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carlyabbey

My chairs. So disappointed

13 years ago
For those of you who have followed my prior dining room thread., thank you for your fabulous ideas. I have made alot of changes from my original pics and excited to move forward with the fireplace surround and above the buffet area. One part of the dining room I was really excited about was the addition of new dining room chairs. For this, I didn't want to mess up so I found a wonderful decorator who found a great deal on these leather chairs in a catalog. They were all "camel " color. she thought it would look wonderful to pick out spectacular fabric and then cover the top part of the chair and leave the bottom. so I ordered fabric from a company and then when the chairs came in brought them to an upholsterer. I think the fabric is pretty, although in the pics, it may not come off as subtle as it is, but it does match nicely with it surrounding. When the chairs arrived I took one look at them and :( The color of the leather seats just sticks out so badly. Now after all this, I think I am going to have to order more fabric possibly a dark brown leather? to make these work. I am spending a fortune!! any ideas? thank you for your kindness

Comments (110)

  • 13 years ago
    Awww, how sweet; a new family member. Be sure to post pictures of your new baby! :-) Start crate training immediately so the little one won't be underfoot while you are decorating or while you have guests Thanksgiving. The crate becomes a santuary for pups.

    Today...you should just take a break. Read all the posts. Toss out those ideas you hate, jot down the ones you like. Mull them all over a day or so then slowly start making the changes. It will all come together in time to enjoy the holiday. :-)
  • 13 years ago
    A couple of things you could do to get thru the holidays: either purchase chair slipcovers from Pottery Barn, or go to the fabric store and buy some nice homespun type material to make a large tablecloth. Make the tablecloth wide enough to touch the seat of the chairs. That will hide them for the most part.

    Then decorate the dining room for "wow!". Check out Houzz for table decor and go over the top. Get a great mirror for over the fireplace. Dress the buffet with oversized glass containers filled with nuts, fall leaves, candles. Set out large baskets on the floor and fill with branches. No one will even notice the chairs.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Carly - Congrats on the new puppy! That's so exciting.

    lessismoore - thanks so much for the photoshop. It is such a great help. I thought I would like a plainer rug but I do like the real rug better.

    I agree w/Janis - start crate training right away. That will give your pup a nice safe place to relax during all the holiday hub-bub.

    I agree w/groveraxle too (and love the Doggles!)

    I like the chairs the darker color too. Did you hear anything from your designer?

    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
  • 13 years ago
    Sorry....really don't like the chairs...liked the Pottery Barn ones better...Solid colored covers would be the best idea at his point, I think. I feel your pain....I have ADD and am trying to get my dining room ready for Thanksgiving too. Having antique chairs reupholstered....
    am hoping they will look OK...have cat that lives in the dining room...lol...Good Luck!
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    This is probably going to sound weird but I see those legs in metallic gold or copper. Is that feasibile. You can find some colored foil wrap and buy a roll or two to experiment before spending lots of $$. Or if you know someone who could dabble paint them.

    You are on the right track. Do not panic. If your chairs are comfortable, take it easy.

    You can bring the metaiic color into any season of the year and make it work.

    And that curtain rod could also have metallic look as well to pull room points together. The option of dying the leather is a good one. But, darker shows wear faster. The legs just need some paint. Honest.
  • 13 years ago
    PS. New puppy = new perspective on life. "=)
  • 13 years ago
    I am really surprised that it hasn't really been mentioned but in passing is that leather can be redyed to just about ANY color, especially a darker one, and that is way cheaper than recovering and nicer than resorting to seat covers. If you did, the legs would be less of a problem.

    My neighbor dyed a pair of leather wingback chairs from gold to cadet blue and they looked smashing. What a difference! The upholstery complicates things a bit, but I bet a professional could do it.

    I love the rich colors and the accent wall--painting it all beige or yellow again would be like everyone else's dining room and this is close to a work of art.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Carly - Hi!! How's the dining room coming along? How's the puppy? Did you get your HF pendants for the kitchen yet?

    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
  • 13 years ago
    I feel like the light fixtures are up way too high. I'd love to see them closer to the table. It's almost like they're not really included as part of the design. Looks vacant up so high.
  • 13 years ago
    Oh and I think lessismoore rocks and I do like the darker leather as well. That did get it all anchored. Well, almost, if those lights will get lowered some. Please and thank you.
  • 13 years ago
    Lyrics1967 - Thanx for the love - makes my day!
  • 13 years ago
    Oh heavens, don't spend all that money on new leather covers for those chairs. Just paint the chair legs a neutral to blend in with the rug and patterned chair fabric. The dark chair legs is what bothers me. Please don't spend a lot more money on them, they look great, just those dark legs.
  • 13 years ago
    Also, don't go too drastically in the reverse (very light), maybe the color of the seats, but something that will flow with the fabric and rug.
  • 13 years ago
    Yes, looking again at your chairs, I agree with many that painting the legs would work wonders. A neutral would work, but really intrigued with Greenthumb's suggestion of a copper. I have little patience, and would be wanting to try those out right now. I would even be combing my bathroom for some metallic nail polish.

    Why not make this a fun thing: do a few chairs with some different leg treatments. Then have your guests vote on their favorites? Be a never before seen Thanksgiving first!
  • 13 years ago
    Yes, looking again at your chairs, I agree with many that painting the legs would work wonders. A neutral would work, but really intrigued with Greenthumb's suggestion of a copper. I have little patience, and would be wanting to try those out right now. I would even be combing my bathroom for some metallic nail polish.

    Why not make this a fun thing: do a few chairs with some different leg treatments. Then have your guests vote on their favorites? Be a never before seen Thanksgiving first!
  • 13 years ago
    I think copper will draw more attention to them, but it might work. There are some hammered finishes out there you might try. I'm in agreement with those who suggest lowering the pendants.
    36" is the maximum height "rule" unless someone in the family is so tall that that height falls below their sight line when standing up.
  • 13 years ago
    Did I miss something? Did carlyabbey finish this project or give up?Three days til Thanksgiving....
    Maybe they decided to pass and eat out?
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Hello!! No you haven't missed anything and yes I am still hosting! A huge crowd. We have been working hard over here. Between the kitchen, the dinning room, two kids and a puppy, I have been running around like a mad woman.. Here are the changes.. Earlier in the thread.. aggledesigns mentioned a pumpkin pie color for one of the walls... I decided to go for it and repaint the fireplace wall a gorgeous color called BM Masada.. LOVE IT. The other walls were all painted a BM Wilmington tan. I think it makes everything better including the chairs and the curtains. The buffet has been completed and now has a high grade grass cloth and sconces. All in all... I need some accessories and a fabulous centerpiece, but I think I am ready for thanksgiving... Many have suggestions lowering the lights, but they are 36 inches from the table and at my husbands eyesight... maybe its the angle of the pics I am taking, but in person, I am ok with the pendants.
  • 13 years ago
    I LOVE these oil paintings and the colors are beautiful, but not sure if I can spacially make them work.
  • 13 years ago
    Would they pair up above the FP?
  • 13 years ago
    Wow, that new wall color tied it all together! Really looks great. Even the chair legs look fine as have some black on the fireplace screen and the art on that wall. Perhaps just use one of those pics on the larger wall and something smaller on the smaller wall. They are pretty pics. OR, Try this - on the larger wall, hang them both, one on top of the other, straight up and down . Your drapes go to the ceiling so it would compliment the color and the height! If you do that, leave the smaller wall bare as you have a nice plant there. Am so happy it all came together for you!
  • 13 years ago
    I like the art piece over the FP... :) It adds some black, some depth, and quite a bit of interest.
  • 13 years ago
    Love the changes! The new wall colors makes everything work! Even the chairs!

    Great piece you selected for over the fireplace.

    As far as the two paintings, I don't think one on each side of the window is working. It looks too crowded. However, think if you put both together vertically, to the left side of the window (wall is wider on that side) they would look great. Be sure to center them with same amount of space at each side (the one hanging there now seems slightly to the left).

    Amazing centerpiece for the table would be a very long antique wooden bowl (like they use to mix dough in), filled with a harvest bounty.

    Have a wonderful time Thanksgiving!
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    oooh PCmom1 where can I find one of those? I was thinking maybe something with height, but that sounds interesting
  • 13 years ago
    WOW!!!!!!! Carly....the room looks AWESOME!!!! I love the color on the fireplace, I really liked the blue and was one of the ones saying no don't change it, but it really works! Just tied everything together beautifully!
    Definitely put the two paintings "stacked" effect to the left of the drapes. Nothing on right side. Will look awesome...like the rest of the room!
    I am so loving those sconces over the buffet. That is truly a transformation right there.
    I'm so happy it has worked out for you.
    Enjoy your family, the puppy and your new spaces. You deserve to sit back with a nice glass of wine and just soak it all in! You have done a wonderful job!
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    PS I like PCmom's idea of the very long dough bowls filled with fall harvest items. You could do a floral arrangement on the buffet of fall flowers, something long under the artwork.
  • 13 years ago
    Mine (3 1/2 ft by 18 ") I found at an antique shop. Paid $125 which I think was a great price. Nice to have something done by hand, a little history, and it will only go up in value (hope!). At least I tell my husband that!

    So, start calling around. With a little searching you will find one.
  • 13 years ago
    HI banamom! these are the sconces. closer up. The shades are from Ballard. and when the light is on the light peeks through the shade Thank you!

    I will definitely try the pics vertically..It is a horizontal design so up and down might not work, BUT I will give it a shot. Thank you! and of course here is a pic of my new puppy.!
  • 13 years ago
    Love the sconces!

    BUT....that puppy is the cutest little guy ever! Love chocolate Labs! Our girl is half yellow lab! Oh could just eat him up! Enjoy! :-)
  • 13 years ago
    It's a she! Her name is Rosie! And Oh boy!,,, I feel like I have a newborn!, But she has brought so much joy to our family.
  • 13 years ago
    Looks beautiful - what a ton of work you've put in. And the puppy ... she is the cherry on the sundae! Please post another photo when you can, same angle as your first ones, so we can see a side by side transformation with whatever centerpiece you choose. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday. Looks like a beautiful setting for one!
  • 13 years ago
    Sorry Rosei! :-) Yes, puppies and newborns are very similar.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    It looks so good, but I have to agree about the paintings to the right. That area is too crowded. I don't think the will stack very well either. I suggest you leave the one where it is and put the plant under it. Return the other or use it elsewhere.

    Rosie is a doll. Labs are terrific dogs and sooo good with children. It won't be long before she is a toddler! ;-)
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Red/brown makes blue stand out. Blue makes red/brown stand out. I feel your best design option at this time will be to nix all the blue paint and any additional blue. I love the pattern on pattern - yours is a sophisticated mix and can feel very relaxing when done as an overall monochromatic design scheme.
    I feel a painting most of the room with a shade selection such as Benjamin Moore AF-140 Pensive or Kangaroo AF-145 in a matte finish would give the balance of calm. I would then opt to paint the alcove on the lieft hand side of the room AF-355 Etruscan. This will balance the draperies with the chairs with the rug and give you harmony.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Great advice from everyone! And Rosie is adorable! Agree - puppies / doggies are just like children - absolutely wonderful children (I have 2 - both 12)! Good luck w/her. If you need anything for her, let me know or visit our other store, www.letsbepets.com

    Looking forward to your updated pics w/the suggested changes.

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
  • 13 years ago
    Lyvonne! I have missed you! Thanks. My kitchen is painted as well and pendants are up! Hooray
    Happy thanksgiving and I will definitely be checking out your site.
  • 13 years ago
    You have "come a long way, baby!" The room looks great! Glad you are ready for Thanksgiving!
    You HAVE been a busy bee! Post a picture of your table set on Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day with your friends, family and Rosie!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Hi Carly! So sweet of you to say you missed me. :) I missed you too - I was picturing your behind the scenes chaos while you were away from Houzz. :) Can't wait to see the kitchen - that must mean you love the HF pendants. That's so great! I'm very happy for you that everything is coming together.

    If you happen to take a pic of "holiday pic" of Rosie - post it here or send it on over to me via email at contact@essentialsinside. I'm going to be doing a special holiday pets feature with as many cutie pie holiday pets as I can find!

    Talk to you soon!

    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
  • 13 years ago
    Nothing about design here, just remembered when I hosted a big Thanksgiving as a newlywed. I let our dog eat some of the Turkey pan drippings. In the middle of dinner, said mutt, threw it all up under the table. One holiday never forgotten.
  • 13 years ago
    If the decorator was so wonderful...
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Carly - Like pcmom1, nothing about design here :)...just a Q -- Can I use Rosie's picture (the one you posted above) to use for my Wordless Wednesday (cute pics only, no words!) blog post? It's a blog hop I do w/about 100+ pet bloggers.

    Thanks Carly!

    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
    www.letsbepets.com
  • 13 years ago
    Of course!! I have some other very cute pics, but mostly with my two girls... "Carly and Abbey!" (trying to get that holiday card ready) lol

    Thanks Lyvonne
    Heidi (that's me) :-)
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    LOL - carlyabbey! Sorry about that. Nice to meet you Heidi. :) Awesome name.

    I'll send you the link tomorrow when the pic is up! Thanks so much!

    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
    www.letsbepets.com
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Sorry all, another non-design related comment.

    Heidi: Here is the link! http://letsbepets.blogspot.com/2012/11/wordless-wednesday-blog-hop_21.html

    Thanks again for letting me use Rosie's pic!!


    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
    www.letsbepets.com
  • 13 years ago
    Your room looks beautiful!! Love the transformation! Love the Puppy! And I'm partial to labs too! ;D
  • 13 years ago
    I'm sure you love the rug but I would try lay a light grey / washed out white rug under the table; this will lift the shadows under the table - reducing the contrast between the dark legs, shadows and the seat base.
    If your still fixing the issue of course. Good luck!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Happy Thanksgiving! Your home has transformed and it is so inviting with the changes you made. Thanks for sharing the After.
  • 13 years ago
    Your After photos are beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Hi Heidi (& Carly, Abbey, Rosie!)

    How's the house? Did you make it through Thanksgiving? :)

    Lyvonne
    www.essentialsinside.com
  • 13 years ago
    I think trying to pull out the colors from the top of chair fabric to walls is ...ugh...too much. the chairs aren't bad and you've already spent the money. The table is great and the legs balance that wood out. But, to be honest, the rug n curtains I do not like. The wall colors have to go. you need to brighten it up. maybe a neutral solid color on the walls with let the patterns of the rug, chairs and curtains balance out ...if it were me, I would paint the walls with a creamy buttery tan. you might be surprised how all things will go together great. I think I am a little late on this..my 1st time..i will look further to see what you did
  • 13 years ago
    I was too late but I love what you did ...this is great ...