Why a good upholsterer is your best friend in design

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ2sioW7-DagGQ21kOvgSoKw4y0IzPAeQfAJ0uETDyWi8bVt1lXMUy-WAPiCUhiXYpH_qp3TV0XlYiLRpngXS1zdHXVWBQLrGzheeu2_cbK2iWjZrRDYI5f8kJLWfY8endX12KEph3Ge7/s1600/English+arm+chair.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ2sioW7-DagGQ21kOvgSoKw4y0IzPAeQfAJ0uETDyWi8bVt1lXMUy-WAPiCUhiXYpH_qp3TV0XlYiLRpngXS1zdHXVWBQLrGzheeu2_cbK2iWjZrRDYI5f8kJLWfY8endX12KEph3Ge7/s320/English+arm+chair.png" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwezRhy7nXE6ZWmA2EgF6bkYwmPyLPK0x2xvo6MfNrgev50GcB3rPigfYxzFPeQjXNQJqnPoi77NlsXvg7M6baILoZOXD0NAF6lKKtdFRPpfd8-8WGhNt__MteI5o0bFQrlFH7HHPR1Mpj/s1600/Roll+arm+chair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwezRhy7nXE6ZWmA2EgF6bkYwmPyLPK0x2xvo6MfNrgev50GcB3rPigfYxzFPeQjXNQJqnPoi77NlsXvg7M6baILoZOXD0NAF6lKKtdFRPpfd8-8WGhNt__MteI5o0bFQrlFH7HHPR1Mpj/s320/Roll+arm+chair.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span>nce upon a time, my client owned these two different but still comfy arm chairs. Chair 1 on the left is an English Arm style with a box style back cushion  and Chair 2 on the right had rolled arms with a knife edge back cushion.  My clients wished to use both of these chairs in their new living room,  reupholstered in the same fabric. Aside from a slight difference in width and the arm styles, they are basically the same chair. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg-g9eKF1u9nX-GLh2xATF2cyn3zgaZV-dx_OR0fZZKxWiGiP_9jqh9BZ7rSRF7BgmU2hwzICsR6-svNEQGyVgsUiCRswZhsB7JPuoBUETovUYaoO9fBWqv4Y2n8IESGemq8jteKurbCi/s1600/icw_01_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg-g9eKF1u9nX-GLh2xATF2cyn3zgaZV-dx_OR0fZZKxWiGiP_9jqh9BZ7rSRF7BgmU2hwzICsR6-svNEQGyVgsUiCRswZhsB7JPuoBUETovUYaoO9fBWqv4Y2n8IESGemq8jteKurbCi/s1600/icw_01_12.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>his is the fabric we selected for the chairs, which is <a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/collection/old_collection.php?patternID=908&productID=5195" target="_blank">Thibaut's Island Coral</a> in beige. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQktFxI-X1SDSkdWXDawusI9Siz9fkTJoLq_Z6Xz4c1dyi0ArkOtNbTfsKp_WjBp-SxNiEP-B5OmpHSL5H7-pSs-ACIR0oQDQAju04Wo1dKHWHCu1jEm7hWuZUVWbmAmAQgy54s7YcbIM6/s1600/Arm+chairs+closeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQktFxI-X1SDSkdWXDawusI9Siz9fkTJoLq_Z6Xz4c1dyi0ArkOtNbTfsKp_WjBp-SxNiEP-B5OmpHSL5H7-pSs-ACIR0oQDQAju04Wo1dKHWHCu1jEm7hWuZUVWbmAmAQgy54s7YcbIM6/s640/Arm+chairs+closeup.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span>nd voila - old chairs made new again. Now, look again at the old chairs and then again at the newly reupholstered pieces. Notice anything different? These are the same chairs in the same spots as above.  The difference is obviously that the old roll arm chair was reconfigured by my upholster <a href="http://www.hellerfurniture.com/" target="_blank">Heller Furniture</a> in Norwell, MA and now sports a nice pair of English arms.  The back cushion is now a box cushion and the skirting is now the same on both pieces. Aside from the fact that the chairs are still slightly different in width (hardly noticeable unless you're looking for it), they are now a stylish matched set.<br /><br />And this is why I say that a good upholsterer is your best friend in design. Whether you're a homeowner, a beginning designer or seasoned pro - a good upholsterer is an invaluable tool in your bedazzled tool belt. Most experienced upholsterers are able to make these kinds of changes to an existing piece. I've seen the most used and awful pieces be literally reborn - made modern and fresh.   For this project, which is still in process, I brought a sofa, these two chairs and an order for 10 custom seat cushions for various chairs around the house. Everything was made completely to order and fits like a glove.  It's important to note, however, that this doesn't come cheap. My client's could have certainly purchased two new matching arm chairs for the same price at a decent store and in some stores they could have purchased two new chairs for the cost of getting just one of these chairs reupholstered. But the quality would never be the same and the chairs would never be as comfortable. These were good chairs to begin with; they were just old and well used.  By reupholstering existing furniture, my clients got the exact fabric and details they wanted and kept the old chairs out of the landfill. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/dam/designer/global/DM_logo_Main-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/dam/designer/global/DM_logo_Main-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I </span></span></b>recently wrote<a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/design_pulse/design_blog/6_tips_for_working_with_upholsters.html" target="_blank"> 6 Tips for Working with an Upholsterer</a> for Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace which I highly recommend. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/interiordesign/before-and-after-linda-merrill-and-a-19th-century-boston-town-house" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdmaE8YtUQZQdFByfrSgOWfLSM4bu3fSVbG_8UJNM8DNVatkIlMJpDB7mL-nAvlShJ3EyRfBVgHipcVzquhIV96hdTLjhrEp140FpCE0IzHCxbn3NARS8WhaThTMkgVy27Us18-eQ0U8O/s640/Modenus+b+and+a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b></span>peaking of upholstery, I wanted to thank <a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/interiordesign/before-and-after-linda-merrill-and-a-19th-century-boston-town-house" target="_blank">Modenus</a> for featuring a before and after of my Boston Townhouse Living Room project on their website today. This was a project that included several upholstered pieces. The sofa was a Dapha for Baker Furniture with Stroheim & Romann fabric (both to the trade), the arm chairs were Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (retail) with a Robert Allen washable velvet (COM to the trade) and the side chairs were Restoration Hardware in their own velvet (all retail).  I point this out because I think it's a good lesson in using varied resources to achieve the best results on a project. Retail store furniture can often be covered in COM (Customer's Own Fabric) or COL (Customer's Own Leather), so never hesitate to ask. It may be more expensive, but to get exactly what you want, it's worth it. <br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>f you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Why a good upholsterer is your best friend in design

O nce upon a time, my client owned these two different but still comfy arm chairs. Chair 1 on the left is an English Arm style with a box st...

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Project Sneak Peak

I wanted to share a sneak peak of a project I've been working on with a friend. She owns an antique home on a pond - very idyllic. The house has all the charms, and challenges, of an antique that dates to the late 1600's. Low, beamed ceilings and original floors are certainly charming, but can also make the rooms feel small. In order to play up the cozy factor, my client and friend wanted to spruce up her upholstered furniture and add some simple window treatments - all to create a cozy and warm feeling in her New England waterfront home. Here's a little inspiration board with the fabrics and trims I selected for her pleated valance treatments and newly upholstered club chairs and love seat.<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click on image for larger view)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy30DnM7p2yVmsOLSrdFZvV-hTfUakBQw9dDe2Q77vW3QYnSiddkdjpCZSIEPeikiSf56D7mVfGme_Na57JMIvlLLD_c0sLu5uVQ1gJ8NPkS9BO-sgnWas0vQ8ED5Ed_gmNCtYmrcz_1y3/s1600/IndianPondLR.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy30DnM7p2yVmsOLSrdFZvV-hTfUakBQw9dDe2Q77vW3QYnSiddkdjpCZSIEPeikiSf56D7mVfGme_Na57JMIvlLLD_c0sLu5uVQ1gJ8NPkS9BO-sgnWas0vQ8ED5Ed_gmNCtYmrcz_1y3/s640/IndianPondLR.png" width="494" /></a></div>The room is so dark and the day was so bright when I was there that it was impossible to get a decent interior shot. I'll be back, however, as we're talking about glazing her walls a soft peachy pink, possibly in a glaze, to add more warmth and glow to the space.  Here are some inspiration images for the pink walls:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/livingroom19-de-21646089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/livingroom19-de-21646089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/living-room-decorating-2009">County Living</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/livingroom3-de-88548961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/livingroom3-de-88548961.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/living-room-decorating-2009">Country Living</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2008Q3//mla104089_0908_setee_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2008Q3//mla104089_0908_setee_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/pink-rooms#slide_7">Martha Stewart</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2007Q2/mla102768_0507_roses_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2007Q2/mla102768_0507_roses_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/pink-rooms#slide_14">Martha Stewart</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully at some point I'll be able to do a better job taking photos!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Project Sneak Peak

I wanted to share a sneak peak of a project I've been working on with a friend. She owns an antique home on a pond - very idyllic. The h...

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A magic - and eco friendly - transformation!

See how this sofa...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxoLMeRV62CF3s9dtl03d8-iXX_tnWqaTAgav2moOKMk2WNGoUO3bNvytkmWe8TlvGJ6iLxDH6K-QI-G5onmRCCdMQOAZPayVVzPIbycb8Q9a6KHc1SCOs0UBftrVUmCl8wquUUPPL3w/s400/Beansofabefore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxoLMeRV62CF3s9dtl03d8-iXX_tnWqaTAgav2moOKMk2WNGoUO3bNvytkmWe8TlvGJ6iLxDH6K-QI-G5onmRCCdMQOAZPayVVzPIbycb8Q9a6KHc1SCOs0UBftrVUmCl8wquUUPPL3w/s400/Beansofabefore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" /></a><br />...became this sectional sofa.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrBAIuxQjn_ZHFwVxziV5YAVcwS7eGATSZCX7PGa6YfWjy7q_uoDQUJXjAmLqH9vBc2rPIgVzUzdl50FScdPzsNJ3ADJd9Fb3Nhw8ys-NyVw6kBVMJdjE8CJVnqLz8Fm7IJDeZnRIrnuq/s1600-h/Bean-Sofa-in-situ.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330946428699018466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrBAIuxQjn_ZHFwVxziV5YAVcwS7eGATSZCX7PGa6YfWjy7q_uoDQUJXjAmLqH9vBc2rPIgVzUzdl50FScdPzsNJ3ADJd9Fb3Nhw8ys-NyVw6kBVMJdjE8CJVnqLz8Fm7IJDeZnRIrnuq/s400/Bean-Sofa-in-situ.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />And, learn how it was done in a great, green, manner. Click <a href="http://upholsteredfurniture.blogspot.com/2009/04/eco-salvage.html">here </a>to visit Heller Furniture's <a href="http://upholsteredfurniture.blogspot.com/2009/04/eco-salvage.html">The Upholstery Blog</a> for the details.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

A magic - and eco friendly - transformation!

See how this sofa... ...became this sectional sofa. And, learn how it was done in a great, green, manner. Click here to visit Heller Furnit...

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This chair creeps me out

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUYvelMsLGN_AMFGnB47MhI9FvY_U3SOvziM9_Vij9hDvDJnX7oyIzhJcUOyh2A3dZWFkaJr_dMJpL-kbhHAUJIN9OYT_a6JwzgJoxzopb0cd7wFLLcSyfXPi0Zy9okrNoY2HvVMrXraJ/s1600-h/bilhuberRamchair.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312071007406068514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUYvelMsLGN_AMFGnB47MhI9FvY_U3SOvziM9_Vij9hDvDJnX7oyIzhJcUOyh2A3dZWFkaJr_dMJpL-kbhHAUJIN9OYT_a6JwzgJoxzopb0cd7wFLLcSyfXPi0Zy9okrNoY2HvVMrXraJ/s400/bilhuberRamchair.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" /></a>The March issue of <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/jeffrey-bilhubers-intense-design?click=main_sr">House Beautiful</a><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/jeffrey-bilhubers-intense-design?click=main_sr"> </a>showcased a colorful and pretty fantastic Pennsylvania house designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber. His work is widely respected, as evidenced by stories <a href="http://www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/10/jeffrey-bilhuber-lessons-in-designing_14.html">here</a>, <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2008/07/jeffrey-bilhubers-design-basics.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/2143">here</a>, <a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-york-social-diary-house-jeffrey.html">here</a>...<br /><br />I love his work too. Except... this rams head arm chair just gives me the creeps!! What really bothers me is that the end looks like it's "tucked" into the side of the chair. I am having visions of the "horns" uncurling themselves and attacking me while I'm napping!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HsS-crRdcDuOluEFIT2f0NTr7oDM-fDcQjOSW5u-RPh4Zhk4fvoAk-Ud41tfel1HjDOr_qOb2w7pKDXFpCK26JkQ9yay5I8ue_NcZTsL6yTEzsY7LiK1AqilUjNGGT617E18is25yywd/s1600-h/bilhuberRamdetail.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312071016223893458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HsS-crRdcDuOluEFIT2f0NTr7oDM-fDcQjOSW5u-RPh4Zhk4fvoAk-Ud41tfel1HjDOr_qOb2w7pKDXFpCK26JkQ9yay5I8ue_NcZTsL6yTEzsY7LiK1AqilUjNGGT617E18is25yywd/s400/bilhuberRamdetail.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 187px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/i/nysdhouse/bilhuber/P1110379.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/i/nysdhouse/bilhuber/P1110379.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 243px;" /></a>This is clearly a "go-to" style for Bilhuber, this chair is part of the New York Social Diary story. I still don't love it in a different fabric!<br /><br />Or, am I just nuts?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

This chair creeps me out

The March issue of House Beautiful showcased a colorful and pretty fantastic Pennsylvania house designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber. His work is ...

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Matchy Matchy

<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/p2/products/200904/0073/img73m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/p2/products/200904/0073/img73m.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 344px;" /></a><br />Sometimes, matchy-matchy is a good thing. Case in point: The <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p12391/index.cfm?pkey=call-occasional-chairs">Calvin Tub Chair</a> (above) at Pottery Barn. I was wandering through the mall this weekend with a friend and we passed by Pottery Barn and this chair prominently displayed in the window. Nice looking chair with a very nice looking print on the cushions - but the mismatched pattern was fairly screaming out at me!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yo9kVp8fB92p9PgmMzBEVvSMA7Lld0Y-LD-_EdekV6GqE7sszy7uZBeN9DzWMmwLoW2X5m2sYE-pC62cvA2oYMDdEkT5Aa3IMarDlt67O3bXcg1IZqef3LgCTiUH-ownlyzJ2JVBMX0/s1600-h/PBCalvin+Chair.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301638703906897682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yo9kVp8fB92p9PgmMzBEVvSMA7Lld0Y-LD-_EdekV6GqE7sszy7uZBeN9DzWMmwLoW2X5m2sYE-pC62cvA2oYMDdEkT5Aa3IMarDlt67O3bXcg1IZqef3LgCTiUH-ownlyzJ2JVBMX0/s400/PBCalvin+Chair.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 93px;" /></a>The pattern on the box cushion should be matched so that the front face of the cushion is a continuation of the seat pattern. As you can see, in this case, the circular medallion is simply lopped off. Nothing makes upholstery (or window treatments) look cheaper than a mismatched fabric pattern. And, this chair is upwards of $1,000!<br /><br />And, this isn't the only example of this in the PB catalogue:<br /><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/p2/products/200906/0020/img65m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/p2/products/200906/0020/img65m.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 344px;" /></a>This is the Pottery Barn <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p10355/index.cfm?pkey=call-occasional-chairs">Brooks Slipcovered</a> chair. The pattern on the top seat doesn't extend down the sides, nor does the skirt match up to the drop it's attached too. And, again, this is a pretty expensive chair, rendered cheap looking by bad matching.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdATF7LSm7hR4Sp5JPwiG-4eAyWWA9Mz_AavOM3KlECuSnSr0EXOJfgaLq1BDTj5WU7lilZ50z5U8kXendgKG65gkYtlKJQiQ_YghFVyGu6xyaiuscXfGeQ_JINOPoykm2PIOtf8JSeN0/s1600-h/PBBrooks.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301640917219497298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdATF7LSm7hR4Sp5JPwiG-4eAyWWA9Mz_AavOM3KlECuSnSr0EXOJfgaLq1BDTj5WU7lilZ50z5U8kXendgKG65gkYtlKJQiQ_YghFVyGu6xyaiuscXfGeQ_JINOPoykm2PIOtf8JSeN0/s400/PBBrooks.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 139px;" /></a><br /><br />Here is a similar looking slipcovered slipper chair that my friends at<a href="http://www.hellerfurniture.com"> Heller Furniture</a> did recently. Notice that the pattern on the seat extends down the sides of the seat cushion in the front. While it's not always possible to match up every pattern, at least the front of the piece should match.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJArGViy8ZkJjwNHwGzfPAk9JymJD31zPPmGB6fVQP-an91lTQMKJvICYsEIB-HQzZfAriYLpA_VFlg7qolxJZNAFyV-lhzxukjOlWgM5Sv6glUdaImAs9CDOydLjrRaPRAn54VdwknL8/s1600-h/RoomsInBloomSlipcoverchairWEB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301638708240764002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJArGViy8ZkJjwNHwGzfPAk9JymJD31zPPmGB6fVQP-an91lTQMKJvICYsEIB-HQzZfAriYLpA_VFlg7qolxJZNAFyV-lhzxukjOlWgM5Sv6glUdaImAs9CDOydLjrRaPRAn54VdwknL8/s400/RoomsInBloomSlipcoverchairWEB.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Here is another example. The client selected a very graphic, yet fairly regular overall pattern. It was important that the front facing pieces match and as you will see - the fern like scrolls extend from the seat to the front face to the skirting - thus creating a harmonious and beautiful piece.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2jdSbao_Ryv9OmLV8zcJZFKVx1ambT0j5flNhY1rYBeTB9eVy1VuUs3Rpbnh24d_UYAtnOp9OTap7BKsRLsj0Bz5GrKAtjVqA6LGef_KXRBbMVM7HfuDtQkK7sG8_nn4KB126xN5lDA/s1600-h/Labins-chairWEB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301638710676328242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2jdSbao_Ryv9OmLV8zcJZFKVx1ambT0j5flNhY1rYBeTB9eVy1VuUs3Rpbnh24d_UYAtnOp9OTap7BKsRLsj0Bz5GrKAtjVqA6LGef_KXRBbMVM7HfuDtQkK7sG8_nn4KB126xN5lDA/s400/Labins-chairWEB.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Here is an example of a very unusual block print fabric applied to a traditional wing chair. Clearly, the fabrics had to be very carefully matched, not only vertically, but also horizontally.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAycSyfKBCPMyYjUqetaGBSqYRL2r-KAk7IO0hyqkoGJowhg53DJSB6vyk2zykaAnm0ibzGERwGROtsZsrcD0K0XR0dcm3Iqzf8Z7AcK9U9PyWZdZgX53yP86yr4T7b0nkJqPq73cPfiY/s1600-h/Design-Spree-001WEB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301638705750989234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAycSyfKBCPMyYjUqetaGBSqYRL2r-KAk7IO0hyqkoGJowhg53DJSB6vyk2zykaAnm0ibzGERwGROtsZsrcD0K0XR0dcm3Iqzf8Z7AcK9U9PyWZdZgX53yP86yr4T7b0nkJqPq73cPfiY/s400/Design-Spree-001WEB.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />Some retail stores do get it right - such as Anthropologie's <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-8507770707242377560&id=77247&parentid=FURNITURE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&pushId=FURNITURE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&popId=FURNITURE_UPHOLSTERY&sortProperties=&navCount=1&navAction=&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=bom">Antwerp Chair</a> below. They do a beautiful job of matching the pattern from the seat down the face and onto the upholstered front of the chair. Of course, this chair is significantly more expensive than the PB pieces, at $1,400.00.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmclL0c_4cEcYLTL8O-CEFirfN8qP_LF4PIGqHfczYsocWjXcR4Hb7MF09gGV-N8zUjw4UiK3suv9m768j7dqJZK-c-6YpbalOGAsTXr_LZoCRNDgulAtU07OsnohuG-2uYfjqnJsZo4/s1600-h/Anthropologie.com_1234384718122.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301643390128324066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmclL0c_4cEcYLTL8O-CEFirfN8qP_LF4PIGqHfczYsocWjXcR4Hb7MF09gGV-N8zUjw4UiK3suv9m768j7dqJZK-c-6YpbalOGAsTXr_LZoCRNDgulAtU07OsnohuG-2uYfjqnJsZo4/s400/Anthropologie.com_1234384718122.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 370px;" /></a><br />Matching patterns is more expensive, there is no question. It takes more skill and time on the upholsterers part and it takes more fabric. However, if you are going to spend real money on a piece of furniture - and at $1,000 for the Pottern Barn Calvin Chair, we are talking real money - then shouldn't it look as good as it can?<br /><br />When shopping for upholstered furniture - always pay attention to how the pattern is placed on the piece. If you are having an existing piece of furniture recovered, or are selecting your fabric for a new piece - be very careful with the fabric you choose. A qualified upholster will be able to advise you on how to best lay out the fabric. And don't hesitate to ask to meet with the upholsterer (where available) in order to go over these issues and to make sure that they are going to lay out the fabric appropriately. Saving 20% on the cost of a job might leave you with a piece of furniture that looks 50% less appealing. And, if corners are being cut with the layout, what other corners are being cut?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Matchy Matchy

Sometimes, matchy-matchy is a good thing. Case in point: The Calvin Tub Chair (above) at Pottery Barn. I was wandering through the mall thi...

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Blingy Bling Bling

<a href="http://diamondheadupholsterytack.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=4" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296341669488631426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5NXKEbnm1FrREqf_nEa2hbTnsx-71K6-j3JQe8ZmMhcg7Nn_0L6EMK2jcRXfHuxn5MMl1deQkXNyXON0n5WwRBmG-qWIuq8JTXJt5VJzrcFt_1W2i6Z0d5HSewyGNUoFypIRNH5wQqR-/s400/diamondheadtackbed.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 226px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />Talk about Breakfast at Tiffany's! From the <a href="http://www.diamondheadut.com/">Diamond Head Upholstery</a> interchangeable tacks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Blingy Bling Bling

Talk about Breakfast at Tiffany's! From the Diamond Head Upholstery interchangeable tacks. Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

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Movie Set Decor: "The Women" and how a headboard has it's closeup!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycYKKIurDOKSH2jOy07Iu1S1aZoOrdq0bEbyHu6S65eINKpBevHucl2W6BOIMoiIyCaqmJOcMBcn_gt0NEfvgGl66W-DTok6A-h_aArVMFSiS5_mBm2FOzzkHfnqMDBHLNbIH_ytMNpYd/s1600-h/the-women-movie-poster.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289129344460902722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycYKKIurDOKSH2jOy07Iu1S1aZoOrdq0bEbyHu6S65eINKpBevHucl2W6BOIMoiIyCaqmJOcMBcn_gt0NEfvgGl66W-DTok6A-h_aArVMFSiS5_mBm2FOzzkHfnqMDBHLNbIH_ytMNpYd/s400/the-women-movie-poster.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 394px;" /></a><br />Last year, I blogged about the move "The Women" that was then filming here in Boston. The set decorators had ordered a custom headboard for the movie from <a href="http://upholsteredfurniture.blogspot.com/2007/09/im-ready-for-my-closeup-mr-heller.html">Heller Furniture</a>. Heller is my upholsterer of choice and whom I also do marketing and design consulting for. This remake of the 1939 classic stars Eva Mendes and Meg Ryan reprising the Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer roles, respectively.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PzXyGv-mDmP8wzuCzj4PXqAWKLfe4V9zSX_lWk8pW4gBpj6NWik3MVFU996eiX6weI6oKTVYcKXdEr0ZVKx67y7LcUmJdEU0JEA7qylCG57yHZei5otm1mEw0a8CsGCaa77cI82Mtii7/s1600-h/TheWomen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289125333052431714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PzXyGv-mDmP8wzuCzj4PXqAWKLfe4V9zSX_lWk8pW4gBpj6NWik3MVFU996eiX6weI6oKTVYcKXdEr0ZVKx67y7LcUmJdEU0JEA7qylCG57yHZei5otm1mEw0a8CsGCaa77cI82Mtii7/s400/TheWomen.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />It's been a long year waiting to see how this satin, fullsize, headboard would be used. Would Meg Ryan be reclining into it's luxurious softness? Would Eva Mendes be up to no good against it?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM6lP8XYyiO685-5YGjvMI-4MSdvxkSIVcu-L3sBiSxou_UThM4elvdoNF_AEcclsOQhBkp1qGukZh2O66m4gg80YA8EhcAQL8XrLodxcTtIyLGT7ib7bxOENafNKHbnmGJ5H68c-y-0/s1600/WomenProduction1WEB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM6lP8XYyiO685-5YGjvMI-4MSdvxkSIVcu-L3sBiSxou_UThM4elvdoNF_AEcclsOQhBkp1qGukZh2O66m4gg80YA8EhcAQL8XrLodxcTtIyLGT7ib7bxOENafNKHbnmGJ5H68c-y-0/s1600/WomenProduction1WEB.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /><br /></a>Well, we finally got our answer. There was neither real reclining nor frolicking; the headboard is nestled underneath a demi-canopy with draping backdrop. The entire scene is about 20 seconds long and involves Meg Ryan NOT reclining, a little girl and a big dog! So much for the spotlight! No "Oooo - I love your bedroom decor - look at that bed!" Now, would that have been much to ask? Yes? Oh....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlyqxnHd6gC0z7v4zK1sGt2UbP-g35F1kvdh_5Rwyx_IrxXjJ2D6F_oEEADqzS3AtGdLiENXELOSXDVrBb_oolXxxCRRYte3crlK4Ny99OMFzU6DN0C9PdE9WIBZvPZ-Fp6yZ_kc8HqbK/s1600-h/vlcsnap-14355749.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289123946979225922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlyqxnHd6gC0z7v4zK1sGt2UbP-g35F1kvdh_5Rwyx_IrxXjJ2D6F_oEEADqzS3AtGdLiENXELOSXDVrBb_oolXxxCRRYte3crlK4Ny99OMFzU6DN0C9PdE9WIBZvPZ-Fp6yZ_kc8HqbK/s400/vlcsnap-14355749.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 220px;" /></a>Anyway, it was a lovely headboard - very cushy and comfy!<br /><br />Meanwhile, the movie wasn't all that spectacular, but the sets are pretty, so stay tuned for a post to come on <a href="http://www.silverscreensurroundings.blogspot.com/">::Silver Screen Surroundings:: </a>on the entire movie.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Production Designe: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0615788/">Jane Musky</a><br />Art Direction: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0893226/">Mario Ventenilla</a><br />Set Decoration: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193908/">Debbie Cutler</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2526385/">Mimi Watstein</a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Movie Set Decor: "The Women" and how a headboard has it's closeup!

Last year, I blogged about the move "The Women" that was then filming here in Boston. The set decorators had ordered a custom hea...

Read more »