was about the settee at the foot of my bed.
The wood carved frame and all the details, details, details- Perfect.
small and dainty in it’s depth and feeling- Perfect.
coming and going etc.
But the cats loved laying on the sofa. For several years.
Which meant a lot of hair.
I might have sneezed the whole way home even with all the windows open in my car
within a few minutes of looking at it-
the amazing
Charles Faudree.
I was so sad to learn of Charles recent passing and
wanted to share one of the many inspirations
his designs brought to my style and my home.
gooey teenage girl kind of crush.
The kind of first love and feeling that you always remember and that has a special place in your heart.
I was completely mesmerized at the beautiful, elegant and yet so welcoming spaces.
I studied each detail- noticing the color on the lamp or the style of the artwork
mixed with the wallpaper or wood planks.
They were like all the elements of a song- each instrument bringing something on it’s own but harmonizing to perfection. His rooms speak to me.
The furniture- the fabrics, the patterns. All that toile, all that charm.
There are only 2 designers I feel that strongly about their designs
Charles will always be one of my biggest inspirations.
than grand- I do mix it up.
Not a rule follower over here- never have been.
knowing it was the perfect candidate for adding some of that wonderful
Faudree charm to my home
Now my husband on the other hand- was not feeling the love.
He was more feeling like I had lost my marbles… again. (common)
But after cringing, shaking his head and giving me the look
he loaded them up.
Since I re-did this before blogging- when I didn’t document each project
I will have to just explain the re-do and share a few close ups
I started by pulling the fabric off the frame all the way down to the horsehair stuffing.
Then came out the super sized (or 5) cans of Lysol
and several hours in the hot sun just to bake away anything that was lingering.
they got a good dousing of lysol as well)
The cushions themselves also got the Lysol and sun treatment- they are the original spring and horsehair construction and much better than foam cushions- so they stayed.
I found the fabric I wanted to upholster it in – on Ebay of all places
It reminded me so much of this fabric- which is Vervain
Vervain |
After cutting the piece that I needed from the pattern- which was the original
upholstery fabric I had saved-
I started by tacking it at one end with the cardboard strips for upholstery and using a staple gun
I followed it along the frame until the back was done and then pulled it down
and tacked it on the bottom under the frame.
So- the back piece was tacked along the front under the carved frame and pulled down
pushed through the very back of the ‘cushion area’ into the back crease
and then tacked underneath to the frame.
Then I repeated for the ‘seat’ area which is where the cushions sit on top of.
Tacking the fabric along the frame in the front
and pushing it through the same crease in the back and taking underneath.
It was a job- and it is one of those jobs where having someone
help you- would be awesome.
I was a little worried about the busy of the pattern on a bias, etc.
These are actually going to be re-done in the next few months and I will probably be attempting cording for them instead this time.
But the rope cording worked perfectly, honestly, for those of you who would
like to do something similar.
You can use a hot glue gun or an adhesive to avoid any tacking nails or staples.
I had a moment.
a Charles Faudree-esque piece brings to your design.
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michele says
what an incredibly special piece revived by your hands and love. beautiful.
michele
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
And I still love it.
DD's Cottage says
LOVE LOVE LOVE your settee! FAB!
Jeannie and Linda says
I love your vision, the sofa is beautiful. Charles Faudree was certainly an inspiration to many. I have quite a few of his design books myself. Your room is lovely.
Jeannie
Loree says
It is absoultely georgeous!
Unknown says
Beautiful! I know just what you mean by a "warm fuzzies" moment mine is usually turns into a happy dance moment. 🙂
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
It's a beautiful piece, Courtney! Kudos to you for taking on the reupholstery yourself. I don't think I would have the patience to do it.
Susie says
This looks amazing. How did you tack on the white rope trim so that nothing shows? Great vision and big reward.
sweet violets says
He is one of my favorites too, and I have always loved that sofa in your bedroom!! You did an amazing job!! I would never attempt such a project……
La Vie Quotidienne says
I was sad to hear of his passing too ~ fortunately he left behind all of his wonderful books, of which I have.You did a fantastic job on your settee, I think he would have loved it.
Linda says
Outstanding job! And thanks for the Lysol reminder. Linda@Wetcreek Museum Blog
Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary says
I was sadden to learn of his passing – he truly was a great designer. I love that sofa and you really did a terrific job on it. I would love to have it in my bedroom and Charles is smiling down at your beautiful sofa.
Mary
Debbie says
And did your husband say, "you were right and I was wrong"????? And if so, what delicious icing on the cake. Lovely.
Sayuri says
wow….I just enjoyed reading this post…so much!
A settee is something I really want, something that I want to do a makeover myself, just like you did.
Your settee turned out so perfect, beautiful, gave me that warm fuzziness in my mind, just like these pictures of Faudree's you posted gave me a little earlier 🙂
[email protected] says
If that were mine I would love it till the day I died! Reading this post about Faudre was like I was reading something I would have written. You hit on the word 'welcoming" and I so agree that is the overall feeling you get from every one of his spaces. What a loss, but also what a gift he was to all us lovers of Country French. Great, great post, thanks.
Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz says
You had a terrific vision and I love how it turned out! It's so sad that Mr. Faudree passed away. He left a wonderful legacy.
Locksley Lane says
Beautiful. Love your bedroom and your blog.
Paula – http://www.locksleylane.blogspot.com
Got My Reservations says
Such a beautiful piece recreated with love.
CottageRose says
What a lovely settee; your whole room is gorgeous! Charles will be sorely missed by many. I had the honor of meeting him at a book signing a few years ago with my dd (she wasn't even in her teens then!). He was a wonderful person. We both had Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, so had our love of them in common. We will always treasure his books, as well as the wonderful memories of meeting him in person. Thanks so much for your lovely post!!
Angelina at Petite Haus says
The style that Charles Faudree decorated in is just so soft, warm, and welcoming. I think that's why he's one of my favorite decorators. I think you nailed the look.
Unknown says
Mr. Faudree is my all-time favorite designer. His French/European style is so elegant and yet warm. His rooms always look welcoming, inviting. My late father was also a great fan of his style-masculine does not have to equate with a cave. Indeed my husband is also fond of the Faudree style. We will certainly miss seeing his beautiful work. He has left us a handsome legacy in his work.
Unknown says
Love the settee! Charles Faudree was the best! His timeless style will live on for many generations.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Your bedroom picture is truly iconic…your settee is truly stunning and knowing that you transformed it all on your own is amazing…i love Charles Faudree…he will be sorely missed…I cannot imagine not being able to buy another great book by him…
Unknown says
It's sure a beautiful sofa!
Julie says
Love the sofa, I am looking for something like that too. ^^
Theresa says
Just beautiful! I love Charles Faudree too. I would love to add some of his design influence such as checks in home as well.
PamLuvsPink says
Hi Courtney!!!
When I first started to follow you, one of the rooms you showed was your bedroom. As you said, 'Your eye sees it and you
fall in love and then the plans for it start rolling. Well, soon after, I saw on Craigslist the near same loveseat as yours. Same
pink color and near the same design wood frame. I paid $40 for it(The sellers had another loveseat and full couch). The material
was in great shape and I've left it.
Your bedroom is gorgeous Courtney and I've seen Charles Faudree's work in magazines, but, now I want to look at his history
and such.
Enjoy the rest of the week!!!
Pam
xox
Unknown says
I love, love your bedroom and of course the settee. I just started changing my bedroom and when I saw yours in Pinterest I new that it was the one I will use for inspiration. I won't be able to have a sofa like that or fireplace since I live in a rented apartment but I will try to get the look and peaceful feeling of yours.
Athena at Minervas Garden says
Beautiful makeover for this lovely, elegant piece!
Beneath the Eaves says
Just Gorgeous! And so satisfying to bring a beautiful piece back. I love Charles Faudree too. I love how inviting all his rooms are and that there is always something in the design you can borrow. The most elegant rooms have something for all budgets to recreate.
Beneath the Eaves says
Just Gorgeous! Also very satisfying to bring a beautiful piece back. I love Charles Faudree too. His designs are always so warm and inviting. Even the most elegant rooms had design elements every budget could borrow. It was sad to hear of his passing.
Fabulously French says
Well dine, it looks stunning! What a transformation 🙂
Leeann x
Di says
The Lysol trick I've logged. The settee is beautiful I love large checks and of course Charles Faudree.
Marisa Franca @ Allourway says
You are so brave!! The sofa is gorgeous! I love the buffalo print – but you said you were going to redo?? I am really excited to see what you are going to do. Did you take upholstering lessons are did you just dive in?? You certainly are an inspiration.
Julie says
Oh, how I love a buffalo check! This is just beautiful and a gorgeous addition to that room. Nice work!
Katherines Corner says
Well deserving of a warm fuzzy moment! Love it. I hope you will share this post at my hop today. Hugs
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
That settee is stunning and your bedroom is gorgeous. I love, love , love it all. Hugs, Marty
Deborah Montgomery says
You did such an amazing job! Everything looks so beautiful. I love the Charles Faudree pictures you shared too.
Unknown says
It looks like it was made to rest at the end of your bed – just beautiful Courtney!
xxx
Jojo says
Wow! Congratulations on a beautiful work of the heart.
Phyllis @Around the House says
wow your sofa is just so wonderful, i love where it is and I love the large buffalo checks, where did you find that wonderful fabric…I adore the fact that you can sit on the couch and the arm rest is wood so it will not look worn and dingy, love that…thanks for sharing,,,
fixitfaerie says
Love your bedroom, and whole house. Sincerely love it. I was sorry to hear Charles Faudree passed away. His designs were incredible.
Karin says
Lovely – you did a stunning job. Love your bedroom.
Unknown says
Just gorgeous!
Unknown says
Just gorgeous!
Unknown says
Really beautiful job! Cording is really easy to do in case you haven't tried it yet. If you did all the other upholstery work on this sofa then you will have no problem with the cording.
Donna Lynn says
Your beautiful bedroom is such an inspiration for me, I adore the big buffalo check fabrics you used, thank you for posting the steps on the french sofa, I plan on starting small, with a french chair, then working up to the sofa!