Is this a Diamond in the Rough?
Maybe…
To some it shows great potential.
To others…
it should go to the dump.
it should go to the dump.
I have what some might call an interesting definition of ‘potential’
I see potential to a fault.
Pieces that really should be tossed find their way home with me to
be repurposed, re used, re discovered.
I found this French Sofa and it’s matching chair on craigslist and absolutely fell in love
There was just something about it.
Something so feminine and timeless… that I managed to overlook quite a bit.
Stained, way beyond salvageable red velvet fabric,
chips in the frame and springs coming through underneath.
From a usable standpoint- a disaster.
Ever the ‘potential’ visionary,
I was somehow able to see beyond all the work
I was somehow able to see beyond all the work
the smells, the grunge…
I saw a gorgeous carved frame, curvy arms and the perfect petite size
Within 1/2 hour of first looking at it,
I had reupholstered it in my mind
in a bold red and white buffalo check fabric.
It was a perfect French country piece.
After convincing my husband,
I carted it home and ordered yards of fabric.
I carted it home and ordered yards of fabric.
Then began the task of taking off the old.
Wearing thick gloves and a mask
Wearing thick gloves and a mask
I pulled the pieces off carefully to be able to keep them for patterns for the new pieces.
There was old cotton batting lining each section and TONS of horsehair stuffing.
I re-used the horsehair (after a couple SUPER DUPER SIZE cans of Lysol and bottle of Febreze)
but replaced the cotton batting.
Next were the old spring filled cushions.
They were much better quality than what you find today in plain foam
so I decided to keep them.
I pulled off the old batting, rewrapped them in new
and made new covers edged in red cording.
It is just as gorgeous as I imagined it would be in the red check.
As much as I can tire of patterns and colors and want a change-
this has stayed a favorite in it’s sassy bold look.
this has stayed a favorite in it’s sassy bold look.
(This was originally published back in May of 2010 when I was first blogging
and was one of my first posts.
I added a couple of larger better photos at the end of the post-
Can you believe the others were taken with my Iphone and that was the camera I used for all my photos on my blog until last Spring?
Insanity.)
and was one of my first posts.
I added a couple of larger better photos at the end of the post-
Can you believe the others were taken with my Iphone and that was the camera I used for all my photos on my blog until last Spring?
Insanity.)
Gracefully Vintage says
OH MY GOODNESS, that is similar to the one i just bought.. Nothing is Garbage, You did a fantastic job, Im sad you dont live closer so we could squeal in delight over these afters- and finds. But then man I dont want the competition.Your good..That is Beautiful…
Karryann
Cassie says
Wow, that is pretty! You do have vision!
Erin says
Love this!!! Yes, great vision!
Miss Mustard Seed says
It is wonderful! You had me at "French Country." My very favorite style.
Angie says
One word – FABULOUS!!!!! I want one too!!!!!
Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures says
That is so beautiful. Love it.
Anonymous says
It is absolutely lovely. Very, very nice job!
Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) says
Beautiful! Wish I had the talent to recover a piece like that…very impressive! Love buffalo check fabric and it looks great on this piece! Awesome metamorphosis!
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
This transformation is gorgeous! I have the same buffalo check fabric to make a cushion for my french style bench. It looks amazing on your piece.
Susan McClaskey says
Beautiful sofa! Good job!
Susan
Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says
Beautiful job! You were so right to see "potential" in your find! Love it!
Unknown says
Wow. Very cool. That is a big job and yet you make it sound so simple. It looks terrific in your room. I never would have pictured that red for the couch. You have a great eye for decorating. Thanks for sharing.
Vanessa says
GORGEOUS! I love your sofa refurbishing and I am loving your blog! Just became a follower and can't wait to read through your previous posts!
Vanessa
http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com
Diane says
Gorgeous! The only word I can think of to describe this. Love that you put it at the end of your bed.
Cathy~Mille Fleur says
Wow…this is beautiful! You are a genius! Love love love!
Enjoy!
Cathy
Karie says
Absolutely beautiful! I don't think I would have been that brave. Very nice job. Thanks for sharing.
lvroftiques says
What a fabulous transformation! I've now read your blog from start to finish and can't wait to see more! We love so many of the same things. Vanna
Pamela says
Love it! It turned out just perfect!
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says
That is beautiful! You did such a great job. It works so well in your home!
Lily says
That is gorgeous!! Absolutely beautiful!! What a fabulous job you did!
~Lily
http://www.neverfadingwood.blogspot.com
Wsprsweetly Of Cottages says
Fantastic! How I wish I could do something like that. Some see a ripped apart old sofa..and see a ripped apart old sofa! You see a ripped apart old sofa and see a beautiful RED sofa that is absolutely to be envied!
Sweet Bee Cottage says
Adore this couch! It looks great no matter where you put it. You did good girl!
Tammy @ Type A says
thanks for the link, it turned out gorgeous. i love furniture like this, i could have one in every room. the fabric is perfect too. but i love red.
thanks t
Cindy says
love, love, love the sofa… love the giant gingham checks, it is fabulous! you are amazing… you should see the things i have dragged out of the dump… i think we should be BFF's
Cindy
Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss says
Only one word necessary…WOW!!!!
Chrissy says
Oh I love this style of couch, you did a great job with it:) I like you choice of fabric also.
Thanks for sharing.
The Inspired Nest says
That is a beautiful makeover. I am drooling over it! I want one too!
Lacy
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Courtney, I love that and love the fabric of course! How perfect is that. Thanks for sharing this again.
Angela says
What a beautiful sofa and it looks so nice in the bedroom, the transformation is perfect.
xoxo,
Angela.
Julie says
This is definitely a great find! I've had a great time browsing your blog. Following you 🙂
A Cozy Cottage in the City says
Hi! I'm a fairly new follower and I am just going through your old posts, and I have to say I love this transformation! I was wondering if you possibly had a tutorial for how you did this? My hubby and I just bought a fixer, and buying new furniture on a budget is challenging, so I'd love to learn how to do this! You have such a beautiful blog!!! 😉
Jessie
sharon says
Love!
livingcreed says
Recycle,reuse,redecorate,rebuild. Kudos to you on all accounts!