furniture with attitude
We all have a piece of furniture that’s still functioning but lacks pizazz.
Maybe we’re just sick of looking at it, or regret taking the safe route when choosing it’s fabric and finish. Whatever the reason, it’s a big yawner.
If you love traditional shapes, there are some amazing ways to wake up a sleepy piece and let it’s hidden rock star show through 
.
The only caveat is: you’ve gotta go bold, or go home!
Any of you who read decorating magazines, saw this image run last year for a fabric company called Romo Fabrics.
What a way to energize a simple side chair…
Toronto Stylist and Fashionista Andrea Ford has figured out how to turn furniture finds into the life of the party.
Andrea believes in mixing it up with the old and the new; demure vs. demanding: “I love the process of stripping furniture down to its bare frame and rebuilding it. I spend a lot of time browsing through fabrics for statement prints and treat each chair or sofa like a couture design. It’s a green venture by accident, but I love to save pieces that others have cast aside.” Her pieces start at $400 and you can either take your own piece to her or shop from the ones she’s already done, like these…
If you’re interested in this look but want to buy new, Barrymore Furniture will paint their chair frames any colour of Benjamin Moore paint you choose. Here’s a bergere chair done in Watermelon Red #2087-20 with fabric called Flame 4117.
Of course you could always try to diy! At least paint the frame yourself - and then shop for some cool fabric and take it to a good upholsterer. You’ll be totally trendy if you do - don’t think of it as recycling, that’s so passe - use the new hip term “upcycling” or “decurating”.
Whichever way you go, just know that you’ll have to blast some Van Halen when your new piece arrives. Rock on!
Comments
I bought a pair of chairs like the one just above in black from ...of Things Past several years ago. Not as inexpensive as Sandra’s but a pretty good deal none the less. I have removed the ugly covering, but have been waiting to get motivated to complete the job. Well, now I am!! Love the Watermelon Red!! Thanks for getting me re inspired!!
Hi Cobi
Just thought I’d let you know that as of tomorrow, April 1st, that a few of Andrea Ford’s pieces will be for sale in my shop,
Simply Home. I’m located at 1022 Queen St. E. in the the heart of Leslieville. The fantastic chaise pictured on your post will, hopefully if it fits, be in my front window. I have lots more upcycled, reclaimed wood tables and consoles etc. Simply Home is also listed in The Green Living Guide.
Brenda
Owner, Simply Home
Love seeing all the incredible transformations. I scored a chair like the one in picture number 6 from Goodwill for $13.00 and can’t wait to transform it. It is so solid and the workmanship of the wood is so spectacular that it I do have reservations of painting it but will have to see where it will go before I touch it with a paint brush.