Isabell's Beautiful Gustavian Chair

<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SsPPvjnwl9I/AAAAAAAADSs/a26lvnFnmhM/s1600-h/letter"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387377995188049874" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SsPPvjnwl9I/AAAAAAAADSs/a26lvnFnmhM/s400/letter" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I get the most wonderful emails from people all over the world about Willow Decor. One of the most recent was from Isabell in Norway, (but moving to Sweden). Please read her wonderful note and photograph, which she has allowed me to share with all you.<br /><br /><br /><em>Hello ”Willlow Decor” !<br /><br />My name is Isabell, a frequent reader of your lovely blog and I wanted to thank you, because by you I came in contact with lovely Kymberley Fraser. A while ago you made a post about her, and you showed pictures of some of 3 Fine Grains sacks. I have this great passion about sacks, so seeing them made my heart jump….. I contacted her and bought the one you see, which now is on my Gustavian chair…..the furniture upholsterer in Stockholm thought the old chair and the sack made a good marriage. So do we……………..<br /><br />Your last post was wonderful, the furniture you have is really pieces to love. So beautifully done, and so nice they look in your home. Of course the cushions from Kym , just love the as well………….<br /><br />Isn`t it fantastic how mutual interest have no boundaries, no borders, by your post I read, I came in contact with Kymberley, she sent me the sack to Scandinavia, (Norway), I sent the sack to Sweden, and now I am about to move back to Sweden living and loving among many other things our chair………the world seem smaller in a way……………………<br /><br />Once again thank you !<br /><br />Kind regards<br /><br /></em><em>Isabell</em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387376841628875794" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SsPOsaR0fBI/AAAAAAAADSk/CjCsVvbDJis/s400/Grainsack+Chair.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /><br /></div><p align="center">The reach and power of the Internet continues to amaze me. I am so grateful to be able to find so many other lovers of fine antiques and home decor world wide. I know you will agree that Isabell's Gustavian Chair is exquisite! Fabulous job, Isabell and thank you so much for sharing!</p>

Isabell's Beautiful Gustavian Chair

I get the most wonderful emails from people all over the world about Willow Decor. One of the most recent was from Isabell in Norway, (but ...

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Those White and Cream Cow Hide Rugs

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr4HAZ0qrKI/AAAAAAAADRE/TySdLt0uzi8/s1600-h/suzanne-kasler3-350.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385749907894873250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr4HAZ0qrKI/AAAAAAAADRE/TySdLt0uzi8/s400/suzanne-kasler3-350.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Suzanne Kasler</span><br /><div align="center">I am really enamored with white/cream cow hide rugs. They seem to add another layer of richness and beauty to so many different style interiors. Here is a lovely room designed by the wonderful Suzanne Kasler.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385734742775493362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr35NrWc8vI/AAAAAAAADQ0/J8Ge1hvV1xc/s400/Cow+Southern+Accents.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Southern Accents</span><br />I especially love cow hide rugs over sisal or seagrass. In this room the rug seems to compliment all furnishings; notice the side table and Ghost chair.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385734731440426034" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr35NBH9jDI/AAAAAAAADQk/hoWqviqcOzM/s400/COw+Jan+showers+Material+girls.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Jan Showers</span><br /><div align="center">The combination of the natural floor covering and the sumptuousness of the cow hide really speaks to me. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385734736916902578" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr35NVhp8rI/AAAAAAAADQs/3gQJGIQBusI/s400/cow+sallywheat137_thumb1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Cote de Texas</span></div><div align="center">I think they add a luxurious layer of texture and interest to room. Here is the wonderful bedroom of Sally Wheat, brought to us by Joni of <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/">Cote de Texas</a>. You can read all about the rest of Sally's house <a href="http://www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/04/stalking-wheats.html">here</a>. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385734327547693394" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr341ggbiVI/AAAAAAAADQc/XtHqtWmmdJY/s400/cow-+Sally+wheat+cote+de+texas.png" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Cote de Texas</span><br />Sally renovated the many rooms including the living room. Here is the photo from the cover of Houston House and Home. You can read all about her more recent renovation <a href="http://www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/08/wheats-stalking-continues-part-ii.html">here</a>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385734324135164738" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr341Ty0e0I/AAAAAAAADQU/IwWtVZXNIRU/s400/cow-jan+showers+material+girls.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Material Girls</span></div><div align="center">Here the fabulous Jan Showers layers the cow hide over white rug. It adds a layer of richness to this room. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385733172640166658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr33ySJBMwI/AAAAAAAADP0/piSMVZVv6cE/s400/cow+vincent+wolf+veranda.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Veranda</span></div><div align="center">Though not quite cream, I wanted to include Vincent Wolfe's gorgeous room. Here the cow hide is layered over a lighter rug and creates a luxurious effect. </div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385733166941901826" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr33x86clAI/AAAAAAAADPs/hjo2xWk8A0c/s400/cow+uktv.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">uktv</span></div><div align="center">=The cow hides seem to work in many different decors. Here it looks fabulous in this more masculine and modern room. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385733373146719170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr3399FgY8I/AAAAAAAADQM/5iTfWkNGtwM/s400/cow-tbird.png" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">tbird<br /></span>Of course in more modern interiors, like this bedroom the cow hide softens the hard edges of the furniture and the space. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385749901466062530" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr4HAB36zsI/AAAAAAAADQ8/FlFnkGNG8LM/s400/Cow+Hide+Kim+Christie.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Kim Christie<br /></span>They also look beautiful laying on a hardwood floor - In this room I love the mix of the hard lines of the mirrors and coffee tables with the softness of linen sofa, throw and cow hide rug.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr339GnmUzI/AAAAAAAADP8/bXVF0dGqBNg/s1600-h/cow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385733358525764402" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr339GnmUzI/AAAAAAAADP8/bXVF0dGqBNg/s400/cow.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">unknown</span><br />I find the cowhide rug a more interesting choice than the traditional needlepoint or aubusson rug. With the yellow chairs, it adds a layer of unexpected edginess to this room.<br />The darker floors also really make the rug stand out.<br /></div></div></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385760194274019090" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr4QXJkkRxI/AAAAAAAADRM/Dr5FV-ViW88/s400/Cow+-Decorpad.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">decorpad</span></div><div align="center">Finally here is one my favorite rooms. I think the the cow hide rug looks so lovely in this very neutral interior. What do think? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Click on <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/10/01/hooked-on-built-in-bookshelves/">Hooked on Houses </a>to see what everyone else is hooked on!</span></div></div>

Those White and Cream Cow Hide Rugs

Suzanne Kasler I am really enamored with white/cream cow hide rugs. They seem to add another layer of richness and beauty to so many differ...

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The Quest for The Holy Grail (or How I Found my Mora Clock)

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385566865951964594" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr1gh9cuPbI/AAAAAAAADOc/FRQ60eVkm14/s400/Bavarian+Cabinet.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center">Many of you have emailed me asking how I came to love Swedish antiques. Growing up we had very little money and my exposure to antiques came from my parents flea market finds. Even then I loved the history of the old pieces, but the furniture was walnut or cherry and very dark and heavy. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345088961928492002" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Si2SF2Sb8-I/AAAAAAAACY8/nuGG3Ny9E-c/s400/Andersen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 446px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" /> In 1992, I was newly engaged. I bought a stack of house magazines, excited about someday owning my own home. I was flipping through a magazine and was struck by a advertisement by Anderson Windows. What was this gorgeous clock with such shapely and graceful lines and light, beautiful wood? I was was awestruck. Here is the ad above. (the middle one - yes, I still have the ad!) </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I carried the ad everywhere. I went to flea markets and antique shows and asked every dealer if they had a clock like this or knew where I could find one. I did find out it was a Swedish Mora clock, but no one in New England knew where I could find one. One day my husband laughed that I was on my own personal quest for the Holy Grail - the elusive Mora Clock!<br /><br /><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385566870786292962" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr1giPdUPOI/AAAAAAAADOk/Is22s1QjzAI/s400/Bavaria.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />In 1993 my husband and I moved to Munich, Germany. In Bavaria, I was exposed to beautiful painted pieces and lovely stripped and waxed country style antiques.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385550979577248210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr1SFQF1edI/AAAAAAAADN8/1s4glvIrosY/s400/sideboard08259-1a.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" /> Meanwhile my sister was living in Copenhagen, Denmark and we spent many weekends exploring old barns and antique shops, searching for the "Holy Grail", but also finding other wonderful treasures.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385553034590860146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr1T83nQs3I/AAAAAAAADOE/9oDSyVgCnBk/s400/munich1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div>One day while jogging around Munich my husband saw a Mora clock in a window of a store. He spoke to the owner in his very limited German and was told that the clock was sold. For months he refused to let me know where the shop was because he thought I would feel worse if I saw the clock in person. Finally, we were walking nearby the shop one evening and I saw the clock. I went in and spoke to the owner, also in very limited German, but found that in fact the clock was For Sale, not Sold. (He had mixed up his verb tenses!)</div><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385568593749964418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr1iGh_3doI/AAAAAAAADO0/PhdspDfwsvo/s400/DSCN0385.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">I bought the clock on the spot although needed several more weeks of restoration to the clock works. It has beautiful carvings, swag details and an oak leaf crown. I have never seen a clock I love more than this one.</div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385568585998898098" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr1iGFH3k7I/AAAAAAAADOs/F6bsBmC7VmA/s400/DSCN0384.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span> <div>We have had it over fifteen years and have spent those years finding other beautiful European antiques to compliment it, but it remains my most favorite.</div><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238)" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385568602361814290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sr1iHCFF3RI/AAAAAAAADO8/DohiAGStfeQ/s400/DSCN0387.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span> <div>I hope you love it as much as I do!</div><br /></div></div>

The Quest for The Holy Grail (or How I Found my Mora Clock)

Many of you have emailed me asking how I came to love Swedish antiques. Growing up we had very little money and my exposure to antiques cam...

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My Swedish Furniture Makeover

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SrimA6tKE8I/AAAAAAAADNk/SJglHSYYyZU/s1600-h/DSCN1131.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384235889210299330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SrimA6tKE8I/AAAAAAAADNk/SJglHSYYyZU/s400/DSCN1131.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Several years ago I found some wonderful Swedish antique furniture. It was covered in dirty muslin and desperately needed to be reupholstered.</span></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384211797799697938" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriQGnNRfhI/AAAAAAAADJs/GiR9b6hmikE/s400/DSCN0743.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is the bench, notice the tear on left side. The muslin was stapled on.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVYvQ3tOI/AAAAAAAADM8/ee-ZtwmRrQM/s1600-h/GetAttachment-7.aspx.jpeg"></a></span></span></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384211808562187874" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriQHPTQDmI/AAAAAAAADJ0/V3db9oI2EVE/s400/DSCN0741.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Two wonderful Bergere chairs - also notice the tear on the right chair and the awful stained upholstery fabric on the cushions. I also had two sweet Swedish side chairs which I did not take before photos of.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVYvQ3tOI/AAAAAAAADM8/ee-ZtwmRrQM/s1600-h/GetAttachment-7.aspx.jpeg"></a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384213019880614930" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriRNv0EbBI/AAAAAAAADKU/wv-DJVwFx-Q/s400/DSCN1116.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I searched for several years (really!) to find just the perfect linen fabric. It proved easy once I met Wendy Lewis of Textile Trunk. I spoke to her directly and mentioned I wanted hand woven linen, over a hundred years old, with a fine weave and soft drape- not nubby like like my grain sack pillows - more formal and soft. I vacillated on whether to have a grain sack stripe going down the front of the chairs, that is so popular these days, but in the end I decided to stick with what I am most comfortable with - the classics.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wendy immediately sent me a few samples to review - each was more beautiful that one before. I decided on the gorgeous linen above. The seven stripes are just on the very end of the roll. The weaver most likely could not read or write and this combination of color, width and number of stripes was her signature. The stripes remain my favorite part of the roll and I intend to make them into small pillows to honor the time and effort put into this beautiful fabric by a unknown woman of long ago.</span></span></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217221949217810" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVCVvS3BI/AAAAAAAADME/zoB3GnsKgB8/s400/GetAttachment-1.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With such beautiful antique furniture and antique fabric that had touched such a sentimental cord with me, I was nervous to just let any upholsterer work on this project. What to do? I contact my bloggy friend, Linda Merrill of the famous </span><a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Surroundings</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and </span><a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Skirted Round Table</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, for some direction. Another blessing, when Linda pointed me in the direction of Master Upholsterer, Heller Furniture. Above is photo of my Bergere Chair deconstructed.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVYvQ3tOI/AAAAAAAADM8/ee-ZtwmRrQM/s1600-h/GetAttachment-7.aspx.jpeg"></a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217501740265682" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVSoCrcNI/AAAAAAAADMs/ghsL90nOvps/s400/GetAttachment-5.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A Czech by birth, Walter Heller is a master craftsman. His roots are firmly anchored in his extensive European training which began as an apprentice saddler and tapiezer in Bavaria, Germany, at the age of 14. For over 40 years, Heller has been working with architects, project managers, interior designers and residential clients to produce upholstered custom furniture. His knowledge of antique furniture and his attention to detail is outstanding. Once I met him and his assistant, Nancy, I breathed a sigh of relief that my furniture and fabric were the hands of a master! Thank you Linda, Walter and Nancy!</span></span></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVYvQ3tOI/AAAAAAAADM8/ee-ZtwmRrQM/s1600-h/GetAttachment-7.aspx.jpeg"></a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384226793799864546" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SridvfqU0OI/AAAAAAAADNU/BNZO2ArK17o/s400/GetAttachment-2.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Walter's knowledge was exceptional - he showed me </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> jute webbing under the chair. He </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">mentioned</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> that although jute was </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">generally</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> used in a chair this age, this jute had </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">been</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> replaced- and poorly done as it was too sparse and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">would</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">not</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> provide good support.</span></span></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217472375557442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVQ6pljUI/AAAAAAAADMU/_6MaB2Es9wo/s400/GetAttachment-4.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He also showed me the chair joints which were loose. This was caused by the stripping of the furniture. These pieces, he said, were clearly dipped in Lye. Lye is wonderful for removing paint quickly but it also dissolves the wood glue that holds these pieces together and ultimately loosens the joints over time. Walter was able to re glue and screw the joints to strengthen the chairs.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVYvQ3tOI/AAAAAAAADM8/ee-ZtwmRrQM/s1600-h/GetAttachment-7.aspx.jpeg"></a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217227904846690" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVCr7Oi2I/AAAAAAAADMM/E5sPNt0wF0E/s400/GetAttachment-3.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is the chair being covered,. Notice the top, front, back panel of the chair. The upholstery stuffing is bumping out or "crowning" here to create a noticeable arc of padding. This is the way the chair was intended to look. Better photos of this effect below.</span></span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384220305727667858" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriX11tXvpI/AAAAAAAADNE/pQ8fWdQyPYE/s400/GetAttachment-11.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Antique fabrics do not generally match exactly in terms of color but Walter was able to use different shades in different areas of the chairs to create a visually perfect match.</span></span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384230889708208034" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Srihd6G-P6I/AAAAAAAADNc/B-V7rBmmkvo/s400/GetAttachment-7.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here the seat cushions for the Bergere chairs are being crafted.</span></span></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384220313263899170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriX2RyJgiI/AAAAAAAADNM/d5mGCJ31bAk/s400/GetAttachment-12.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></div><div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I had a limited amount of fabric. He was able to use the linen so conservatively that I had enough left over to make pillows. Amazing!</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVS9FJ7tI/AAAAAAAADM0/lMe9YWaJr0E/s1600-h/GetAttachment-6.aspx.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217507387797202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVS9FJ7tI/AAAAAAAADM0/lMe9YWaJr0E/s400/GetAttachment-6.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Walter explained that the best furniture has nailed muslin covering - if you see staples, that is a sign that the quality may not be the best underneath!</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBwLXOnI/AAAAAAAADL8/PVkSz0RAu0g/s1600-h/GetAttachment-10.aspx.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217211866397298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBwLXOnI/AAAAAAAADL8/PVkSz0RAu0g/s400/GetAttachment-10.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is the finished bench at Walter's Workshop. He had to rebuild the cushion and the effect is fabulous. Notice the two seams down the front of the bench, the match is incredible.</span></span></div></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384213045123166770" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriRPN2XMjI/AAAAAAAADKs/n_GgAsDxXmw/s400/DSCN1124.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nail head trim or double welting are traditional in Swedish Upholstery - I prefer the double welting - notice the attention to detail.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBitarcI/AAAAAAAADL0/Eini3u3H5NQ/s1600-h/GetAttachment-9.aspx.jpeg"></a></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBitarcI/AAAAAAAADL0/Eini3u3H5NQ/s1600-h/GetAttachment-9.aspx.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217208251133378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBitarcI/AAAAAAAADL0/Eini3u3H5NQ/s400/GetAttachment-9.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is the Bergere Chair finished in the workroom. This is a better photo to highlight the upholstery bumping out and "crowning" on front upper back panel of the chair.</span></span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384213024347665698" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriROAdGNSI/AAAAAAAADKc/TyMpxKih4cw/s400/DSCN1113.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Double welting detail</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBFtSAgI/AAAAAAAADLs/M2NVbWb94_g/s1600-h/GetAttachment-8.aspx.jpeg"></a></span></span></span></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384213009538127058" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriRNJSOlNI/AAAAAAAADKM/QLdBUzqxg9E/s400/DSCN1131.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriSdF04UNI/AAAAAAAADLk/CbDFOSlHtf8/s1600-h/DSCN1118.JPG"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriSdF04UNI/AAAAAAAADLk/CbDFOSlHtf8/s1600-h/DSCN1118.JPG"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriSdF04UNI/AAAAAAAADLk/CbDFOSlHtf8/s1600-h/DSCN1118.JPG"></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></div></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Amazing work on the sides and arms of the chairs</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBFtSAgI/AAAAAAAADLs/M2NVbWb94_g/s1600-h/GetAttachment-8.aspx.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384217200465936898" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriVBFtSAgI/AAAAAAAADLs/M2NVbWb94_g/s400/GetAttachment-8.aspx.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here are my pieces waiting to be picked up</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriSdF04UNI/AAAAAAAADLk/CbDFOSlHtf8/s1600-h/DSCN1118.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384214382999261394" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriSdF04UNI/AAAAAAAADLk/CbDFOSlHtf8/s400/DSCN1118.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: pointer" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And here they are in my Conservatory - waiting for my final decorating touches!</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriRwMjHvBI/AAAAAAAADLU/0lkr3IlTvKc/s1600-h/DSCN1119.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384213611709709330" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriRwMjHvBI/AAAAAAAADLU/0lkr3IlTvKc/s400/DSCN1119.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Swedish bench with gorgeous antique, original grain sack pillows by textile artist, Kym Fraser of <a href="http://www.3finegrains.com/">Three Fine Grains.</a></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriRvroZHiI/AAAAAAAADLM/E8Pvp_yigR0/s1600-h/DSCN1109.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384213602873450018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SriRvroZHiI/AAAAAAAADLM/E8Pvp_yigR0/s400/DSCN1109.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One (of my pair) of sweet Swedish chairs in front of my Mora Clock (just a peek as I am working on an upcoming post about the clock)</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Finding the right fabrics and upholsterer can be a daunting task, but when you put all the right pieces together you can re-create beautiful furniture worthy of another hundred years.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For more information on Wendy Lewis of Textile Trunk and her lovely antique fabrics click </span><a href="http://www.textiletrunk.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. For information on Master Craftsman and Upholsterer, Walter Heller and Heller Furniture click </span><a href="http://www.hellerfurniture.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Don't forget to mention you heard about them on Willow Decor. </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(all photos property of Willow Decor and Heller Furniture and not to be used without permission)</span></span></div></div>

My Swedish Furniture Makeover

Several years ago I found some wonderful Swedish antique furniture. It was covered in dirty muslin and desperately needed to be reupholster...

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HOME DECOR: A BATHROOM REMODEL

<div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><strong>As homeowners, it is important to make upgrades and improvements to our homes</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this is especially true with bathrooms. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dated plumbing, tilework and fixtures will hamper the sale of an otherwise lovely home and lead buyers to believe the proper maintenance may not have been performed over the years. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In this bathroom remodel, my client wanted a furniture look to the vanity. We found this semi-custom model with a travertine marble top, but you can also use an actual piece of furniture, (new or vintage) have holes for the sinks cut and a piece of granite or marble made for the top. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1HMf3QusN7r5MRLMc_k8Rlh3N8L9zAb5lsCkUNQIDBCayrmr3PWWRvwGNmmcyfysCNkMBS2gxn6hIJqZ2TnU2KQ_wvN3j54gtsE5s8QBXILeHE2EI-hMZ8KmGqRayWwszZqL5mQT1Mk/s1600-h/upperbathvanity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="463" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816817532954962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1HMf3QusN7r5MRLMc_k8Rlh3N8L9zAb5lsCkUNQIDBCayrmr3PWWRvwGNmmcyfysCNkMBS2gxn6hIJqZ2TnU2KQ_wvN3j54gtsE5s8QBXILeHE2EI-hMZ8KmGqRayWwszZqL5mQT1Mk/s640/upperbathvanity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotSlL-3w-vRsXUS-7m68HDYw3jcbOht4uox0MOKYFB_gPDgPACCivKBiddD2zz2Eg9m1738Mafa4yrgoiluQaNSSVxkOQZG4OYyaQDAVF87zKAiJty9q1N8tXe7D6YqZ2Pm0KGk_L6S0/s1600-h/IMG_2381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="512" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413755736960210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotSlL-3w-vRsXUS-7m68HDYw3jcbOht4uox0MOKYFB_gPDgPACCivKBiddD2zz2Eg9m1738Mafa4yrgoiluQaNSSVxkOQZG4OYyaQDAVF87zKAiJty9q1N8tXe7D6YqZ2Pm0KGk_L6S0/s640/IMG_2381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />My clieint fell in love with this beautiful handmade tile by Sonoma Tilemakers. The handmade nature of these tiles creates a depth and variation in the glaze as well as slight imperfections in the tiles (they are not completely square or perfectly straight) which gives a slightly rustic feel to the otherwise elegant patterns. I had so much fun putting the patterns together to create this shower wall. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5h3CH7cXip59FE9ODa3lu92tEWpg86F7QmrIrz0qgij8uzFy_7p2kL5luOodmUdgCp47l9fQ_sSrKAKe2jFKdDv_aaFupGpRpfCMApf3uUKmR3HspTREgEvzhVw1rIdxh2nE632CQqs/s1600-h/upperbathtilework.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816805828101250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5h3CH7cXip59FE9ODa3lu92tEWpg86F7QmrIrz0qgij8uzFy_7p2kL5luOodmUdgCp47l9fQ_sSrKAKe2jFKdDv_aaFupGpRpfCMApf3uUKmR3HspTREgEvzhVw1rIdxh2nE632CQqs/s640/upperbathtilework.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />We added a niche in the shower wall for easy access to shampoo or soap. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKLDkzZ-6h03azj9J4VIR8J0pyw1JBD6IlKobASwURsfwh5gv-ByFk7kgpkiw2N0wxET2aS1HJMK80xuNWgvCoFMLlQxN7eLzDaTH5GnM1Ru93xR8EAg0Xc8s1xWgglPcf5ZjZx5SnU/s1600-h/upperbathtowelrack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="321" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816799720403106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKLDkzZ-6h03azj9J4VIR8J0pyw1JBD6IlKobASwURsfwh5gv-ByFk7kgpkiw2N0wxET2aS1HJMK80xuNWgvCoFMLlQxN7eLzDaTH5GnM1Ru93xR8EAg0Xc8s1xWgglPcf5ZjZx5SnU/s640/upperbathtowelrack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Brushed nickel fixtures and towel bars were selected </div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLmkfe6a8awFOzvP90F70lpnmJQrppa6uc6shWjX8L5RdCafFBR60T2gzV9b9CI2Mxfo7-lzlW-S5L3OIfwrH-PTKw88su_YI5xZeIdShHoRlFo9f0ysWqY5eTEcukSTUc0LQT-BoAeQ/s1600-h/upperbathsink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816428621842178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLmkfe6a8awFOzvP90F70lpnmJQrppa6uc6shWjX8L5RdCafFBR60T2gzV9b9CI2Mxfo7-lzlW-S5L3OIfwrH-PTKw88su_YI5xZeIdShHoRlFo9f0ysWqY5eTEcukSTUc0LQT-BoAeQ/s640/upperbathsink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a close up of the sink with the backsplash detail behind. <br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tDh4GEtjjmKeA7XkF250-7eJ0o0v8iJLm62_mKsWIWSEIs_K04SXNmrKjSMiadteS4uhjCICyL4WcyIOsuE6Iuk0i71Herwvpk0C_8JWC3mwK1Apr1q9f7SAIv3Ai0vRSfPCtpjS8-8/s1600-h/upperbathshower2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816416734129890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tDh4GEtjjmKeA7XkF250-7eJ0o0v8iJLm62_mKsWIWSEIs_K04SXNmrKjSMiadteS4uhjCICyL4WcyIOsuE6Iuk0i71Herwvpk0C_8JWC3mwK1Apr1q9f7SAIv3Ai0vRSfPCtpjS8-8/s640/upperbathshower2.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><br />When you are doing a bathroom remodel on plumbing that is over a few years old (in this case over 20), always open the wall and check the plumbing out. A preventative check now will save tearing out new tilework later. <br /><br /><br /><br />New shower fixtures usually require the installation of a new thermostat or valve, so you will already have access inside the wall. In this case, we also raised the height of the shower head to accomodate the 6'2" husband. <br /><br /></div><div>A beautiful new frameless glass shower enclosure keeps the water in without obscuring the beautiful tile work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHPLWIF5j_j2MP1t7dWIbB973E9e6Vdsm3mou62aVvw9xRPyO6mjuIPsDtnAuyqMRozZEN151D1Lmwxrd7ClIX8S6Ww9-0l1gdyet5p6yIfDEA28ALf9SI_lAolUmfVFgfc1frdSzI4c/s1600-h/upperbathshower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816119209367650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHPLWIF5j_j2MP1t7dWIbB973E9e6Vdsm3mou62aVvw9xRPyO6mjuIPsDtnAuyqMRozZEN151D1Lmwxrd7ClIX8S6Ww9-0l1gdyet5p6yIfDEA28ALf9SI_lAolUmfVFgfc1frdSzI4c/s640/upperbathshower.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>  <br /><br />We also took the tilework all the way to the ceiling. </div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfype55ik1BshnDZH0TTxwce76JRWm4ssr_vkqrEHwtqY7rKe0Cwc_alKuQQI0eTjzo_EeYbDDHl14sxuSNZsAjylEN9gqN7NKYM0L_hqfnzvmrPBYte_4ZN6Z-_rl7rjjXWX9M3Cg7II/s1600-h/upperbathglass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816112603616386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfype55ik1BshnDZH0TTxwce76JRWm4ssr_vkqrEHwtqY7rKe0Cwc_alKuQQI0eTjzo_EeYbDDHl14sxuSNZsAjylEN9gqN7NKYM0L_hqfnzvmrPBYte_4ZN6Z-_rl7rjjXWX9M3Cg7II/s640/upperbathglass.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><br />And wrapped the window with tile as well. The frameless glass shower door opens in or out for easy access. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF6WHS_cKdCOdqBKofGnxmg3pNqYfnzkHIR_U2x0QFxZvIyKN-U-WCL7FkYSr6nNstdh00CIFd_a3FUAvv3ZOHKXrIPCGUc_DyClqDKq9DqIHIjRKB_8etkW0m-jCv6M3DHUD0oWzI0Y/s1600-h/IMG_2380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="554" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413745984637282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF6WHS_cKdCOdqBKofGnxmg3pNqYfnzkHIR_U2x0QFxZvIyKN-U-WCL7FkYSr6nNstdh00CIFd_a3FUAvv3ZOHKXrIPCGUc_DyClqDKq9DqIHIjRKB_8etkW0m-jCv6M3DHUD0oWzI0Y/s640/IMG_2380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The floor was covered in a sturdy porcelain tile resembling travertine. We layed it very tightly together, with minimal grout lines like stone. The insets are actual etched travertine. The result is a wonderful old world look, exactly what the client wanted! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHQ7ZTDw-cnC0XPajhMeNkG2xtA4uV1A0e7P0vOs7YOnzu4GTMuhVZU2yUWmZtFXd50MG1AU9rH4fmVFc7B16yQmU0kybwNpFz-1hZ4KFYF1YYRj9-xrPlJY7VXWCIaULtUA5C_RjCmU/s1600-h/upperbathart2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816102498349650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHQ7ZTDw-cnC0XPajhMeNkG2xtA4uV1A0e7P0vOs7YOnzu4GTMuhVZU2yUWmZtFXd50MG1AU9rH4fmVFc7B16yQmU0kybwNpFz-1hZ4KFYF1YYRj9-xrPlJY7VXWCIaULtUA5C_RjCmU/s640/upperbathart2.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My client fell in love with this image by Montserrat Masdeu of a Tuscany or Provence building and garden. Because we were placing it in a potentially damp area (this one over the toilet, next to the shower)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I had it mounted on a foamcore board and I gel coated it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This process not only protects the print, but when done correctly with brush strokes that mimic the painting, it actually looks like an oil painting. No glass is necessary. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQcCr9isD_A5jDjngTS6O-MJnxaBx5ui5k7Pqup7n9E5bE138xLuFJiPg23xxi1AGEUxCitgsPsR9DFzeb4XkVrdGflKnoRtiu64RXwI4fbjYz1AZBXhqNfMMEpYXVlWbq7hQUSU768c/s1600-h/IMG_2384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="500" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413767251796114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQcCr9isD_A5jDjngTS6O-MJnxaBx5ui5k7Pqup7n9E5bE138xLuFJiPg23xxi1AGEUxCitgsPsR9DFzeb4XkVrdGflKnoRtiu64RXwI4fbjYz1AZBXhqNfMMEpYXVlWbq7hQUSU768c/s640/IMG_2384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite images, this is the companion piece to go in the sink/dressing area. You can see some of the brush strokes on the left side if you look carefully. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfscALZx3AhkfFqw7VSVDBa48IkGQ1cVbhqkVBYySfGoJYcbCDZzijA8DPBskXE110H7GfYawXAIdhcOQG45qWexrwWJqOvFlgpqIUswFPOyGNRmdMXTJTsUF-u3LkZwKLdKa3CZ2aRk/s1600-h/upperbath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816089015191954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfscALZx3AhkfFqw7VSVDBa48IkGQ1cVbhqkVBYySfGoJYcbCDZzijA8DPBskXE110H7GfYawXAIdhcOQG45qWexrwWJqOvFlgpqIUswFPOyGNRmdMXTJTsUF-u3LkZwKLdKa3CZ2aRk/s640/upperbath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div>We painted the rooms a soft gold which contrasts beautifully with the dark wood and blends with the tilework. We added crown molding, a new baseboard and a wider door molding for architectural detail. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvcJx_GXeHEkbhqLE6xrS7k60wFnJi4Wtps7CiwFjtD6l037NInUWzFOajpU67sTqQELhYFZUExE23ac2dLTjBJwCG8A2IHEhx4cit_lXiXz62j04UddesSjLzgCbD2ZgiUdYygn8haY/s1600-h/IMG_2383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="367" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413758837059682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvcJx_GXeHEkbhqLE6xrS7k60wFnJi4Wtps7CiwFjtD6l037NInUWzFOajpU67sTqQELhYFZUExE23ac2dLTjBJwCG8A2IHEhx4cit_lXiXz62j04UddesSjLzgCbD2ZgiUdYygn8haY/s400/IMG_2383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YBk1G4Pe4V7VLai03jTnJOmgXHC-ZdL75eudwdCHV6DHr9sFeQKyPr8q8KmeKwXPsqgWyykJz6h5f6ltLrNjPMtwWnBuUOrpQW3n8jn7rrj6sKS5IheEgPg_IAwbs17VcR1NB26ZxAk/s1600-h/upperbathart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="616" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816082157299826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YBk1G4Pe4V7VLai03jTnJOmgXHC-ZdL75eudwdCHV6DHr9sFeQKyPr8q8KmeKwXPsqgWyykJz6h5f6ltLrNjPMtwWnBuUOrpQW3n8jn7rrj6sKS5IheEgPg_IAwbs17VcR1NB26ZxAk/s640/upperbathart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We removed the construction grade mirror and added a wider and larger mirror - taking it to the ceiling and expanding its width to both walls. On installation of the mirror, we had a hole cut and installed the vanity light directly over the glass. This not only looks great, but reflects more light into the room. <br /><br />Last of all we added the artwork (by the same artist) <br /><br /><br /><br />The color has been off a little in this post.  There are not actually any pink doors in this room - and the walls are not lemon yellow - but hopefully you get the idea and feel correct!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: A BATHROOM REMODEL

As homeowners, it is important to make upgrades and improvements to our homes this is especially true with bathrooms. Dated plumbing, tilewo...

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