Preserve and Design with Furniture from Family
Written by faith | 0Recently this Seattle interior designer enjoyed an article in the Wall Street Journal written by Duane Hampton, wife of well known designer Mark Hampton and mother of Alexa Hampton. She shares the love affair her family enjoyed with a found sofa for 16 years. It was reinvented in various combinations of fabric for changing styles and design interpretations numerous times.
David Michaud of the New York upholstery company Jonas notes that 3 things make for long lasting upholstery:
- The frame, which should be made of solid kiln-dried hardwood, such as maple. All of the joints should be doweled and glued, then corner blocked—to keep the structure rigid and strong.
- The springs with individual coils, hand-tied to the frame, are key. Premade units with zig-zag springs often cause the frame to warp or break because of added tension.
- Look for filling made of horse and/or hog hair. Man-made materials like foam may disintegrate after about 10-15 years, whereas horse hair lasts forever.
Here are two examples of heirloom furniture pieces preserved by my clients. Rescued and restored they received a total redo on the inside and outside. Not only do they provide seating but more importantly they tell a story and provide memories.
Guest Room chair with Brentano fabric
This pattern from Brentano Fabrics surprises on the Victorian arm chair.. and melds perfectly into the blue and soft yellow themed guest bedroom.
From the same home comes a walnut settee which needed lots of tender care to re-enter the family room. The horsehair truly smelled in its disintegrated state and the frame was barely together.
Looking Magical in a Cowtan & Tout stripe
At the time of the photo, the vintage settee was awaiting Samuel & Sons trim to complete the final touch. It is a conversation starter with a long history and story. The fabric is the snappy Baudelaire Stripe from Cowtan and Tout.
Do you have some family treasures that need a makeover? Press the “Easy Button” and benefit from our extensive experience that will save you time and money. We manage and coordinate the details and you reduce your stress and worry. Our team of hand-selected artisans and resources work with you to create your perfect space.
Call us today 206.973.3743
