Introducing our “chairs of abundant feasting & rejoicing!!”
I bought 12 chairs from SclaFani’s yesterday…. and as soon as I walked in, I knew three things:
1. They go with ZERO in our home, so we’ll just have to re-do the house (you think I’m joking, don’t you).
2. They would have to be considered my birthday and Christmas present for at least one year, if I was going to obtain them. You all know how these things work in families….. :^)..and
3. Onlookers will either love ‘em, or hate ‘em.
Thankfully, the kids and Rich love them and agree they are our “feasting chairs!” The chair backs are REALLY tall… Ben was taking a nap and I was impatient, or I would have put him next to one to show the scale. They are seriously tall-backed chairs. I don’t yet know if I will paint the wood part, or leave it, or refinish it. Or, if I will keep the leather part which is fastened w/those ancient, massive, pounded metal things that I suppose were considered tacks back in the day… or replace that with some funky upholstering.
Meanwhile, I must make a table covering that hides that fact that our dining table (which can extend to 16 feet so we cannot replace it) is more of a country or Early American style. The chairs have now become our standard; everything else must adjust!!!! We are having our maple floors downstairs refinished within the next two weeks, which means we have to clear out half our house, including tons of huge pieces of furniture. What’s 12 more massive chairs to find places for? Meanwhile, I am off to JoAnn Fabrics for curtain material, taking advantage of 60% off! Adjustment commenced!
VERY cool….
and, you poor, poor dear…. now you HAVE to redecorate EVERYthing…
i’m so, so sorry for you.
what a great deal of fun you are having to bear.
;~)
Comment by MooMa — November 15, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
I am in the love category — they look awesome (of course we like antiques around here). So, is the design embossed/pressed or carved into the wood?
I think I might leave the leather but cover over it… hmmmm. And I know you’ve been waiting the opportunity to get a theme going in your “new” house
Comment by Hannah — November 15, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
Hannah, It’s totally carved into the wood. Amazing. These things must be ancient. I just returned from JoAnne Fabrics. (Note: If my mother is reading this, first, happy 29th birthday, and second, YES, I know, it is WILD that I go to JoAnn Fabrics since you know my childhood trauma connected w/that store… LOL… and I don’t go there much, let me tell you!). I bought the COOLEST fabric for curtains ever. Orange, velvety sort of. Ordered 29 yards. LOL Meanwhile, I locked my keys in the car, so Rich kindly came (30 minute away) and rescued my friend and I w/a coat hanger (yes, we only have one set of keys for our van which we have had 8 or 9 years..craziness). I then stopped at McDonalds for a caramel ice coffee. The guy put sooo much caramel in it, I had an allergic reaction and could hardly drive home. Off to get in my PJ’s now and chill. Getting redecorated sure is an undertaking! Oh, and as I arrived home, I saw that our neighbors’ house burned down!
Comment by Anna — November 15, 2008 @ 9:50 pm
Oh Hannah! I never thought of LEAVING the leather and covering over that. Of course. That is a great idea!
Comment by Anna — November 15, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
I like the look of the chairs as they are, but have no idea what their comfort level is. I might upholster if they are not comfy. BUT, they look MIDIEVAL to me. Very castle-like. Looks like you might serve a large roasted pig with an apple in its mouth, huge goblets of grog, sever al candle abras lighting the room…
Comment by Jean — November 16, 2008 @ 12:58 am
Now Jean. Stop all that roasted pig nonsense! You’re all carried away now. I think they are Spanish. I could be wrong. But, I shall be transforming them momentarily (or in a few months.. LOL).. and then you shall see how very misbehaving they are and how much they disregard their heritage, whatever that may be. :^)
Ah yes. I am deeply inspired.. finally.. after living in this house for 6? years.. I think I finally have an inkling of what to do w/the place. I just can’t wait to get started! It may take me a while to get this job started/done, but when it is done I will post pics, for better or worse!
Comment by Anna — November 16, 2008 @ 1:28 am
Your poor neighbors!
Sounds like you had quite an eventful trip to JoAnns! Are you allergic to caramel coloring? My brother Josh is and even asks for the list of dough ingredients when he goes out for pizza.
Can’t wait to see pics of your orange fabric
Comment by Hannah — November 16, 2008 @ 10:29 am
yes, i am, but i do have tiny bits of it (like the occasional glass of soda and such) w/no problem at all these days. if i have much of it, i “pay” but i’m not as allergic as Josh for sure anymore.
i hope you are feeling better, hannah. we are praying for you since your surgery.
Comment by Anna — November 16, 2008 @ 10:40 am
I’m sorry. I got all midieval or something there, thinking of knights and damsels and grog and candlelight and, yes, roasted porkers on the bar-bee. We’ll see what you do with those chairs! I imagine it’ll be something very unique and fun!
Comment by Jean — November 16, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
You are forgiven.
I know it is very hard to have faith, especially considering the unfortunate state of the rest of my house decorating these days! We must not focus on the problem, but only the solution and all that is true and right in the world. Haha This was fun.
Comment by Anna — November 16, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Thank you for the prayers! Each day is better for sure
Comment by Hannah — November 18, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
I like the leather! I would keep it! Spills can’t soak into leather. Lots of things can’t soak into leather. I know cuz years ago, when we still lived in MA, we were pet-sitting my bro and sil’s puppy. Had to take puppy with us on an all-day excursion and left puppy in the car while we shopped at Walmart (don’t worry - it was winter, puppy was NOT too hot in the car). Puppy had eaten something that didn’t agree with him and “exploded” all over our (then) new SUV. Thankfully, the seats were leather and proverbial stuff did not soak into the seats! So, stick with the leather — you never know when you might be pet-sitting a puppy.
Comment by Catherine — November 20, 2008 @ 11:16 am
Oh wow! They look like chairs that my mom gave to me and my sisters years ago. They were definitely Spanish style. But, they would stain if even the slightest water got on them. So, check for water stains where they won’t show.
I’m thinking of getting an Amish table and chairs….if I can afford it…:)
Comment by Sheri — November 24, 2008 @ 1:34 am