I am taking on quick “help outs” for those of you who have a vintage or antique piece of furniture that you want to give new life to, and need help conceptualizing the new and improved.
Sarah has a 50′s rocker / lounger that is in need of new foam and fabric, and possibly some work on the springs. This piece has it’s own personality, the shapes and details make it what it is, so we don’t want to mess with those two characteristics. I love the blue headrest, armrests and bottom trim, I would like to see this re-upholstered with yummy buttery dark blue leather (if it is in the budget). If not there are some surprisingly amazing vinyls out there in the world.
I would like this piece to go more monochromatic, so that it is less “cute” – lets make this chair dapper and a little more serious. I have pulled a super sexy wool upholstery fabric, in gray and white. My latest obsession is grids, and I love this wool grid, nice price too (make sure you order a sample first to make sure the quality is good.)
Now for the details – The body of the chair (wool grid) needs to have blind seams (meaning you don’t have piping or exposed stitching),which will give it a super clean and modern feel. For the leather areas – exposed stitching in a medium gray string would be delicious, and I could even see two to three buttons added to the seam of the headrest in the same leather. The edges of the leather should be left raw. The arms and base of the chair should be refinished in a medium tone gray. Wow, this chair is going to be super hot!
Here are a few links for the materials:
+ Gray grid fabric that I am in love with.
+ Fishman’s Fabrics, my favorite place in Chicago to visit every week or two, where there is a ton of great remnants for great prices. You do have to frequent often if you are looking for something specific /in this case ask about the suiting fabrics. Sometimes they are thick enough for upholstery and you will be sure to find a similar grid there.
Furniture Revival works hand in hand with upholsterers and do a wonderful job refinishing and repairing – this will need to be done before the piece is upholstered.
Budget:
This all depends on the state of the “innards” meaning the frame, springs, foam, etc- this is impossible for me to tell from just a photo, assuming this piece is in almost perfect shape with the exception that it needs new foam in the seat and back. With fabric, refinishing, foam and upholstery, I would say approx. $325.00 to $425.00.
Best of luck to you Sarah! Please send photos once the piece is completed!
Need some inspiration and concepts for a furniture re-do? email : Angela at design@post27store.com, send a photo or two of the piece that needs a little love, also include a glimpse of the room where the piece will be and let me know what you are looking to do!
