Home Again!

When two clients called saying they had selected us as their upholsterer to refurbish their living room sofa and chair, we were elated. We knew them -- they are wonderful people --and we knew the project would be interesting. They were working with a designer who had selected a bold fabric for these two delicate frames that honored their period past while placing them firmly in the present. The frames were deeply carved yet airy and were in need of some serious repair and refurbishing. We were very aware of the necessary repairs required and suggested we clean the frames and refresh them with pigmented wax once they were in our studio. Upon originally seeing these pieces we remarked on the unusual application of the fabric. Not understanding our comment the clients asked what we meant. We explained that the pattern on the fabric was running sideways. They lived with these pieces for years and never noticed the defect. We assured them we would take meticulous care with pattern placement this time around!

Framing the Springs

The right side of the sofa frame was completely broken. The back crest rail had snapped years ago and a frame strut was completely broken. The only structural element holding the right side of the frame together was the delicately carved arm. We rebuilt the strut and surgically doweled and glued the back rail. We tightened the remaining loose joints which resulted in a very strong frame that brought the sofa back into square. It had more of a trapezoid shape before we made the repairs. The chair was in much better condition requiring only tightening of joints. Once the frames were secure, we began to build the seating foundation. The ties holding the springs in place were nearly all broken. Sitting on either of these pieces was like floating in a boat; all "swimmy" with lots of motion. After weaving a new jute base for the springs, we sewed them in and tied them 8 ways. The resulting deck was stable, worked as a single unit and further strengthened the frame.

Looking Back Before Moving Forward

During the process of removing the old fabric, we ucovered five distinct layers; each unique and different from the other. Each layer pushed further back in time as one fabric pattern yielded to the fashion of a previous decade. It always gives us pause to wonder what the next generation will think of the fabric choices that are made today.

The existing cushions were objects of curiosity for us in that individually they were very weighty although the clients commented they were made of down. The covers were fabricated without zippers and had been sewn shut. Upon opening them, we extracted a crumpled feather bed pillow from each. The existing foam was old, compressed and relatively useless. We now understood why the existing cushions were so lifeless. We fabricated new cushions of all new material that were boyant and in combination with the 8-way hand tied springs provided that "lift" that we strive for in all of our seating work.

Home Again!

As is often the case when one's interiors are re-designed, what used to look "at home" -- furnishings, accessories, lighting -- suddenly looks out of place, out of sorts, or just plain wrong. The items that formerly made a house a home now seem to look rather homeless and incongruous. The designer working with our clients found a perfect fabric to bring the livingroom seating into the current century while bringing along the shadow and strength of its past. The furniture embodies a timeless layering by utilizing a fabric that honors the vintage period of the frames while introducing a very modern and lively energy with the texture and color of the mohair velvet itself. The trim adds yet an additional layer of luxury and modern style that honors the traditional treatment for these frames but with a modern interpretation. These pieces now occupy a focal point in the room and while having left the house dejectedly, have returned home again with new confidence and purpose.