DIY retro chairs

 

homewares usa

AFTER A TRIP TO THE US IT'S MANDATORY YOU RETURN with either a bulging 

suitcase or a thicker waistband..fortunately the only thing I split was the wheel on my suitcase, but we hung in there.

Most people generally research and plan a trip to the States very carefully and I would strongly advise those people to never, ever travel with me. It was a very proud moment when I sent my Aunt a postcard informing her, that despite my best efforts we all arrived safely in LA on precisely the same flight. My only research prior to the trip was the exact locations of Anthropologie, Pottery Barn and General Patons military tactics for the successful negotiation of Disneyland.

Anthropologie..aahhhhh

Anthropologie was high on my list of must sees..creative, whimsical and just too many styling ideas for me to process. The painted chairs above were a particular favourite. A series of landscape canvases and tapestries were used to decorate retro dining chairs- glued and, in some cases nailed onto the veneer.

Start scouting for old chairs now and dig out those 1990 tapestry cushion covers!

ttfn jo

Handmade & Recycled home decor

 

The nature strip

THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY HANDS because they don't
create gorgeous stuff like this..I mean, c'mon why can't my fingers and
apposable thumb whittle a tree segment coffee table on caster wheels. Where
else can I rest my lime wedges? 

Darryn Treacy, homeowner and all round artisan is not just talented he also has
a discerning eye for good design and a bargain! Handmade tables, floorlamps, sideboards, fruit bowls (and not a driftwood sculpture in sight, p h e w ) are crafted from natural materials and retain a purity of form adding texture and warmth to a contemporary space. 

When he is not looking to nature for inspiration he is probably looking over your nature strip during the festival of the 'hard rubbish'. The classic Brazilian burn't orange Lafer chairs were resting comfortably on the side of the road before being rescued and restored by Darryn..and the 60's style chairs on the decking were an Op shop find...
oh, he's good, really good!

For more on the amazing Darryn have a look at this months Home Beautiful, 
it's the handmade special..who knew? And if you love the patchwork cushions
(also handmade, but not by Darryn)on the op shop chairs check out Igloo and 
the lovely Elizabeth on facebook.

happy nature stripping
ttfn Jo

Photography | Derek Swalwell