To Reupholster or Not Reupholster?
- At July 15, 2011
- By Lesley
- In Featured
0
Yes, that is the million dollar question. People say this to me all the time: “I have this old sofa that belonged to my [mother, grandmother, etc.] and I was thinking of reupholstering it. What do you think?”
www.brownerbrown.wordpress.com
Well, here’s what I know. Reupholstering is a labour intensive process which can be expensive so there are a few things you should consider before deciding whether to reupholster a piece of furniture:
- How old is the piece? If it’s a family heirloom or an antique, it may be worth it to have it reupholstered.
- How well is it constructed? Is it sturdy or rickety, is it made of hardwood or softwood, is it screwed and glued or just nailed together? Repairing the frame will add to the cost, and if it was a poorly made, cheap sofa to begin with, it is not worth it to reupholster it.
- If it has exposed wood, what kind of shape is it in? Again, repairing or re-staining the wood will increase the cost.
- Does the piece have interesting design features (carved wood, interesting shape or details)?
If the piece is a treasured family heirloom, that has great sentimental value, and it’s well made and in good physical condition, it’s probably worth it but there are still some more things to think about:
- The average sofa takes at least 15 yards of fabric. A good quality upholstery fabric usually starts at about $60 per yard so the fabric alone will cost you $900.00 before the actual labour to do the reupholstery.
- An older sofa, even if it is well made and in good condition, will likely need some new foam, padding, or springs so that will also add to the labour cost.
(Source: www.consignmentcanada.com)
Now I know you’ve probably heard designers on TV or in magazines talk about buying fabric for $15 a yard and reupholstering a garage sale find for next to nothing. When I talk about reupholstering a piece of furniture, I’m mainly talking about a sofa or an armchair and there is a difference between recovering a cushion and completely reupholstering. Reupholstery almost always involves replacing foam and repairing or replacing springs. Unless you are really talented, full scale upholstery is best left to the professionals, but it’s pretty easy to recover a small ottoman or a chair with an inexpensive piece of fabric and a little effort.
Here’s an example of a good quality chair that was updated by the very talented DIY’er and Blogger, Kate, of Centsational Girl. (For the full story of how she transformed this chair, and other great projects, you can visit her site at: www.centsationalgirl.com.)
(Source: www.centsationalgirl.com)
Very often reupholstery will cost you about what a new sofa or chair would cost because with new padding, etc., you are essentially getting a new piece of furniture, so it’s important to weigh out all the pros and cons before going ahead.
If you need help deciding when to reupholster and when to buy new, please contact Embellished Interiors for a consultation.
Tuscan Patio Part II
- At June 29, 2011
- By Lesley
- In Featured
0
Well, as promised here is how I brought a bit of the Italian countryside home after being inspired by a trip to Tuscany.
First came the structural stuff. When we moved into the house (over eight years ago) the backyard had a plain deck off the kitchen and nothing but a concrete slab off the family room. It was pretty B-O-R-I-N-G so we changed the railing on the deck to something more traditional in keeping with the style of the house, then we enlarged the patio footprint and installed stone tiles in a diagonal pattern with a border. Finally, we built a glass pergola over the patio so that it felt more enclosed and could be used all through the Spring/Summer months rain or shine. (Sorry I don’t have a “before” photo taken prior to the structural work because it was pre-digital and those photos aren’t quite as organized as I’d like them to be.)
A few years later, we purchased some new patio furniture (we waited until the Fall and got it on sale) and in keeping with our desire for Tuscan style we decided to go for a bright colour with the cushions.
So, this is what we started with:
(Patio Before )
Next we purchased a really solid old pine coffee table from the Salvation Army Thrift Store.We reinforced the centre of the table and began the process of transforming it.
1) First we put on two coats of primer:
2) Next we put on three coats of black paint
3) Then came the fun part — laying in and grouting tumbled marble tile:
We’re almost done, just a few special touches…
Next we placed the patio furniture, planted some planters, and “voila” all that’s left to do is pour a glass of wine and pretend we are in Italy:
If you would like help creating an outdoor space that makes you feel like you are in Italy (or wherever your imagination can take you), please call Embellished Interiors for a consultation.
Tuscan Patio Part I
- At June 22, 2011
- By Lesley
- In Featured
0
Five years ago my husband, our two boys and I headed off on a European vacation. We toured around London and Paris, and spent a week in Tuscany. Sounds wonderful, right? Well, it was… except for our accommodation. We stayed in a so-called Tuscan Farmhouse but really it was more like a barn and there were a few too many bugs for my liking. Aside from that, however, we had a great time exploring the area. The scenery is beautiful and yes, the sunflowers really do turn their heads to the sun.
One of my favourite places in Tuscany was San Gimignano, a small, medieval walled city in the province of Siena, Italy:
(Source: Traveljapanblog.com)
(Source: Pinterest.com)
As you walk along the streets of these small towns, it’s hard not to be impressed by the history. After all, San Gimignano was founded by the Etruscans in the 3rd Century BC! While we were there, I fell in love with the hand painted pottery — dishes, vases and especially the ceramic table tops — but at nearly $3,000.00 for just the the table top (not including the base or shipping) sadly I had to leave that souvenir in Italy.
(Source: www.leoncini-italy.com)
I sure enjoyed window shopping though and brought home a few small ceramics as a reminder of this beautiful place.
(Source: www.flickr.com)
One thing I decided, even though I wasn’t able to bring home a table top, was that I wanted to bring a taste of the Italian countryside to my backyard patio in North Vancouver, and with a few simple touches, that is what I did. Stay tuned (in my next post) for a look at how I brought Tuscany home.
Is Your Product Knowledge Up to Date?
- At May 25, 2011
- By Lesley
- In Featured
0
As a member of the Canadian Decorators Association I often attend product knowledge seminars organized by the Association in order to stay current about new products, and to build relationships with reputable suppliers.
This past week, I attended a seminar held by Burritt Bros. Carpets and B.C. Hardwood both of whom have been in business since the early 1900’s. When you can stay in business that long you must be doing something right!
Although separate companies, these two operate under one roof. This is really convenient because often you are looking for more than one type of flooring and it’s so great to have all this expertise in one place.
Burritt Bros. Carpets Showroom — 3594 Main Street, Vancouver
During the seminar, we learned about the myriad of in-stock and custom made area rug options available in both modern and traditional styles through the 2nd Century Rug Company which is part of Burritt Bros.
This delicious array of colour samples was presented to us in a beautiful Nepalese box!
We also saw the large selection of wall to wall carpeting including a new eco-friendly product called “Smart Strand” which is stain and crush resistant and has a 25 year fade-resistance warranty! We also learned about hard surface flooring including Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). Now I know the mere mention of the words “vinyl tile” make many people cringe but trust me there are a lot of options available which are practical, durable and great looking, including a wood look plank flooring which can be installed in a space where the floor is not completely level. It’s also commercial grade which means it can withstand the rigours of kids, dogs, and everyday life.
Next we moved across the showroom to B.C. Hardwood. We saw some really beautiful examples of the choices in hardwood flooring, including a very fashion forward brand from Italy called “Stile”. We heard a lot of different terminology including solid wood, prefinished and unfinished, long strip engineered, laminate, glued down, floating, rift and quartered, plain sawn, etc.! We also learned about when and when not to use certain species of woods. Phew!! By the time we finished, my head was spinning not only with all the information but with ideas of how the various flooring could be used.
BC Hardwood Showroom
We are lucky to have so many choices in home decor products today, but with all this choice comes the need to know a lot about the products, and that’s why it’s so important to deal with reputable suppliers. It also helps to work with a qualified Interior Decorator because we are always updating our product knowledge by attending seminars like the one I have just attended, and we know who the really great suppliers are. More importantly, we can guide you through all these choices and help you to avoid making costly mistakes.
If you are thinking of making changes to your home and would like the help of a qualified Interior Decorator, give Embellished Interiors a call.
First Step to Creating a Beautiful Home
- At April 29, 2011
- By Lesley
- In Featured
0
As an Interior Decorator, I’m often asked to give suggestions for creating a more beautiful home, and in a lot of cases the first thing I think of is “decluttering”.
I’m serious. Many people simply have too much “stuff” and while some of it may be lovely, it’s impossible to see the most beautiful pieces because the sheer volume of items is way too distracting.
Here’s an example of a basement family room which started out with so much clutter you could barely see the T.V.:
And here’s what the room looked like after a big clear out of the clutter, a fresh coat of paint, some new furniture, and a few decorative touches:
“After” — Design by Lesley Arnould, Embellished Interiors
William Morris, a famous English architect, believed that you should not have anything in your home that is not beautiful or functional. Of course this is easier said than done but if you keep this premise in mind when deciding what to keep and what to let go of you will begin to become more discerning about the items you place in your rooms.
In her book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, Karen Kingston wrote, “You are connected to everything you own by fine strands of energy. When your home is filled with things you love or use well it becomes an incredible source of support and nourishment for you. Clutter on the other hand, drags your energy down…when you get rid of everything that has no real meaning or significance for you, you literally feel lighter in body mind and spirit.”
I really believe if we choose carefully and mindfully the things with which we surround ourselves, our homes will be beautiful and feel more harmonious and tranquil.
Someone who really takes decluttering to a whole other level is Martha Stewart, and whether you’re a fan or not, you have to admit Martha really is the Queen of Home Organization. Check out her linen closet below:
Even if we all can’t reach Martha’s standards (and they are so high that most of us can’t) Spring is a great time to clear out some of the clutter and let the fresh air into your home. As Karen Kingston so aptly put it, “Clearing the clutter allows the fresh winds of inspiration to enter your home and your life.”
So, take the next step in making your home more beautiful by tackling a cluttered area in your home. You’ll feel better, and Martha will be proud of you!
If you need help in taking the first step in beautifying your home, please contact Embellished Interiors for a consultation.
Linen Closet — marthastewart.com
What Colour is Your “Pink”?
- At April 16, 2011
- By Jo
- In Featured
0
Yesterday while I was out walking my dog, I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of the most spectacular magnolia tree in full bloom, and I started to think about why I was so drawn to it and why I felt compelled to go home and get my camera to take a picture of it for you:
Photo by Lesley Arnould
The thing is, colour really does elicit an emotional response from people, and the shocking pink of that magnolia made me feel really happy.
So, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I may as well admit it – PINK is one of my favourite colours! It’s a colour that really speaks to me. Don’t get me wrong, I do not live in the pink Barbie Dream House but I have incorporated pink into my decor (where it works with the other elements) and when I walk into those rooms I get a good feeling.
You may know that Pantone announced “Honeysuckle” as its choice for Colour of the Year 2011 and it has a lot of people talking about how such a bold colour could be used in their homes.
Pantone’s choice didn’t really surprise me because pink is pretty popular right now, and although it’s not for everyone it is a fun, uplifting colour which can be used in a variety of ways to add a bit of whimsy to your space.
I recently used pink in a room I did for a 17-year old girl and she was thrilled with the results. Combined with grey, this hot pink is really sophisticated, and since only the accessories are pink, it wasn’t a huge commitment to the colour.
Room Designed by Lesley Arnould of Embellished Interiors – photo by Trevor Brady
I believe each of us has colours that make us feel great, and what is my pink could be your purple, or blue or green. What’s important is that you surround yourself with the colours that really speak to you.
If you would like help choosing colours that make your heart sing, contact Embellished Interiors to set up a consultation.
Do You Know What Your Style Is?
- At April 14, 2011
- By Jo
- In Featured
0
Well here goes…my first foray into the world of blogging. I do so with a bit of trepidation, but I’m hoping that in writing this blog I will grow as a decorator, and will be able to connect with readers who may be interested in learning more about design.
So, what better way to begin than talking about Style.
Decorators often talk about style, but what does it really mean? Aside from that certain something that some people seem to have in abundance, but is hard to explain, in decorating and design there really are specific “styles” — Traditional, Country and Modern. Just to make things confusing, the terms “Contemporary” and “Eclectic” are also discussed.
As a Decorator I have found that these terms mean very different things to different people, and although there are many interpretations of these terms, here are some general guidelines:
Traditional Style – think elegant and timeless (but not necessarily stuffy). This is a more formal style, where symmetry plays a strong role. Today’s traditional is less ornate, than in days gone by but it still has a connection with classic elements from the past.
Here is an example of a traditional room which I recently designed for a client.
Designed by Lesley Arnould of Embellished Interiors
Country – casual but also has a sense of history. Don’t be afraid — country style doesn’t mean roosters! It is a more informal style than Traditional and is comfortable and relaxed. Within this style you can have English Country which has a more layered and cluttered look (and usually some Chintz) and French Country which is less cluttered and more sophisticated. In all country styles, you will find the furniture to be more rustic – painted pieces and Canadiana Pine go beautifully with country style.
Here is an example of country style, done by Sarah Richardson, a well-known Canadian Designer, who is a master at mixing old and new to create relaxed, comfortable, country style rooms:
Designed by Sarah Richardson of Sarah Richardson Design
Modern – Modern style is a clean, uncluttered style that began with the Arts and Crafts movement around the late 1800’s, and was a marked departure from the excess of Victorian times. What’s confusing about the term “Modern” style that it encompasses about 150 years of varied design including the beautiful handcrafted work of William Morris, Frank Lloyd Wright and Gustav Stickley, the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, the organic work of Antonio Gaudi, and the work of such influential people as Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, and Mies Van der Rohe (whose Barcelona chairs are still being reproduced and used in homes today). Art Deco is also a Modern style and we, in Vancouver, are lucky to have the Marine Building which is a fine example of this style. In the late 50’s and 60’s Eames, Noguchi, Saarinen, Nelson and Jacobsen brought us such iconic pieces such as the Tulip Table (Saarinen) and the Egg Chair (Jacobsen). At this time we also began to see the influence of Scandinavian designers (remember Danish teak)? Today’s modern designers include Phillipe Starck (Louis Ghost Chairs) and Canada’s own Karim Rashid.
Here is a beautiful example of Modern design created by talented Vancouver Designer Patricia Gray of Patricia Gray Interior Design:
Designed by Patricia Gray of Patricia Gray Interior Design
And what is contemporary style? Well, it really means “now”. In other words, contemporary style incorporates what is current at the moment.
Finally, there is Eclectic which is generally a mix of two styles. This is not an easily achieved style, and it is important that the basic principles of design be applied when aiming for Eclectic style or the rooms can end up looking like a hodge-podge.
If you would like help defining your style to create rooms that you love, contact Embellished Interiors to set up a consultation.