Kid’s Closing Date Moved Up, I’m Madly Decorating!

last year

last modified: last year

DD and fam are building a house 45 min from us in a new development. Their project foreman called last week and said they would be finished a month before they anticipated. We are ecstatic and they are panicked. 😎 This is a big house and they have maybe a third of the furniture they need. I offered to shop for them and decorate months ago and DD did not like anything I proposed. She liked the model home (and hey are getting an almost clone of it) so I offered to just copy that but she felt it was too modern. She likes modern farmhouse but says she wants something more original. I’ve been the voice of impending doom, warning about shipping delays and them having no place to sit in their great room (they are putting their current LR furnitire upstairs in the loft).

I may have posted this mock up before. She had rejected this previously but asked to see it again yesterday when she and I toured the house to check on the progress. She decided she liked it after all, so I have either got or ordered everything except the blue chairs, which she doesnt like.

For some reason the curtain panels look red. They are actually burnt orange with a large ikat pattern, heavy cotton, lined and weighted, from HalfPriceDrapes.com I do need to find a different round coffee table, DD doesnt like that one, and different blue chairs.

Any ideas for the chairs? Medium blue in a performance fabric, no skirt, normal to smaller footprint, nothing overside or with big rolled arms. We are trying to get a copy of the front elevation drawing from the builders set of blueprints to frame for this room. (The one in the mock up is not their house, just the art that inspired my idea.) Ive ordered the rug in 9.5‘ x 12.5’, bought the sofa and curtains, have the pillows and open shelving, and also bought this today

for the other side of the fireplace (open shelving wood and iron thingie on one side).

Blue chairs, anyone?

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Kswl
Original Author

last year

last modified: last year

I’m also working on her office, which is off the entry and has french doors so it needs to be presentable. They have a rug in a traditional pattern in light aqua and coral, a tonal shift from the colors we are using in the adjacent rooms . I bought this oil painting for that offfice; it’s a view of Notre Dame from the rear, across the Seine. The colors are beautiful and luckily the frame is the same tone of wood as her desk. It’s pretty big and will make a statement at 30” x 40”. I bought it at an auction, it was painted by a French artist in the 1960’s.

This is a picture of a picture and not very clear even if you click to enlarge. IRL it is crisp and has an illustrative vibe I’ve seen in a lot of Italian paintings depicting / featuring architecture.

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Comments (42)

olychick
last year
Nice! Can she articulate what exactly she doesn't like about these blue chairs?
Kswl thanked olychick
Sueb20
last year
From Pottery Barn. Delivery July/Aug.
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Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
Congrats to them! Loving the choices so far. I want that cabinet.

I like this Arhaus chair, you can custom order it in blue performance fabric … but, custom takes 24 weeks. Probably a deal breaker.

https://www.arhaus.com/products/zella-chair?variant=40869421318315

Posting it anyway to see if she likes the sloped arm style? Lots of similar ones to this.

This one comes in lots of colors: https://www.crateandbarrel.com/faye-chair/s293273
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Kswl
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
She doesnt like the metal legs and the slightly flared shape of the seat, both of which give a MCM feel to them. The metal legs are just a detail, but the shape is what will make it more comfortable and both features give it a less heavy footprint close to the floor. I like it for those reasons as well as aesthetically. Also at the time i made this mood board board 2 months ago the chairs were on sale at West Elm for about $500! My daughter hates to spend. I don’t know where that came from but it’s one of the reasons I am delegated to this task.

Her DH likes leather and it makes sense for their family—one toddler, another baby coming, one dog and two cats! So that was his request. She requested storage and some color, and a little more traditional look than the all modern model home furnishings. Neither likes pattern so the curtains may go back. They will be at just one window though and the pattern is smaller (and orsngey rust) than depicted in the mock up. The adjacent sunroom will be a playroom and will be furnished with a loveseat we found at a secondhand shop that is being reupholstered with gray and white ticking, a pottery barn childrens rug with roads on it for play, a childs table and chairs and a play kitchen.
eld6161
last year
last modified: last year
Congratulations!

KSWl, we just furnished our Florida home this past 2 1/2 years.. Luckily we received key items before the major pandemic issues so we could function, but the rest took almost a year.

They give you date, but then keep pushing it out, especially with custom fabric choices.

I would put their current furniture in the great room for now.

You can be looking at a year.

The only sure quick deliveries would be take as is outlet items, or some might have an in item stock.
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Jilly
last year
I should’ve waited for more info! Disregard my post. :)
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Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
Overstock has these you can get this month. Too dark of a blue?

I was going to suggest looking through Houzz, too, even if just to get style ideas:

https://www.houzz.com/products/traditional/armchairs-and-accent-chairs/color--Blue

I found one I want. :D
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mtnrdredux_gw
last year
What specifically do you mean by performance fabric … the blue chairs look velvet?
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Kswl
Original Author
last year
The very low pile polyester chenille is what they are calling velvet these days. Performance fabrics have been treated with something to make them water and stain resistant, like Sunbrella —which is having a moment with their interior fabrics.
Kswl
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Jinx, i like the tufted back chair but the color is off and the toddler’s er, mobile snacking will certainly mean a collection of crumbs in the folds of the cloth! Also like the spindle chair and we can actually order those locally in a custom fabric.
Kswl
Original Author
last year
SueB, off to look at that chair!
nicole___
last year

They ship and the prices are Very reasonable! Click link Other colors available
Kswl thanked nicole___
Funkyart
last year
Pretty amazing that the date has moved forward -- all the new builds here in recent past have been pushed back. Love your design... and especially love the large chest for beside the fireplace. I have a similar rustic piece in my living room (though all drawers-- which i had cabinet doors!) and it is so useful!

I don't have a chair recommendation but do you have a crate and barrel or pb outlet near you? That may your best bet for immediate availability.
Kswl thanked Funkyart
eld6161
last year
last modified: last year
I agree with high performance, especially if you allow pets on the furniture.

We ordered only high performance.

Are you planning to just online order? I find I need sit in everything. And, even then, it seems cushions arrive harder than expected.
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cawaps
last year

A few at West Elm...

https://www.westelm.com/products/sloane-chair-h2998/?pkey=cliving-room-chairs&sku=437768&group=1

https://www.westelm.com/products/sophie-chair-h10767/?pkey=cliving-room-chairs&sku=4740920&group=1

https://www.westelm.com/products/auburn-chair-h3189/?pkey=cliving-room-chairs&sku=3076482&group=1

I've bought chairs from La-Z-boy (they don't just sell overstuffed recliners), since they have a wide selection of custom upholstery. HIgher price point than West Elm, though.
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3katz4me
last year
I second @eld6161 - can't imagine ordering sofas and chairs online with no sit test.
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Arapaho-Rd
last year
last modified: last year
From Houzz. They're having a sale. I threw the blue check in knowing it doesn't go - just because of the tan/beige check you used in your home :) June delivery dates I believe.
Susan Fabric Recliner, Set of 2, Navy Blue and Dark Brown · More Info

GDF Studio Venette Farmhouse Fabric Upholstered Club Chair, Blue Checkerboard/Dark Brown · More Info

Casen Fabric Club Chair, Navy Blue/Dark Brown · More Info
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just_terrilynn
last year
last modified: last year
Have you thought about ordering an inexpensive wood frame blue fabric chair that you can get fast? "O", WayFa and target have several for under $400 with good reviews. Then, order a quality chair in desired blue crypton color fabric that they want. You could splurge a little on the one chair since the other is cheap (some do not look cheap at all). You might have to wait for one but will have the quick ship one in the meantime. Or, look for a really high quality used blue chair in your local consignment shops.
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DLM2000-GW
last year
I am definitely not your designated shopper. But I want to say you are so very lucky to have them that close. And in turn they are so lucky to have you doing all of this leg work or scrolling work! I know you are one Happy Mama!
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OutsidePlaying
last year
last modified: last year
This one is from Bassett and may be more than you want to spend, esp for 2. But there are more along the same lines and fabric you are looking for in lighter blues and denim performance fabrics. I just happened to pick a navy.

Edited to add, have you thought about swivel chairs in case the layout doesnt exactly line up with TV viewing?
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1929Spanish-GW
last year
Not what you asked, but I’m a fan of waiting till they get in the house to see how it works for them.

Every layer you go further from the process of them living in their new house increases the chances that the vision and the results don’t wind up working for them.

You have beautiful taste, but these are the layers that impact the result:

Their house

DD + DH to please

Not finished

They haven’t moved in

Might have a slightly different vision

Not as good as expressing their vision

But you have mad skills expressing your vision

You weren’t necessarily alligned the first time

Different approaches to spending on the project

I would offer to help pull it together with both of them once they are in the house.
Kswl thanked 1929Spanish-GW
maddielee
last year
One surprising (to me) source when helping a friend search for occasional chairs is Home Depot.

She ended up wanting better quality and ordered from Norwalk Furniture, although delivery took a few months. Norwalk’s website has many, many styles.

https://www.homedepot.com/s/Occasional%2520chair?NCNI-5

https://norwalkfurniture.com/furniture/chairs

Note: The living room of our first house was unfurnished for a few years, our toddler loved the empty space. 😊 We did have furniture in the family room.
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just_terrilynn
last year
last modified: last year
I love this chair! Don't know how long it would take to get. The dimensions look good. With the upholstery upgrade and shipping $1,244. There are other blues to pick from and some at a lower price point..

Color: Blueberry, performance luxe tweed.

https://www.interiordefine.com/alexander-custom-accent-chair?material-type=211372&legs-type=189387&options-7995=211372&options-7996=189387&options-7994=189254&warranty-sku=ALXR.FABRIC.CHAR.ACCENT.HRT-027.Leg005-3.DC-03

Edited: Darn, I think this is too big for you? I got the size mixed up with another I was looking at but this still might be doable.

__________________________________
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Kswl
Original Author
last year
Love that chair, JT! The color is beautiful!

All these are good possibilities and I am checking each and EVERY SINGLE one!

Spanish, in a perfect world you are right and we would wait until rhey are in before embarking on this. However— DD hates to shop. HATES! They buy everything online, she hasnt been in a store in two years at least. They buy toothpaste from Amazon! They have to pick out a refrigerator, washer and dryer and honestly that is about her limit. She has a very active toddler and a baby due in November, and a full time job with a lot of responsibility. Her response to everything is a panicked “I can’t think about that right now!” In the three years they have lived in their current home they haven’t managed to buy any chairs even though they need and want them.

SIL has a new job, mostly from home but some traveling, wants a fully finished house when they move in. He is willing to spend whatever it takes to move into a nicely furnished home. They plan to stay here for about 20 years. As we all know, man proposes and God disposes… but in that time frame they will certainly redecorate at least once. This plan will at least get them in the door.

3Katz, I bought the sofa locally, DD had sat on it and it’s super comfy. We sre taking a chance on the chairs.
just_terrilynn
last year
last modified: last year
Kswl, I did some sleuthing on Interior Define, their reviews went downhill the last year and a half, mostly over delivery and delivery times and I forget which sofa, but one got very bad reviews. There is a store in Atlanta for you to check.

ETA:

You get 10 free fabric samples that is meant to arrive fairly fast, I ordered my ten light colored performance fabrics. I decided I like that chair for me, I'm in no hurry though. If I end up liking one of the performance fabrics it will be cheaper than me buying used and getting reupholstered (I think).

And, on the plus side, the chair doesn't have ugly legs.
Kswl thanked just_terrilynn
Bestyears
last year
We have an Interior Define here in Austin, and I'm planning to buy two swivel chairs soon. They have some fabulous performance fabrics and their Catlyn chair is the most comfortable swivel I have sat in yet. DD just bought a sectional from them, which won't be delivered to the fall. Her boss and another good friend have their sectionals, a few years old now, and love them. We did look at the reviews, but found that most had to do with delivery and lead times rather than quality. They were very upfront with us about a long lead time, and also, completely in line with what friends are getting from West Elm, Arhaus, etc.
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just_terrilynn
last year
last modified: last year
Best, with the choice of fabrics a person could have a field day. Your swivel looks nice!

Isn’t this cute?
Kswl
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
That store is a great resource JT. If I could get the kids there for a whole day I would not be doing this myself.

We have made some headway! I’ve ordered two of the Pottery Barn chairs in a fabric that will coordinate with their existing PB sofa going in the upstairs loft. They had a couple of blues to choose from that were not so navy—thank you SueB for that one and everyone else for their suggestions. We’ll be using many of those resources as time goes on.

We are also looking at these for counter height bar stools— they are close to the color of the floor, swivel and have a rush seat.

So the plan updates to this:
Jilly
last year
Very nice! I like that look better than the MCM chairs.
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just_terrilynn
last year
Lookin good Kswl!
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Arapaho-Rd
last year
Nice choices - your daughter will be happy!
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Tina Marie
last year
Well darn! I love the blue spool chairs and the blue checked one!

I am much like your daughter with shopping. Not quite as bad, but close! I hate to shop, however, the exception being antiques and stuff for the house. Even so, I buy MANY things online. Even TP!!

Someone mentioned Home Depot here for chairs. Too funny, because I am making some changes in our home office. I'm getting rid of the leather loveseat and on the look-out for a vintage piece of furniture that will offer storage (such as a buffet, console, etc.). I wanted a chair and ottoman in one corner of the room but didn't really want to shop around alot. So online I went. I found a chair through Home Depot (I'd have to check the brand, I have forgotten). The chair will probably not be sat in that much, so I took a chance on ordering online. Also, if the chair proved to be uncomfortable, we could easily return to a Home Depot. The chair turned out very well! It's a thick cottony/linen looking fabric (natural color), good quality and surprisingly comfortable. I wouldn't take that chance on a sofa or even a chair that would be frequently used, but this worked. This time anyway! I also found new garden stool type outdoor tables for the patio online at Lowes. The ceramic one in our sunroom came from Lowes, too IIRC, so don't discount these places for accessory type furniture. Although it looks like you are finished with your purchases. Good job!
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mtnrdredux_gw
last year
They are going to be so happy they hired you. : )
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Lyban zone 4
last year
Everything is looking good. you have such a good eye KSWL that i am sure you will succeed in this also. one thought ( dont ask how i know) is not to forget that open shelving unless achored is not great with toddlers around.
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teeda
last year
I love the last plan you posted, Kswl. And I envy you--my DD and SIL also recently bought a house, have an almost 2 year old and new baby on the way. They bought a fixer upper in a wonderful town about a year ago. Nothing I love more than the challenge of a fixer upper. Unfortunately my DD places decoratng at a very low priority and isn't really too interested in my help. Sigh. I need somewhere to tunnel this pent up energy! So for now I will live vicariously through your project!
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Jilly
last year
Love that!
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Tina Marie
last year
Oh @Kswl that painting is gorgeous! You are speaking my love language (house language? LOL) as those are the colors used in our home. I love it!!
Kswl thanked Tina Marie
texanjana
last year
Your DD and family are so lucky! Everything is going to be fabulous.
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lizbeth-gardener
last year
Kswl, I love your choices! That sideboard is a beauty and the painting was a great find. Your daughter and SIL are so fortunate to have you! I can't wait to see the finished project.
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Kswl
Original Author
last year
Thank you all, i can’t tell you how fun it is to shop for others!
Arapaho-Rd
last year
Beautiful painting...the colors are serene. You know how to shop, where to look for what you need and it all comes together so quickly! I admire that because I tend to over- analyze.
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