It has already been said that this girlaboutOtown is obsessed with furniture.
For years now, I’ve been rescuing, accommodating and just plain procuring other people’s junk. It’s not as though I’ve always done it intentionally – I just haven’t been able to help myself. It just comes naturally to me. Those who know me know it too, and often stop their stuff en route to the dump and send it to me instead!
Not only have I furnished my own place, I’ve acquired a discerning eye over the years, and come to appreciate a truly good find. Along the way, I have learned to recognize classic shapes, strong lines and the legitimate potential in pieces passed over by others.
However, I live in a lovely little place, and while I love to look at and admire genuine antiques there isn’t any reason to replace what I have. For now, my mix is comprised mostly of reupholstered cast offs, upcycled second-hand bargains, and a few very fine family treasures. There simply isn’t any more space for additional finds, and the fella admittedly can get a bit frustrated. Plus, while I’m capable of imagining any number of upgrades, I can never seem to find the time to undertake them.
So what is a girl with a furniture fetish, a grand imagination, and no such thing as a studio to do?
Every so often, I hope to share a virtual “Furniture Flip” with you. Whether it’s a piece I’ve discovered on Kijiji, or something I’ve seen at the thrift store, I will explore it’s potential and reveal the truth about how far my furniture obsession often goes…
THE FIND:
Spotted last weekend at Value Village, this full size couch with matching chair was only $ 125 for the set. In excellent condition, with strong square lines, good proportions and tufted back cushions, the only downside was the burnt orange velvet upholstery.
THE FLIP:
Inspired by this fresh, airy and comfortable looking space, I set out online in search of a fabric to recover my found couch and chair. Then, building on the elements in the room, I put together a few additional ideas, just to finish off the look. Nothing like a dose of virtual decorating to get my creative juices flowing…
Added advantage? I still have room to move in my basement!
1. Inspiration photo from Canadian House & Home via Turquoise. 2. Sofa & chair in Max Azria by Robert Allen. 3. Antique Brass Adjustable Spectrum Floor Lamp from Target. 4. Pillows in Tilbury Lapis Ikat by Kravet. 5. Occasional chair in Savoy Velvet in Seamist by Robert Allen. 6. Rug by Dash & Albert. 7. Found chair Kijiji Ottawa. 8. Odesso Glacier coffee table by Target. 9. Aina linen curtain panels by Ikea. 10. Elise Braid by Robert Allen to trim the curtains.
January 19th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Do you find that one Value Village has more furniture than the others? I have been to 3 branches now and they all seem to have very little furniture. I am on the hunt for a wooden twin bedframe for a kiddo.
January 19th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Value Village is always touch & go. You just never know. I tend to prefer the East End location over the rest, but Bank & Walkley can sometimes be good too. Come to think of it, Bank & Walkley used to have beds all the time…but they have slimmed down on their furniture selection. There is always the Salvation Army too. In any case, have faith, keep looking and good luck!
I keep meaning to do a post on thrift shops around town. You’ve reminded me again…so I’ll push it up my list again.
Cheers!
Katharine
January 20th, 2010 at 1:32 am
I cannot tell you how close your inspiration comes to my new office design..eery and I just love it..I hope we get to see the finished sofa…love your blog!
January 20th, 2010 at 11:51 am
I am totally inspired! We have a few chairs from my grandmothers that need recovering (especially after our toddler used the arm of one as a teething toy). Do you do the upholstery yourself or do you have a good source for getting it done?
January 20th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
I don’t do my own reupholstering, but I’ve put it on my list of things to learn. Both the OBE and Algonquin offer classes, and the fella and I are definitely considering it.
I love that you’re open to update chairs that share your personal history!
As for upholsterers, I’m between. My last guy retired, and I’m looking for someone new. I’ve used Decor Upholstery in the past and was happy with the results, and I really like the fabric possibilities at Kessels. http://www.kesselsupholstering.com/
I’m open to suggestions! Anyone care to make a recommendation?
January 28th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
I just saw that orange couch at Value Village last night and wondered how it would look in another fabric – in MY basement
. I think the chair is gone though.
I’ve visited Kessels and had a tour of their operation – they do excellent work, which is reflected in their price. But if you’ve got something with good bones it’s best to hang onto it!
I’ve found that the Salvation Army in Beacon Hill has alot of furniture as well as the one in Orleans. I’m an east ender, so no idea about those in the west.
January 28th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Thanks for the tips on the Sally Ann(s) in Beacon Hill & Orleans. I haven’t been to either yet, but now I’ll have to give them a try!
January 30th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I’ve used the Cover Co-op and was really happy. They come to your home, show you all the samples for fabric (he had tons!!) and then they take away the piece and return it later completed. Seemed like a reasonable price also.
I have a loveseat that I want to do next – hopefully this spring!
Looks like they are still around found them in Canada 411:
Cover Co-Op
5330 Canotek Road, Gloucester
613-747-4676
covercoop@on.aibn.com
January 31st, 2010 at 12:01 am
I remember seeing that couch at Value Village too! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
January 31st, 2010 at 1:02 am
Thanks Kif for the upholsterer recomendation. Good to know!
As for the couch, it seems there were many who saw the same one. Alas, I am not the one who actually brought it home! tee hee. My furniture flip is a virtual one only, which frees up considerable space at home! Tee hee.