These days I have a hard time keeping up with all the blogs I enjoy reading. I really like it when other designers have enough confidence to ask their reader's opinions on a project. The other day at coco + kelley, she did a post on some bedside chests she had for an ongoing bedroom project. Here is the dilemma:
First of all, how awesome are these chests? I love the deco look to them. She has painted her walls Gray and is going to do either Coral or Tangerine accents. So this is my advice to her. I love the idea of going high gloss Gray (one step lighter than the walls) where the light wood tone exists currently. I'd do the Tangerine (over Coral) in high gloss where the darker wood tone is. It would pop off the walls, but wouldn't be too in your face. I love the hardware that's on the chests and would do that in the Tangerine as well. Anywho, that's my two cents on that one. I recently just did some bedroom chests for myself. This is how they turned out.
Abbey K also had a bit of a dilemma with some fabulous chairs she inherited from her Grandma. Y'all know I love that since I just recently did a post on all the things I have of my Grandma's in my home. Especially her chairs.
Great chairs. This is what I would do. I would probably do a solid welt that matches the Darker Green in the fabric. If her upholsterer is good, they can center the smallest diamond in the buttons. Lastly, because I'm a nail head freak (plus it is a classic detail that is really "in" right now) I'd outline the sides and do a row around the bottom. This is what I did to my Grandma's chair.
As always I'll be participating in the hooked party at Hooked on Houses today and The Inspired Room. Make sure you check them out. What would y'all do to the chests are chairs?
I love, love, love your advice about the chests and chair. I would love to get a before and after with the gray and tangerine. What a great combination. I love the base of the chests as well. I have an old chair from my Nana as well. Although I do not love the fabric it has on it .. it has the nail heads .. which is a look I love. I think the chair from this project would look great with your suggestions. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Paula | September 25, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Wow, very nice pieces even before. I love the shape of the besides especially and I think anything would work.
Terrific - Love the tangerine, idea
Tracy
Posted by: The Crazy Suburban Mom | September 25, 2009 at 10:36 AM
As always, your ideas are fresh and beautiful. The tangerine and gray will look amazing and I love the idea of honoring the past by keeping the family chair and just updating it! I will stay tuned and see how it all works out!
Posted by: Andie Smarrelli | September 25, 2009 at 10:48 AM
The chair definitely should be reupholstered... but those chest could be left alone... they are unique... you might ruin the look.
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | September 25, 2009 at 01:34 PM
I never get tired of nailhead! Especially on black leather.
Posted by: JJ Francis | September 25, 2009 at 09:18 PM
What a great plan! Gray will bring in calmness; tangerine will bring in just the right amount of zing. I think the grandma's chair will be wonderful in that fabric. Did Abbey K select that? I guess I could just look at her blog. I really like the fabric. The green welt will frame it nicely. Nailhead ~ go figure. The bling will give the chair more definition ~ nice touch. Sound advice if you ask me :) Before and afters would be wonderful.
Posted by: Paula Grace | September 25, 2009 at 10:34 PM
OOO, tangerine! What an amazing idea. You already have my wheels spinning on a way to incorporate a new pop in my house ;0)
Love love love nailheads too! Funny, I even use them to personalize pillar candles when I have a quick creative moment.
Keep up the good work and great postings. You are one of my regular Friday blog stops!
Posted by: Cheryl Drohan | September 26, 2009 at 06:00 PM
Love your ideas! The tangerine with the gray will really "pop" and add that little bit of the unexpected to the room. I think it's so great to look towards what we already have and update, especially when it's a piece that's been in the family. Your grandmother's chair is a statement in itself that what's old can become new again. Thanks for some great inspirations!
Posted by: Karen Dunlap | September 28, 2009 at 05:21 PM