We had my Lee roll arm sofa (which we've had for almost a decade! - a record for me!) upholstered in a mohair that I got for something insanely cheap, like $15 a yard, on sale at my old favorite fabric store in the city, JEM. It's a deep moody charcoal with lots of blue-green undertones. When the upholsterer dropped off the sofa a few weeks ago, my Gracie said now it was the color of the ocean and I think she was spot-on.
The newest addition to the space is this pair of bright yellow Henredon chairs I got from a consignment store for $50. I picked them up at the same time and place that I got the pink ikat sofas (they were probably owned by the same person).
I fell in love with the color and the Schumacher strie velvet was pretty new, just a little marked up from sitting in the store. And I knew the chairs could look a little more modern if I removed the skirts and left off the back cushions.
When I got them home, I used a damp microfiber cloth to take off most of the smudges. I usually give all my vintage upholstered finds a good vacuuming and then a pass over with my steamer in case there are any mites or bed bugs (haven't had any problems yet).
The feet aren't my favorite, but they look better than the skirts and I have some ideas for changing them up down the road.
The room's far from finished, but it's fun to have a place to sit and host visitors. I'm on the fence about the Designer's Guild pillows on the sofa. The green bergeres have needed new upholstery for a long time now (thinking gray Bengal Bazaar or some other pattern in a neutral color) and the rug is there temporarily. I do like the magnolia mirror in that spot though!
The windows in this room ( and your whole house for that matter) are to die for. Love the seating area you have arranged and esp enjoy the rug, but perhaps you have a better spot for it. Couch looks like a great place to snuggle up w/ a book!
ReplyDeleteWeren't you hinting that the rug might turn into a runner for the stairs? I've been so intrigued by that prospect as I need to figure out how to DIY a runner for my own stairs. So...nudge, nudge :)
ReplyDeleteThe chairs are awesome. I initially assumed you'd recovered them in that great yellow velvet. Amazing that you found them in such great condition!
Love the mohair. Any chance you can reveal the maker and color?
ReplyDeleteLove the yellow. Orangerie pillowa are perfect!
ReplyDeleteLove the bright colors! I found some vintage chairs that are similar; I'll have to look into removing the skirts on mine.
ReplyDeleteI see your new floors. Please tell us about the installation!
Wow! I can't believe how great they turned out. The yellow really pops!! PS- I'm in love with those lumbar pillows on the couch! So pretty!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis room is going to be awesome; can't wait to see close-ups of the floor!
ReplyDeleteQuestion: In this room and your room with the fireplace, I noticed you've arranged the furniture around the perimeter of each room. I thought this was a designer no-no?? Maybe you could explain your thoughts on furniture placement in a future post?
I LOVE the windows in your home! The chair colour is perfect. I'm interested to see what you do for the coffee table. Do you think you'll pull a few chairs closer to the sofa once you decide on a table?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful room so far! May I suggest to paint the feet on the chairs black? I think that would look great..they would sort of disappear..plus you have the black lamp shade and the legs are dark on that gorgeous sofa. Are the chairs comfy without the back cushions? I have a Henredon sofa.. I love the comfort and support of the back cushions...
ReplyDeleteSofa cushions no; everything else, emphatically yes! Where did you find that stylish chair along the wall in your entryway? (and why don't I ever stumble on the treasures you find?)
ReplyDeleteLove all the pieces! What finds! Your room looks so spacious...might you later move the chairs away from the walls a bit?
ReplyDeleteWe have the exact same sofa in almost identical fabric, but we bought it made from MGBW.
ReplyDeleteI'm all about traffic flow of a room, so it doesn't bother me when furniture hugs the walls a bit, though I do love the look of a floating sofa or chair. We're going to add a coffee table or ottoman and move a small settee to where the green chairs are and then float either the bergeres or the yellow chairs at that point. :)
ReplyDeleteI love, LOVE the bright cheery yellow. What a knack you have for sourcing great finds for cheap. And your sofa, sooo yumm!
ReplyDeleteDid you try some of the accent chairs pulled off/away from the wall? I always love a room that isn't "encircled" by chairs. It's like at a dance party when no one wants to be the first one to jump in the "dance circle". :) Love all your design ideas and hope your spirit and joie de vivre has returned!! good luck with your new studio.
LOVE this! those chairs were an amazing find for sure- that color is killer- and the sofa looks amazing as well!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors. The yellow is sublime. Thanks for some room updates- its great to see how far you've come. I only wish we could see more of that gorgeous floor!
ReplyDeleteLoving the yellow chairs in that room! You will really be able to snazz them up with some different feet/legs. And the wall color is such a beautiful neutral. The mohair is seriously gorgeous and I like the tie in with the black mirror. (I think the flowers on the mirror are dogwood though ... it's one of my little design obsessions.)
ReplyDeleteLoving the yellow and what a great price!
ReplyDeleteoh - and can't wait to see your designs for the giant wall of books! it's going to be stunning!
ReplyDeleteJenny, I'd love to hear about how to replace legs on arm chairs (especially when the legs appear to be part of the frame, and not screw-on legs).
ReplyDeleteI've got a pair of armchairs with legs that are less than desirable, so I'd love to hear your tips!
Your sofa looks fantastic in its pretty new clothing!
Those chairs are perfect. And I love the new upholstery!
ReplyDeleteEvery time you post about a room you're working I remember just how much space you have to decorate! I'm sure it's a lot of fun (and a lot of work).
I just think you're great!
Beautiful pieces! Oh my goodness, those yellow chairs and that couch are to die for. Your floors are absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering about your furniture placement in here and in your living room - is there a reason why you have all of the furniture up against the walls? Curious about your thoughts on placement...
The yellow chairs are such a perfect pop of color!
ReplyDeletexx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
Do you know where the side table is from? The one between your two adroable yellow chairs. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThose yellow chairs look SO great in there! And I really love your cloud painting in this room, too. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the yellow!You always give great tips about shopping for furniture,I think I would have passed them over due to the skirt,I'll certainly be more open-minded in the future! Méabh
ReplyDeletewww.peachparade.com
Those chairs are stunning - like sitting on sunshine!! I can't believe what a bargain they were too- you do find some amazing stuff :) xxx
ReplyDeleteLOVELY!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful Jenny! Congrats! Just one suggestion, I think it could look great if you didnt have all of the furniture bordering the room, maybe brought it in a little bit? like a foot or so away from the wall.... Just a suggestin, gorgeous pieces!! xo
ReplyDeleteI love your bright colors! The sofa is beautiful and those chairs are so fun! Great idea to take the skirts off - the yellow is so fresh and happy!
ReplyDeleteI really can't believe the pieces you find! When I'm out shopping and debating whether something is hideous or fabulous, I ask myself "what would Jenni think?" Thanks for all of your help ;)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the yellow chairs -- especially without the skirts. So bright & cheerful!
ReplyDeleteMichelle @ ahealthymrs.com
Love the yellow chairs. Its so bright and cheerful. So happy that I stumbled upon your site. You have given me so much inspiration. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI actually couldn't love those yellow chairs more if I tried! I love that you saw their potential, I am very jealous though! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a waiting room. Very dinky accessories and inappropriate as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking so great!! Love the bright yellow chairs and I have to say, the floral pillows work well :)
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It's looking great so far, but what are your plans for the windows? I think I equate libraries with moody English Manors, so it seems like floor to ceiling drapes would be appropriate and would help emphasize those crazy high ceilings.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think the main problem with that rug is that it covers up too much of the lovely herringbone floors that you slaved away installing!
ReplyDeleteLove the cheerful yellow chairs (whoever called them sunshine, right on!). I also like the bolsters, but perhaps life in Snowville has made me unthinkingly embrace anything with flowers?
Thanks for sharing your process; it's so great--and inspiring--to see the journey, not just the finished product.
Not inspiring: rude, anonymous comments (though I'm jealous of the waiting rooms h/she apparently frequents). I hope that person is having a better day.
I love the colors in this space! I think the side table you put in-between helps to balance out the chunkier legs on the chairs. I'd say for $50 and some amazing upholstery, you did great!
ReplyDeleteAre you concerned with your new wood floors cupping. Yikes!! I thought they were new, 3rd photo show major cupping. So sorry to see that.
ReplyDeleteJust gorge. I hope you have the strength to move beyond the rude comments. Keep on with the details and photos as it is such a fun read.
ReplyDeleteYou find the best furniture deals hands down!
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Taking the skirt off used chairs... What a good idea! I much prefer chairs with kegs ( they looks so much less heavy) so I rarely find any I like. Such a simple thing to do but so effective.
ReplyDeleteI love the space! May I just sugest moving apart the walls all the furniture a little bit? Or what are your thougths about the place of them in the room?
ReplyDeleteI like the furniture and the colours you've got going on, but I just don't understand why all the furniture is mashed up around the walls. It looks like a collection of chairs you'd find in a shop not an actual living arrangement (or three separate vignettes for the sake of blogging not living).
ReplyDeleteI would pull out the yellow chairs and put them facing the couch and tuck the other chairs on opposite sides of the couch facing each other (the coffee table would be in the middle once you get one). You don't need to keep chairs side-by-side when they're the same. You can split them up. This arrangement would be more conducive to conversation and flow. Plus it would be nice to have the option of looking out of those beautiful windows instead of having them all to the back of your furniture.
Jenny...always love what you do. Yours is one of my favorite blogs to follow, bar none. I was inspired about a year ago to reupholster my camel back sofa with a velvet. While I still love the idea of it, the execution in my case wasn't great. Your couch in this post, on the other hand, is sublime. Would love to get some info on what types of velvet options are out there and your tips on how to pick the right ones. I feel I have a good handle on other fabrics, but velvet is a mystery to me. I live in Dubai, so my options are limited, but I'd love to be educated. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI really admire your ability to see past what's right in front of you. It's inspiring when you say exactly how you'd change these great finds because I feel like I can go out and put these ideas into practice!
ReplyDeleteThe Anon comments here are making me want to poke my eyeballs out. Ladies (or gents), if you are going to be a negative Nancy, at least call yourself Nancy.
ReplyDeleteJenny, work it to own it lady. You and your genius eye are lovely. I want to lie in the middle of that room and stare at those fabrics while eating bon-bons and holding hands with Ryan Gosling.
Love the space - even in progress you've got more style than most with a finished product. Thanks for welcoming us into your home and sharing your talent!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! Much thanks for the removing the skirt on the chair tip. I have an inherited armchair and sofa that could do with some modernizing like this. I do appreciate these in-progress shots! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLove the bright yellow! So wish I were thrifting with you in AZ :) Great finds - looking forward to seeing where those beautiful sofas have landed too! Inspired by your two-tone bedroom chair - I painted a mustard yellow chair with bright yellow and am loving it in my room, too - Thanks for sharing, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you plan to continue your DIY projects on the blog. You inspire me to move forward with my own ideas like no one else. Don't know what I would do without you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll eventually use two smaller rugs for this room to show off more of the awesome chevron floor. You did such a great job with it!
xo
Those yellow chairs, wow!!! This room is so cheery and inviting.
ReplyDeleteI just saw this on my local craigslist: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/4300007594.html
ReplyDeleteAnd nearly died! Almost the same yellow chairs! They're not velvet, which is a shame. But the shape/color is great.
If I had the space, I would have bought them. Hope someone gets them!
Those windows...be still my heart. And I love the newly covered sofa and the yellow chairs!!! Oh how I wish I could find things like that at our local consignment stores. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHeavenly!! I love the yellow chairs and the moody sofa and the floral pillows and the huge windows...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find! Love the pop of bright color in the room!
ReplyDeleteJenny I love everything you do...you have an impecable eye, lucky star, and you see the potential in everything. Thank you for inspiring me once again. You never fail me. I was excited to hear that you are working on a book. It'll be coffee table worthy for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the magnolia mirror and how it reflects the windows. Love the yellow chairs, though I would probably separate them, have them flanking the couch and then put the bergere chairs opposite the couch. Because they are more open, they are less likely to impede the visual lines of the room.
ReplyDeleteBut, of course, seeing both sides of the room in the same post would help us see your vision! Would love to see more full rooms!
Seriously, you have the absolute best luck at consignment and thrift shopping! Those yellow chairs are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI like all the furniture but it looks like a drs office waiting room with everything pushed against the walls especially in such a big room. I would like the sofa pulled out a bit, a yellow chair on either side facing each other and the green chairs across from the sofa facing it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so afraid of color in my own home, but I love seeing it in yours! Those chairs are fabulous! That room seems so large. Have you ever thought of having the furniture "float" in the middle of room instead of against the walls?
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring as always with your unexpected yet classy choice of colors! Round rug would be amazing in this room.
ReplyDeleteLOL/ouch! Looks like it's time to turn off anonymous comments again. :)
ReplyDeleteThe good news is this room is very much in progress. We need to find a coffee table and then we'll move the chairs around and play with the layout. Everything's just thrown in there right now. We've had lots of little kids staying with us this month and that rug has been a great place to spread out with puzzles and those rainbow loom bracelet things, so it made sense to have an open space. Haven't had a chance to move things around since then. Just mostly wanted to share the new chairs find and the reupholstered sofa! :)
Zoe, Kelly, Angie, Rachel, Tiffany and others - your comments meant the world to me this morning. Thanks for taking the time to give a girl a little boost! xo
I love the natural light that you get in that room. Those chairs are amazing and your newly-reupholstered sofa is heaven. I am am dying over that fabric. I always look forward to seeing how your home is coming along.
ReplyDeleteLove the colors and the chairs.
ReplyDeleteSince your library is kind of a pass through from your entry to the music room. Have you tried placing your sofa in the center facing the windows for the view. Maybe add a console table behind the sofa and bring the chairs forward for a more intimate setting.
Love those yellow chairs! And NEED that side table between them! Where is it from?
ReplyDeleteWhat a transformation! So little time (although it probably seems like more to you who are living it rather than to this reader) and already your house looks like a home and you can see your fresh style throughout. Love the architectural detail in the ceiling of the library and wow those floors! The chair color adds just the right wow.
ReplyDeleteI've never commented before, but had to comment to say several things:
ReplyDelete1) Your room is STUNNING - the light is beautiful, the mirror is impeccably placed, the chairs are stunning, and you make me wish that I'd never passed up my grandmother's furniture! Oy.
2) Yo, anon posters - didn't your mother tell you that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?
3) Again - your blog is SUCH an inspiration for someone who is trying to design outside the box, and I just wish that you were still in the Northeast.
Stay kind, everyone.
To Sally who said this:
ReplyDelete2) Yo, anon posters - didn't your mother tell you that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?
I don't think anyone was been saying anything that was unkind - I've seen several people offer suggestions (and perhaps they have a lot of knowledge on the design subject for all we know). Comments do not exist solely for praise, but can also be for recommendations, suggestions and constructive criticism.
Man, tough crowd! Looking beautiful, Jenny. I have that same couch from Crate and Barrel--it desperately needs to be recovered, and yours looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about the height of your yellow chairs versus the couch. It looks like they are lower? I have that same situation in my living room, which I never noticed until my mother in law pointed it out, and now it drives me crazy! What do you think of that?
Maybe Jenny could be a little more clear when posting these reveals? Knowing its a work in progress and that the pieces are not staying where they are photographed makes a big difference on first impressions.
ReplyDeleteNico - I was referring to not "nice" comments like this anon one:
ReplyDelete"Looks like a waiting room. Very dinky accessories and inappropriate as well."
That is NOT constructive. I'm not referring to constructive comments. I'm referring to unkind comments.
Geez, a lot of people feel really passionate about chair placement. I read years ago that the front two feet should be on the rug. Then I read somewhere else recently that they should be all on or all off(I see your chairs are all off).Now I don't know what to think! What are your thoughts? I promise not to berate you, either way. :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you'll share the name/manufacturer of your steamer! We could use one, and I'd so value your advice if you have a second to share. And I wish I could take you consignment-furniture shopping with me! You see the gems!
ReplyDeleteYes - please do turn off anonymous commenting! Snarky knuckleheads are interfering with all the good mojo you create on your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your style, Jenny!!!
I'm loving that yellow. Try as I might, I never seem to have much luck in the thrift and consignments stores here in Charlotte. I bet you'd find some great stuff though! What's the story on that mod little table between the chairs? I've been searching for a similar inexpensive one to help tie together my mid-century dining table with my mish mash living room furniture.
ReplyDeleteYou have the BEST consignment finds!!! Love the chairs.
ReplyDeleteOh god, those yellow chairs are just glorious. So pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant DIY post, no wonder your blog got a huge number of voters, congrats.
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I love the the fabric you used on your couch!! Darling. And I love the rug, too! Everything looks great. Have you thought about bringing in some of the chairs to make more of a conversation area rather than furniture lining the walls? Now that you have all that space you can do that and I'm envious! Your home is gorgeous.
ReplyDeletelooooooove the yellow chairs! it would hard to sit in them and not feel happy (at least happier). good find. your blog is always inspiring. thank you for that.
ReplyDeletehow did you remove the skirts?
ReplyDelete