Last fall, during a spin through the Goodwill up in Wappingers Falls, New York, I picked up this pair of old shield back chairs. They're a good size with pretty lines and a shape that's simple and classic. The problem was they looked so...well...dusty, they made me want to sneeze!
I knew they needed a good dose of color to bring them back to life, but I wasn't sure where to go with them until I found inspiration in this vintage pair of Tiffany playing cards from the flea market. The colors I love! Very Fire King Jadeite and Turquoise Blue. A quick trip to the Silk Trading Company for their year end sale, and look what I found! It's a gorgeous woven homespun silk in the precise coloration of the cards!
After a fast stop at Home Depot for paint (Ralph Lauren's Sunwashed Blue in semi-gloss) and a couple of cans of my favorite primer (Zinsser), it was time for a little Designer DIY! With the paint all dry, here I am upholstering the seat with new batting, the woven silk, and a staple gun.
For even more Designer DIY, I added inexpensive grosgrain ribbon around the bottom of the chair with a super strong adhesive called E600. Fashion designers and upholsterers use it all the time to adhere embellishments. Just be sure to fold over the beginning and ends of the ribbon for a much more finished look!
Check out the final result! Our friend Jordan—do you remember her from Team Ross?—was swooning over them in her West Village apartment yesterday. I especially like how pretty and playful they are now. The Lucite coffee table brings glamour to the mix, while the natural sisal rug from IKEA adds warmth and texture.
So as you consider what projects you're going to undertake this month, remember this: Be Daring. We all have safe zones that shield us from mistakes, but stepping outside those lines can yield fantastic results!
Eddie, could you direct me to a simple tutorial on how to do a chair makeover like this? You of course had years of experience and are a pro, but a gal has to start somewhere, right? The question is: where?
Posted by: Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels | February 19, 2010 at 02:17 AM
I did a makeover on the same chair! (mine is the end chair) Can I email you the before/after? I'd love your opinion!
I love your blog and all of your styling/decorating tips, you're the best!!
: ) Ellice
Posted by: Ellice | May 22, 2009 at 12:56 PM
The Goodwill is no joke! My lovely antique sofa came from one! I have a question; I love what you did with your mantle in your living room. Can you email me and explain the proces you used? I love the idea of the glass behind it, and I purchased a free-standing mantle over the summer that I want to mount to the wall with a piece of glass behind it, as well. Can you please advise, Eddie! Thanks, hon!
Posted by: Diva Style | January 14, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Eddie, can I ask you a question? I love the painted pieces of furniture you do. I have done two pieces, repainted reclaimed old ugly dark wood chairs and both have been prone to chipping and scraping of the paint easily so I don't let people even sit on them, which I don't like to do. How do you remedy? Is there a sealer you put on as a top coat? Or a special undercoat that's the charm? Love your blog.
Posted by: laura bagozzi | January 14, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Here's a silly question --
Eddie, the chairs are nice and all.. but that coffee table is FAB! Where did it come from?
And I love your blog!
Posted by: Kate | January 08, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Wonderful colors! Love them, fresh and so "new".
xo Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | January 07, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Oh Eddie, fabulous as usual! Can't wait to see the other makeovers.
If only my local thrift stores had such great finds....(sigh)
Bravo!!
Posted by: Andi | January 07, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Eddie,
love your comments about the questions people ask. makes your site so much more personal.
Wish you would post twice a day. Am pm
I get up each morning excited to read your posts,
Posted by: Clara | January 07, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Ok, I was thinking it, ...you said it...that confirms it for me! I am going to venture outside the norm.
BRAVO DARLIN'!
Funny, I was looking for a glue that was ok for fabric too...BINGO! Thanks
PS...When are you coming to NC?
Kindle
Posted by: Kindle | January 06, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Absolutely fabulous!! The transformation is amazing, Eddie! I love it!
Posted by: Mimilee | January 06, 2009 at 10:39 PM
I can't believe those are the same chairs! Nice.
Posted by: Naomi | January 06, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Wow, those are amazing. I love the color combination and the extra twist of the ribbon. Keep bringing us great stuff! I am going to bug you again about a Alameda, CA Flea Market trip....
Cheers,
Julie
Posted by: Julie | January 06, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Eddie, I found the EXACT two chairs in bulk pickup, redid them and when I purchased new chairs I put them out for bulk pickup someone else picked them up! Mine did not come out as fresh and fun as yours but I was happy at the time with them.
THese chairs came out great and I really appreciate that you tell us all your tips!
I love, love the secretary! What a clever idea to use the mirrors.
I'm telling everyone I know about your blog!
Posted by: Mary | January 06, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Hello Eddie and Jaithan,
I actually found a GOODWILL maybe at least 15 minutes from where I live. I went to drop off some donations, but I did not see anything as wonderful as these chairs. Actually, I do have to take that back. There was this piece of furniture that I saw. I am not sure what to call it. It was tall, thick wood, fancy doors, compartments, maybe like a old secretaries desk slash cabinet. I have an old secretaries desk, but this was much taller and it did not have glass doors anywhere. I wish I would of had my camera. Looked very old. Hard to explain it, but at $99.00 I believe it would be a great buy. PROBLEM though, I have no more room in my home, but I am sure if someone got their hands on it and did some great paint work on it, like yourselves, it would be to die for.
Sorry so long..... just had to share.
Peace to you both,
Angelica
Posted by: angelica torrez | January 06, 2009 at 07:17 PM
I had no idea I could use E6000 on fabric! This is very dangerous knowledge :)
Posted by: MrsLimestone | January 06, 2009 at 07:17 PM
I want one! This is so great, Eddie!
Posted by: decorpad | January 06, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Hi! I was wondering about your process of painting furniture. What brushes you use and any tricks. It seems like every time I paint old furniture the end result isn't as smooth as I would of liked. Any tips to make it look smooth?
Posted by: Jessica Woodford | January 06, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Those chairs are amazing!!! I adore the color combination Eddie and the ribbon adds a beautiful touch!
Posted by: hanako66 | January 06, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Beautiful, Eddie!
Tiffany still makes those playing cards....really great and affordable hostess gift.
Posted by: Julie Prichard | January 06, 2009 at 03:47 PM
So pretty - I'm so excited for this year and all the creative things you're going to teach us how to do. I already find myself going to antique stores more and I even made a stop by the local Goodwill recently to try to find something I could work with. I think that's half the fun - hunting for cool stuff!
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | January 06, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Hi, Eddie!
Not one of my favorite projects of yours; the ribbon seems a little out of place, and I would have loved to see a little gilt on them.
Oh well! Next time, gadget!
Posted by: Amphritrite | January 06, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Love the color combo! That's what I did my first son's nursery in and my baby shower was done in those colors as well!
Posted by: Martha Gayle | January 06, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Plexi-craft.com is one of my favorite places for Lucite furniture!
Posted by: Eddie Ross | January 06, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Hi Eddie,
Love the chairs, and the color combination. Meanwhile, I've been looking for a lucite or plexiglass coffee table. I think I remember seeing one that was with flat shaped legs, kind of cartoon Queen-Annish. If not, I really like the one in the picture. Do you know where it's from?
Posted by: Beth | January 06, 2009 at 02:51 PM
Honey -- you can do MAGIC! What a fresh, fun transformation -- and another cinderella project! Just popped in from spray-painting some old mirrored sconces -- and my fingers are covered in paint! LOL! You always manage to look amazing even when working -- and I manage to look like Medusa! LOL!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage (looking around for more things to paint! LOL!)
Posted by: Jan | January 06, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Lovely results, as usual. Finish question regarding all painted furniture-do you use a sealant or top coat? I have painted two dressers, using Benjamin Moore semi-gloss paint, and I find they have chipped a little. If anyone has a an answer....thanks.
Posted by: Beth Lee Segal | January 06, 2009 at 02:35 PM
too cute! i am actually about to paint a chippendale cane chair my mother gave me for christmas...i was thinking apple green....
Posted by: Pink Wallpaper | January 06, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Why don't you do a step-by-step guide on how to upholster a bench or a chair? I'd love to give it a try but am afraid the end result will look messy.
Thanks
Posted by: Puhvis Kukk | January 06, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Gorgeous transformation!! So stylish!!
I'm looking forward to MORE makeovers!!
I predicted you would be the "in" thing before Apartment therapy did!
Big things are in your future Eddie!
Posted by: Mona | January 06, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Hi Ross,
Lovely, the color combo is Fab. Thrift store finds have been a favorite of mine for years. Love your creative ideas.
xoxo,
Cathleen
Posted by: Cathleen | January 06, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Eek! You truly are the transformation king, Eddie---and this is one of your best yet! I LOVE the lines of the chairs, and the colors you chose play up their preppy glamour just perfectly.
Isn't it funny how a good before/after can get the heart racing? From house flipping shows to 'the biggest loser', I love me a good makeover!
Posted by: Anne @ The City Sage | January 06, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Love love love.
I would have never thought of that color combo
Posted by: Kim | January 06, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Thanks for the inspiration. Especially the reminder to step outside of my box.
Posted by: sheista | January 06, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Eddie -
you need an electric staple gun, sweetie. it's a change your life thing. :-)
the chairs are lovely, who can resist a good thrifty makeover?
c.
Posted by: projectgirl | January 06, 2009 at 12:03 PM
HI Eddie,
Love your blog, and not only are you doing the Designer DIY thing wonderfully, you are also recycling/repurposing too! Such a "green" thing and wonderfully chic in this economy! (While I am not a "designer", I just re-purposed an antique sewing table into a table for my home on my blog)
Posted by: Cheryl | January 06, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Eddie -
Love love love the chairs - they are so fresh looking! totally gorge! I cant believe how well they work with that lucite table too!
Jenn
Posted by: Jenn Carter | January 06, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Now that is the way to make something that is old and dingy have a fresh young look.That is what I love about you.You take traditional and give it a twist,therefore making it have beauty and longevity.This is what makes me keep coming back for more,xoxox kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | January 06, 2009 at 11:59 AM
I am so excited for DIY month!
Posted by: Brooke | January 06, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Lovely! The colors are perfection.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 06, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Absolutley gorgeous!! I get so inspired to remake pieces when I see your examples! Thanks!
Posted by: Kristina | January 06, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Hi everyone!
SO happy you like the chairs!
Some thoughts:
-Love those eggs. Araucana are my favorites for the colors!
-We used Ralph Lauren's Ebony black in our bathroom. Check it out in Domino!
- Didn't strip the chairs; Zinsser primer is great because it hides the wood tone
- Of all the purses Jordan has, that Target one is her favorite too!
- I used a brush (2 coats), so we'll definitely do a video on painting next time!
Posted by: Eddie Ross | January 06, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Eddie,
Lovely, as always. Will you be able to go a video tutorial that explains what you look for in furniture, and more importantly, what contributes to the paint/no paint decision? I believe you say, "not all wood is equal." Unfortunately, I was told you never take the finish off wood else you'll ruin the value.
Can't wait to see what you do with the demilune bureau and the metal chairs.
Posted by: EM | January 06, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Ya gotta love a Goodwill makeover. The chairs are beautiful. Now I need to goto the GW and see if there are any treasures I can change. :)
Posted by: Karin | January 06, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Fabulous, would you believe I have paint chi[p cards in alomost the same colors of blue and green and also just completed a painting in those shades!
Posted by: Karena | January 06, 2009 at 10:50 AM
They're beautiful & so much fun & they look great in Jordan's apt!!
-Lauren *mr*
Posted by: Lauren | January 06, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Simply divine...amazing save, with that blue and green...PERFECT! Found you via junksophisticate (JunkMarket contributor).
Posted by: Bridget Navoda Giunta - a.k.a. Bridie Murphy | January 06, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Amazing transformation! Thank you for sharing...especially about using the primer and not having to strip. I agree that this project would have been good for a video.
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | January 06, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Love, love, love them, Eddie! Wish I had more room for chairs like that, such a fresh twist on traditional.
Posted by: Rhoda | January 06, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Love the chairs, and I have that same Target purse!!! ox
Posted by: Megan | January 06, 2009 at 10:39 AM
That's furniture candy! Just lovely :)
Christie.
x
Posted by: Christie Lefebvre | January 06, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Eddie, these chairs are like ribbon spools, Easter eggs and Jadeite all wrapped up in one! I absolutely love shield chairs and this project not only perfect, it's perfectly do-able. Great job!
Posted by: marilyn @ simmer till done | January 06, 2009 at 10:38 AM
From "Hachoo" to a gem. Looks like it belongs in Tiffany's.
Posted by: patricia | January 06, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Fun! Love the updated look!
Q: Eddie, if you were painting kitchen cabinets, would you recommend sanding before priming? Flat or eggshell finish?
You are so perfect for 2009. And I love the "Be Daring" motto!
xoxo
Posted by: Evy | January 06, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Rock on!! They look incredible. Where are you spray painting? I ask only because I don't spray paint during the winter due to the temperature - and I'm too spastic to do it inside.
Posted by: Renovation Therapy | January 06, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Wonderful chair makeover, Eddie!
Posted by: Pat | January 06, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Thank you everyone for your sweet comments!
Joyce: I just primed the chairs no need to strip them.
Caroline: I love Ralph Lauren Ebony. I painted my bathroom in it and it looks great!
Eddie
Posted by: eddie Ross | January 06, 2009 at 08:30 AM
I saw the colors and was thinking, "oh my G-d! Not those colors Eddie!" And then I see the finished product and once again, wala, an updated, unique, inspired pair of chairs! I really need to listen to you and move outside of my safety zone! Great post!
Posted by: Lucien | January 06, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Fabulous transformation!
Love this project Eddie!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | January 06, 2009 at 08:10 AM
I love how you found the diamond in the raw. The chairs turned out beautiful and the perfect color for them.
Did you strip the chairs before painting them?
Posted by: Joyce Gallagher | January 06, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Eddie - These are so gorgeous. I love the Tiffany inspiration too. I would never have thought these would look so good next to a lucite table - that's why I love your style! I must admit that when I saw your headline I was hoping to see the chrome chairs you picked up a while back - I am anxious to see their new faces! Love the site! :)
Posted by: Bridgett | January 06, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Klunk. That would be me swooning as well. Lovely! Thanks for the trade secrets, too - type of glue, etc. Keep 'em coming Eddie Ross. You rock!
Posted by: Virginia | January 06, 2009 at 08:08 AM
I love this. What is a good color black paint, I am going to try this primer. A good idea would be to show us non pinters how to do this on a video. Thanks. I want a pottery barn type black paint. Have a great table that needs a good paint job.
Posted by: caroline Hanley | January 06, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Gorgeous as usual. Can you belive ducks lay eggs in almost the exact same color? Lol.. Picture evidence: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cUVI7Tsgfww/STuaBJV5lgI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/LaCafirI1-k/s1600-h/brambleberryfarm.jpg
;)
Posted by: Beautiful Living | January 06, 2009 at 08:07 AM
These look great...I just found some chairs and was considering some blue instead of my normal black and white...I am going to do it!
Posted by: Ashley @ Domestic Fashionista | January 06, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Fabulous, light and fresh and stylish! Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | January 06, 2009 at 08:06 AM
I like the blue. Lovely!
Posted by: Lucinda | January 06, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Oh those are beautiful! I have a gross old chair that is just begging for this treatment
Posted by: flutter | January 06, 2009 at 08:06 AM
OMG - I totally love the colour combo! What a fantastic job you've done. You always inspire me with your wonderful ideas!
Michelle - Sydney, Australia
Posted by: Michelle | January 06, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Your last two posts were great. I think you are right for 09. I loved that green.
Holly
Posted by: Holly | January 06, 2009 at 08:05 AM