Friday, December 5, 2008

Deja vu ... and another naked photo

If you feel like you just saw a wing chair covered with a throw on my blog, you're right...


But this time it's the living room wing chair getting a "summer to winter" makeover. This throw might even look familiar - it's the same lightweight bedspread that I use on the Family Room Wing Chair, but in a cottage blue floral instead of pink. But it's time to pack this one away, too, now that summer is over..


This is the chenille spread I'm using on the living room wing chair now that the cold weather has set in... robin's egg blue and aqua have really worked their way into the colors I've been using in the living room (and in a lot of other rooms, too!)...


The great thing about these throws and/or bedspreads is that they're a breeze to keep clean (and with two cats who love to lay on chairs, that's a must)...


Into the washer and dryer they go and they come out as good as new! I also love to switch pillows around. This is the pillow that I used in the family room all summer, but I kind of like it with this throw so I think I'll use it in the living room over the winter...


In the family room, my wing chair sits in front of the bookcases so you don't see it from the back. But in the living room, its backside is out there for the world to see!


I like to tie the back corners of the spread or throw into a loose knot. Sometimes with the larger throws there's a lot of extra material just hanging in the back - this makes it look a little more tidy.

Okay, ready? Just like in my Family Room post - I'm going to show you the naked chair... (Now remember, we've had this chair for about 16 years and during that time period, 3 cats, 2 dogs, 2 daughters, and all their friends have used the stuffing out of it - literally!) I absolutely loved the fabric (I still do!) - a black background covered with roses! But it definitely needed a makeover. Number 1, it's a bit dark for the lighter cottage look I'm now craving; and Number 2, take a good look at the arms! I wasn't kidding about the stuffing coming out! But that's the beauty of throws, right?


This photo was taken a couple of years ago, before the hardwood floors were put down and before we enclosed the brick fireplace. We lived with those white painted plywood subfloors for a couple of l-o-n-g years before we could afford to have the hardwood floors put down (what a chore to keep clean!!)

And that handsome boy on top of the chair is my sweet Mr. B who I'll be posting about later this month. He was a very special kitty...

Hopefully we'll be doing some Christmas decorating this weekend!! It's so much fun to get all the decorations out of storage (not so much fun putting them back into storage come January!!) And I'm really getting into the mood after seeing how many of you have already started decorating - you've inspired me to get started with all your beautiful photos!

Donna

13 comments:

Unknown said...

What a quick easy way to transform an old chair and keep in clean. It actually doesn't look too bad.

Nola said...

Yep, 5 cats, 1 dog, 2 men, and me; THAT'S why all my stuff has throws and slipcovers! I like the way you tie it in the back, it does tidy things up! I use those little screw pins made for keeping doilies in place, but they don't always hold thick fabrics!

Victoria Lynn said...

Donna,
I can't wait to see your Christmas decor. I love your blog header. The white reindeer inspired me to paint my collection of vintage reindeer white. I must admit they look much better with their new "coats"! Have a wonderful and joyful holiday weekend!
Hugs,
Victoria Lynn

Vintagesquirrel said...

I just wanted to respond to your (previous) post about your sweet daughter's B-Day. (a little late i know)...Does she know just how beautiful she is?....Oh, to be 23 again...with your whole life ahead of you...oh, I could only wish...Happy Birthday, Amanda!

Edie Marie's Attic said...

HI Donna!
Oh I love chenille! It has such a wonderful look to it and old memories from bedspreads of the past! I like how you tie the tails in the back, looks great!
I really enjoyed the Welcome Home video. Our nephew is home from Iraq and safe and it's such a blessing. We are hoping he will not have to go back again! I think he's been there 4 or 5 times. He is close to retirement from the Army.
I'm glad you liked the jewelry tree! It was fun to do and since it hangs on the wall doesn't take up any room! I made one like you did in the guest room for my mom to enjoy one past Christmas. She seemed to like it.
Have a grand weekend!
Hugs, sherry

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Your throws look beautiful. When I try that, mine end up looking messy. You've got the knack for making it look so perfect. Both of the chairs you have shown look great. laurie

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

Wow! Your chair really looks great! I love using old linens in new ways. There's a cute stuffed chair in my guest room that has great bones but ugly fabric. Now I know what I'll do with it until I can get it re-upholstered.
Thanks!
Patricia :o)

Life on the Edge said...

Those look so pretty on your chairs! I checked out the other previous post too. Just goes to show you don't have to have some expensive fitted slipcover for your chairs to look cottage and comfortable and chic! I like how you tied them loosely in the back too.

Yes, I really do love what I received from Robin! I hope I'll be up to taking pics and posting soon. I also loved the book, the ornament, and that awesome bookmark! Aubrey Beardsley is one of my favorite artists and when I was in my 20s, I bought several books that featured his artwork. It's almost like you were reading my mind when you picked that bookmark out!

Kady

Anonymous said...

Oh, yes, kids and critters can do a number on furniture. You have certainly not let that stop you from making comfy chairs continue to serve your family in a new-found beauty!
Hope you're having a great weekend. Dana

Anonymous said...

Very pretty Donna. You have a great eye for decorating. I love those old prints, and fabric. And I think your fireplace screen is gorgeous. I'd never want to leave that room.

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna,
That's a great way to change the look of your wing chairs. I can't wait to see all your Christmas decor.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Cynthia's Cottage Design said...

Hi Donna!

Oh I love that chair, so beautiful, in ALL the covers too! Your room looks so beautiful in creamy white! I adore the soft colors of it!

Shirley said...

I love your idea...I would never have thought of it. I can do that with my son's dog's favorite chair when he visits. He sheds enough hair every day to make a new dog.