of you know I've become somewhat of an estate sale junkie.  At a sale earlier this year I picked up two rather ragged chairs for next to nothing.
 Above you can see the before. The chairs were upholstered in a tired, faded fabric but the frames were sturdy, the cushions in great shape, and the design unique and oddly comfortable. The Venetian shape just nestles your back perfectly.
I paid a visit to Roxene at Haute Fabrics in Arlington, Virginia, and found this amazing hand-done crewel fabric. Here she is measuring out my yardage. Hi Roxene!
After a quick turn around from my upholsterer they're happily ensconced at my friend's house; at a fraction of the cost for comparable new chairs. Can you even recognize them?  Leaving the skirts off modernizes them and the pattern is really cheerful.
 Here is a closeup of the amazing crewel work.
I love the way the fabric complements the rug but isn't matchy-matchy. This last shot isn't very good but gives you an idea of the line of the chair. These definitely need to be manufactured again by someone as they're so comfortable!
I can't recommend more highly a visit to Roxene at Haute or my upholsterers, Urban Castle Interiors.
PS. since I've received emails about it this is obviously not staged nor the final resting place for the chairs as work is ongoing in the house. Just quick snapshots!

15 comments:

Karena said...

Excellent work and I always adore a crewel fabric!! Great choice Stefan!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

I am really jealous. I love the shape of those chairs and the fact that you snagged a pair makes me positively green. Enjoy them!

David said...

Those are fantastic. Isn't it amazing how new fabric will refresh a piece?

Foodie said...

Charming fabric choice!

Stephilius said...

Perfect! I love the shape of them, and they - do - look comfortable. : )

Habitually Chic said...

Love the new fabric choice! Very chic!

A Perfect Gray said...

crazy about the backs on those.

Mark D. Ruffner said...

I would not have thought of upholstering in a crewel fabric, but it looks great! You've made me a convert!

M. Denise C. said...

Love seeing these types of transformations!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

The upholstery looks pretty and expertly upholstered. The shape is just way too interesting. Shaped to lull you in comfort. Looking forward to seeing them in place when your renovations are finished.

Unknown said...


what beautiful chairs Stefan and such a good eye! Love the fabric. xo Nancy

Windlost said...

Great find Stefan and a very sympathetic re upholstery job! Love them and their shape. I love your style and eye and I'm forever envious of your estate sales there as everything you find, I covet. Haha.
Xo Terri

Tara Dillard said...

Those chairs were designed for conversation & cocktails.

Scotch. Straight.

Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

cotedetexas said...

I love the shape - the back especially! and the fabric is so beautiful. they would also look great in an all white room with blue and green accents! Send them to me!!!! hahah.

Ann said...

Oh my, they look fabulous. I just love their shape. You picked the perfect fabric!