Whispers from Morocco

These two chairs had a lot of presence but were struggling under the weight of a muddy finish aggravated by poorly executed past efforts to revive it and cushions that should have been replaced years ago. Yet, despite these shortcomings, one's eye was drawn to the visual strength of the frames and the unusual and unexpected side panels beneath the arms. Our clients saw the potential of these chairs in a neglected corner of a consignment shop and wanted to give them new life and release their exotic appeal. Structurally the frames were sound and built with solid white, straight grained oak. Over the years the chairs had seen two separate layers of finish. The first was a factory applied colored varnish and the second was a thick uneven layer of spray-on colored lacquer. Fortunately for our clients, the dark pigment remained in the finish and did not penetrate the wood. The stripped frames glowed with the rich patina of aged oak once the finish was totally removed. Care was taken not to sand through this layer of natural color while removing all of the old finish. The frames were then buffed to mirror perfection and prepared for staining. In wishing to reflect the rich colors of Morocco, the clients selected a red-based stain for the frames. Three thin coats of hand-rubbed tung oil followed which imparted a quiet amber cast to the stain while building up a hard protective finish. The grain could easily be seen through the finish as well as subtly felt beneath one's hand. The frames were visually appealing as well as a tactile delight; silky smooth and imbued with the undeniable personality of a natural material.

Sitting Pretty

Somewhere in time, someone placed a piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting between the cushion and the springs in an awkward attempt to improve the support of the seat. Before this action was taken, the cushions sat directly on the springs. When we removed the cover from the cushions, we could plainly see the impression of the springs in the disintegrating foam like a bad echo from an unpleasant dream. We knew we needed to rectify this situation before we did anything with the chairs. After carefully studying the frame, we decided to build a support structure for a proper deck to conceal the springs. We built this system with white oak and then stained it to match the rest of the chair frame. We then covered the springs with a layer of burlap, a layer of fresh new cotton and finished with a covering of decking fabric. We created a trim from the cushion fabric which we used to edge the decking. The result is a foundation that fully supports the seat cushion, covers the springs and provides a solid support for the occupant. The life of the seat cushion will also be extended as it is not being ground into the wires of the springs but evenly supported from beneath by a taut and handsome decking system found in all fine furniture.

Keying on the Panels

A captivating and completely unexpected aspect of these chairs is the detail of the side panels. It was this feature that attracted the eyes of our clients and further compelled them to purchase these pieces. While working with the frames we were inspired to play up the interlocking key pattern of the panels by subtle manipulation of color over the individual segments. As with the rest of the chair, the original murky finsih obscured all evidence of grain in the wood and consequently interest in the frame. Taking our insipration from the intricate and delicate patterns used in Moorish tilework, we elected to use three harmonic stain colors in a pattern that resulted in a play of light and shadow. We presented our clients with a mock-up of our concept and were enthusiastically requested to proceed. After the stain was dry and the protective coats of hand-rubbed finish cured, the newly exposed wood grain delightfully undulated as one's eye moved across the surface of the panel's plain. Pattern on top of pattern emerged as a result of the intensification of color and grain by the finish layers. The panels were lively, subtle yet mesmerizingly simple in their elegance.

Stitching it all Together

One's eye initially views an object as a unified whole and after extended inspection begins to focus on the individual details. In the case of this project, our clients selected a stain with a high red pigment value to compliment the fabric they selected for the cushions. The entire project reflects a rich color palatte that generates and maintains its own synergy. In a nod to their exotic travels, our clients used a fabric that reflected the rich saffron yellows, deep blood reds and mysterious indigo blues they fell in love with while abroad. The fabric had an architectural quality that mirrored the lines of the chairs. When crafting the cushions, we carefully size the foam specifically to the frame and build in a crown that provides a gentle arch to the top of the cushion allowing for loft and the look and feel of luxurious comfort. We ensure the welting is tight and stands proud along the edges. We craft our cushions to look as beautiful as they are long lasting.

Whispers from Morocco

Our clients frequently ask us how we manage to be so creative in suggesting approaches to take through the course of a project. For us, its simple: we only have to open our eyes and the answer is usually right there. Yet, in looking at challenges and/or problems, we see with our eyes as well as with our minds and endeavor to envision what is beyond the expected. Likewise we enjoy clients that have the inner strength and sense of adventure to look beyond a tired frame and see something that can inspire and delight them. Our clients approached this project with the same enthusiasm they apply to developing their travel itineraries; mindful of detail while staying on track. The effort to revive the oak frames was initially formidable yet once we began to reveal the beauty that was trapped beneath the original finish, the project seemed to generate its own momentum. A sprayed-on finish would have taken far less time but the end result wouldn't be worth a single dirham when compared to the depth, richness and luster of the hand-rubbed finish we articulated for these frames. The pairing of these newly restored frames and deep colors of the cushion fabric echo the rich experiences our clients lived while abroad. They can now sink into these chairs, close their eyes, and hear the distant sounds of their wanderings though the souks of Moroccan cities and recall the whispers of all the marvelous sights they've seen while comtemplating those yet to come.