More than once, this girlaboutOtown has hinted about my affinity for acquiring furniture in need of a rescue. Now I’m far from convinced this is a bad habit – given that recycling is definitely good – but I do freely admit it’s a tough one to accommodate in my sweet, but definitely small space. So, instead of stuffing my place full to the brim, I have decided it’s best to indulge my fantasies from time to time with an occasional virtual “Furniture Flip” .
Awhile back, a reader sent word that some of her inherited pieces were also in need of an upgrade, and wondered what might be done with them. After a few email exchanges to gather more background, I offered to give her repurpose a whirl. Fast forward to now, (we’ve since met in person), and I’m finally done with the first one.
This worldly girl loves global style and is looking to create a down-to-earth, warm and welcoming environment in her recently purchased new home. The furniture pieces she hopes to flip are family treasures they want to keep, so we’re starting with her fella’s favourite chair for watching TV. And, since they’re actually a newly-minted family of three, we’ll assume this retro-rocker will remain a favourite for many years to come. Not shy about bold colour and big fans of natural texture, these play-friendly young parents want a place to relax that reminds them of the traveling they did in days long past. In fact, there was even mention of a six-foot wooden giraffe that made the trip all the way back from one such adventure in Africa.
Anyway, here are a few ideas I hope will inspire their thinking… 
Details: 1. The “Colonel”: A Reader’s Furniture to Flip. 2. African Giraffe. 3. Crossville in Sandstone by Robert Allen Fabric. 4. Hay No. 37 by Farrow & Ball Paints. 5. Amos & Dax Wall Trophies from Mikaza Home, Ottawa, ON. 6. Manhattan Sofa by Urban Barn, Now in Ottawa! 7. Kalamarki Pillow from Ten Thousand Villages, Gold Wave Pillow from Pier 1 Imports and Beaded Giraffe Pillow from Pier 1 Imports. 8. Atacama Coffee Table by Crate & Barrel. 9. Chindi Striped Rug by Pottery Barn. 10. Moliano Entertainment Unit by Urban Barn. 11. Table Lamps by BouClair. 12. Kingdom Folding Bench by Urban Barn. and 13. PS Brygga Chair Swivel Chair in Red by IKEA.
First, why not bring their beloved recliner back to life by reupholstering in a subtle geometric fabric of warm gray-brown, which would provide good visual balance to a solid sofa in a similar hue. Then, try adding a sturdy wrought iron coffee table with plenty of surface for depositing stuff, and an exotic wood media centre that can store all kinds of important components out of harm’s way. Toss in a few accents of pattern with throw pillows and a richly-striped rug (since these can be easily changed if you choose), and punch in some colour with a couple of swivel chairs for extra seating. Oh, and a folding bench might come in handy too, for those days when Mom or Dad’s feet need a comfortable place to rest. Finally, why not wash the walls in a soothing sandy tan to keep the room light & serene, and finish off with a few fun objects (a giant giraffe perhaps?) to make sure the space doesn’t feel too serious.
For the most part, I’ve tried to use stuff that is available here in Ottawa – or at least on the Internet – so you too can check out these sources. You never know what you might find for yourself!
The Urban Barn is at 22 York St., Mikaza Home at 1154 Bank St. or 120 Portage in Old Hull and IKEA at Pinecrest. For Farrow & Ball Paints, visit Uproar Paint & Paper on Wellington and for an excellent selection of Robert Allen Fabrics, try Rockland Textiles. For fair-trade global treasures, Ten Thousand Villages is a great resource, or for similar touches you can also try Pier 1 Imports.
