Sweet Brass Chairs

I swear I have design ADD or probably just ADD in general.  No I haven't finished the banquette yet, but I've already managed to get distracted by yet another project!  I need serious help.

The banquette has taken a lot out of me.  It was way harder than I anticipated.  Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a perfectionist; but those damned tufts!  Ugh, why can't they be completely even and look like the tufted chairs in stores?

So I'm taking a mini break until I muster up enough energy to complete it.

In the meantime, look what I found.

And at an unbelievable price of $5 for both.  Yes, you read that right, $2.50 a piece!  Yes, they're gross and the kids refuse to sit in them ever, even after I recover them.  But ooh the possibilities.

Let's have a look, shall we?

Graphic or floral?

Different fabric on back and front?

Way too busy I think.

Narrowing it down.

Love all of these Caitlin Wilson prints.

Which one do you think I'm going to go for?

This is definitely a contender.  It's outdoor fabric so great for repelling stains; it's pink, which I love;  and the pattern is not too bold that it overwhelms the chair.

But there's something about this next one that just speaks to me.

Yes, I know, bloody chevron again!  I know most of you are probably sick of chevron, but this is slightly more chic wouldn't you agree?

But then again I'm also leaning towards no pattern.

But instead a lovely soft velvet.  Decisions, decisions.  I hope I don't ponder too long over this one.  What would you choose?

DIY Kitchen Banquette Inspiration

I always gravitate towards a banquette or booth at a restaurant.  There's something so cozy and intimate about them.  Luckily I have the perfect spot in my kitchen for one but not necessarily the resources to buy what I envisage.

There are quite a few upholstered benches on the market, specifically the Harper Banquette from World Market and the Tribeca Banquette from Ballard Designs.  But they're either too small, too bulky, or too expensive.  I wanted a bench that would fill the entire corner but not take up too much space (contradictory I know).

Here are my inspiration photos.

Tufts!!!  Am I crazy or what?

You can find the links to the above pictures here.

And this is where I'm at right now.

I'll post a tutorial and source list next week.  Lots to share.

DIY Kitchen Banquette

I finally started on a project that was conceived almost 2 years ago!  Yes, I've been procrastinating about this one for a long time because I knew it would be quite involved, and boy, was I right!  For the past week I've spent countless hours measuring, cutting, screwing, glueing, tufting and stapling.  And I'm less than half way done.  

Here's some progress pictures.  

I decided to use inexpensive Besta shelves from Ikea for the base.  These will be covered by a skirt but will provide invaluable storage. 

I'll post a tutorial and some tips I've learnt regarding tufting.  There's quite a few different methods you can use, and I think I've tried them all.  Essentially I'll be tufting what is the eqivalent of 4 king sized headboards.  My poor hands!

As you can see I've got a long way to go.  It doesn't help that I've run out of linen.  I bought the original fabric in January last year.  Let's hope the new fabric is the same color or I'm screwed!

You may notice that the chandelier is hanging wonky.  That's because I keep hitting my bloody head on  it when I'm working.  It's starting to become a bit of a joke.  As you can tell I still have a sense of humor about this project.  But it was touch and go when the fifth stupid button popped off.  I'll tell you about that and all the other trials and tribulations later in the week.  Stay tuned.