DIY's Around The House - Part 1

I have been mentioning a few scattered projects around the house, and I finally got my act together and finished a few of them (and took photos!) They were all very simple, affordable touches that are slowly making my condo look more like home. The two I am showing today, barstools and a pillow, were both using the Carla Miller for Rowan Fabrics that I mentioned in a previous post. The fabric actually inspired my living/dining room color scheme of turquoise, green and a few purple accents.

Virginia Quilter

Too bad my husband hates it! Whenever he looks at it, he starts singing "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant, haha. Still, he was sweet enough to help me re-upholster the barstools. I have had these for a few years and don't feel ready to replace them, as there is nothing "technically" wrong with them. But they looked a little too traditional and I thought I could easily change that. Here is the before:

And here is their "Electric Avenue" makeover:

Yes, they really are a bit "out there," but against the blue walls, I like them. Definitely better than the boring beige! This was a very inexpensive and easy fix.

Next up, the pillow. This old chair was the entire reason for the fabric selection. It has a weird greenish-gray tone (because it's so old), and it just stuck out. Now, the colors all sort of blend together and it makes me feel much better about not being able to replace this chair for a while.

So there you have it, super easy fixes to make your old furniture feel like new again! Or, at least more bearable! Soon I'll show you the other pillows (for the bedroom), a couple more small projects, and the dining room, FINALLY! The barstools were the final step to finishing up that room (well, for now...are we really ever done decorating?)