DIY Upholstered Bench (from a Coffee Table!)

My latest Domino story is on page 52 of the summer issue and <a href="http://domino.com/jenny-komenda-coffee-table-makeover" target="_blank">HERE online</a>! Thanks for all your kind comments about the spread and for your support. I thought I would show you a little more background on the project today. We ended up shooting the story twice so I made two different versions of the tops. I'll show you the photos that Domino didn't run.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-37.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-37.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I found this coffee table at the Meeker Ave Flea Market in Brooklyn. It was stamped Dorothy Draper and I got it for only $10 because it was missing a top. Total score! The color of the stain was not my favorite so we stripped it using varnish remover first and a little bit of stripper.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo bIMG_1126.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/bIMG_1126.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1120.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/IMG_1120.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This product worked pretty well to loosen up the stain and gel stripper helped to take the rest off.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1185.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/IMG_1185.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1150.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/IMG_1150.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The magic maker was using this Wood Bleach next. It does exactly what it sounds like it would do. It comes in a powder that you make a solution with water and use it to sort of clean the wood. The color lightens pretty quickly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1193.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/IMG_1193.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You'll definitely want to wear gloves for this part of the show. And working in a well-ventilated place is a good idea.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo bIMG_1208.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/bIMG_1208.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the wood dried out, we waxed the finish and I LOVE the new color. It's still a little splotchy and dark in some places, but I like it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-3.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had some plywood cut to fit the top of the coffee table exactly at Home Depot and bought some high-density foam at Joann's with a coupon, along with some batting cut a few inches bigger than the plywood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-14.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-14.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the second try on the IKEA rug-binding, I did a tight whip stitch instead of the X's, which I think is a cleaner look. I used a large darning needle and some neon nylon thread from the hardware store.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-19.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once the rug (which I had cut into three pieces and stitched in two rows) was finished, I lined everything up and layered the plywood, foam and batting under the rug and pulled everything back as tightly as I could while I stapled.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-9.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I stapled down the batting while I went too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-23.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-23.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When everything was stapled down, I screwed the base to the upholstered top so there would be as small of a gap between the two as possible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-34.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-34.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love how the bench turned out! It was a cheap project and I love how I can use the bench in pretty much any space in the house. I layered it in front of a credenza <a href="http://domino.com/jenny-komenda-coffee-table-makeover" target="_blank">for the spread</a> and I've used it in our bedroom too.  We have been keeping it in the studio lately and I love the little pop of color from the thread. It fits perfectly under this DIY console table that I'll share later this week. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Jenny_DIYimages-26.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda010/Jenny_DIYimages-26.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>A BIG thanks to <a href="http://michelleherrick.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Herrick</a> for the pretty photos in this post!</i></div>

DIY Upholstered Bench (from a Coffee Table!)

My latest Domino story is on page 52 of the summer issue and HERE online ! Thanks for all your kind comments about the spread and for your s...

Read more »

Vintage Daybed: FOUND

<center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4457.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/IMG_4457.jpg" /></div><br />Guess what?! I found a vintage daybed for the library! I stalked Craigslist like crazy and found a listing for this pretty mid-century chaise only an hour or two after it had been posted. I emailed and then realized in the contact info the lister wanted to be texted or called, so I texted. And then that afternoon I started stressing and I called. I seriously felt so nuts, but that was the exact daybed I had been imagining for in front of the bookshelves! And when I finally did get a hold of the seller late that afternoon while I was at the pool with my girls, he said his phone had been ringing off the hook with offers on the daybed and that it was first come, first served. So naturally I threw on a cover up over my swimsuit, a towel on my hair, and raced down there as fast as I could.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4427.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/IMG_4427.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />From the listing, I was thinking there was at least a 50/50 chance I'd be able to keep the existing upholstery. The seller said the "linen upholstery" was in perfect condition over the phone. Turns out it is in approaching good-ish condition, there are a few stains and a tiny hint of a musty smell. And in person the texture of the fabric reads way more "Brady Bunch" than "Belgian linen," which makes total sense, of course.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_4434.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/cIMG_4434.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ccIMG_4437.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/ccIMG_4437.jpg" /></div><br />So I dug around in my fabric stash to see if I could make good use of some of my hoard. I think it just might be time for Bengal Bazaar to finally make an appearance in my own house. I've been in love with the almost-ikat, sort of Southwest-feeling (so appropriate right?) pattern for years and have been lugging around this remnant with me since we lived in Delaware!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4480.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/IMG_4480.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It looks good on the day bed, right? (though now I'm seeing that the pattern is upside down in the photo! whoops.) I definitely still love the idea of a floral pattern, but I think this achieves a similar look, but without going full-on girly. A lot of the colors of the fabrics in these two rooms are going to get changed this month and I think the more neutral pattern is a better choice for the space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4482.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/IMG_4482.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_4485.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/cIMG_4485.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm most happy with how it fits in the room! There's still plenty of floor space for traffic flow once the bookshelves are installed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4492.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/IMG_4492.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love how it is more open to the bookshelves than a sofa would be, but more than one person can comfortably sit there and get back support like with a sofa.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vIMG_4468.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/vIMG_4468.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Speaking of which - the CL seller had reworked the back support of the daybed and decided to spray paint it gray, which I think I'll change. The base is in beautiful shape, but the legs need a little bit of scrubbing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vIMG_4451.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/vIMG_4451.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4446.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/IMG_4446.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div><br /></div>The big bookshelf installation was postponed a week, which was a big bummer because this summer is going to be insanely busy. We're hosting a ton of family parties, showers and even a reunion here and I'm anxious to get most of the common areas done or close to it. We also have some really fun photo shoots scheduled that are only furthering the anxiety/pressure! All good things, but I'm trying to keep clear about what it is that I want for the house long-term and avoid the tendency I have sometimes to buy make-it-work stuff when I'm up against deadlines. So far I think we're doing pretty good! Getting the bookshelves in finally will be a big win, for sure. Jason ran the electrical for us this week so we can install the picture lights after the bookshelves come in. It's so funny - every time we open up the drywall I can spy two or three old beer cans from the 80s inside. Those builders really loved their Bud! ha!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_4488.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/cIMG_4488.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Oh, and PS!! Domino named LGN one of their <a href="http://domino.com/the-best-design-blogs" target="_blank">26 favorite design blogs</a>! There were some old friends and favorites there on the list, and some new-to-me sites that I'm excited to fall in love with too. <a href="http://domino.com/the-best-design-blogs" target="_blank">Check them out</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 0057778756b7c7004f61eef2ac1b846b.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%2020/0057778756b7c7004f61eef2ac1b846b.jpeg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

Vintage Daybed: FOUND

Guess what?! I found a vintage daybed for the library! I stalked Craigslist like crazy and found a listing for this pretty mid-century chais...

Read more »

Florals on Vintage Furniture

<center></center>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?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-05-13at104837PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda006/ScreenShot2014-05-13at104837PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div>These legs are closer to what I'd want to do. This shot was from an eBay listing and above is from 1st Dibs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-05-12at65938PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda006/ScreenShot2014-05-12at65938PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo resize.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda006/resize.jpeg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't stop thinking about how GORGEOUS this chintz looks on this Le Corbusier chair I saw on <a href="http://instagram.com/sarakatestudios" target="_blank">Sara Kate's instagram</a>. The contrast is so cool and fresh to me! Plus, that fabric is unreal. So, so pretty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0464.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda006/IMG_0464.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Reminds me of <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/05/new-office-chair.html" target="_blank">this office chair</a>. Unexpected fabrics on classic furniture shapes are really fun.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Picture7-1.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda006/Picture7-1.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This little chair makes my heart sing. I would love something like this in one of the girls rooms. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 7562d769f9e220adac78bad2076e7f78.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda006/7562d769f9e220adac78bad2076e7f78.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />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?

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 abou...

Read more »

How to Easily Remove Rust

I've had this Plycraft chair in storage for a while now, with plans to reupholster it in a caramel leather remnant I found in Brooklyn. Well the day has finally arrived! My upholsterer came and picked up the chair and hide this week (should be done on Saturday!), but I wanted to clean up the wood shell and the super-rusty chrome base first.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1645.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1645.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1653.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1653.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Barkeepers Friend has always been known as DIYer's Bestie to me - I love the stuff. But, oh man, when you combine that magical powder with the newest addition to my cleaning arsenal, the Scouring Stick, even the rustiest vintage chair base around stands no chance!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1661.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1661.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought a Scouring Stick, which is a heavy duty pumice stone, as sort of a splurge purchase a while back. I think I found it just at the grocery store. I'm pretty sure they have them most places.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_1679.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_1679.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It didn't really do a lot on it's own, so we mixed up a bowl of Barkeepers Friend with water,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1668.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1668.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And gave the chair a light rub down with the mixture just to loosen things up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_1671.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_1671.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then we found it worked best to dip the stick in the solution before using it to scour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1673.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1673.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The stick starts to sort of whittle down after a while, but it really really works well at removing the rust!</div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1700.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1700.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check out how clean the legs are now after just a little scrubbing! I was shocked at how well these two products worked together. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1677.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1677.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I'm looking all around my house for anything to use my scouring stick on! Heather saw me working on this post and took a stick outside to clean up her vintage bike that was starting to get rusty and now it looks practically brand new. The box says it can be used on a ton of surfaces like stone and even concrete! I'm going to give our grill a really good scrubbing now that BBQ season is kicking off.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_1684.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_1684.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, in case you're not already using Restor-A-Finish, check out how a once-over wipe down really freshened up the old wood finish:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1695.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1695.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1697.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_1697.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So much better, right? I can't wait to get this cleaned-up chair back with its new upholstery!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3372.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3372.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

How to Easily Remove Rust

I've had this Plycraft chair in storage for a while now, with plans to reupholster it in a caramel leather remnant I found in Brooklyn. ...

Read more »

Bright Velvets in the Library

One of the big house projects we haven't tackled yet is the built-in bookshelves in the front room we're calling <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/06/valley-house-tour-soon-to-be-library.html" target="_blank">the library</a> (it's the sunken space just inside the entry). I have a handful of inspiration images and a few drawings that I want to share with you guys. It's turning into a sort of expensive project, so I'm nervous about pulling the trigger. More on that later though. In the meantime, I've been making some progress on decorating the other side of the room!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9854x.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9854x.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0024.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0024.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_0124.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/cIMG_0124.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />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 <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/05/jem-fabrics-update.html" target="_blank">my old favorite fabric store in the city</a>, 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.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0110.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0110.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0073.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0073.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9916.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9916.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0128.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0128.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />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 <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/02/vintage-furniture-shopping-tips-and.html" target="_blank">pink ikat sofas</a> (they were probably owned by the same person).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1614.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1614.jpg" /></div><br />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.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1617.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1617.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2038.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_2038.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />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).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0099.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0099.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9894.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9894.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9881.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9881.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9909.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9909.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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 <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/04/layering-floral-pillows.html" target="_blank">Designer's Guild pillows</a> on the sofa. The <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-bergere-chairs.html" target="_blank">green bergeres</a> have needed new upholstery for a long time now (thinking gray Bengal Bazaar or some other pattern in a neutral color) and <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/clearancerugs/jaipur-rugs-hl02/light-mushroom/229HL02-36056.html" target="_blank">the rug</a> is there temporarily. I do like the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/05/painting-mirror-with-chalkboard-paint.html" target="_blank">magnolia mirror</a> in that spot though! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0046.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0046.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9866.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9866.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

Bright Velvets in the Library

One of the big house projects we haven't tackled yet is the built-in bookshelves in the front room we're calling the library (it...

Read more »