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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

KITCHEN BREAKFAST NOOK - NEW CHAIRS


A few weeks ago I filled you in on my plans for a little upgrade in the Breakfast Nook.  My dilemma was trying to decide what type of side chairs to use.  Many of you voted for the Eames style chairs, and I was really close to making that order, but something was holding me back.  I just couldn't quite settle on those for sure.  

Then, last week, a designer friend that knew I liked this style texted me a photo that said "They have these chairs at TJ Maxx!", so after dinner that night I drug the family over to check them out.  They got approval from the husband, (actually all he wanted was something solid that wasn't old and creaky like ALL of our chairs have always been!), and I brought 2 home to try out.  Because you know, when TJ gets chairs, they only get 2. 



Overnight I decided that I really did like them with my table, and so over the next few days I tracked down 4 more at the other TJ locations all over town.  :)

The frame was a pretty rustic, whitewashed, raw-wood looking finish.  I liked it, but I didn't like it for my space.  Even though I didn't want it to exactly match the table, I wanted it to blend a little more nicely.  So, I experimented a bit and found that I could wash some stain over the frame to darken it up a little.

Knowing me, I would swipe the stain rag right over the upholstery accidentally, so I covered it all in plastic and taped everything off just to be safe.  The edges of the tape weren't sealed super well against the wood, but it was enough that if I was careful along the edges there wasn't any bleed through to the upholstery.



After protecting the fabric, I used a rough sandpaper (100 grit) over the frame to rough it up.  The original finish was somewhat slick and glossy, so I needed to rough it up so the stain would have something to grab on to.  Then, I just rubbed on Minwax's Special Walnut with a rag.


After letting that dry, I sprayed a coat of polyurethane to seal the stain.  The finish isn't perfect, the stain soaked in better in some areas better than others, but I really like the variation and dimension that gives it.  I think it really gives them some character and makes them look old.


It wasn't a huge change, but it was enough.  Now I feel like the chairs work much better with the table.   



Confession...I've only done these three.  Three more to go. 


Now, I just need to get busy working on the loveseat that I'm going to use at the head of the table, and I have one more little accessory that I plan to add.  Stay tuned!

P.S.  Don't forget about the Modern & Fresh Fall Home Tour, Bethany from Dwellings by Devore is up today!

Linking up with: 52 Mantels
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Would you like to comment?

  1. The chairs turned out perfect and I can't wait to see the loveseat.

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  2. Agreed. The walnut wash makes it work in your space much better! Looks great! good luck w/the other three.;) lovin that modern fall tour, thanks for the tip off and reminder to check back in...

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  3. Those look great in there. Love the finish! xo Kristin

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  4. They look great in your space and I love the look of the dark stain on top. Look straight out of Restoration Hardware! Great job!

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  5. Those chairs look fantastic! You have made them CUSTOM!!!
    I'm so excited to see the loveseat!

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  6. They look SooSooSooooooooo good Jennifer! I love that you darkened the stain a bit, the color looks great with your table. And they look comfy and pulled together. So pretty with the table!

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  7. The chairs look great! What is the maker and pattern of the fabric you used for your curtains?

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  8. They are gorgeous - the stain you added really makes the wood pop against the upholstery. You are BRAVE to stain with light fabric so near but it looks like they came out perfectly. I am getting hives just thinking about what my 2 and 4 year olds would do that pretty fabric...

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  9. Beautiful was the word I said when I first saw the chair's photo. Can't wait to see the grouping around your table. My daughter's family shares dinner at our table weekly. I purchased a faux leather navy bench for the three little ones to sit on from Pier 1. It works well and adds style to our kitchen.

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  10. I love the look of your new chairs! And they were meant to be bc I have done a TJ search before and usually can't find more of what I am looking for so the chair gods were smiling on you!

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  11. I saw those at our TJ, too ~ they're perfect with your table and look amazing darkened a bit! Those little details, again! :)

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  12. seriously- you amaze me. gorgeous, friend.

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  13. Just beautiful!! Will you let me know how the fabric holds up with kids? This is what holds me back.

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  14. You did such a great job!!! Love them!!!

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  15. I'm glad you went with your gut- I dig the Eames chairs, but these look great in the space. You've been busy with chairs and tables lately :)

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  16. Jennifer I LOVE those chairs! I love that style too and you really bumped up the wow factor with the stain! Now they look like you went to France and brought home the real deal!

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  17. You have such a great eye. It's just enough oomph to make the chairs pop. Love the charm and character it adds. Oh, Jen...I can't ever comment without adding something like: you're awesome! :)

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  18. I LOVE those chairs! I wish they would work with my dining room table which is really too dark and shiny to work with anything...You did a great job darkening them!
    -Shelley

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  19. Oh wow, do I love these chairs and you did such a great job and they blend in with the table perfectly!!! I would have done the same thing with the tape and plastic. I would like similar chairs for our kitchen when we get into our new home. Check out Cloches and Lavender and follow me as I do you!!!

    Cynthia

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  20. They look great with your table and that little bit of stain makes all the difference. I can't wait to see your settee!

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  21. I love the chairs! Excellent shape for your taste and the style of the space --- and that smallish difference in the stain color has a huge impact! Love!!!

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  22. I have these same chairs that I got at TJ in Florida- 6 of them. Great idea, will have to follow your instructions and try this. Small world.

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  23. LOVE LOVE The new chairs Jennifer and the new finish you gave them!!

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  24. I LOVE these chairs and your update on them is perfect!!

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  25. I've been considering these chairs as well and absolutely love what you've done with them. Can you give me an insight as to quality and how you think they'll hold up over time. I have 2 little ones and would need to figure out how to make the fabric stain resistant.

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  26. There's really a lot that a chair adds. First in the symmetry with respect to the table, then with the other design elements in the room. All these things should flow and cohere and be harmonized in a certain manner: from edges to contours, and to the general look of it. Mix and match with the vintage and the technological. The choice is yours!

    Enis @ Granite Busters

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  27. Ooooo these are beautiful! I don't think I would have had the courage to stain them, but I'm so glad you did because they turned out great!

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  28. Your chairs look amazing! You are so brave, I would be so nervous I would mess them up. I saw your feature over at Thrifty Decor Chick. Have a great day!
    Tammy @ thecoloreddoor.blogspot.com

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  29. You genius girl! World Market currently has a chair like this that I love...but I don't love the wood finish....now I know what to do!!

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  30. That looks really good! I want to do something similar in our kitchen area.

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  31. I had an operation recently in my knee.Doctor have advised me to use best ergonomic kneeling chair to position my knees properly for a little flexibility. So,I had bought one and it was great..

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