Homefront: Mid Century Finds

 

I got this cute little mid century two tier end table a month or two ago for $7 at Goodwill. Then, a few weeks later, I saw this Lane mid century modern chest there for $50. It locked and I didn't see the key, so I talked them down to $30. Anyways, got it home and realized we could still open the lock by pushing it in and turning it, and the key was discovered inside the chest tucked neatly inside it's little envelope.

I'm considering moving the chest at the foot of our bed though, my boys are having a grand ole time scratching the heck out of it. I'm hoping to look around for a coffee table that I don't mind getting beat up, that maybe I can give a chippy paint job to. I put that linen fabric scrap on top of the chest to help, but you know how that goes with two little ones! I love a hodge podge look in my home, but at the same time, I don't want to look like everything I own is from a garbage heap, you know?

Also, I adore this chair, really I adore all chairs. Our wonderful friend gave this to us because it was just too big for his place and he prefers more of the streamlined, IKEA type design. I would like to paint it and reupholster it, or slipcover it somehow. The back cushion would be easy, then maybe do just a simple skirt for the bottom portion, similar to this below. Where can I find someone to tackle this sewing job? If you are a seamstress, contact me and I'd love to work something out. UPDATE: I spray painted the blue chair with awesome black fabric spray paint. Looks so much better! See it here :)

style files

I saw some adorable mid century club chairs the other day, $5 a piece. I desperately want them, but they too would need to be reupholstered. I am wondering how to go about that, as the cushions don't look like they screw off or anything. Sometimes, I wish I was all powerful, ready to outfit any situation, staple gun, orbital sander and fabric tacks on the go. I will consult this country living upholstery guide and think about it. But for now, I feel largely inadequate for the goals I have for this place. Perhaps I just need to refocus my energy. Easier said than done, I presume.

Purging Pretties

I have a problem. I admit it. I pulled a vintage armchair from IN FRONT of the dumpster the other day. I am in love with it. The fabric, the form... sure there are some loose springs, and I have no room for a chair, and the fabric (which I LOVE!!) is yucky and holey anyways... but it was free and I wanted to do a simple (ie. no sewing/no piping) reupholstery project. Also, (this is the REALLY funny part...) My husband, ALSO pulled an office chair from in front of the dumpster... he came home with it- all his own idea, no nagging wife asking him to get it (but honey, we NEED a new office chair *eyelash batting*). Anyone have any good tutorial links to share on upholstering not only a chair (yes, I do have a staple gun and upholstery tacks), but an OFFICE chair in which staples cannot be used? I found these links so far, but I need visuals! Repair Home, The Cut Cloth (GREAT tutorial).



Oh, and look what I found (didn't buy) on Craigslist the other day. I can't put it up since I am an apt dweller... but who would of thought an all black crystal chandy could look so charming? Wouldn't it look darling in this lovely green and black alligator room?



Now, for the purging part of my post.

I found the IKEA mammut table at a garage sale about 2 weeks ago for a STEAL. It looked quite adorable (and totally functional) as a coffee table in my living room. It lasted a couple of days until my toddler totally broke one whole leg clean off! So what do I do... That leg isn't going back in... too far shredded. Do I find a roundish table at Goodwill and glue the top down to the base? Do I mount it to the boys wall as some sort of modern design?



Also,. living in a cramped apartment with 4 people and a dog can be a challange at times. When you have to twist your body and do backbends and have ninja-like agility just to walk down the hallway or enter into your pantry... you know it is time to purge some serious stuff. But I donate to Goodwill ON A REGULAR BASIS. Whenever I take something home, I get rid of something. I have totally organized and purged the kids room of clothes/toys... but how do I make the kitchen/pantry work/living areas? (The shelf we DO have in the pantry needs to be removed b/c it's blocking the water valve and such... warned by firemen to clear it out!) I think I need someone who isn't attached to MY STUFF to come in and clear it out. Aye, this may take a while to figure out, but I will try and take photos of the process.