Wednesday, August 05, 2009

I've got the bug

I go through waves of being content with my home and wanting to rip it all out and start fresh. Lately the latter. Not ALL of it. Just a few rooms, particularly the living room. It's always felt a little bit thrown together since we've never really BOUGHT living room furniture but have so fortunately inherited most of it. Um all of it huh Mel? And I still love everything, but just don't think I've succeeded in pulling it all together. But then I move a few pillows and get over it... then I let myself do searches that lead me to homes like this and it all comes back. The need for new colors, new patterns, something NEW. Why did I think that wall looked good? why did I think I needed three identical pillows? Why did I think I could do silk flowers that many times in one room?


So no. I certainly won't be buying any major pieces any time soon. HOWEVER. I bought these two hideous chairs from Angel View thrift store the other day, (I checked on them for a month until they marked them half off), and I seem to think I'm going to refinish and reupholster them into something amazing. Me. Reupholster. I've never sewed, or knitted, or crocheted, or.... taken apart a big chair.... nothing of the sort. I'm not really sure how I think I'll figure it out. Maybe I'll end up waiting until I can afford to pay someone to do it and it will be one of those things where you look back and realize you could have just bought the anthro chairs.. But who doesn't need a challenge?.... or just an I'm-an-idiot learning experience.

6 comments:

Jessica said...

All you need is a staple gun! You can do it!!!

Lindsay Griffeth said...

The style in the photos is exactly what I wish I had, too! I could re-do my house every six months! I love your style - and can't wait to see your new house one of these days.

I'm sure you'll figure out how to re-do the chairs!

Sally P-G said...

if you haven't heard of this blog yet you'll love it...
http://www.younghouselove.com/

P.S. reupholstering is easier then it looks, staple, pull, staple, pull. Just keep the fabric taut.

Jenny D said...

Hi Lillie ~ It's Jennifer... I LOVE your find at the thrift shop! Not sure exactly what your living room looks like, but based on the mag photos you've posted, I see these being done in bright yellow (like the photo), with a large, yellow & white linen as the upholstery (kinda Hollywood Regency). If you decide not to do it yourself, I can give the the name of a great guy!

Alysa@atticgals.blogspot.com said...

Ah I remember those chairs at the thrift shop now that I see them and I was tempted too. I'm glad someone I know got them. You're house is so lovely and fresh. Will you come and do mine? I know what you mean about wanting a change. Maybe I'll just do a project -- I'm going to do a big colored chalkboard down the hall. It should be fun. You're darling. Love ya.

Tara said...

Looks like a fun project! I would love to learn how to re-upholster someday. Thank you for your compliments and comments! I got the rug at Ikea and yes, I am obsessed with Amy Butler fabrics. I made my daughter's bedding and her pictures using Amy B's fabulous designs. I love your photography btw! The pics you did of Kym and Lincoln were absolutely amazing!