Investing in the Future

When you invest in quality furniture, you are contributing to the future, as well as being environmentally friendly. “How am I doing that”, you may ask? Furniture with quality craftsmanship and timeless design can be transformed and given a second life when handed down, donated, or consigned. Poorly made furniture will, in all likelihood, wind up as a disposable product adding to a landfill somewhere.

Olioboard of proposed space

I recently had the privilege of working with a group of local designers on a charity design showhouse. Our mission was to find previously owned, donated, or discarded furniture and accessories, then give them a complete makeover. The pieces were then put on display in two custom built homes and sold to raise money for local charities.

Some items were found at consignment and thrift stores, then repainted or reupholstered to gain a new lease on life. The chosen color palette for our house was blues, greens, and browns . . . leading to a soothing, nature inspired theme. The result was a room that included burlap, birds’ nests, greenery, and feathers.

I happened upon a charming 1950′s buffet, which had good bones, but whose finish had seen better days. A fresh coat of spring-green paint and the perfect accent piece was created! The buffet was paired with some classic, blue and white floral parson’s chairs and a cottage-style white painted table.

These two chairs were found at a thrift store; slipcovers were made using fabric that has the casual look of burlap, but with a much softer feel. I further embellished the slipcovers with a stamped decorative motif, added a ribbon and mini bird’s nest for extra details.