seating

I've seen plenty of Louis XV chairs upholstered in bold prints, covered in shiny patent leather, and spray-painted in bright, high-gloss shades. There are countless ways to make the classic chair an eye-catching one, if that's the look you're going for. But my dearest mother went for something a little more provocative, if I do say so myself.

Years ago, my mother bought an antique armchair with beautiful caning that she intended to reupholster. To give us a peek of that ravishing rattan, she decided to have the backrest only partially upholstered — what I like to call a bikini! Much like outline quilting, the upholsterer followed the floral pattern to hem the fabric, creating a feminine, flirty, scalloped edge. Today the fabric is a bit dated, but the effect is still a success.

What do you think? Have you ever seen this before?

When we're talking about a design icon like the Le Corbusier LC2 Armchair, I hate to use the phrase "Out with the old, in with the new." But after seeing the LC in its hot new color options, I can't imagine ever going back to basic black and white. The revived palette, ranging from orange to olive, is just the boost the ubiquitous classic needed, and with new fabric options like durable canvas, the chair is not only more affordable, but also more user-friendly. Better yet, the manufacturer Cassina has also introduced seven stylish colors for the chair's metal frame, including matte and gloss black, and gloss gray, light blue, green, bordeaux, and ochre.

While I give much applause to Cassina for giving the LC a fresh face, I can't help but be reminded that the manufacturer wasn't the first to dare to go there. Several years ago, San Francisco-based interior designer Martha Angus reupholstered a pair of Le Corbusier chairs in absorbent, blue terrycloth for a residence she designed in Portola Valley, CA. Back then, I was struggling with the idea, but in retrospect, I really love it. As much as I think that an iconic design like this one — which is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art — doesn't need to be altered, I also appreciate the irreverence of Angus and the bold spin she put on a classic. Of course, if a designer were to make it over in busy, floral, eyelet fabric, I might be singing a different tune.

I headed to New Orleans to celebrate Halloween this year, and while I was down in the Crescent City, I also spent a couple days at Voodoo Fest. When I tired of the rowdy MGMT and Ozzy Osborne crowds, I snuck off with some red beans and rice to the "Cinema" lounge, which was furnished entirely out of upcycled materials. I fell hard for these stools made of rolled up offBeat magazines (NOLA's local music pub). Each stool was made of a few dozen magazines or newspapers, which were held together with a nylon belt or strap.

Always suspicious, I tested out the stools myself, and they were super sturdy! Of course, you could also use them as side tables for books and small accessories. In any case, I must say they're clever and easy on the eyes! What do you think?

It's been a while since I've written one of these Crave Worthy posts. I've been waiting for a truly statement-making piece to come along . . . and this Dandelion Bench ($2,750) definitely fits the bill. From the playful, '50s-style metal backrest to the round, neon green cushions, this sophisticated seat stopped me dead in my tracks. You'd make a fabulous first impression by placing this bench in your foyer, don't you agree?

The bench is designed by Sally Bridge, a former fashion designer who began designing and making furniture in 2007 for a home she bought and renovated in Umbria, Italy. A modernist, she mixes fresh, fun shapes and rustic materials in a quirky way.

Do you love it as much as I do?

Here's a post from OnSugar blog Smorgasbord:

After declaring my love for mid-century modern design and sofas with clean straight lines, I find myself drawn to these curvy beauties. I know. I annoy myself. These velvet chesterfields are to die for. Love, love, love them.

I don't know what this particular style of sofa is called. Anyone know? But I like that they are deep enough that I can curl up in them.

Surprisingly, I can find both of these here in Finland. However, seeing as we have a big fat hairy cat, velvet really isn't an option. So yeah, guess I need to make up my mind already. Stay tuned! Who knows what I will be into next week?!

Want to see more? Start following Smörgåsbord or create your own OnSugar blog! Maybe your posts will be featured here on CasaSugar! P.S. The style is a traditional English roll-arm style made by British furniture maker George Sherlock — sold at Ruby Beets in the U.S.

Source and Source

Earlier today, I espoused my belief that benches are a smart addition to any living room. So to help you on your search, I've rounded up several benches to choose from. I'm in love with this Tarp Bench ($1,900), which is made from South American hardwoods with gray canvas cushions (though I'm tempted to reupholster them in something a little zingier). Not your fave? Maybe you'll find your dream bench below!

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member DIYwithADD from the Su Casa group:

Now that our renovation is finished, I'm on the hunt for some great textiles and upholstery to infuse color and texture into our home. But I'm also on a very tight budget. I'll be sharing some of the bargains I come across along the way on my blog, diywithadd. These vibrant slipper chairs at Target are a pretty good buy at $300. Actually, that's the best price I've seen anywhere. I don't know how good the quality of these chairs is, but they certainly give a lot of fabric bang for the buck. What about you? Have you found other sources for inexpensive and modern upholstered chairs? Well, don't keep them to yourself! Please share your sources in the comments and I'll add them to a future post on diywithadd. Happy bargain hunting, ADD

What home décor items are you shopping for lately? Be sure to share your decorating adventures in the Su Casa group!