Google. Zaba search. There are a lot of internet search engines for individuals. Durham's not so huge--email the local paper and see if this was a well-known family.

Nope...it's an ottoman. I think the seller might be Martyn Lawrence Bullard....he uses the word "delicious" in his description: This very cool rounded ottoman was a vintage purchase which I intended to fix up and use as the centerpiece of a walk-in closet, however construction plans have been delayed and the closet will not happen as quickly as hoped, and in the mean time we need to put windows in our garage, so I need to sell to gain storage space. This is a very cool shape (like pac-man) which could be used to go around the corner of a wall to be a banquette, or just left as is for a neat design. The velvet or velour fabric is like a golden vanilla color, very rich and regal looking, classic glam. You can use it as a coffee table/ottoman piece with a sofa, or like I was going to as a lounge seating piece in a fabulous closet, bedroom, family room, home theater room, humongous Moroccan style bathroom, etc. Pretty versatile and probably a great conversation piece wherever you put it. Instant style, and a forever classic. Measures 60" diameter (5' across!) -- Deliciously HUGE! Note that there is some staining and dirt on the upholstery. The lines across the top are just indentations in the velvet from what this was leaning against in our garage, those will fluff out. I tried to get good photos but since this is a velvety or velour type fabric it was hard to catch it right. There are some stains on the top, and the pointed edges have worn spots, and dirt. I have done a brush-off of the dirt, but I don't have the time or cleaning supplies to try to see if Oxy-clean or something will work on this. I would guess it would, but I need to leave that to the buyer, and my price reflects this. The upholestry is so pretty, and dramatic. I would think it would definitely be worth your while to try to salvage it. Even if some of the stains don't completely come out, they are hard to see with the velvet texture. It is up to you. Also, since this is an older item, the foam in the cushion feels a little on the hard side. It is not terrible, I mean it could still be used, but if you want a super-cushy seat I recommend reupholstering. Up to you. I try to think of all picky things to tell people. This is a really well-made piece and to get this custom made would be like $800+just for the frame and padding, then another few hundred for the upholstery fabric (depending on what you chose). Velvet is pretty pricey these days too, so if you can salvage it, you got a crazy good buy. Rare and unique custom item that you will not find elsewhere, and won't be able to make for such a low price. Here is a link that might be useful: And In Case You Can't Resist...

sooz- Although this isn't a complete chafing dish, at some point you may want to own one. If you live where you are ever without electricity for any period of time, a chafing dish and a few cans of Sterno will mean the ability to safely make a hot meal indoors. You can heat soup, make hot water, even cook some scrambled eggs using a chafing dish. One can of Sterno can be used for approximately 6 emergency meals. The bonus, and the original use, you can use it to keep hot food hot. I found a lovely pair of chafing dishes at a thrift store that are very elegant AND useful. I've used them twice during ice storms and power outages, and many times when serving a buffet. Now that's a heck-of-a-deal. :-)

My living room looks remarkably like your set up: tv + electronics on a dresser, light background. I'm planning to paint the wall dark to help the tv blend in visually. wish i could share an "after" but haven't made progress whatsoever.