Florals on Vintage Furniture

Our bookshelves are almost doing being built! I'm so excited to get those installed in about a week! It's got me thinking a lot about furniture in the library. I think I want to float a daybed in front of the bookshelves. Something in a really modern shape would be pretty, I think. I love the simple shape of this one, and that slow curve on the headrest area is pretty much perfection. The legs are sort of weird though, right? A little too utilitarian?

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These legs are closer to what I'd want to do. This shot was from an eBay listing and above is from 1st Dibs.

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I'd love to do a button detail on the cushion, but I think there would need to be at least one bolster to make it not feel like an army cot.

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I've been looking online for something vintage, but I might try making one if nothing great pops up. It would be nice to get to choose the dimensions of the daybed too so it can fit in the library nicely. All the other pieces in the room are upholstered in solid color fabric and the drapes are probably going to be solid too, so I'm thinking the pillows and the daybed cushion would be a great place to have fun with pattern.

I can't stop thinking about how GORGEOUS this chintz looks on this Le Corbusier chair I saw on Sara Kate's instagram. The contrast is so cool and fresh to me! Plus, that fabric is unreal. So, so pretty.

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Reminds me of this office chair. Unexpected fabrics on classic furniture shapes are really fun.

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This little chair makes my heart sing. I would love something like this in one of the girls rooms. :) 

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It would be easy to do just the bolster(s) of the daybed in a floral instead, if the whole cushion would be floral overload. So much of the battle though is finding the right pattern! I have some options in my fabric stash, but I kind of want something new and different. What's your favorite floral pattern right now?
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34 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 15, 2014 at 6:56 AM

    Well! Great furnishing!

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  2. nigelMay 15, 2014 at 8:09 AM

    I wonder if the trick to not having your daybed look like an army cot is a thicker mattress. Luxurious vibe, fuller proportions.

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  3. UnknownMay 15, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    I'm totally in love with the fabric by House Of Hackney based here in the UK. Jenny I think you will love it, everything they do is seriously TDF. They put a twist on florals, and their palm tree range is gorg. Not cheap but worth a peek. x

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  4. Studio Yuko Jones May 15, 2014 at 8:47 AM

    A daybed in floral sounds amazing! Can't wait to see what you will come up with.

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  5. Joanna @ TheNestbook.comMay 15, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    That Le Corbusier chair is so amazing. I'm dying over it. Love that fabric!

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  6. PatriciaMay 15, 2014 at 9:27 AM

    Ikat! Love that strong simple print. They've been weaving in that technique for hundreds of years so it's a classic.
    Of course since you're upholstering this yourself, you can go a little crazy in print ...

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  7. Michelle @ RoastedMontreal.comMay 15, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    I can't wait to see what you come up with! I love the idea of bright and beautiful florals!

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  8. Jenna V.May 15, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    My favorite floral right now is Michael Smith/Jasper's "Grace" in the "Willow" colorway - it's more vibrant in person than it looks online and actually looks kind of similar to that vintage floral you love. I bet it would look amazing with your dark navy walls and yellow velvet Baughman-style club chairs! http://www.michaelsmithinc.com/jasper-furniture-and-fabrics/prints/jp-6436-grace-willow/

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  9. RosanneMay 15, 2014 at 10:28 AM

    I have been in love with this Amrapali floral fabric for years: http://www.designersguild.com/fabric-and-wallpaper-showroom/view-all-collections/amrapali-fabric/Amrapali/#.U3TOTfldX7w

    I love the bright, happy peony colorway, and I don't think it's overwhelming because of how much white is on the large-scale pattern...but the charcoal is really lovely and simple.

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  10. a little sewingMay 15, 2014 at 10:47 AM

    I don't have a favorite floral to suggest, but I have bought cylindrical foam bolsters from IKEA more than once to do exactly what you are considering. I used a twin bed, and it did double duty as a bed when the kids had sleepover parties.

    That type of sofa will be great in front of bookshelves.

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  11. SarahMay 15, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    I just made drapes for my library with Robert Allen's spring mix in aloe. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/126241595778585708/

    I love them!

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  12. UnknownMay 15, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. UnknownMay 15, 2014 at 11:37 AM

    I know that brazilliance is crazy popular right now but I still can't get enough of it. Anything in an oversized foliage print is a win in my book.

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  14. IlaMay 15, 2014 at 11:58 AM

    Have you been able to figure out what the green/yellow chintz is?? Love, love it.

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  15. Meagan ClaireMay 15, 2014 at 12:31 PM

    I bought some cotton floral fabric at Hobby Lobby to make a tailored maxi dress for a wedding and I'm so excited about it! The background is black and the large garden roses are peach and pink/red.

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  16. EmilyMay 15, 2014 at 12:40 PM

    Oh I really dig that first daybed. And it's industrialness is precisely why I think. But it needs that same rougher linen fabric to remain on it. Reupholstered with a floral would make the frame look cheap. As is, it reminds me of a daybed that would've been set up in a British army general's tent in the middle of the Indian jungle. Or in a French army general's tent in the South Pacific. Military/campaigny/tropical/industrial. And at home in such a grand yet utilitarian setting as a library.

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  17. AnonymousMay 15, 2014 at 2:06 PM

    I recovered this several years ago and still love it. Sanderson has fabulous florals:
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/44350960@N02/5681267957/
    Are you going to do a French mattress on the daybed?

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  18. HollyMay 15, 2014 at 4:24 PM

    For real, I'm crushing on a Waverly print in Siren Song Majestic. I just ordered a million yards to sew drapes for our master, after staring at the half yard swatch over our headboard for the better part of five months.

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  19. Lola MealhaMay 15, 2014 at 5:38 PM

    I'm utterly in love with that chair! Flower patterns - besides their pretiness factor and not unlike books - just make interiors sing with happiness.

    http://www.thelondonesque.com

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  20. angelina la dawnMay 15, 2014 at 8:25 PM

    love seeing your creative and inspiration process! I especially love the florals.

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  21. colleenMay 15, 2014 at 9:44 PM

    love this post, whatever you decide I can't wait to see it ... florals are a little hard for me right now because I have these two chairs in my living room that are slip covered in what I thought at the time was a beautifule linen floral - made when my infant son was first born... he turned 15 this past February... Clearly change is an issue here... Want them white and cotton now ! But since you change your stuff in a much more timely way, enjoy the return to florals!

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  22. KackieMay 16, 2014 at 8:09 AM

    So much going on at once in your home and I can't wait to see it all!! The bookshelves, the kitchen...love the farm sink and cabinet doors and anxious to see what you chose for counter tops! Your energy and pace of work blow me away:-)

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  23. Lily L-MMay 16, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    I love this look -- keeping true to tradition but still somehow modern!

    x Lily
    http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/

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  24. EmmaMay 16, 2014 at 10:20 AM

    Totally love the floral fabric on the Le Corbusier. Reminds me of Designer's Guild's Cassandra in moss.
    http://www.designersguild.com/fabric-and-wallpaper-showroom/view-all-collections/pavonia-fabrics/cassandra/cassandra-moss#.U3Yeevl_tJI

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  25. MargaretMay 16, 2014 at 12:52 PM

    I actually found a pretty water-colour floral at Joann's the other day. It was the HGTV line, so I was doubly-shocked for some reason. Purple, corally-pinky-reds, olive green, hints of grey and yellow. Lovely with my newly recovered baker sofa!

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  26. AnonymousMay 16, 2014 at 2:40 PM

    I am loving Mary Ella from Peacock Alley's new Spring line - it's so feminine and pretty! Link below if you want to see it. =)

    http://www.peacockalley.com/mary-ella-duvet-cover-shams.html

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  27. Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautifulMay 18, 2014 at 5:35 PM

    I've had this floral in my ebay watch list for at least two years! I love it but haven't found a place for it yet!
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/COTTON-LARGE-SCALE-FLORAL-FABRIC-FOUNTAIN-STANDISH-/360919681382?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item54087d4966

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  28. AlissaMay 19, 2014 at 12:51 AM

    I've been obsessed with Schumacher's Chiang Mai for a few years now. It always feels so fresh to me! And it goes with everything, so that's a bonus. Their new black colorway is my current fave...if only I could find 5 yards for 80% off!

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  29. Dwellings by DeVoreMay 19, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    That would be gorgeous! I'm all about florals lately.

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  30. JWKMay 22, 2014 at 1:37 PM

    LOVE THIS LOOK!!! Try searching "vintage barkcloth" on etsy/ebay, there are some really cool mod florals and the barkcloth is INDESTRUCTIBLE. Super durable and CHEAP!!!

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  31. ChristinaMay 23, 2014 at 9:29 AM

    The floral patterns and the bright color of spring décor and fashion certainly lifts up the mood. Love them.I found some interesting collections at vintagemaya.com.

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  32. willMay 23, 2014 at 1:57 PM

    Colefax and Fowler does THE classic chintz, which I think really is what makes the contrast so cool - English fussy + modern. Their Sibyl Rose pattern is really close to the first chair - there's a great remnant on eBay right now! :)

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colefax-Fowler-Sibyl-Rose-blue-yellow-designer-curtain-fabric-1-8-metres-/271327090976?pt=UK_Crafts_Fabric&hash=item3f2c5ad920

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  33. KaterinaMay 23, 2014 at 7:54 PM

    Jenny, I LOVE that chevron wallpaper in the ames ingham office! any idea what it is?
    and i have been fantasizing about this chair from One King's Lane https://www.onekingslane.com/product/36835/1442311

    http://www.lexandliv.com/

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  34. tdMay 24, 2014 at 3:23 PM

    You might want to look under "indian day bed" for another really nice option that a little less stark in the leg area.

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)