Orange you beautiful?

My current project? These gems:

Michael found them on the side of the road two blocks from our apartment in August. I debated taking them and he insisted. Home they came and went straight to the basement. Until last weekend.

They look much worse in person than they do in this photo. And believe me when I saw they need a big makeover. I know they would fit in great as-is with someone’s 60’s inspired vintage living room, but the smell, dirt, stickiness, and unknown stains covering these two are too much for me. Orange isn’t really our color, anyway.

They look like an easy enough project, right? Not so much. I spent 3 hours on Sunday trying to remove nails and staples and fabric – 3 hours and I only got the back of one chair off!

Fabric removal is by far the most time consuming, unrewarding and frustrating part of upholstery. I may have even muttered an “I’m never doing another upholstery project again” as I fought with the rusted staples holding onto that fabric for dear life.

After another few hours last night, and hundreds of tacks, staples, nails – and a few hand blisters later, chair number one is mostly naked.

 Nevermind the few rogue staples and tacks yet to be removed. I'll get there.

We’re in a current debate about the wood on these chairs: Stain it or paint it?

I have a love of painted wood and Michael has a greater appreciation for the stained and natural wood look. We need to sand and prep the chairs before we can do either option and we’ve agreed to pick out the fabric first and then decide what might look better.

I’m loving Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern collection, especially the Mustard/Martini fabric.

Michael’s slow on the uptake for this one. The pressure is on though.

Day 2
Total Time Spent: 5 hours

Kate