Before & After: Diamond Tufted Side Chairs

(before)

Earlier this year, I stumbled upon these AMAZING little side chairs on an antiquing trip.  Even though they were missing some buttons and the yellow velvet upholstery had seen better days, I knew they had great potential.  So, we bought them and hoarded them away for a future makeover.

And finally, their time has come! 

When choosing an upholstery fabric, I wanted something simple and sleek.  So, I stayed away from patterns and prints (although, I was tempted to pick a pinstripe), and I landed on a luxurious chocolate linen with a subtle grey undertone.  I wanted the fabric to almost blend with the color of the wood frame, so all the focus was directed at the gorgeous diamond tufting. 

I picked up the two chairs from our upholsterer this week, and I'm beyond thrilled with the result...

Here are the chairs BEFORE:

And, this is what they look like today:

In addition to the new upholstery, we had them completely re-stuffed.  They now have brand new springs, and they're SO comfortable.  For the finishing touch, we picked an antique brass nailhead to trim out the legs.  Just a little bit of sparkle goes a long way.

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Scandi-Greek Chic

Loving these klismos-inspired red dining chairs from West Elm.  They are cute, aren't they?  West Elm calls them "Scandi-Greek chic", and that nerdy reference to design history makes me fall in love with them even more!  Talk about personality, these chairs would brighten up any drab kitchen.

available in 4 colors

And, they're on sale too.  Only $84.00 each.

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French Rattan Bistro Chair

source unknown

The French rattan bistro chair is a favorite of mine.  Not only is it a total classic, but it's virtually indestructible, and totally kid proof.  These multi-colored pieces have been gracing city sidewalk cafes for years.  We usually see them paired with a tiny wrought iron bistro table (and a cappuccino).  I love these chairs for their wonderfully graphic woven designs, their strong wooden frames and sturdy rattan seats. 

And, let's face it: this chair is never going out of style.

via TradHome

Victoria Hagan via Elle Decor

via House Beautiful

source unknown

via Ashley Whittaker

source unknown

via House Beautiful

via Nate Berkus

bistro chairs at The Paris Market from our recent trip to Savannah, Georgia

If you're in the market for a French rattan bistro chair, check out TK Collections.  Sold only to the trade (you'll have to order these through a designer or furniture rep), the selection at TK is excellent.  Barstools, chairs, armchairs, and stools...  they even sell the classic wrought iron cafe table!  I'm telling you, this company stocks the best versions of this chair:

barstool

square side chair

bistro side chairs at TK Collections

(I'm loving all the different patterns and colors!)

There's also a company called Cap Sud who sells bistro chairs made by the French company, Maison Gatti.  Like TK Collections, these guys have a great selection:

Maison Gatti French rattan bistro chairs

And, if you're looking for a bargain? 

You can get a set of 4 chairs at Overstock.com for less than $450.00!

bistro chairs at Overstock.com

image from TK Collections

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Thanksgiving With Windsor Chairs

I'll say it again: one of my all time favorite chairs in the entire universe is the Windsor Chair.  I've written about them before, and then I scored one at a flea market last year (we were living in our townhouse at the time, but now my poor Windsor Chair is tucked away in storage).

But for all you Windsor lovers out there, wouldn't you love to have a dining set like this?  All mixed and matched... 

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Brass Milo Chairs

If I found chairs like this, I would die and go to heaven. 
Of course, I could pay a gazillion dollars and buy this pair on 1stdibs.  Or, this pair.

But, I'm falling in love with that brass frame and I can't stop thinking about it. 
Designed by Milo Baughman in the 1970s, this chair is a classic.

image found at My Favorite and My Best.

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Spool Chair Knock Off

I am a huge fan of the "Spool Chair" made by Hickory Chair.  It's timeless really, and I've recommended it to many clients.  The Spool Chair never disappoints.  One of my favorite things about this chair is how it looks from the back.  It looks good coming and going...

This living room was from a former project of mine, and featured in the February issue of Lonny Magazine.  The clients bought two Spool Chairs for their living room, and we had them upholstered in a cream linen...

This morning, I went through my files and found the Spool Chair again here...

and, here too.

It seems that even the First Lady is a fan of the Spool Chair.  Here she is photographed by the Washington Post in a chair said to be selected for the family's personal quaters of the White House.  So, it seems that Michael Smith (the Obama's interior designer) is a fan too!

And now I see that Wisteria is offering a Spool Chair knock off! 

They call it the "European Spindle Chair" and it's only $599.00!  I know.  So cheap.  But, I am sorry to say that the fine print reads assembly required.  So, I'm not sure at how strong this baby will feel when in use.  But it sure is pretty to look at.

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A Lesson On Klismos Chairs

I once wrote about Windsor Chairs, and today I thought I would talk about one of my other favorite chairs: the Klismos Chair.  I am a bit baised here since I have 6 Klismos chairs around my dining table...  But, like the Windsor chair, the Klismos design has lasting power.  After all, it's origins date to 400 B.C.

Xanthippos, Athens, circa 430-420 B.C.

Helena Modjeska (1840-1909)

Polish-American actress, as Laodamia on a Klismos chair

carved seats in the Dionysus Theater in Athens

Derived from the Greek word klino (a cause to lean), they say that the Klismos chair was mostly used by women.  This elegant chair features graceful legs that sweep out from the seat, and a curved back that cradles the sitter.  Depicted in ancient art, as a light weight chair (in some scenes, it is carried overhead) the Klismos chair is generally made of wood. 

There are no known original Klismos chairs in existence, but the ancient chair design was ressurected in the 1700s by the French, during the Neoclassical period.  It endured through the 1800s, became a popular chair in England, and then traveled to America by way of the famous furniture maker, Duncan Phyfe.  Some Klismos chairs are painted, laquered, or golf leafed...  others have woven seats, or decorative upholstery.  Today, there seems to be a Klismos chair for everyone. 

And, these are my Klismos dining chairs... They are from the 1950s.  We reupholstered them (in Celerie Kemble's "betwixt") and gave them a coat of paint.

Although there are many varieties of the Klismos chair, it always displays two key elements: the striking profile and light weight design.  To me it seems like a chair to respect.  After all, the design has been admired by humanity for 2,500 years.

For more on the Greek History of the Klismos Chair, click HERE or HERE, or HERE. 

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Abacus Barstool (on sale!)

What an awesome barstool.  On sale at Jayson Home & Garden, you guys...  someone needs to buy this.  I wish I could, but unfortunately do not have bar seating.  Seriously, how cool is this barstool?