Refresh an old dining set by swapping seat upholstery

When you have quality furnishings, you don't necessarily need to buy new furniture to create a fresh look.
This old glass and metal dining set looked tired because of the dark vinyl seats, all scratched up by the household cats. It got a new fresh look by re-upholstering the seats in cheerful fabric with a tight and smoothe weave that cats hate to scratch.

Makeover cost: $200, Save the labor cost by doing it yourself. Learn how to match the repeat on the pattern and use a staple gun.

Before photo

Makeover on a budget: Mix of Modern and Traditional

How do you mix your prize modern furniture in a traditional home without spending a bundle?

1. Spend your money where it makes a difference.
2. Carpenters and good handymen can work miracles. Consultation is often free.
3. Your local hardware stores and your own home is full of ideas.

Our friendly carpenter, simply built a chunky sleeve, a simple box made of reclaimed wood, stained it very dark for contrast (low VOC stain of course). This box slides on to the existing mantel.
The carpenter also refinished an old vintage side table that almost headed out to the sidewalk to match the stain on the mantel.
We purchased a simple fireplace screen from the local hardware store.
A few different pieces of exisitng accessories from other rooms help create a cozy space next to the prized Le Corbusier chaise lounge near the fireplace. A perfect place to relax in after a hard day at work.

Planning for a successful makover!

If you are going to make over a room, think about what you would use it for first.

This unattractive breakfast/family room was right next to the kitchen. The client never really ate breakfast here. But when she entertained the guest chose to linger about this room.

So the logical choice was to make a comfortable seating area near the window. The room was cleared, painted in a soft butter cream.

Old items: Worn out, broken, and unusable furniture pieces were recycled at the local recycle station. Usable items were donated.

New items: Two identical small convertible day sofas, two drapery panels, drapery rod, and a small coffee table purchased at the the local discount stores cost under $1000. The Sofa arms unfold to create more seating (or serve as extra beds) if needed.

Client's existing lamp was placed here for additional lighting in the evening. Her Moroccan brass tray was placed on top of the small coffee table to make a larger table space. Her textile art previously folded in a drawer was framed prominently to create visual interest and speak to her personality and style.  The kitchen peninsula counter is used as serving station for parties.

A wool rug from another room grounds the space. Wool rugs are inherently stain resistant. Perfect for an accidental party spill. Every guest loves to spend time in this room!