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DIY RENO ADDICT Shopping

How to: Upcycle furniture using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Upcycling your own, unique masterpiece from old or new pieces of furniture is a breeze with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Only one coat of paint is normally required for an excellent finish and due to the paint’s strong sticking power and dense consistency, no priming or sanding is necessary! The range also features over 30 decorative colours which can be mixed together to create the perfect shade for your DIY project.

Below are a few upcycling ideas from Annie Sloan to get you started!

Chest of drawers with graduated colour

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1. Find a chest to upcycle with close fitting drawers.

2. Paint the frame with a dark shade of Chalk Paint – Annie chose Graphite.

3. Choose two complementary colours for the bottom and top drawers – Annie chose Chalk Paint in Greek Blue for the bottom and Barcelona Orange for the top.

4. Starting with the bottom drawer, make gradual colour gradations using those two colours.

5. For the bottom drawer – Annie used Greek Blue on its own, for the next drawer up Annie mixed a small amount of Barcelona Orange in with Greek Blue, and so on, finishing with Barcelona Orange on its own for the top drawer.

Mid-century modern chairs

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Annie found these chairs languishing in an attic before transforming them completely with a little love, paint, and fabric.

1. The upholstery had sunk with age and was looking dull and shabby in sage velvet, so Annie stripped it back.

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2. The wood on the back of the chair was polished with a Danish oil to give it back its lustre. Annie then painted the legs with Graphite using a small flat brush and painting in one direction to get a smooth finish.

3. The existing seat pad was in relatively good condition so it was reused, adding a new piece of polyester wadding and fire retardant calico.

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4. The seat was covered with gentleman fabric. Stapling it in place.

5. Using masking tape, Annie marked off the area she wanted to paint.

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6. She then made a dye using Chalk Paint mixed with water (approx 10 parts water to 1 part paint) in a small container. Annie applied it to the seat using a small flat brush, working the dye into the fabric. Once dry, it’s good idea to heat seal the paint dye either using a hairdryer or an iron. This will lock the dye into the fabric. The fabric will feel just as soft as before – not crunchy with paint.

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To find a local stockist click here.

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Competitions Styling

September 7 Vignettes with Weylandts Home

Sponsored by Weylandts

The winner of next month’s 7 Vignettes Instagram challenge will receive this stunning Edgar chair worth $895 thanks to our generous sponsors, Weylandts.

Screen Shot 2016-08-29 at 12.05.18 PMWeylandts began as a traditional furniture manufacturer in Windhoek Namibia, in 1964. Today, the company has seven retail showrooms in South Africa and one in Melbourne. Its aesthetic, established by Edgar Weylandt and later refined by his son Chris, marries Scandinavian design-mindedness with an African heartbeat. You can’t say more unique and interesting than that!

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Weylandts is known for its distinctive merging of clean minimalism with a raw, earthy spirit. Ranges are sourced from designers and makers from all corners of the globe, providing customers with the finest furniture and homewares from the best materials that nature has to offer.

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“I just love how 7 Vignettes inspires the creativity in anybody. I just had to get Weylandts Home involved in this fantastic creative outlet,” says sales consultant Luci Sleep. One lucky winner of 7 Vignettes will receive a signature Edgar chair valued at $895. Conceived as an homage to Weylandts’ founder, the Edgar is handcrafted in South Africa from a combination of the finest American Oak and natural leather. Inspired by the original Spanish design by Borge Mogensens, it lends a Scandinavian aesthetic to any space yet triumphs in its functionality and versatility.

Here are September’s themes:

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“We greatly look forward to what you all have in store for September 7 Vignettes and how you interpret the Weylandts way through the chosen daily themes,” Luci adds.

If you’re new to the challenge, you can find all the details here.

Please use the hashtag #7vignettes and tag @interiorsaddict and @weylandtshome

Reader offer

10% off storewide when you mention 7 Vignettes for the month of September 2016. Items can also be shipped Australia wide. For more information.

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Categories
Designers Furniture Homewares

7 common replicas and what the real deal will cost you

Replicas are absolutely everywhere, and when you’re under the impression that the real thing costs an arm and a leg… well I don’t exactly blame some of you for going with the cheap option. However, sometimes the real deal isn’t actually that exy and when they last a lifetime (versus a year or two) and support the actual mastermind who created the design, it may just be worth investing. Below we fill you in on how much seven commonly copied pieces of furniture actually cost. And some are less than you’d think!

At $220, the familiar Componibili 3 Round (front left in the image below) available through Space Furniture, is surprisingly affordable. Coming in many colours and configurations, the 30-year-old design from Kartell is flexible, functional and practical. Slotting into any home setting, be it the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or living room, it is also displayed at The Museum of Modern Art in New York and at the George Pompidou Centre in Paris.

Componibili 3 Round

Originally designed for Carl Hansen & Son in 1949, the CH24 Wishbone Chair (Jen’s favourite) is a light, sculptural dining chair that is also suitable for relaxed sitting away from the table. The seat is hand-woven in paper cord (unbleached/natural or black) and the frame is available in a variety of hardwoods and coloured finishes. Prices start at $1,100 per chair, and can be purchased through Cult Design.

CH24 Wishbone

Not convinced it’s worth it? See how much work goes into one chair in this video and you may change your mind!

The Adnet Mirror by Gubi is the epitome of luxury. Designed in the ’50s, the distinctive, round leather mirror with equestrian-inspired detailing comes in three sizes and three strap colours (black, olive or brown). Available from Cult Design, prices start at $1,020.

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Originally designed for exterior use in French bistros, the Tolix Stool 65cm is perfect for breakfast bars (though we’re a little sick of seeing replicas everywhere on account of how mass produced and cheap they’ve become). With a rigid stackable design, lending itself to a variety of applications, it comes in a large range of finishes and colours. Available through Thonet, prices start at $390. And the real deal is so much nicer and less disposable!

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A classic piece of mid-century furniture, the Eames Moulded Plastic Side Chair with Eiffel Base DSR ($615) from Living Edge is as stylish and useful today as when it was designed in 1950. The organic shape and sophisticated lines of the chair, with the streamlined Eiffel Tower wire base, work anywhere in the home. The shell seat has a high, flexible back, a deep seat pocket and a waterfall front edge, so you can sit comfortably even for extended periods. A multitude of colour choices can be paired with a chrome, black or white base. Beware the cheap replicas whose screws fall out. Many are actually quite dangerous!

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Widely considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th century, the Eames Classic Lounge & Ottoman also comes with a significant price tag, $7,990 to be exact! That said, this is a substantial piece of furniture. In continuous production since its introduction in 1956, this timeless design is constructed to last lifetimes. Entirely hand-assembled, the seat is balanced on a five-star, die-cast aluminum base with adjustable stainless steel glides for uneven floors. It is available in a range of finishes from Living Edge.

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Noguchi himself described his Coffee Table as his best furniture design, no doubt because it is extremely reminiscent of his bronze and marble sculptures of the time. Designed for Vitra, it has a glass tabletop that rests on two identical wooden elements placed at right angles. Available in three finishes from Space Furniture, prices start at $3,470.

Coffee Table Black AshWe hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!

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Categories
Furniture

7 great armchairs for every aesthetic and budget

There’s really nothing quite like snuggling up in an armchair with a good book, a cup of tea and a luxurious throw. And these seven armchairs would be at the top of our list to do just that! 

Built to last, this Single Armchair in grey and white has a solid timber frame, steel sprung suspension system, high density foam seating and a fibre filled back cushion. Featuring clean and simple lines, it is available from Harpers Project for $799.

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Both industrial and glam, this modern Metal Frame Chair from West Elm comes in the most gorgeous dusky blush hue. With a blackened brass frame contrasted against luxurious, tailored cushions, it retails for $899.

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For $299, the POÄNG Rocking-chair from IKEA is resilient, comfortable and easy to clean (the cover is removable and machine-washable). Available in a large variety of colours and patterns, you can also add the POÄNG Footstool for extra comfort. Perfect as an affordable baby nursing chair too.

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Make a statement with the Andes Occasional Chair. This limited-edition piece features incredible fabric upholstery reminiscent of a stunning watercolour, which has been exclusively designed for Freedom. In storesthis month, it retails for $599.

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The Georg Anthracite High Back Armchair from Zanui boasts a wide seatback with curved frame and tidy button-detailing. Retailing for $549, it offers a classic style with a contemporary spirit.

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The Tamarama Armchair ($1,495) from Urban Couture is the epitome of luxury. With a frame handcrafted from solid elm hardwood and removable cushions made from washed natural Italian linen, it is available in both ash grey and white.

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This classic chair from Barnaby Lane is the perfect Scandi companion. With its light teak frame and thickly woven leather seat and back, the $699 Tanner Armchair can be custom-made in a variety of teak shades and leather colours.

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We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!

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Categories
Furniture Homewares

Discovering discount designer Eames and Starck on Gumtree

Brought to you by Gumtree

Who doesn’t love a bargain?! I’ll level with you, I’m not the upcycling type. I don’t do craft, I’ve (enthusiastically I hasten to add) tried a few spray painting furniture projects and it has not gone well at all. I have nothing against an excellent pre-loved find though, and who knew Gumtree was home to designer chairs and more? Well, you do now!

I bought a gorgeous secondhand Coco Republic find (in fantastic condition) and sold my old Ikea armchair (don’t get me wrong, I love Ikea, but it’s less and less of a feature in my home the older I get). Winning at savings of hundreds of dollars! While I was there and doing some digging, I was pleasantly surprised by how much cool stuff people list on there.

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Bought a secondhand Coco Republic chair
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Sold my Ikea chair

I’ve always been a fan of waiting to buy great quality brands on sale rather than cheaper impulse buys. And you can’t beat the thrill of the good deal, right? I feel the same if I find a great used goods bargain online. My vintage marble-topped coffee table which cost me a mere $65 is still one of my favourite and most commented on pieces of furniture. A modern version (which wouldn’t have half the character or quality) could easily cost 10 times as much.

Yes, you can list unwanted items on Gumtree at bargain basement prices to get rid of them quick sharp, but you can also sell decent stuff you just don’t love anymore and put the cash towards things you really want. Which is pretty much like free money, right? You have to look really hard but when you strike gold, you get that rush of excitement at being the bargain queen!

I discovered people sometimes list an entire apartment’s worth of furniture on Gumtree for a quick sale. Think interstate career relocation. And you know what? People with money are in a better position to give stuff away (or at a great price anyway), so look out for quality goods at amazing prices if you’re prepared to take several items off their hands.

Check out these three cool items I found on Gumtree…

A legit Eames leather ottoman for $1,200 (worth more than $2,000)…

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This unique designer cashmere armchair for $300…

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A genuine Philippe Starck Mademoiselle chair for half its original $2,000 RRP…

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So my message is sell your unwanted furniture, and buy the furniture you always wanted on Gumtree, win at savings and don’t tell everyone or they’ll get all the good stuff…

Categories
Before & Afters Design DIY RENO ADDICT Shopping

Upcycling how-to: the chair and desk with wow factor

Sponsored by Feast Watson

This makeover by Simone Barter from Style.Life.Home is pretty special, is it not?! She created it for last year’s Feast Watson Re-Love campaign, which this year I am attempting (wish me luck!) and Simone is participating in again. We can’t show you our finished products just yet, so in the meantime find out how she made this beautiful desk and chair…

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Products:

  • Feast Watson Timber Primer
  • Feast Watson Stain & Varnish Black Japan Satin
  • Dulux Super Enamel in Tango Semi Gloss
  • Dulux Super Enamel in Malay Grey Semi Gloss

Planning:

  1. Decide where the furniture item will be placed with the aim to make it work with the rest of the chosen space. In particular, this will affect the colour palette you choose.
  2. Choose a desk with a large framework to enable a large workspace. Look for smaller features such as stationery drawers for added utility. Chairs with details are great and make sure that it is also comfortable.
  3. Shop around and explore old and loved stores, you never know what you might find or what bargain you could stumble across.

Simone Barter (3)

Preparation:

  1. Choose colours that will add a wow factor. I chose Feast Watson Black Japan, Malay Grey and Pop of Tango from the Dulux range for a dramatic effect.
  2. Prepare the wood by sanding back the old varnish using coarse sand paper.
  3. Use finer sandpaper to smooth the timber in preparation for the paint and stain.
  4. Make sure all dust is removed prior to coating the furniture.

Achieving your vision:

  1. Apply the Feast Watson timber primer and allow to dry.
  2. For the desk, make sure you remove all drawers before applying the first layer of Feast Watson Black Japan Stain & Varnish. Build up coats to desired colour. Allow to dry between coats.
  3. For the chair apply the Dulux Super Enamel in Tango Semi Gloss then allow to dry.
  4. Use painters tape approximately 10cm from the bottom of each chair leg, evenly wrapped all the way around each leg. Then paint the bottom section of each chair leg. Remove the painters tape when the paint is completely dry.

Simone Barter (5)

“It all starts with the search,” says Simone Barter. “Shopping in some of my favourite little re-loved stores and finding pieces to re-create.”

NB: Always test colours and stains on an off-cut or inconspicuous area of your piece prior to coating the whole item to ensure you’re happy with the colour.

To find out more about Feast Watson products and their application, visit their website and for inspiration, check out the Feast Watson Instagram.

Categories
Designers Furniture

NOMI and Kip & Co collaborate on bright upholstered chairs

NOMI, makers of customised designer furniture have collaborated with Interiors Addict favourite Kip & Co, to release the Pala Chair.

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Marking Nomi’s first foray into upholstery, the Kip & Co x NOMI collaboration, saw Kip & Co create their own version of the Pala Chair featuring two of their most colourful, original prints.

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Extremely versatile, the Pala Chair can be used on its own or arranged in a linear series to create modular lounge configurations for the home, office or anywhere else. The Pala Chair is shipped flat in four components and like all NOMI products, assembly is made simple with no tools required.

Made from solid American Oak, the design draws inspiration from elements of bench seating found in spaces such as airports, together with a modern furniture aesthetic which embraces finely proportioned timber features.

The Kip & Co x NOMI collaboration Pala Chair is available through selected retailers. Visit NOMI for stockists.

Categories
Designers Furniture

Hans J. Wegner’s Wishbone Chair now available in 25 colours

The “chair maker of chair makers,” Hans J. Wegner was never one to shy away from experimentation and bold expression. Known for his groundbreaking work with material, form, function and colour, today, Carl Hansen & Son have taken Hans’ iconic 65-year-old Wishbone Chair (or CH24) and made it available in 25 distinctive colour-lacquered options, inspired by Hans’ original palette.

With colours ranging from soft neutrals to bold, vibrant hues – they lend themselves to almost every imaginable interior decor and taste. And for those who prefer a natural wood aesthetic, the modern classic is available in ash, beech, oak, smoked oak, walnut and cherry. Combined with a natural, white or black paper cord seat, the natural wood and colour-lacquered frames make for a beautiful array of options to complete any environment.

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Truly a work of art, craftsmen from Carl Hansen & Son spend roughly three weeks creating a Wishbone, strictly according to Hans’ original specifications. This includes preparing and assembling the chair’s 14 individual parts as well as hand-weaving the unique seat, using 120 metres 
of paper cord for the optimal seating experience. The production of the Wishbone Chair includes 100 production steps, most of which are done by hand.

Watch it being made in this video:

For more information. Available from Cult Design.

Categories
Furniture

Safari chairs from Curious Grace

Some furniture blends into your home, while other pieces are born to stand out. The Safari Chair from Curious Grace definitely falls into the latter!

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Avoriaz Safari Chair

Exquisitely designed in France, the Safari Chair offers simplicity and grace while quietly demanding attention. It comes in three different styles: the Toulouse made from solid beech timber and natural leather; the Avoriaz, with a show-stopping fur textured back; and the Copenhagen, featuring natural leather armrests and made from solid acacia and luxurious felt. A large range of colour options is also on offer as well as matching footrests.

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Toulouse Safari Chair

The Curious Grace Safari Chairs are delivered fully deconstructed (though they promise assembly is easy!) making it possible to ship all over the country. From $1605 to $2385, made to order. Footrests from $850-to-$1,240. Shop online here.

Categories
Designers Furniture

Furniture brand m.a.d. lands in Australia

Contemporary furniture brand m.a.d. is being sold in Australia for the first time.

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Airfoil extendable table, $1,999

Brought to the country by Meizai, an initial release of four pieces is now available through its Melbourne and Sydney stores.

Established in 2010, the m.a.d. design team, headed up by American designer and architect Mark Daniel, is a collaboration of likeminded, internationally renowned product designers based around the world.

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Perimeter stacking chair, available in black and white, $275

Discover the stackable chair Perimeter, the minimalist table Airfoil, the outdoor chair Resonate and the robust steel chair and barstool Transit.

The m.a.d. range.

Categories
Interiors Addict

Arthur G add 3 new chairs to their collection

Arthur G have introduced 3 new chair styles to their range: Jeremy, Martin and Carmen.

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Jeremy (above) is the ultimate three in one (occasional, desk or dining chair) while Carmen (below) has a relaxed seat height and tapered arms, making it the perfect addition to any living room setting.

Categories
Interiors Addict

Great Dane releases the September Chair in mint

I didn’t realise a chair could look springlike but it can. Just look at this beauty!

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From the design team who brought us the SMED stool, comes another good looking collaboration. Great Dane Furniture and Danish company OX have just released the September Chair. Designed by Dennis Marquart for OX, this modern classic seamlessly combines function and style.

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Interiors Addict

Win this chevron Freedom chair in the August round of 7 Vignettes

It’s that time again! One week until the next round of 7 Vignettes starts on 1 August. The first prize is this taupe chevron chair worth $399 from Freedom. But there are 10 runner up prizes too!

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I think you could easily incorporate this piece into most homes, in a living room or bedroom, don’t you? That’s the beauty of taupe!

Categories
Interiors Addict

10th anniversary Louis Ghost chair

Since its launch ten years ago, the Louis Ghost chair by Philippe Starck has become a true icon of contemporary design. Today, it is the most widely sold design chair in the world, with sales in excess of 1.5 million pieces worldwide and more than 15,000 in Australia alone (that’s the real deal, not replica).

To celebrate its first decade, Kartell has produced a limited edition version. It will no doubt delight Starck fans and collectors alike with the addition of his signature and a mark of authenticity of the special edition at the bottom.

Categories
Interiors Addict

Philippe Starck & Emeco’s ‘green’ chair

Philippe Starck and Emeco have joined forces to create a product that both avoids and eliminates waste, combining intelligent materiality with beautiful form.

“Mies van der Rohe said ‘less is more,’ but with the Broom chair we can say ‘less and more’, because we chose to make less… less style, less design, less material, less energy. And finally… we have more,” says Starck.

Categories
Interiors Addict

I’m feeling girly this afternoon!

I’m feeling girly this afternoon!