Before & After – Antique Sofa

Here’s a fabulous example of breathing new life into something old!

My client and I were busy searching for “vintage” Anthropologie-looking sofas (but at realistic prices).  Luckily, she discovered that her grandmother’s antique sofa was not being used in her mother’s basement and we began a mission to update it for her young family!

Here’s the before photo:

We researched a variety of leathers and fabrics and decided that this mossy green velvet would be durable and maintain the vintage feel of the sofa.  Naturally,  a lot of work needed to be done in order to get it back “in shape” so to speak!  The upholstery company had to re-stuff the cushions and reinforce the frame.

We also elected to strip the wood to its most natural state and give it a lighter stain.  With the dark Victorian-era wood stain applied to the heavily-carved frame, the sofa appeared too “dated” for lack of a better word.  We wanted it to feel vintage but fresh!  Notice, the more subtle color that lets the carving stand out without overpowering the sofa.

Thank you Custom Furniture Works for such an amazing job!!

Here’s the finished product; now it’s time to search for beautiful pillows!

“The One” Mirrors

“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest One of All?”  How much of a statement can a mirror make?  Depends on how good looking it is and what it is reflecting, of course!

Here are my some of my favorite styles for today…mostly classic pieces that inspire for decades to come.

Notice, my two favorite silhouettes, beautifully scaled floor mirrors and classically elegant starbursts…what catches your eye?

Neiman Marcus - Zebra Motif Mirror
Neiman Marcus - Zebra Motif Mirror
Baker - Constellation Mirror
Baker - Constellation Mirror
Oly Studio - Astrid Mirror
Oly Studio - Astrid Mirror
Neiman Marcus - Porcupine Quill Mirror
Neiman Marcus - Porcupine Quill Mirror
Ballard Designs - Villaine Floor Mirror
Ballard Designs - Villaine Floor Mirror
Oly Studio - Natasha Mirror
Oly Studio - Natasha Mirror
Oly - Bubble Mirror
Oly Studio - Bubble Mirror

“The One” Sconces

Sconces can either fade into the background or they can be a focal point of a hallway, staircase, dining room, etc.

Here are some uniquely beautiful options to inspire you!

Currey & Co. - Midwinter Wall Sconce
Currey & Co. - Midwinter Wall Sconce

Oly -  Small Delanie Sconce
Oly - Small Delanie Sconce

Hinkley - Atlantis Sconce in Titanium
Hinkley - Atlantis Sconce in Titanium

Currey & Co. - Moontide Wall Sconce
Currey & Co. - Moontide Wall Sconce

Fine Art Lamps - Portobello Road Sconce
Fine Art Lamps - Portobello Road Sconce

Troy - Sausalito Sconce
Troy - Sausalito Sconce

Currrey & Co. - Twilight Wall Sconce
Currrey & Co. - Twilight Wall Sconce