Frumpy to Fabulous French Chair Makeover

My client, Arlene, 

had two of these chairs...........

as she called them "old lady chairs."

Dated floral fabric.....

factory wood finish.

But they could be cool...

She had seen my work at RVA Antiques on the Avenue

so asked if I could paint and reupholster them.

 She wanted to use this fabric for window treatments,

and her walls are pale blue.

First, though, she needed fabric recs.

So off to UFab I went.

 Here are some of the fabrics I selected:

I made my recommendation,

and happily, Arlene agreed.

But before I get to that reveal,

some work had to be done.

I first removed all the piping and staples.

And I base painted the wood frames in

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White.

 Because we've had rain rain RAIN,

I painted these inside.

 And to avoid a major mess,

I used a "wet sanding" technique to distress.

 Same effect, more gentle, and much less chalk dust!

 After distressing, 

I waxed the frames in clear and dark waxes,

and buffed to bring out the sheen.

And now it's time to cut the fabric.

This is the one we chose.

"Aegean."

Gorgeous!

A deep indigo,

with a fish graphic.

 The repeat was so large, 

so instead of buying more yardage,

I suggested we use this remnant I already had

for the backs.

You know how I love to mix things up!

 And instead of gimp,

I decided to splurge and make double piping 

out of this blue and white striped coordinating fabric.

 It just gives it that "wow" factor!

These chairs are stunning,

if I say so myself.

Here they are outside my house 

and ready to go in the car for delivery.

Outside, they look more cobalt than indigo.

 The backs.

I think Arlene is going to be very happy.

 And she was!

They immediately brighten the room.

I'm now taking the table, 

which I'm also going to paint Old White.

It's going to make a great ensemble!

And wait till you see my plan for this little rocking chair

I also picked up today.

You're just going to have to wait till tomorrow, folks!

Until then,

I'm

SheShe, The Home Magician

Sheila Fox

sheilafox@aol.com

804-402-4370