Oh this past week just flew by! In addition to the Easter holiday we also celebrated the Fashionista’s birthday and went to Round Top, Texas for 2 1/2 days for the antique fair. That left just 2 days to work on the living room in between taking two tests, writing two papers and trying to keep the family fed. Whew!
I did manage to get all the floors waxed. That was a big job that had to be done in sections so we could still maneuver within the house.
Once the floors were dry I laid down a sea grass rug in the dining area, (The 8’ x 10’ just barely fit!) as well as another sea grass rug in the living room area. While I would love to have a pretty wool rug in both areas the sea grass looks very nice and the price was right for the budget. I found a 4’ x 6’ jute rug for the entryway at Ross for $29, score!
I have been looking for a pair of armchairs for the past 5 months. Now that the six week challenge gauntlet was laid down I was beginning to sweat. Thankfully our trip to Round Top was not in vain and I came home with a pair of VERY reasonable antique French chairs.
They are in need of some love. The once red velvet back fabric has completely rotted away in some areas.
The needlepoint is unraveling in a few areas, there is some staining as well as a thick layer of dust in most of the corners, nooks and crannies.
But I bought them for the details on the framing.
There is a small part of me that wants to recover them in a fun patterned fabric. Maybe green….
Or aqua????
But I worry that I would be tired of such a choice within a week.
I have also considered a bright velvet.
I have some nice antique métis sheets I found in France that would make a lovely basic upholstery. (Bright slipcovers could be added later.)
I imagine that you have surmised that I like the idea of painting the frames as well. The current orange toned wood doesn’t really work in the space.
A few steps closer…I need to find a cabinet maker this next week!
I would love to hear what you would do with the chairs.
Laura
I would use one of my fabrics chosen for the space, be that solid or pattern. They're going to be spectacular with whatever you've chosen. Plenty of time to sleep on it… or… maybe not. *wink*
Hugs,
Kelley~
Ooh, Laura, maybe do the fronts of the chairs in your metis sheets, and the backs in a fun print – a toile, a plaid, a floral, whatever direction your vision takes you?! Love your floors, rug and the way your panels are puddling on the floor.
Beautiful chairs- love the detail on them. You'll make them look spectacular one way or another! You are a busy woman! I read about Round Top from two other blogs. Looks like a fun place to go!
Perhaps begin with the slipcovers made from your french sheets so you can think more about the 'real' plan for the chairs? I do like the velvet on the back and pattern on the front (or velvet on back and seat) which you may be able to do more economically when fabric bargains present themselves.
Will you paint the buffet to match the chairs?
I love the chairs, so pretty and I agree with Rita, use a pretty fun fabric on the back. Can't wait to see what you decide.
Your room is really starting to take off! Love the finish on the floor. The rugs are a nice base to protect it.
Do you have small army who come in and do all this stuff while you are asleep? No! Then you have earned the title of Superwoman! I do good some weeks to get a broom across the floor! lol
Chair score or what!!! I love having arm or side chairs paired up. They look so much for inviting for a corner to chat in. Maybe its just a weird sensibility on my part but it makes the occupants seem to be on equal terms and more at ease for a good conversation. People who want to make them selves seem important have a large imposing chair. Kings have thrones for a reason. But you aren't at ease with them and never want to have a cuppa and share a good conversation.
Those muslin covered ones made me drool! Love the look of those and so pretty painted with the distressing technique (which you are awesome at, BTW).
Can't wait to see the finished results! 🙂
I'm enjoying watching your room transform. {and I know a wonderful cabinet maker in your area ~ email if interested}
Wow, those floors shine like crazy! I almost felt bad when the carpet went on it! I would go for plain fabric too, velvet or burlap would be a good choice for the bones. 🙂
Well, I agree, the matis on the front and fun on the back. Of course, I swooned over the tea cup fabric!
The chairs are lovely! If you don't want to get bored, you can always go neutral and add fun pillows on them that you can change as often as you want.
I love antique furniture done in modern fabrics. I think painting the chairs will be fabulous. I agree with Magali that a neutral would be wisest and fun pillows would be adorable!
Laura the Metis linen would be perfect!! What scores you've found lately!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
It's looking good, Laura! Those floors are absolutely beautiful; I would love to have hardwoods like that. We had them in our first house, and I'm hoping to get some here eventually. The French chairs were a real find! I love their pretty shape and the carving, as well. I'll look forward to seeing what you end up doing with them, and I can't wait to see your finished living room. You did such a great job with the den last year!
Have a good rest of the week.
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
What a great find Laura…those chairs are so pretty…can't wait to see them painted! Your floors look amazing…love the seagrass rug!
I like where this is headed and am enjoying seeing it all come together!
OOOH I can hardly wait to see what this is going to look like.
Love waxed floors and your's look beautiful! Can't wait to see what you do with those chairs.
Beautiful chairs! Can't wait to see what you choose to do with them!
Those floors looks amazing! I'm sure whatever you choose to do with the chairs will be wonderful. Good luck!