Found

If you've read my blog in the past few months, you know of my deep desire to find vintage upholstered X benches. Well, I didn't find X benches, but some vintage benches that spoke to me just the same.

Not the most spectacular upholstery but as they were just $7 each, I grabbed them. Now, the daunting task of finding a fabric. 

My husband prefers them tucked under the Parson's sofa table (which is patiently waiting for its makeover). And, no, my floors are not as orange as they look in this photo. Although, they are too orange for my taste. Believe me, refinishing is on the list. The never-ending list. 

I thought the benches looked very similar to some that Angie Hranowsky used in a bedroom . . . 

Oh, how I love this room.

Okay, back to my benches. 

Sorry for the horrible lighting. You should know this was during the flood yesterday.

Since this room is fairly brown neutral, color is needed in a big way (as I mentioned yesterday in my post about pillows). Most of the color I have now is in my rug and accessories.

My kids tend to follow me when I start snapping photos.

Here are some fabrics I'm loving right now (in no particular order) . . . 

Robert Allen's Tioga in Paprika

this crazy-expensive but great Highland Court fabric

and this color-saturated vintage Chinoiserie fabric from eBay.

I would love to do the Tioga on the benches and the Chinoiserie fabric on some pillows for the slipper chairs, but I don't think I can do Tioga if I get these beauties for Mother's Day . . .

That's just too much diamond/geometric pattern going on. So, if you have any thoughts, please do share. Any fabulous fabrics you've run across that might look great with the colors I've got going on (mainly a shrimpy/coral color, chartreuse and/or teal/turquoise)? Should I ditch the pillows in La Fiorentina and get the benches recovered in Tioga? Anyone? Help a sister out.

Sources: Angie Hranowsky, Online Fabric Store, Inside Fabric, eBay, Etsy

To My Dear Family,

Since Mother's Day is coming soon and you're often asking me what I'd like as a gift (besides your love, of course), I thought I would give you an idea. One word: pillows.

Specifically, these pillows from Etsy. A little La Fiorentina in coral would add some much needed punch to our family sofa. See, it would really benefit us all. I'm being the selfless mother once again.

The zebra pillows from West Elm are looking a little worse for wear these days.

And of course, once the sofa gets a facelift, I'd hate to ignore the slipper chairs. Never fear, I found a little pick-me-up for them (and me) as well . . .

This ikat chevron/flamestitch pillow would fit the bill nicely. I'm loving the corals and chartreuse yellowy-green. I think it would coordinate nicely with colors in our rug . . .

Excuse my unstyled coffee table.

Unfortunately, there's only one available and we have two chairs. Slight hiccup. Not to worry, I'll find an alternative. Plenty of time until Mother's Day. I'm off to shop now . . . 

Love,

Mom

Sources: Etsy

Looking for an Outlet?

While some people might look for creative outlets, I prefer the retail variety. I see the word "outlet," and I automatically think "discount." So imagine my excitement when a postcard arrived in my mail with this photo . . .

and the words, Grand Opening and outlet. The Amy Howard Outlet, to be exact. Are you familiar with Amy Howard? 

She makes very nice furniture and is from my hometown of Memphis. 

Her classic, beautiful pieces speak for themselves.

 

So pretty.

I'm not sure I'll be able to afford these beauties even at "outlet" prices, but I can at least look and drool if nothing else. 

Until now, these pieces have only been available through designers and design showrooms. 

Now, I can just drop by and check them out any Wednesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Grand Opening is this Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m., 2203 Bandywood, Nashville. I know I'll be stopping by.

Source: Amy Howard Collection