Thursday, June 13, 2013

Change on the Horizon ...

I don't know if anyone who knows me personally reads the blog but, if you do, you already know that I said I wasn't spending another dime on my living room or dining room (or foyer or sunroom) until I finished my blah and uninspiring upstairs spaces. Still, somehow, perhaps because they're the rooms that are "finished" and therefore easiest to change, I always find myself hemorrhaging shelling out cash that benefits the living or dining rooms.

When I got home today, I took this snapshot of my living room ... and the box in the foyer that I apparently decided that I didn't care if you saw ... let's play where's Waldo, shall we? Scott's I'm sorry flowers are there, too! That's a story for another day ...


I pined over that gorgeous antique French sofa covered in the most beautiful vintage rust colored velvet ... and saved and saved and saved until I could afford it. Then I had pillows made from fabrics that seemed inexpensive until it all added up ... then went and spent a fortune on chairs, only to spend another small fortune having them slipcovered in the lemon grass waxed linen by Kravet. I love the room, it's fresh and colorful, and still tugs at that little old man inside of me. It also "fits" my house, far more than white slipcovers ever did ... although I tried, and tried, and tried! Oy, the money I've wasted!

Anyway, recently the sofa has been throwing me off. Perhaps because it's summer and I walk in and want something that's lighter, a little more fresh than the rust ... which is perfect in the fall and winter ... something more neutral perhaps. So, I came up with an idea. Actually, I was inspired by this room, and decided to just shamelessly copy on a much less expensive scale emulate this sofa:

photo via Architectural Digest

Trey Laird's townhome in New York City decorated by the amazing Jeffrey Bilhuber showcases a custom sofa with cushions covered in Scalamandre's Tigre Stripe Velvet. That fabric is delicious! (No, I didn't taste it ... I'm channeling my inner Martyn Lawrence Bullard) And expensive! But the room is so inspiring and totally my what else could you possibly fit in there, it's so cluttered aesthetic! So I'm going with a much less expensive option from Calico Corners, called Jamil.

You've heard me talk about it before, I'm sure. In fact I did a whole post comparing it the the Scalamandre print here. I think it'll give me exactly what I'm looking for ... and I can feel good about changing out the cushions seasonally because I didn't spend all that money!

My sofa, which is a sort of manipulated chesterfield, is going to be slipcovered in a canvas twill neutral that's a little vanilla in tone. It has just the right bit of yellow to it that it won't stick out like a sore thumb. The chairs are staying the same, but the stripe silk pillows will also take a break, and the sofa will get some neutral and fun pieced together ikat pillows.

I'm buying the fabric Monday, and Michelle Hook, my amazing slipcover maker is coming over sometime next week to make the pattern for the sofa and talk about ideas in covering it. I'm ok with the slipcover taking this piece to new heights. Something that isn't fitted, or stops at the upholstery ... we're going to explore pleats, taking the hem to the floor, ties and tabs, maybe some scalloped edging ... who knows what we'll come up with. But it'll be a little less fall and winter when we're done, and give the CDLV living room a refreshing dose of spring and summer.

Wish me luck!

33 comments:

  1. Artie, Artie, Artie!!! I leave you alone for a bit and you spend more money on that room!! LOL!!! I knew you couldn't just leave it alone! I cannot wait to see the new slipcover....it is gonna be soooooo fabulous!
    ~Des

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Des!! I'm actually getting a little bit of a deal, my slipcover maker owes me a favor or two. ;)

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  2. Artie it will be great. I did exactly that with my study's small sofa which is a wine velvet except I ended up using a Sferra matelaise throw on it/ then navy and white pillows. It feels fresher and much lighter for spring and summer.

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    Giveaway from Splendid Sass!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Karena,
      I'm excited about the changes. They're small, but sometimes the smallest ones make the biggest difference! :)

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  3. Yay... love your ideas... to thine own self be true!!!

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  4. there's nothing like a slipcover for spring/summer freshness. i can't wait to see the reveal, it's going to be fabulous.

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    Replies
    1. I sure hope so Meg! It'll be different for sure!

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  5. Artie, you truly are a decorator through and through! Every one I have ever known cannot leave a room unchanged-no matter how perfect it already is- it is just part of your DNA. I have the same curse, never satisfied! But, whatever you dream up, I know it will be even more beautiful each time...

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    Replies
    1. I feel like a crazy person through and through, Mimi!! Never satisfied. I need more clients, and then I wouldn't have time to focus on this one. HA! xoxo, A

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  6. looks gorgeous. but cannot believe you totally changed it all again! you are worse than me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how many times have you changed it? omg, i am laughing so much@@@@ you are too funny. why not just make up some orange and white pillows to make it more summery? i love you!!!

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    Replies
    1. OMG, Joni - pillows would be too easy! You know me and how I love a good headache! HA!

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  7. Hi Artie -
    I'm laughing because it's my first visit here, and I can totally relate! Look forward to seeing the changes here and on Instagram. Glad we've connected!
    Cheers,
    Loi
    Tone on Tone

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  8. Artie I am laughing hysterically. Since finding you on instagram and discovering multiple "design twin" elements we have, I can totally relate- I drive my husband nuts! Can't wait to see what you do with your room!

    Amy

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    1. Oh Amy ... we are twins! :) I've already changed my mind! HAHA!

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  9. Artie you exhaust me with all your changes. ☺

    Re the inspirational sofa; did you notice that the front boxing of the cushion pattern matches up with its top? Very impressive! Now back to the subject at hand; as we share a similar climate can relate how you feel and I am sure whatever you choose in design and once Michelle works her magic, the finished product will be delightful.

    With anticipation for the reveal ..... -Brenda-

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    Replies
    1. I know Brenda, I'm sorry. I gave it up. ;) I'm just gonna stick with my sofa as is ... I'll post why this week!

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  10. I LOVE your French sofa. Is it long enough for a nap? The chairs are great too and I like your leather chairs as well.

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  11. Changes to home interior is important from time to time. We can use several method for the renovations but your ideas for this is really superb. I just love your soft furnishing and will add some same furnishing material in my home with some stylish cushions floor to my living room. I have learn many of interesting tips here that is really adorable.
    Thanks!!!

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  12. I love what you have done with the living room. It was a brave choice to go with that couch it is adorable but it doesn’t go well with different seasons. I think the slipcover idea is awesome and wish you luck.

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