I feel like I’ve been trapped in the Bermuda Triangle. The Bermuda Triangle of painting. Last week I spent 5 days in a row Micah pointed that out in my Christmas pajama pants and painted practically from sunup to sundown. The kid’s playroom seemed like a simple enough task, but the 10′ ceilings, fireplace, 2 doors and 10 windows quickly reminded me otherwise. We’re in the final stretch, and I look forward to showing you a bit more soon. Today I thought we’d talk chairs: some befores and some afters.
I found these kids chairs on craigslist (surprise, surprise) right before Christmas, and while they didn’t appear to be have much wear, they were rusty and one had a rip in the seat.
So I mixed up some Bar Keeper’s Friend and water and scrubbed off the rust.
And then I took Xander to JoAnn‘s to pick out some fabric. He loves black and thinks crocodiles are cool, making this faux leather the perfect choice. Plus, it doesn’t get more kid-friendly. With cousins galore and hopes of lots of entertaining we can never have enough pint-sized seating.
So, on to another pair of chairs it’s really hard for me to pass up a pair of anything that has caused quite the ruckus in this house. It’s another craigslist score…one that my husband would call a craigslist sore. He may or may not have called these the “ugliest chairs he’s ever seen” and he may or may not have google image searched “ugly chair” and came up with several similar looking chairs to plead his case. But I did not waver. I knew they would be perfect.
When Micah thinks I’m crazy sometimes greatness happens. You see, if he had agreed with me I would have paid nearly asking price and skipped on my merry way, but when he doesn’t like something he tells me he doesn’t care if I can get it for “x” amount, which is always dirt cheap. I see it as a total challenge and usually come out on top.
So, these chairs. I haven’t shown you a picture yet because I feel like I have to make my case first – give you all the details and disclaimers. Our wood paneled living room is a tough space. The layout is really difficult with 6 doors and a fireplace that sits on a corner. My plan is to float the furniture in the center, but I don’t want to ignore the fireplace completely. A pair of swivel chairs would take care of the desire to have a conversational area that also allows for intimate moments by the fire. The sofa will be very traditional, so I wanted something modern. And boy did I find it.
Obviously that fabric is a little loud a little?! and none of this is going together right now – lots of placeholder pieces – but these chairs will be getting outfitted in something soft and feminine, and I know they will be beautiful.
They may smell like cheap vanilla air freshener at the moment, but they are the most comfortable chairs (they rock too) and once they’re reupholstered we’re sure to be spending lots of time in them.
This room has a ways to go, and I think these chairs are going to be one of the stars of the show. I’ve proven my husband wrong before, I can do it again, right?
Sarah Rojas says
Love them! You would think your husband would trust your taste by now, hahaha!
Julia Konya says
I'm sure your kids will love swiveling in those awesome chairs. Mine would! And those are the most amazing kids chairs I have ever seen.
sarah m. dorsey says
I have a hard time passing up a pair too! Everything you touch turns out amazing, I'm sure these chairs will too!!
Stevi Gibson says
The current fabric on those swivel chairs is very Kelly Wearstler to me!
Afton says
i love everything about those chairs – fabric included!
Albertina M. Cisneros says
Well, I may be crazy but I absolutely love the chairs and even that fabric!! I would not change a thing! but of course if they smell….but I think the fabric is so cool…even the colors are perfect!
katie gavigan says
Love them just the way they are, but I'm sure whatever you create will be just as lovely. You tempt me to stalk craigslist more often with all your great finds!!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
Is it weird that I like the fabric?! But the smell would be enough to change them. I love their shape 🙂
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Oh yes. You can definitely prove yourself right on that one! The chairs will be awesome, no doubt at all. I can never say no to a pair either. Scott and Micah could spend hours comparing notes 😉
Michelle says
Gwen, did you just re-cover and sew with that crocodile fabric? I have similar looking chairs for my dining table and have been wondering how to best recover the cushions since i am not a whiz with sewing… 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
No sewing required! Just trace a few inches larger than the seat and staple it around on the underneath!
Carrie @ Cosy Carolina Interiors says
I think I might just love every single thing you do!! Those swivel chairs are so awesome and I even like the fabric that is currently on them. Do you mind sharing how much you paid? There is a pair in my area that I am interested in, however, I think the seller is asking too much ($300 for the pair); I'll need to pay much less if I'm to convince my husband it's worth it. 😉
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Carrie! They were asking $250 and I got them for $120. I did some negotiating and made the point that I'd have to put a lot of money into them for reupholstery. Hope that helps!
Kat says
These chairs are going to be AMAZING. I can't wait to see what you do!
Sham Monk says
The food at this place was delicious. The menu options we had at banquet halls in Miami were great (it was hard to choose) and one course was better than the next. It was great that they had different options for those who didn't eat what we served.
Shavonda Gardner says
Oh those chairs Gwen. THOSE CHAIIIIIRRRSSSS! They are amazing and i can so see why you took a chance on em! Cant wait to see this.