New Chairs, Chalk Paint And Updating My Family Room Decor
Have you ever started out looking for one thing and wound up with something totally different?
That’s what happened to me a few weeks ago when Pookie and I set out to find a replacement for his worn out leather recliner that is in our family room. He just wanted a new recliner, but what I really wanted was two matching chairs that could flank our fireplace.
We had narrowed the selection down to one particular chair and I was in the midst of selecting fabric, when Pookie totally bowled me over by saying, “Why don’t we just replace all of the chairs in the family room and get the couch recovered too?”. Ummmm….okay!
The one compromise that I made was that Pookie’s new recliner will be leather instead of fabric. That’s ok. It can’t always be all about me. 😀 His new chair is much nicer looking and isn’t as poofy as the one we have now, which will be much more tolerable to me.
So thus began a whole new plan for our family room decor! I’ve been spending a lot of time lately searching high and low for a few more furniture pieces, fabric and accessories to begin the makeover of our family room. You can see a peek of a new console table behind the new chairs.
His beloved new leather recliner will be picked up tomorrow. The first new pieces of furniture to officially make it into the room are these chairs that I found at Pier 1.
If you follow me on Instragram, you already know that this is so opposite from the direction that I thought I would go in, but when I saw these chairs it was love at first sight!
I love every single thing about them. Their tufted backs and the shape of the arms…
…the nailhead trim around the bottom…
…and the gently rolling top of the chairs.
Once the new chairs were in place, the little chest that goes between them literally screamed for a makeover! Here’s what that chest used to look like:
I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Napoleonic Blue to give that puppy a makeover. I decided to seal the table with Minwax spray-on polyurethane instead of waxing it.
All that the hardware needed was a once over with some Antique Brass Rub n Buff.
Choosing these chairs with this bright fabric was the best decision I could have made. They have totally transformed the feel of my family room in a very good way!
BEFORE
AFTER
To say I am smitten, would be an understatement!
Stay tuned for more as my family room makeover comes together.
Wow! Your new chairs are simply gorgeous! The blue paint on the table brings out all the colors in the chairs. I had no idea that Pier 1 offered such beautiful furniture. Will Pookie’s new recliner also come from Pier 1? I can’t wait to see it all together. We are working on our TV room and are thinking of going the same way! Congratulations on such a great room!
Hi Jane. I’m sooo glad that you like my new chairs! Pookie’s recliner is coming from Flexsteel. We put a little more money into that piece because it will be a daily sitter and needs to last. Pier 1 seems to have upped the ante on their furniture. I saw lots of pretty things there. I still have one more chair from there to share at some point. 😀
LOVE those chairs! And that blue was a bold choice, but it’s perfect.
Thank you, Kirby!
They’re perfect, Suzy! I love the colors … the floral design … the style of the chair! And, your painted accent table really pops paired with them! Great job!
Thank you, sweet Becca! I’m loving the transformed look in my family room so far.
What a difference a day makes or two chairs and a painted accent table. I am anxious to see your recliners and how they look too. Great job in choosing the look.
I know – amazing – right? lol I’m glad that you like how it’s going so far.
Your new chairs are gorgeous Suzy! I love the fabric you chose and all of the pretty pops of blue and green decor, what a beautiful transformation!
Thank you, Lauren. It looks so different in here!
Wow! I love the transformation going on. It looks so fresh and fun.
Thank you, Penny. I’m loving the fresh look that the fabric on the chairs is giving my room.
What a great transformation, Suzy! You’re on the way for sure in the family room! It just takes so long, doesn’t it? I guess that’s the thrill of the hunt!
That’s what I keep telling myself, Marty. But it sure is hard for me to be patient!
Ooh, Suzy. I can see why you love your new chairs. Everything about them is gorgeous!!! Have fun with this decorating project. I can hardly wait to see more.
Thank you, Beverly. I can hardly wait to finish it! So hard for me to be patient until I find just the right things.
Those chairs are absolutely beautiful and the blue table just sets everything up. I can’t wait to see the whole room. Don’t you love it when our hubby’s say something like that.
Yes mam, I do! So glad you like the chairs and table, Patty.
All I can say is… wow! I love the fabric of the chairs and the fantastic blue of the table. Can’t believe those chairs came from Pier 1!
~ Ashley
Thank you, Ashley. I was so surprised when I saw them there.
I just love those chairs too and can so understand why you choose them! Your hubby’s recliner probably matches our and although ours is in good shape, it will be finding a new home. We have some leather couches we bought from the old owners of our new house. I still want to get two matching recliners but more in a brown tapestry-to match the leather sofas. Also we need to chairs to flank the fireplace…but all of these will have to wait until we are moved in.
I didn’t know Pier 1 had chairs. Wow. The chest between the chairs looks so much higher after you painted it.
Can’t wait to see the room when everything is done.
Hugs, Noreen
The plan for your matching recliners sounds really pretty, Noreen! You’re right about the chest looking higher. I didn’t notice until you mentioned that. :d
Awesome…the new chairs just scream Suzy!! They look great next to your Verbena green kitchen. You know how i love blue and green!!! You have a real talent putting a great traditional space together with complimentary colors. And isn’t it great when the hubby suggests redecorating a room!
Thank you so much, Girlfirend. And yes mam, it is!
That “Pookie” is a great guy…love, love the chairs!!!…and the table is fabulous with its new paint!….
Yeah, these hubbies of ours are pretty great. Glad you like the table and chairs!
I love the color you chose for the table. Really great! Don’t worry though, you’re still the most beautiful thing in the room!
Awww…I big fat <3 you, Pookie!
Smitten with your new chairs is an understatement. I am in LUST. 😀 They are gorgeous and a floral print is always a fave of mine. They give you so many opportunities and I know with your amazing sewing skills, you will be whipping up some grandiose window treatments to go with them. Can’t wait to be a guest at your home in a few weeks so I can see them in person. EEEeeeeeeee! xxoo
I can’t wait for you to be here too! So looking forward to some Ladybug time!
OMG, I just read what Pookie said to you and it made me smile. What a sweetie you have. <3
Yeah, I think he’s a keeper! 😀
I can see why you fell in love with the chairs, they are fantastic and they look very comfortable. The blue of your little table makes them really pop.
I would love to know what you thoughts of the Min-Wax spray. The finish looks to be a nice satin finish, is that what it looks like in real life. I am having trouble finding a spray that is a true satin.
Can’t wait to see the rest of the pieces you pick for your new family room.
Traci
Hi Traci. I’ve used several sealers over the years, but this is my first time using MinWax. This will probably be my go-to brand going forward. I really, really like how evenly the spray comes out of the can. So far, no sputtering at all. There are three coats of the MinWax on my table and I can tell you that I do believe it has a nice satin finish – not too shiny and not too dull. I’m currently working on a project where I want a more lacquered appearance so I’m using their gloss finish for that. I’ve only applied one coat so far, so I’m not sure if it will be a true gloss or not. If you decide to give it a try, I’d love to know what you think!
I love the new chairs. They look so awesome in your space. That table is so adorable also. I love that you painted it and then actually admitted to using something other than wax. LOL! I have used samples of ASCP, but cannot bring myself to pay for the wax because I am lazy and know I will only use it once and then it will just sit there mocking me. You inspired a great idea and now I may actually finish my daughter’s rocking chair that we started 2 years ago.
I have always loved your home, but it was amazing to see the huge difference just in the power of changing a couple chairs.
Hi Melissa. I’m so glad that you like the chairs! I broke down and bought wax when I painted the vanity in my powder room. That stuff is expensive! I found out later that you don’t have to use Annie Sloan’s brand tho. Any furniture wax will do. I thought that the only thing you could finish chalk paint with was wax. Wish I had realized that I could have used clear sealer when I did my vanity – sure would have made my job a lot easier!
Suzy, these chairs are so very pretty. I LOVE the fabric it is so beautiful. It gives the feel of such brightness to the room. The tufting is so great. I am a huge fan of tufting and the nail head trim is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see more of the changes.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia. I’m in love with the fabric too and I never knew how much I love tufting! lol
Your new chairs are gorgeous! Love, love the shape. I’m so ready for new furniture. Can’t wait to see the rest of your family room makeover.