After such an enthusiastic response to A Stylish Secretary Makeover, in which I updated an old secretary with mirrored doors and a fresh coat of paint, I thought I'd dig up the "before" shots of a few more pieces in our apartment. Last winter, Jaithan and I were doing our usual Saturday morning run through the Chelsea flea market when a couple of chairs caught my eye.
The style is psuedo-classical revival, probably from the 40s, and while they're not fine antiques, they're built well and we both really liked their shape. The price was great too: $80 for the pair. Plus, I love a Greek key! It's a little trendy right now, so I much prefer buying vintage. What I didn't love was the fabric, a scary Southwestern ikat print in seafoam green and mauve. The wood tone wasn't my favorite either. When it comes to furniture, all wood is not created equal, especially when it's oak veneer, and this would definitely have to go. As If the fabric and finish weren't bad enough, the backs of the chairs had been embellished with tiny brass spindles, just to chochkee them up!
As soon as we got back to the apartment, I couldn't have unscrewed those spindles fast enough! They already looked so much better, I just decided to keep going. A quick trip to the hardware store around the corner, together with paint and fabric left over from another project, and I had all the supplies I'd need: a dremel tool (a great investment), wood filler, steel wool, a scissors and staple gun. The foam and batting on the seats were still in great condition, so all they'd need is a couple of coats of paint and some fabric. This makeover anyone can do, I promise!
First, I filled the holes that had been left by the spindles with wood filler and let them dry. To prep the wood, I sanded it all down with steel wool, then used the dremel for the more intricate parts around the Greek key. For the paint, I used my favorite gray (Brompton from Ralph Lauren). I love painting furniture the same color as the walls; I think there's a certain quiet sophistication about it. Two coats later (with time to dry between each) and the oak veneer was gone. All that remained was the fabric. First, I simply lifted the seat out of its frame, then cut a piece to size (with extra all around). I used a beautiful gray velvet from Stroheim & Romann, though these days, a lot of online stores, like House Fabric and Calico Corners, carry good options as well. Next, I pulled the fabric tight over the seat, just as is, stapled it in place, then used a scissors to trim. Out with the oak, in with the chic!
Now as much as I love using color, especially when I'm entertaining, I much prefer to live with a quieter palette. I think there's an understated elegance to the mix of grays, and now that the chairs are finished, they're the perfect compliment to the Greek column fireplace mantel in our living room, another flea market find I made over with mirror. But the best part is how expensive they look. Certainly a lot more than what I paid. All it takes is a little imagination, courage and a coat of paint!
How about RL paint Brompton Gray with Oxford Brown or Wenona Brown accented wall in bedroom facing woods? My best, John
Posted by: John Joseph D Schweska | June 02, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I have fallen in love with your blog...I always want to repurpose old pieces I see at thrift stores but I never really know how. You are so inspiring! I can't wait to try my first project (most likely will be based at least loosely on one of yours!) :)
Posted by: Katie | December 18, 2008 at 06:13 PM
I love these neoclassical armchairs , very good pieces at good price
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | November 21, 2008 at 05:26 AM
Hi Eddie, Came across your site via the Martha Stewart site. Oh no, another blog that I'm going to get hooked on! I love it already, great ideas, love your sense of style. Look out local flea markets, here I come!!
Posted by: Frances Jackson | November 21, 2008 at 05:02 AM
I don't know how I missed this post before. The chairs turned out amazing. I put mirrors in my fireplace twenty some odd years ago. I had a light that I attaced to the handle of the flue[sp?] and put a fern for my spring look. We are planning on putting a faux fireplace in the living room/library in the near future and I plan on using the same treatment again. Yours looks absolutely perfect and the chairs in the front of the fireplace look wonderful. You have the eye for good, classic style and the ingenuity on how to achieve it without spending way too much. You keep it fresh and new but still traditional and classic. Hard to do for most but not EDDIE. You're great!! Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | October 28, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Wow those chairs look AMAZING! You are such an inspiration!!!
Posted by: Georgie | September 30, 2008 at 04:28 AM
Ok, I'm in love with the mirrored back of the fireplace, but the transformation of these chairs is quite nice. The color is terrific. Your layering is beauiful (the zebra atop the sea grass) and your editing - well, professional is the only word that comes to mind.
Posted by: Artie Vanderpool | September 26, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Eddie - Another question - do you recommend semi-gloss or gloss for the Ralph Lauren paint you used on the chair. Thanks so much. :)
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 24, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Hi Eddie - Question about your rug - where did you buy it?? Your makeovers are inspiring!
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 23, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Did you prime the chairs before you painted them? I'm in the planning stage of bringing back to life a pair of Louis XVI cane-backed side chairs. Love the way your chairs came out! I'm cheering for you on Top Design, my money's on you, good luck!!!
Posted by: Lisa | September 23, 2008 at 04:05 PM
these are gorgeous!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 18, 2008 at 12:00 PM