Everyone loves a good story, like how love turned a beast into a handsome prince. This month, I’m going to share a collection of stories that draw an unexpected parallel between Disney magic and interior design. Love of furniture with beautiful new fabric, exquisite craftsmanship, and attention to detail transforms tired, old pieces into timeless treasures.
Why Buy New?
Reupholstering allows you to breathe new life into furniture pieces that have great bones, fit perfectly in your space, or hold sentimental value. It’s an approach that is far more earth-friendly, too. Here are a few stories from Chester clients who trusted me to restore their cherished furniture:
A Fresh Update for a Traditional Office
There was a home office wrapped with white wainscoting, navy upper walls, and fitted with a classic partner’s desk. Across from the desk sat two chairs with mahogany arms and elegant silhouettes. However, the fabric was tattered and dated. My client loved the preppy style, so I recommended reupholstering the chairs with a navy and white geometric "kick-Thibaut" fabric to complement the freshly painted walls.
About a month later, the chairs returned from the workshop, ready to welcome clients with stylish new seating.
Heirloom Settee Gets New Life
Skipping through the Hedge Rows neighborhood, I found a family treasure: a settee passed down through generations. This piece, deeply loved but showing its age, needed special care. To preserve its charm, I selected an off-white woven fabric from Nobilis, a Paris-based label. The new upholstery restored the soft, timeless look of the “well-worn” settee, ensuring it would endure for years to come.
French Flair for a Florida Find
Another story takes us to North Road, where a hidden gem was uncovered on eBay. My client had found a bed frame with a beautiful French flair. After its journey from Florida to Chester, I brought in a bold green damask pattern for the upholstery, complemented by two metallic piped toss pillows. Now perfectly nestled in its new home, this piece turned into a dream come true.
A Reading Nook’s Cozy Makeover
On Willow Drive, a library featuring a fireplace and built-in bookcases cradles a pair of wingback chairs. These chairs, with their classic proportions and cabriole legs, dress up the reading corner perfectly. Yet, the faded fabric no longer did them justice. A Kravet small-scale herringbone fabric in a light neutral shade became their new wardrobe. The result? A fresh yet timeless look perfect for curling up with a good book.
Dining Chairs Ready for Entertaining
The next chapter brings us to Twin Brooks Trail, where an avid entertainer needed help restoring her Victorian-style dining chairs. The antique chairs had once featured an intricate, raised lattice pattern. I reimagined them with Kravet’s durable performance fabric—elegant yet resilient enough to handle merry dinner parties.
On another dining chair project in Woodhull, we incorporated a custom blue-and-white fabric suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The fabric resists spills while remaining visually stunning.
The Value of Upholstery
If you’re considering reupholstering a cherished piece of furniture, I’d be happy to advise you on the perfect fabrics, usage, and style. Whether it’s welted edges, decorative finishing touches like fringe or braid, or assessing if cushions need re-wrapping, I can guide you through the process. My workroom partners specialize in meticulous craftsmanship to restore beauty and comfort.
Final Thoughts—Inspired by Storytelling
As I write this, my daughter is rehearsing Beauty and the Beast for Mendham High School’s production. Watching the performing arts has reminded me that a transformation—whether on stage or in your home—can bring joy, sustainability, and one-of-a-kind results.
If you’re ready to transform your furniture, let’s create a story worth sharing.
Molly Higgins Interior Design LLCCreating Beautiful Backdrops for Family Life For paint consultations, custom window treatments, floor planning, and full or flexible design packages:📞 (908) 625-6792 | 🌐 www.mollyhigginsinteriordesign.com