I’ve been working like crazy trying to get a few projects done around the house and, by far, the most exciting one right now is the work that’s happening in my dining room.
Remember this idea board I recently shared in a post about my love for gingham and checked fabrics?
Well, I’m now working feverishly to turn this room into a reality!
I just LOVE this fabric that is draped over my wing chair!
It’s “Mani Indigo” by John Robshaw and I ordered it from House Fabric.
I originally wanted to use it for drapes (which would be totally fabulous, by the way) but two things prevented me from going that route — 1) The cost for fabric and drapery hardware and 2) my husband hates drapes. Those two negatives made it a no-go. If it had been cheaper, then I could make my case a little better for putting up drapes he doesn’t like. Ha!
So, long story short…I’m going with pillows to go on the two identical wing chairs I have flanking my sideboard. I know the scale of the pattern is large, but I think it will still work.
After the John Robshaw fabric came in, my chair fabric arrived. I promptly started taking apart a chair and now have ONE chair finished…only 5 to go! (I don’t know whether to say “Woo Hoo or Oh Crap! lol).
I really, really love it! I hope six chairs in buffalo check won’t freak my husband out! Even in the brown, it is still a little feminine.
And, I hope the plate wall I’m putting together isn’t too girly for him, either.
Not to worry, though.
I’ve got some more manly stuff up my sleeve to balance things out.
I was thinking this guy might be nice…
Savvy Southern Style
Elizabeth & Co.
Confessions of a Plate Addict
It’s Overflowing
Too Much Time on My Hands
I am so impressed! You know how to recover chairs? That’s not easy, I’m sure. I just love your style with the french country/Texas combination. It’s wonderful! Did you see what I’m working on in my dining room? I’d love it if you’d come by and give me your ideas. I’m wondering exactly which buffalo check fabric that is that you are using…the checks are a nice size. I’m going to use red.
Oh I just looked back and you are using the fabric from Calico Corners. I’m waiting on a swatch from them. I may end up making curtains or ordering them from Country Curtains. Several bloggers have bought theirs and been happy. Don’t know yet.
Great job on the chair, they will look great, sure the husband will love them.
Jeannie
This is my first time to your blog. Wow, you’ve got a fabulous sense of style!! I also love gingham, and I’m in love with that buffalo check chair and lantern. I’ll be back to see the finished product for sure! Came over from WUW.
Blessings,
Leslie
We must have very similar tastes….what a fabulous style board! I absolutely love brown check too with the blue accents especially. Can’t wait To see it finished!
I cannot wait to see your finished dining room!!! I am loving your style and your blog! New follower! So happy you dropped by my blog earlier!!
Jenna @ http://rainonatinroof.com
I just found your blog and now I can’t wait to see the finished dining room! I’m your newest follower-happy to find your blog! Claire
Oh pretty! Love the color combination and I’m a buffalo check fan too!
Oh pretty! Love the color combination and I’m a buffalo check fan too!
I’d love to hear your opinion on the Mani Indigo print fabric! I’ve been going back and forth about buying it, because I am looking for a blue and white fabric where the white is “true white” – not creme colored. What do you think… does the background have a creamy look?
Thanks!
It’s not a pure white but it’s not very creamy either. If you want to email me at I can either email you some pictures of it along side a pure white or I’d be happy to mail you a remnant I have. Sometimes there is just no substitute for seeing it in person.
I’m thrilled with the way it looks in my dining room, but it may look different in your home. You just never know until you get it home!
Julie, I know you’re all done with this project. But I just wanted to send you a note w/ a couple of comments.
#1 THANKS for sharing your lovely home & the inspiration you’re giving out to so many. I love your blog.
#2 – the RIGHT TOOLS & supplies make all the difference!!! – Don’t you love re-upholstering? I’m totally hooked on it — now that I have a COMPRESSOR STAPLER & a few upholstery tools – like a tack/staple remover tool & rubber mallet plus found upholstery supply outlet for the “secret” supplies that make the job easier & professional looking! I ditched my electric staple gun & tried the compressor stapler (all it took was one try & I was HOOKED) when I decided to redo my 10 dining chairs + 2 living room wing chairs + living room’s vintage Victorian ladies chair + bedroom settee bench + 2 more chairs that I’m going to use for host/hostess chairs in dining room (though they’re really living room chairs + 2 more chairs I got at the Habitat Restore (I could NOT leave them there — they’re Martha Washington chairs priced at $25 in perfect condition from a law office – there were about 50 of them, but w/ great restraint I only bought & now I’m kicking myself that I didn’t buy at least 4 more to redo for my daughters but my husband would have KILLED me since the basement was full of my projects — they HICKORY CHAIR Co that retail for $700 each; the cheapest I found them on ebay was $270 ea if you bought a pair & they’re used & would need recovering or $515 for one “seller refurbished” & though pretty, it’s not my taste — so you understand why MY HAPPY DANCE is still going on). The right tools make it EASY.
Thank you for your comment, Mimi! It is so true that the right tools make all the difference. I didn’t invest in a fancy stapler but if I do more upholstering, I surely will. Once I got that staple remover from the professional supply store, it made all the difference!
You sound very energetic and I can’t believe the wonderful deals you’ve stumbled upon. Maybe it’s a good thing my house doesn’t have a basement, or I would be swimming in furniture projects!
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a wonderful comment!
Julie