Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Trouble with Love is ...


Remember when I changed our living room around from the blah and beige and added this glorious French chesterfield sofa in old rust colored velvet? I loved the room. And looking at this photo - part of me still does. But, the trouble with love is ... when it comes to interiors anyway ... sometimes the love dries up quicker than you had hoped!
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And that's the case here. The sofa, an antique, is having its fair share of problems. It had its fair share of problems when I bought it, and those are just worse. It's pretty, but it's not all that comfortable, and the cushion needs lifting every single time someone gets up off of it because it's full down (no foam center). So, when I had my ultra-amazing-can-sew-anything slipcover maker make the slipcover for the new sofa in our sunroom, my mind got to churning. My love started slipping away, and now I have a whole slew of ideas for how I can redo the living room for the 6th time! Yes, SIX!
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Why do I do this to myself? Is it just me? Do we all think about the next version instead of just being satisfied and content with what we have? So, my new plan involves custom banquette seating on either side of the fireplace, slipcovered in the same cotton duck as the new sofa, and a French style wood framed, gray linen upholstered bergere chair. I'll keep the seagrass, and trade out the current rug for one that's got more red in it to help me tie in all of the red fabrics I bought to originally coordinate with the sofa. Two dining room chairs (you know the kind from Restoration Hardware that everyone and their 88-year old grandmother has) will sit near that banquette/s so that they can be their own little gathering spot. 
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The current sofa will be going to the graveyard, or wherever worn out sofas go to die. The two English roll arm chairs will go in the sunroom, where they'll make excellent television watching chairs. The trunk (which I love and would never get rid of) will probably find a home somewhere else for the time being ... as I'm thinking I might want something in lucite for the living room, or at the very least glass, and taller. I'll drape my suzani over the back of the new slipcovered camel back sofa, and I'll add some Scalamandre le Tigre pillows to the banquette/s, along with some other great colorful pillows - so even though it's toned down, it won't feel blah and boring.

Or I could just be happy with what I have ...

11 comments:

  1. I would like to thank you for the endeavours you have got developed in creating this write-up. I am hoping the identical very best run from you inside the possible also. Really your innovative writing skills has motivated me to commence my private Weblog Motor weblog now.

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  2. Part six sounds just gorgeous....I can't wait to see it!!! I have found antique sofas are never very comfy.....of course I had to learn that the hard way too ;o) Pretty to look at,not so nice to sit on.....
    ~Des

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  3. Round Six sounds amazing--you had me wanting to work on Round Three at my own house . . . Can't wait to see the details! PS I believe a home should change, as often as necessary, to grow with us--and I love the transformation EVERY time! The process is exciting, engaging and rewarding. Enjoy it--have fun--and show us every beautiful detail!

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    1. Amanda....you must make your living in this industry........or maybe you're just driving your family into financial ruin.

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  4. A lucite table??? Look around the room and note the wood trim and your rustic fireplace......your new plans have no relation to their setting.

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  5. Can the sofa not be salvaged at all? Is it structurally sound and sturdy? The above photo only shows a side view, so I can't really see what it looks like. But, it appears to be lovely. Could you do a down-wrapped, foam cushion and also reupholster the sofa? I just hate to see it go to the graveyard. I absolutely love antiques, but have also heard that antique sofas and chairs are not very comfortable. I certainly understand that this is a room where comfort is key. So, could this sofa be used elsewhere in your home? Maybe in an entry, a back hall, on a stair landing, or in a dressing area where one would just perch there momentarily (instead of nestling in for movie night, etc.)? At least consider selling or consigning it and use these funds toward what you really want. Or, just give it away. You'd be surprised at what some people (including DIYers) will take off your hands. I can hardly wait to see how your new room comes together!

    Karen T.

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  6. We are organic beings, and we only knew static decor when visiting grandma...
    We as designers who LOVE beautiful USEFUL things... always see something new, or discover NEW but also COMFORT!

    This change shows how much you have grown mentally and creatively. I am always on the watch for upgrades to items I need.. and time-worn that is no longer useful or comfortable has to make way for the new-improved for more LUX in our homes as far as their usefulness! Sounds good.. I like following your thinking... it is coming from a bright place!

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  7. Hi Artie, man you've got some interesting comments here! My friend, you are not alone -- I always want change, it's just the nature of the design beast or the creative brain, I guess. I get it on the sofa. Real life needs real comfort. And, I'm ready for a giveaway soon if you are! Let me know ;-)

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  8. This photo and the article both are awesome , Thanks .

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