From that to THIS....

...otherwise known as a "before and after"....

I am working with a lovely client in Chicago. I have never set real eyes on her home. Long distance design can be a challenge but I LOVE it!  Doing everything via email, links, photos and diagrams. Anyways, long story short, she just moved into her first home, a 2200 sq. flat in a lovely old building. The family room/library is almost done but I am always looking around for multiple room items at the same time. I check Chicago Craigs list, blogs and vintage stores to save money, upcycle and recycle. Here is a a hard-to-find PAIR of chairs I found on CL Chicago for $80 bucks each and a very reasonable sum to reupholster thrown in:

Cute huh?

I called Chris (the seller*) and he still had them. I emailed my client and suggested she go look at them ASAP. The thing about a good deal on CL is that you better act fast. 

upholstery is dirty but good bones

My client spent a handsome sum on gorgeous chairs and sofa for her family room. These chairs were a deal even with the fabric and upholstery costs. I prefer to recycle or upcycle or whatever it is called but the costs can end up the same as new. But not this time:

very cute from the side

 So now what? My client's favorite color is purple and she knew she wanted purple in the living room so solids were the best choice since this room is just in its beginning stages. I went to my first choice in solid fabrics, hands down, the best solid colors in the world in numerous weaves:

Designers Guild* heaven

We looked at the website together and picked some colors (although we wanted all of them) and samples were ordered. Getting a package of DG samples is like getting a package of the best candy ever:

narrowing down favorites

I adore contrasting welting and two- tone upholstered chairs. Fabrics were chosen and ordered through Susie*........A few weeks later THIS is what came. THIS is the AFTER part:

HOW CUTE IS THIS!!!!

Lavender on the inside, lavender welt, deep purple on the outside and the buttons.

Wonderful from the side and back

Just unwrapped in their new home side by side.

These are the perfect starting point for what will be a fun but also elegant room!

Sources:

chairs: http://www.districtchicago.com/blog--for-sale.html

fabric: http://www.designersguild.com/

Susie: http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/