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April 26, 2010 by Lindsay

Design is redesign.

Yes… We are at it again… Another DIY Project!

Every time I go to thrift stores, I am always drawn to the section with all the fun chairs! I love vintage chairs with interesting shapes and forms. Even an “ugly” chair can be brought back to a new life! I am drawn to pieces glazed with bold or metallic colors, especially since I have so many dark brown/walnut furniture pieces already!

Well… I have been searching for a new desk chair for quite some time. Since Kevin and I want to buy matching desks (since we share an office), I opted to buy a chair that was both inexpensive and versatile (in case I decided to switch it out). So, I ran to my local Goodwill and just happened to find the perfect chair and only for $7.99. So, the next stop was the paint store where I decided to have a little fun and select a metallic finish! There’s nothing like spending Sunday afternoon refurbishing furniture!!

So… here were my steps.

1. Buy the “ugly” chair

2. Unscrew & remove the seat cushion

3. Clean the Chair removing dust etc.

4. Do a little sanding (in this case it didn’t need a lot)

5. Prime the chair

6. Re-upholster the chair

I chose a fabric from Maharam called Plenty, color: Spice. This fabric has 60,000 double rubs, meaning it is very, very durable. Plus, it has a “green” with its reduced environmental impact!

7. Spray the chair the final color

8. Re-attach the seat cushion

This is such an easy DIY Project. It took me all of about 2.5 hour’s total and the results are stunning!

 

What do you think? Have you finished a DIY Project lately? Do tell. Or if you want to be considered for a featured post… email us your photos and the story!

All images courtesy of A Design Story, LLC.

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Want to see more DIY? Visit Southern Hospitality… click here , A Soft Place to Land… click here, Today’s Creative Blog… click here, Domestically Speaking… click here, Blue Cricket Design… click here, Beneath my Heart…click here, House of Hepworths… click here & Thrifty Decor Chick… click here.

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Comments

  1. Emily says

    April 26, 2010 at 11:31 am

    Love the fabric you picked.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 29, 2010 at 6:46 pm

      Thank you Emily~ It was such a fun and funky pattern… I had to go for it!

      Reply
  2. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    April 26, 2010 at 11:33 am

    Lindsay, I love your chair! That was a super deal, even better than the chair I got at a yardsale a few weeks ago. Love the transformation too, great job.Thanks for joining the party!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 29, 2010 at 6:46 pm

      Rhoda~ Thanks so much! I couldn’t pass it up… too good of a deal!!

      Reply
  3. Anita Weeks says

    April 26, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Love the chair!! You did a great job….. It looks really good!!

    Reply
  4. Pam @ *Design Fanatic* says

    April 26, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    Fantastic color combination!

    Reply
  5. Shellee says

    April 26, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    LOVE IT!! Great job!

    Reply
  6. sarah says

    April 27, 2010 at 6:02 am

    whoa!!! you did such a splendid job! not gonna lie, i would have totally overlooked that chair in its “before” state of being… but you really have a good eye and brought that thing to life!

    Reply
  7. candice woodworth says

    April 27, 2010 at 10:21 am

    The chair is great! I love the fabric!! Good eye!
    A perfect fit for the office!

    Reply
  8. Alyssa says

    April 27, 2010 at 11:40 am

    This is a great re-do! I love the fabric and color choice.

    Alyssa
    Lifeoflyssie.com

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 29, 2010 at 6:50 pm

      Alyssa~

      Thanks, I had a lot of fun choosing the fabric and paint. I went with a little something different this time and I am happy with the results!

      Reply
  9. Kristen says

    April 28, 2010 at 10:13 am

    Lindsay, I really like what you did with that chair. If the original owner saw it, I’d bet they’d want it back! I love your website, as I also love to find old stuff at yard sales that I can re-use in my own home…it’s inspiring to see what others do with their finds! Happy hunting! Kristen

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 29, 2010 at 6:49 pm

      Kristen~
      Thank you so much! I am sure people at Goodwill were wondering what in the world I would want this ugly chair for… I had a vision!! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. Autumn says

    April 28, 2010 at 6:45 pm

    I love it! I’ve been trying to find a chair like this and haven’t been so lucky. It looks great.

    Reply
  11. Lana Austin says

    April 28, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    Great re-do! Love that lively and fresh fabric choice!
    Great job,
    Lana

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 29, 2010 at 6:48 pm

      Lana~
      Thanks so much! I am happy I went with this fabric… it adds color to the space!!

      Reply
  12. RJ @ A Life Designed says

    April 29, 2010 at 5:47 am

    What a great makeover, I love the new colour!

    Reply
  13. Amber @ It's Greener Over Here says

    April 29, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    I love this chair! Great bones and great price! May I ask what color you painted the chair?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      May 5, 2010 at 8:31 am

      Hi Amber~ The spray paint was from Walmart and is from Krylon and is called Nickel and the finish is Satin! Hope this helps! Have fun!

      Reply
  14. Debra says

    April 30, 2010 at 3:10 am

    I love the bright color in the fabric. It really brings that chair to life.

    I’m having a book giveaWAY. Stop on by 🙂

    Reply
  15. Traci says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:56 pm

    Lindsay,
    This chair turned out so cute! I love the fabric you used. It is amazing the great chairs you can find at Goodwill, isn’t it? I am going to share this project on my facebook page. 🙂
    Thanks for linking up to my party.
    Blessings,
    Traci

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      May 5, 2010 at 8:29 am

      Thank you Traci~ I appreciate it!

      Reply
  16. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says

    April 30, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Love the gray paint and that fabric… it’s stunning. Thanks for sharing with us at the POPP.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      May 5, 2010 at 8:29 am

      Thank you Maryann!

      Reply
  17. Allison @ House of Hepworths says

    April 30, 2010 at 7:28 pm

    Your chair looks amazing!! Thanks so much for Hookin’ Up with me! 😉

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      May 5, 2010 at 8:28 am

      Thanks Allison~ I appreciate the opportunity to link up!

      Reply
  18. Samantha says

    April 30, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    What a great makeover, it’s amazing what a little paint and fabric can do!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      May 5, 2010 at 8:28 am

      Thank you Samantha, Paint goes a long way, that’s for sure!!

      Reply
  19. Liz says

    May 6, 2010 at 7:24 am

    Hi Lindsay,

    I love what you did with the chair. Do you mind telling me if you removed the old covering before you put the new one on? We are going to be moving soon and I was wondering if you are located in the Sarasota area. If so, I can use some advice if you’re available.

    Thanks,
    Liz

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      May 6, 2010 at 7:31 am

      Liz~ I actually recovered the cushion right over the existing fabric. Some chair cushions would need to be totally recovered, but the way this one was made it was just easier to leave it on. Plus, it actually gives the chair a bit more comfort to the cushion!
      I would be delighted to assist you with any design help you need! I am in the Sarasota area and service Tampa Bay as well as Richmond, Virginia! You can email me directly and we can chat~ lindsay@adesignstory.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

      Reply
  20. Kim says

    May 12, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    Beautiful! Love the color you painted the chair and REALLY love the fabric 🙂

    Reply

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About Me

Hi, I am Lindsay Milner, the designer, fashionista, blogger & mommy behind A Design Story! I am a happy wife & momma that loves all things stylish! I love blogging, interior design, shopping, having fun on the beach, making our house a home, hanging out with family, drinking coffee & running around after our kiddos.

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