I haven't talked to my upholsterer yet about the fix, but I'm secretly hoping it will be an excuse to change out the fabric. The Sunbrella velvet has been really amazing these past two years or so. Stains wipe up really well. And the fabric is soft and super comfortable. But I'm ready for a change again. (what's new)
I'm sold on the idea of choosing velvet again. It's just so soft, and if a rogue juice sippy makes it over to the living room and spills on the couch, the liquid just sort of beads up on top for about 30 seconds before starting to soak in. I call it the golden window of opportunity. Cotton and linen velvets are awesomely kid-friendly.
I've let myself get excited by the idea of almost every color velvet under the rainbow. You know, I can honestly say there isn't a color I don't love or wouldn't ever use in a room in some way. After some serious thought yesterday I've nailed down the color options to:
Rusty peachy orange (technical term)
Miles Redd
Pinky coral (though not this pink. The sample I have is a little more orange.)
Charcoal. Pretty neutral and hides a multitude of stains.
MSL
Mint. (the obsession continues!)
Kelly green (my easy console DIY convinced me that green is a good choice for that room! I have new plans for the tv anyway. Ch-ch-ch-changes!)
Palmer Weiss
Which color is your favorite?
Our sofa is upholstered in velvet and it has really stood the test of time, 3 children, one dog and it still looks good. I think velvet ages like fine wine. It gets better.
ReplyDeletepve
I have a steel blue velvet sofa that I love. Totally understand the velvet crush.
ReplyDeleteoooh i love velvet - especially on a sofa and done in colour. i like all of the colours you posted - i'm sure whatever you choose will look great.
ReplyDelete(btw am also planning to get an english roll arm upholstered in velvet when i'm home from india and redecorating..i also plan to go for colour instead of a neutral - good to see someone else 'going for it'!)
the charcoal or the rusty orange!
ReplyDeleteI love velvet. It's such a shame that my husband cannot stand the texture of it, else every seat in my living room would be upholstered in it!
ReplyDeleteI have a gray tufted couch from Arhaus and I love it, especially in the winter, its a great couch for scrunching up on and getting cozy in front of the fire and you're right it hides everything! I love all your color choices but Miles Redd's couch sorta wins for me but its probably because Miles Redd designed the room!! (:
ReplyDeleteI am such a safety girl when it comes to big upholstery-- I say go with charcoal. But maybe the emerald... I feel like it acts as a popping neutral. I just can't get behind mint or rusty-orangey-pink:-)
ReplyDeleteBecause it's YOU...I say Mint. Here is why, you will change it in a few years! so, go for the fresh fun of it!
ReplyDeleteCharcoal or kelly green!
ReplyDeleteLoving the charcoal...love velvet!
ReplyDeleteI am sold on the mint or emerald! ADORE!
ReplyDeleteI have had a emerald green velvet sofa for almost 30 years - still great - and I have never tired of it. Justlike grass I think it is a neutral that works with every color.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I just love large velvet pieces! I think my favorite out of these is that charcoal guy - definitely good at hiding the stains and would make such a beautiful large piece!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving mint and coral these days, but any of those options would look great in your place.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I've never thought of velvet for my sofa, but I'm loving the idea. Our living room sofa needs to be recovered...I may just jump on this idea-thanks!
ReplyDeleteLoving the mint green and charcoal.
I like the charcoal one the best :)
ReplyDeleteI'm lovign the grey or the lint, but if it was my house i would totally go for a steel blue like Laurie suggested.
ReplyDeletei LOVE kelley green!!! i have been looking for a kid friendly one for our couch too - please let me know what you find! Does sunbrella make a kelley green velevet??
ReplyDeleteYour use of color is inspirational!!! i am a dedicated neautral user - 'safe' decorator and i LOVE what you do to make rooms feel 'happy' and fresh but not juvenile. INCREDIBLE!
i feel you regarding wanting a change. i got married and moved into a new apartment last year. we bought brand new sofa. new chairs. new rug. etc.
ReplyDeletenow we're moving to nyc and i want ALL NEW EVERYTHING. its awful.
but i really hate the sofa. have hated it since the moment it was delivered. sigh.
I like the rusty orange (neutral with a twist) or the charcoal, cant go wrong with that, throw on a few hermes scarf pillows and
ReplyDeleteboo-yah!
I love velvet. My grandmother gave me two of her chairs after she passed that were gold velvet. Sadly they were in bad shape and I reupholstered in another fabric choice. However the rusty peachy orange is my favorite !!! Can't wait to see what you choose.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love velvet. Just did a chair in black velvet. I would vote for rusty or charcoal. Mostly because I have two rusty velvet Brno chairs and my sofa is charcoal, though not velvet.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see yours.
I love all of your options! I have a charcoal gray velvet sofa and love it. The rusty orange would be a cool choice, I'd love to see it. I also like the idea of emerald green. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte
Collect5.blogspot.com
I love the Kelly green! Really stylish but still fun. I love that you're so open to all colors, that keeps a space really interesting and vibrant.
ReplyDeleteI vote kelly green!
ReplyDeleteI vote charcoal or navy!!! a bit more timeless. HOWEVER, I really love that rusty peachy orange.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love when velvet gets crushed in. Whewwww it's hot.
-Bethany
http://powellbrower.blogspot.com/p/items-for-sale.html
I'm to chicken to go for anything but the charcoal. But, like someone else said, you'll probably end up changing it in a few years, so go for what you love...mint!
ReplyDeleteI just think the charcoal is soo elegant looking! Can't wait to see the finished product.
ReplyDeleteDara
www.habershamhaven.blogpost.com
My camelback sofa was once pink, now its upholstered in velvet taupe. It's fun because the look is changed with pillows throughout the year. I love the blue and green velvet.
ReplyDeleteThat Kelly green is gorgeous and the charcoal has appeal,I am not so fond of the mint....
ReplyDeleteI am sure you'll find the right color.
Happy New Year!
V.
I can't choose just one. They are all gorg and current color obsessions of mine as well.
ReplyDeletePlease choose velvet again, though! My long-time-love-affair with velvet hasn't weakened at all, but unfortunately my fiance can't stand it. That's the one off-limit fabric. And after a few tears were shed (I joke..) I came to terms with the fact that I love him more than the fabric. So I suppose I'll be living vicariously through you :)
Live Inspired,
Heidi
athousandlaughingstarfish.blogspot.com
Of course the charcoal is my favorite. I like to switch up colors and pillows so I like a nice base color. I got our sofa from best slipcover company. It's a slipcover but looks completely tailored and the best part is it's all machine washable. I love it! I see you with something bolder though. Emerald Green is my favorite color right now too!
ReplyDeleteNo joke I spent half the day yesterday scouring Etsy and the web for apricot velvet fabric which you have eloquently described as Rusty peachy orange. I think it is warm and would work in every season. The charcoal would seem too heavy when Spring arrives. You can use the charcoal in the pillows!
ReplyDeletegray and then you can change the accessories to get the pops of color
ReplyDeleteThey're all great! Peachy pink or mint please!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of reupholstering 4 Parsons dining chairs, including the legs, in a gorgeous charcoal Robert Allen velvet. I'm in love with it. I repainted my dining room Sherwin Williams Creamy and Raisin (a beautiful dark purple with some black and chocolate hues) with a white chair rail. The charcoal color looks great with it, but it's also nice to have a neutral that will still work the next time I decide to repaint!
ReplyDeleteMint or Charcoal! I love those cool tones.
ReplyDeleteThe charcoal makes me want to snuggle up in blanket and veg all day!
ReplyDeleteMy great aunt had an apricot velvet sofa that I loved. Crazy color but totally worked in that material.
I love all the colors! I think the charcoal, mint or Kelly green would all look amazing!
ReplyDeleteQuestion for Jenny or any of her readers: Just any upholstery velvet? pvedesign believes velvet ages like fine wine--is this all upholstery velvet? Is the Sunbrella velvet as good as others?
ReplyDeletesigned,
desperately seeking velvet.
the charcoal gray, of course! so mysteriously luxurious.... and it can take a beating.
ReplyDeleteI think you have solved a huge dilemma for me, thank you Jenny! I have been bitten by the velvet upholstery bug! (Although I am still torn between kelly green and charcoal...
ReplyDeleteI love velvet! I have a sad sofa waiting patiently to be reupholstered. A warm velvet would go nicely with the cold leather sofa in the same room.
ReplyDeleteI can't find a source - online or retail store - for the Sunbrella velvet. JoAnn's and Calico carry their regular outdoor fabric, but I haven't found the velvet. Where have you found it?
you must choose the kelly green. that color is to die for and the sofa looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteoooo so gorgeously soft and comfy. I love velvet sofas, they take me back to my childhood. I like one in blue one day...when we stop moving house!
ReplyDeleteCharcoal is great and you can then accessorize with the colors you wish but if you're ready to make a statement go for a bright color.
I LOOOOVE Velvet!
ReplyDeleteGreen, green, green! I have always wanted a green velvet sofa so I say go green! But I like the first one too! Can't wait to see it!!!
Gotta go with the Charcoal, and second choice is the emerald green. :)
ReplyDelete-Revi
love that rusty orange. any idea how Sunbrella velvet (or velvet in general) handles abuse by housecats (i.e. scratching)?
ReplyDeleteI like the charcoal or the green.
ReplyDeleteVelvet is such a great fabric for a sofa. My sofa is currently being reupholstered in a chocolate brown {which I'm hoping will hide more than the blue velvet it used to be upholstered in}.
I say the gray. You like to switch stuff out so often, you might get sick of the others too quickly. Or the green. I do love the green.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I've totally been looking for a navy velvet sofa. Any ideas on where to find one?
ReplyDeleteI was hooked on the mint until I saw the Kelly green. I vote Kelly green! In the warm tones, the pinkish coral is my favorite.
I'm surprised but I really love the kelly green one!
ReplyDeleteI vote charcoal! it looks so perfect in the inspiration photo!
ReplyDeleteOooh I love them all- but that peachy rust is GORGEOUS- and I'm not typically a peachy type of gal- but it's really versitile and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSadly it looks like Sunbrella no longer produces any velvets. Le sigh.
ReplyDeleteMy all time favorite sofa was an olive green velvet with huge pillows with chenille on one side and velvet on the other.
ReplyDeleteThe arms were big fat rolled things .. we had to leave it behind when we moved to Argentina.
:(
The chenille had a lot of old gold in it and the fringe was gold and olive so it was a warm color, not too green ..
I would get the same exact thing again if I could find one.
Are you going to use Sunbrella velvet again? Where can you find it? I have been looking for a rosey pink velvet to redo a chair in my living room, and I am having a hard time finding a reasonably priced velvet in the color I want (or any fun color, for that matter). Any suggestions on where to look?
ReplyDeleteLove velvet sofas. I have always wanted a kelly green one. Charcoal is safe but I think the pink would be fun! So hard to choose.
ReplyDeleteThat Miles Redd shot is one of my all time favorites. He had me at PEACH VELVET.
ReplyDeleteLove the look and love the charcoal and green best....in case you want my opinion :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I love all of these!
ReplyDeleteVelvet upholstery is just so chic and cosy. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm saving your skirted console DIY.
Thanks for charing :)
Love the charcoal one.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: I am planning to use mohair velvet on an antique wing chair, since mohair velvet wears like iron for generations. The color is avery dark, almost charcoal, olive green and I wonder what piping to use? Upholsterer says that mohair velvet does not self-pipe well, makes makes weird piping that looks like caterpilers...and said leather piping would be best. Does everyone agree?
I love velvet... so soft and plush! I have a deep red sofa that's not quite velvet, but velvet-ish. I've been surprised how much dust it shows and the way stains actually show more on the dark color. My lighter coach actually has worn so much better. So I would go for something lighter knowing that. I kind of like the peachy one. :)
ReplyDeleteOh you read my mind! Reupholstering my sofa is on the to-do list too...And I'm leaning towards a coral/pink myself.
ReplyDeleteand will you let us know a source or two for Sunbrella velvet? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love love love velvet. I'm wondering how much your upholsterer charges (or ballpark) for a job like that? I am getting insane pricing in the SF Bay area and just want to know if that's normal or my area. I love the rusty orange but of course it's always smacking of 70's decor a bit. Charcoal is a more modern, if "safer" less fun choice :)
ReplyDeleteI'm about to order a sofa myself and confused about which color to choose. I would love to say go for the beautiful pink, but LOVE that charcoal, can't go wrong with that color. Or maybe the burnt orange or green...I'm no help! ::)) Whatever you choose will be fabulous as always!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you do!
I love the charcoal and the kelly green, but I'm pretty sure any velvet will look beautiful. You can't go wrong! Here's to hoping your couch will need new upholstery!
ReplyDeleteI love the green! I have a kelly green settee with white piping that I've had for years and never get sick of!
ReplyDeleteOh, I loooove the idea of a velvet couch. It takes a utilitarian piece and makes it special, but still practical. Plus it's not slippery the way leather sofas are. Personally, I love the mint and the coral options!
ReplyDeleteCharcoal velvet - so elegant
ReplyDeleteI just got a chesterfield from Mitchell Gold done in a charcoal and to be honest, it feels like a big dark boulder sitting in my living room. Not 100% happy with it because it feels so hulking and dark. But I love the classic shape and feel I can reupholster it a million times as we live with it over the years. (though I suppose all that tufting =$) Anyway, it's not a velvet, it's a polyester (which I did because of my 2 kids - I did NOT think that velvet would hold up well to kids! Argh, if only I had seen this post before ordering.) So, the charcoal is probably the most neutral of your choices, but beware too dark a shade of gray. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is charcoal grey or kelly green. Though a coral-y pink would be fun - especially when your girls are little!
ReplyDeleteI love your upholstery articles, btw.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh this makes me want my bed to be velvet...can you imagine velvet sheets. I just might have to look into that! ha
ReplyDeleteI love all of these colors!!! truly!
xoxo
Aarean
I like the green sofa! Thanks for the post
ReplyDeleteA reminder ... if you have a pet especially, dark ( as in charcoal) velvet might show every single hair left behind.
ReplyDeleteJust a tip from one who has been there :)
I absolutely adore your blog. I just found totally by coincidence. I love how the blogworld work that way. Someone leads to you to someone who leads you to someone else. I love velvet too btw.
ReplyDeleteLove the Charcoal and the kelly green!
ReplyDeleteLove velvet! And love your blog! I found you through A Country Farmhouse...your tutorial on the pelmet box is so inspiring! Here's what she did: http://acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2012/01/winters-nest.html
ReplyDeleteOur velvet couch has held up throughout the years...kids, pets, snuggling by day, dinner parties by night.
Elsa
Love the last one!! is just perfect!!! :o)
ReplyDeleteI love velvet but never had experience with it on a seating surface (with my girls) but good to know it is so kid friendly! I learn something new here every day. :) I'm choosing velvet for a headboard project and I'm stuck deciding between teal and mint. I love the mint, but it seems too trendy, like I might get sick of it sooner.
ReplyDeleteGood luck choosing!
I'm inspired! Gotta find me a velvet sofa! I always find good ideas on your blog. Just started my first blog. Here's hoping I can inspire others as well!
ReplyDeleteI think the kelly green would be beautiful and it would coordinate well with all the other bright hues already existing in your space. Although, I'd love to throw your hubby a bone and say bring on the charcoal. Is he the kind of guy that could love a coral velvet couch in his main living space?
ReplyDeleteoh, jenny! you are so good to us. i love these velvety options. I think the burnt orange and green are my favorites.
ReplyDeleteJust got the London sofa from MG+BW in mink marlow. Absolutely love it! Our first guests reaction was just WOW. haha. It looks so luxurious!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to go with the charcoal or the kelly green.
ReplyDeleteOh that charcoal is YUMMY, I love the whole room :)
ReplyDeleteI have an off white velvet has worn like iron, love a velvet sofa !!!
All the best,
Kathy :)
Okay I'm obsessed with the green, but I also think you should consider dark blue.
ReplyDeleteI like your post and all that you share with us is really informative, I would like to bookmark the page so I can come here again to read your articles, as you have done a wonderful job. Sharing for this nice information with us is definitely a great help for us who are not so very familiar with the topic.
ReplyDeleteThat minty color is gorgeous. That would make me happy every time I looked at it. I love pink/peach with that color, too. A friend of mine just did accents in her bedroom in a blue/mint color with light pink chevron pillows and a white headboard and spread. I want to curl up in there and spend the day reading shelter magazines!
ReplyDeleteGo for the mint. It's not predictable like the others. I think it's your secret crush.
P.S. The mint reminds me of your blog background so I rest my case! You long for it so do it! You can always do the others the next time around. ;-)
ReplyDeletei'm in the process of searching for a teal/mint velvet for a custom sofa we're having made...wanted the sunbrella velvet but can't find it anywhere so i stumbled upon this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fabric.com/home-decor-fabric-velvet-fabric-alexander-velvet-fabric.aspx
I'm thinking I could do a good stain treatment and it would work? thoughts anyone?
In reference to "treating" a fabric for stain prevention; I don't know how it works on velvet, but Scotchgard and others have one big drawback - if it cracks (almost microscopic) it then allows dirt to get trapped in the crack and work under it, making it impossible to clean. Choose a naturally stain repellent fiber like wool velvet, which resists the stain long enough for a quick wipe up with plain white absorbent paper towels. Wool velvet wears like iron too, ask the owners of great country houses in Europe, where wool velvet upholstery lasts for generations with normal care, even getting better with age.
ReplyDeleteDefinately charcoal and Kelly green! They look absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove them all! Would love to see a follow-up post to see what you chose. Do you have any sources for velvet upholstery fabric that you could share? I am looking for green velvet for my own sofa.
ReplyDeleteA great source for velvets at great prices.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.iluvfabrix.com/products.php?forceClear=true&cid=11
I'm in love with velvet, I just had chairs for my living room reupholstered in a gorgeous seafoamy blue green velvet that I picked up at Calico Corners on an insane closeout deal. I love it so much I think I'm going to do an ottoman and pillows in it as well.
ReplyDeletehttp://nonshrinkingviolets.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-house-living-room-chairs-business.html
And of the colors you posted I vote for grey!