black white and a pure primary: red, yellow or green do the classic Miami flamingo pink and deep grey

Bonnie, here is my recipe: Black and White Cookies 1 cup unsalted butter 1 3/4 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract 2 1/2 cups cake flour 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt FROSTING: 4 cups confectioners' sugar 1/3 cup boiling water 1 (1 ounce) square bittersweet chocolate, chopped Directions 1-Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Butter 2 baking sheets. 2-In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk, vanilla, and lemon extract. Combine cake flour and all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture. Drop tablespoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. 3-Bake until edges begin to brown, about 11 to 15 minutes. Cool completely. 4-Place confectioners sugar in large bowl. Mix in boiling water one tablespoon at a time until mixture is thick and spreadable. (Add more than the indicated amount if you need to). 5-Transfer half of the frosting to the top of a double boiler set over simmering water. Stir in the chocolate. Warm mixture, stirring frequently, until the chocolate melts. Remove from heat. 6-With a brush, coat half the cookie with chocolate frosting and the other half with the white frosting. Set on waxed paper until frosting hardens.

Those are gorgeous! I really like the falls photo and the mill, as well. JoanMN

Since you already have the fabric, did you try running the pattern vertically? Whichever way you orient the stripes, I would add a bolster pillow in a b/w toile or tiny polka dot to break up the large stripe. Or you can try some contrasting welting or some kind of fringe on the cushion. And use the same fringe or bullion or trim on the pillow. I personally would maintain the integrity of the chair and re-upholster it as it is now, w/ the detached back. As for painting it, a black distressed would be beautiful, accentuating the carvings. You can even stain the chair in a deep brown and glaze with a black. You can even brush with a metallic for a "funkier" look. If you do paint it, you have to remove the old fabric, lightly sand and then paint. I personally prefer using a brush for a surface with lots of nooks and crannies. And finally, you should apply either a varnish or a wax. Car wax works really well. I paint a lot of furniture, this chair has so much potential!!