Gathering 'Round

One quiet afternoon we received a call from a potential client that began a lively and fascinating conversation which lasted the entire length of this very rewarding project. Twelve dining chairs were orphaned in a consignment shop and while trying to appear apologetic and worn, possessed an exuberance of personality and presence that caught the discerning eye of our clients. The chairs related as easily to one another as they did with the table our clients already possessed. They were as articulate and adventurous as our clients and exhibited the strength to celebrate their diversity as well as extoll their unifying characteristics.

A Dialogue of Color, Pattern and Texture

We were surprised and delighted to see the fabric choices our clients had in mind for these chairs. Where most people would have used one fabric to unify the chairs, these clients selected three very different yet highly compatible fabrics that when viewed together created a unique and uplifting synergy. Individually, the fabrics were interesting enough but collectively they created their own animated conversation that flowed effortlessly between the chairs as one's eye traveled from frame to frame. It was so refreshing to work with clients who had the inner strength to trust their instincts as they ventured deeper into this project.

Small Details Make a Big Statement

We are fastidious about upholding traditional upholstery techniques and practices. We are so committed to this end that we'll take extra time to correct the sins of a previous upholsterer. With this project as with so many we come across, the existing fabric (cream and blue) was applied directly over the foam. The seat had no life and the compressed foam had taken on the imprint of the fabric. We replaced that foam with an industry standard high resiliency foam that would retain its lift over time. We covered that foam with a crisp tight layer of muslin. We placed a layer of cotton over the muslin and finally applied the outer fabric. Building a seat in this manner produces a luxurious feel to the hand and a sumptuous crown to the profile of the cushion. In essence we upholster each seat twice but the end result is a high-end product that performs for years while pleasing the eye and the body of the owners.

Gathering 'Round

This project was all about conversation and communication across a multitude of levels and dimensions. We had the double pleasure of working with two intelligent and articulate clients on a set of twelve captivating dining chairs that were crafted out of the highest traditions that the furniture capitol of North Carolina has to offer. The woods were incredibly hard, the frames deeply carved and the style classically traditional. These chairs individually and collectively have a very strong voice. Our clients heard this voice and answered by selecting three equally strong fabrics that played off the frames as well as off one another. The creative energy of these fabrics pulled the frames together despite their differences much like a good conversation unites guests at a dinner party. The unifying thread with these chairs was color and we played up that aspect by using a subtle red welting on all the seat cushions. We kept the welting tightly tucked in under the seat frames which served to visually gather up the seating area on each chair as well as gathered the twelve chairs into a unified and cohesive group. The interplay of pattern, color and energy draws the eye around the table in much the same manner as guests gather around a table in anticipation of good food and scintillating conversation.