It's Official

Well, it's official.
The couch and chair set have been sent off to the upholstery shop. Both the upholsterer and my husband screamed in horror when I suggested cutting off the legs, and changing them out for more modern, sleek ones. SO, I was overridden, and I am keeping the frame the way that it is. Cost of refinishing the wood framing on both pieces- 500 dollars. Cost of re-upholstering each pieces 950 dollars....I think I am going to throw up.
But, in the end, I have been saving to have these re-finished for a while, I am ready to take the plunge, and have them re-stored to their once beautiful selves.
Plus, the upholstery guy said that once they are refinished, an antique appraisal will like come in at over 5,000 dollars for them... that is pretty cool.

So, it's official. I am committing to paying the excruciating amount of money it will cost to have my antique couch and chair set re-done. I have grown just a little tired of having 4 couches in my living room. So Rocky Mountain Upholstery picks up the antique set on Friday, and I am posting the other set on KSL this weekend for 600 bucks. I will used the 600 to find my dear husband a nice, neutral, traditional, Pottery Barn-esque sectional.



I heart this french chair (above) from Miss Mustard Seed Creations http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2010/12/french-chair-makeover.html
It was my main inspiration for how using drop cloths to re-upholster something, can make a piece turn out looking awesome, without spending alot.

I heart Cotton Love Home. Find it here http://shop.cottonlove.com.au/onlinestore.php. The chair above is SEXY-if a chair can be such a thing. I told the upholsterer that I wanted him to saw off the legs of my antique couch and chair, and reattach ones that look exactly like these. He thinks I am crazy.




This couch is a finished product from Rocky Mountain Upholstery in Utah. I think it's turned out awesome- I hope mine does too when they are finished with it. It better seeing as it is costing more than my first born to have re-done!

Couches, Couches, and More Couches

The problem with couches, is that they cost an un-holy amount more to refurbish than you would ever guess. When I bought these antique beasts (beasts, because they weigh more than I did at nine months pregnant) I thought that the 80 dollar price tag was a steal of a deal....

....Little did I know, the seller knew something that I didn't. This set would end up costing over 1200 dollars (not even including fabric) to re-upholster! Even if I stretch my budget and recover them in drop-cloth, I am appalled at the idea of spending that much on something that in the end will still only be masquerading as my true love couches from Restoration Hardware. So, here they sit. 4 couches in one tiny living room. And I am starting to think crazy. I am considering selling them all- and starting over. Buying a 400 dollar NEW set from Ikea and a more expensive slipcovered set from Evans Gatehouse. I could have 2 new sets for the price of this one- maybe. At least in my head it works out that way.