Refeathering the Nest

I think we all have at least one chair that we love—the one that you go when you really need a rest—the one that has all the same lumps and curves that you do—the one that just fits like a glove.

Beloved sits on the left. I call it “the nest”. He gathers all his favorite things around him (including the remote )and he NESTS. Unfortunately even the best nests require refeathering from time to time. And these nests had seen better days :). With its library paneling, antique rug, and distressed leather sofa this room has gentlemen’s club feel to it. But it needed a change and I thought I knew exactly what I wanted------not so fast!

I thought I wanted this houndstooth print in tan and brown. I thought a masculine print would be perfect…and I could have had it….for a little under a $1000! X two plus an ottoman…..maybe not :). So I set out just to find the fabric instead of new chairs. I searched locally and on line. I finally found 12 yards; I needed 20. Time to broaden my horizons.

I love this heavy brushed velvet look and the detail on the back, but I thought I need a print since the sofa is a solid leather.

I loved this look and the shape of the chairs is very similar to mine. Maybe it’s time to add a feminine touch. But I thought about it.

Put a husband and two dogs in the picture and a light colored fabric like this wouldn’t have a chance….not for long. No matter how pretty it is, if it’s not functional, it won’t work.

I considered lots of fabrics—too light, too dark, too old-looking, too expensive, too fussy….etc., etc., etc. And then I saw a pillow.

It’s an inexpensive pillow from Steinmart, but I loved it. It reminded me of the beautiful crewel work my mother and grandmother did when I was a child. Crewel, a technique that is at least a thousand years old, is a decorative form of embroidery that uses wool and a variety of stictches to follow an outline on fabric. Maybe this doesn’t have to be a gentlemen’s club after all….maybe just a worn and loved library look….

Beloved even agreed to the print…..after all, it’s his nest. The fabric looks as if it as been hand embroidered and provided a much-needed feminine touch.

The color is a deep apricot and pulls out a color in the rug. It’s sturdy enough to withstand many more hours of nesting! The chairs have been replumped thanks to a wonderful upholsterer who has been doing work for me for twenty years. Best of all--- having the two chairs and ottoman reupholstered cost less than buying one new chair!!!

Cooper, the granddog, was here for the weekend….he approves!

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday and Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. I hope you’ll visit both of these ladies! I know you’ll come away inspired! Thanks for dropping by—I hope you’ll say hello!