Project 8 of 52- Quick Flip Upholstery - Small changes to breathe new life into old pieces

Welcome to project 8 of our 52-week Furnishing Flips Challenge!

Today, we're diving into two quick furniture flips that demonstrate the power of small changes to breathe new life into old pieces. We often encounter projects with good bones and paint jobs that just need a little update to align with modern trends.  As part of our ongoing mission to tackle 52 furnishing facelifts in 52 weeks, we have revamped a stool and carver chair.  This project is all about making those small yet impactful changes to revitalize our furniture collection and clear out projects that have been sitting around for too long.

The Stool Revamp

First up, we have a simple yet stylish stool in need of a makeover. Despite its sturdy frame, the outdated fabric and flat cushion were begging for an update. With a fresh eye and a bit of creativity, we decided to reupholster the stool to give it a modern twist.

Steps to Reupholster:

1. Preparation: Remove the old fabric carefully, preserving any padding or cushioning underneath.  You are most likely to encounter staples, staples and more staples.  We use a staple and tack remover as well as plyers to remove each and every one of them.
2. Fabric Selection: Choose a trendy fabric that complements the stool's design and your personal style.
3. Re-padding:  Assess the padding and determine if the padding is re-usable.  Sometimes the padding is in great condition and can be re-used.  Other times you may need to add to the existing padding or replace it altogether.  Either way, the padding layers are usually base, cotton wadding, foam, cotton wading and fabric.
4. Reupholstering: Stretch the new fabric tightly over the stool, securing it in place with a staple gun.  
5. Finishing Touches: Trim any excess fabric and add a decorative trim or piping for a polished look.  Sometimes piping and trim may not be required depending on your chair or stool.

We learned how to upholster through a few methods. 

• Self taught through trial and error
• Watching and re-watching the video series "How to Upholster a Chair" by Chris at DIY upholstery Supplies
• Self Paced online course from Wendy at Chair Whimsy

(We do not receive any commissions for the above links - these are shared with you to show how we learned)

The Carver Chair Makeover

Next, we turn our attention to a classic carver chair that has been lingering in the corner for far too long. While the chair itself is structurally sound, the outdated upholstery was in desperate need of an update.

Steps to Refresh:

1. Evaluation: Assess the chair's condition and determine the best approach for updating the upholstery.
2. Fabric Selection: Choose a durable yet stylish fabric that will stand the test of time.
3. Upholstery Work: Remove the old fabric, replace any worn padding or springs, and carefully upholster the chair with the new fabric.
4. Optional Touches: Consider adding a contrasting trim or decorative buttons for an extra pop of personality.

The Benefits of the Furnishing Flips Challenge

Projects like these highlight the true value of our 52-week Furnishing Facelift Challenge. By setting clear goals and committing to regular updates, we're not only decluttering our space but also gaining a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The challenge serves as a reminder to stick to our plans, follow through on projects, and ultimately, feel good about the progress we're making.

Join us on this journey as we continue to transform our furnishings one project at a time. Whether it's a simple stool revamp or a more involved chair makeover, every flip brings us closer to achieving our goal of a stylish and clutter-free workspace. 

Stay Connected: Stay tuned for our next furnishing facelift where we makeover some outdoor decor with RUST!  We love our Artisan Real Rust products.  We are looking forward to sharing our Rusty Facelifts.

We hope we've inspired you to get busy creating your own refurbished home decor.  We're here to help you embark on your own creative endeavors. Whether through personal workshops or sharing insights, we're dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.