We all have that not-so-pretty piece of furniture that carries memories, family history or simply cannot decide to let go. Keen as I am on Up-Cycling I always try think laterally before throwing something away. It really hurts to see good furniture go ‘in the bin’ just because it has had its time and does not respond to the vogue of the season any longer. Well, here are a few images I found and kept aside to give me inspiration.
If in bad condition this orange chair would definitely be a sore look in a modern lounge. Leather does age beautifully, and yet when it cracks and opens it does look shabby and not too chic.
The cushions are the fist to go, and difficult as it would be to match the original and aged colour, fixing it would cost a bit. Would we have tossed it? Absolutely NOT! Atelier Caruso 1861 has in fact given this armchair a brand new life. The choice of fabric is reminiscent of the 1960s and the moderate colours are perfect to tone down the bold orange. Also consider making a couple of throw cushions in the same fabric to place on the sofa, and the lonely armchair is now part of a set. They are in Torino, just in case you may want to contact them.
A leather Chesterfield sofa… Grand looking! Let’s suppose its old seat cushions have had it.. it’s going to be an expensive repair.
Russian Designer Dmitriy Shuka offers a brave suggestion: a large and old flag. He also allows the faded red to be recalled by other objects in the room thus creating a ‘dialogue’ in the furnishing merging the bold upholstery decision with the whole. Love It!!
I still have the sofa I used to lounge on in my teens at my mates’s house. He was going to throw it and I got it and re-upholstered it. I have given it a new life and it still furnishes my living room with its sleek lines and sturdy frame. But that’s another blog..
Now, are you inspired? Look around you. Any way of giving this or that a new life?
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.