My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Guess What I Found Recently!

For about a year I've been looking for some different dining chairs.

We bought our solid oak table in the early 80s in California. It is 42" square claw feet legs but has 2 leaves with it. We got six chairs and the table for $1,400 at that time which would be several hundred dollars more at today's prices. It is solid oak with a brown stain, which I've grown very tired of and want to paint. The problem is I don't want to do the grunge work of sanding. I've done that and refuse to do it again. That's a tough job.

The chairs that came with it were more a country look, which suited me at the time; they don't anymore and I've covered them with slipcovers I made several years ago. I wanted a new look.

So I went on a quest to find some french chairs. I do like that look. I did an internet search every couple of months to see what was available but nothing I liked or wanted to pay a high price for.  Then, lo and behold, while checking Craigslist recently I came across a table, 6 chairs, a beautiful hutch and an Aubusson rug. I didn't want all of those things and really didn't want to spend a lot of money. So I emailed the seller and we agreed upon a price for 2 chairs. I didn't want her arm chairs and 2 chairs needed the cane seats fixed. So we made an appointment to see the chairs.

Have you ever actually been inside a gated community of million dollar homes? I never had. I've been in some exquisite homes but nothing like this neighborhood in Eagle, an upscale suburb of Boise. When we moved to Idaho in the 90s we could have gotten a new home there for $159,000. Not any more. These homes were definitely upscale. Beautiful inside also.

Anyway, the woman and her hubby were gracious and we bought the 2 chairs pictured below. She buys and resells furniture and these she got at a store in Palm Springs, California, with which I'm familiar. These are very good chairs. I'm thrilled to have them and at a price that was extremely good because at Ethan Allen, my favorite furniture store along with Thomasville, I would have started at about $700+ for upholstery of my choice for similar chairs. I am very pleased with my chairs. It gives a totally different look to the dining room.


The two chairs.


Design on chairs.


Cane seats and backs.


Nice and tight.


The backs.


Gorgeous legs with bracings, which shows it's sturdy.


Just a lovely silhouette with the curved legs.


This is what I'll be making for the two I bought.
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Don't you just love this bright pink fence?!


Sweet pink vignette with peonies.


Some old ephemera.


A beautiful shuttered home with an English garden.


The way I like froufrou!!!


Now this is my kind of hammock. Slather it with fluffy ruffled duvets, pillows and cushions. Ummm-hmmm.


I've seen 2 cookies lately that are the most gorgeous ever. This is one set. I'll show the other later with another post.


An antique sign, pink table, pink upholstered vintage chair, pink cushions and a flowered lamp. My kind of decoration for a living room.
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Tidbit:
Oprah Winfrey sleeps on Frette bedsheets, which boast a very high thread count and sell for thousands of dollars a set. They are exceptional sheets. Looking at the website recently, I could have gotten a set marked down to $1,372.00 from $2,745.00 and that's just plain white 100% Egyptian cotton. It does have delicate lace around the top sheet and the pillow has an edging of lace and an inset of lace. Made in Italy. Oh, I guess you know by now I won't be purchasing them any time soon, right? ;-)
~*~

20 comments:

  1. They are beautiful chairs indeed - if you wanted to paint your table Connie you could use chalk paint - no sanding or prep work required other than a good wash prior to starting!!!
    :)

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  2. How nice to find just what you wanted, Connie. They look very elegant indeed.
    As to oprah's sheets...! I love high count linens too, and bought some very good French ones, but not t that price!

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  3. I think the chairs are wonderful. I know you are excited to change the table up. I was going to suggest chalk paint for the table as well. It is really a wonderful product. Love the no prep method. I can't wait to see the covers you make for the new found chairs...good luck!!!! :)

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  4. Wow, that is a lot of money for sheets! I guess neither one of us will be purchasing a set anytime soon. I do need new sheets, just not going to be able to spend that much. I love the new dining room chairs! good luck with the table.

    Heather

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  5. I love your new chairs! I am so jealous. :) Please do post the covers when you make them.

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  6. I can't imagine a set of sheets costing that much!!!! I would like to see them and touch them LOL

    I know your chair covers will be very perfect no matter what material you use

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  7. What a dreamy place you have here. Ahhhh. ;)

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  8. Beautifol chairs! Have used Annie Sloans Chalk Paint many times-no prepping what so ever, old white withe clear and then the dark wax would be wonderful and easy!!!!It's quick as well. There might be a stockist near you and they would be able to fill you in with the details. Also on you tube-Miss Mustard Seed has some tutorials. Good luck and have fun!

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  9. Hi Connie,

    I vote for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint too. Been using it for so many things. Stop by and see. I really love this paint and no sanding.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  10. Hello Connie, it's been a long time...I was looking at some of my old posts and found yours. Those chairs are just beautiful..You always write beautiful posts...good to see you again...Well, you know me, I have a question for you...I'm itching to get the Minima Stretch for my blog again, and of course, I don't have the slightest idea how to do it. I'm on the new blogger now...If you know how I can change back, I'd sure like hear it. Have a great weekend, and I totally enjoyed your testimony about your family's conversion. I don't know if you know I lost my hubby last August. It's tough being here without him...God is faithful, tho. I know I will see him again.

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  11. You made the right choice. These chairs are lovely. Great workmanship.

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  12. The chairs are a GREAT find, Connie! Looking forward to seeing your finishing touches. Happy Valentine's Day!

    Jillian
    PS. I can't believe you're not buying the Oprah sheets. Come on! :0)

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  13. Connie I don't know which photo I like best!! I think that hammock is calling my name. Those chairs are a great find. Can't wait to see the finished project.
    Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Valentine's Day too!
    xo Tami

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  14. Love your French chairs Connie. Great choice. We are longtime members of your blog and we would love it if you would join ours!

    Linda and Jeannie at The French Hens Nest

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  15. Love your chairs, Connie. Glad you got them at a good price!

    Mrs. Sarah Coller

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  16. What a beautiful post! I think I love everything! And I will now paint the door to my garden room!
    Thanks, Peggy

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  17. Those are gorgeous French Country chairs and the wood looks solid and heavy! Love the seat cushions you're going to make! I'm with you - Ethan Allen and Thomasville! My bedroom and formal dining room are both Thomasville and our family room and kitchen table are both Ethan Allen. I agree with the suggestion of chalk paint for your dining set. No sanding required!
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Robin

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Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.