John and I are on a sofa hunt for our new apartment and Rita Konig’s decorating adventures have served as major inspiration. Above is the before and after of her own beautiful sofa—isn’t it spectacular? While we could run to IKEA and buy a reasonable slipcover sofa (if you swap out the legs and throw some pillows on the white Karlstad it isn’t so bad…) I’d still much rather have an older piece and save up over time to have it reupholstered. What do you think ladies, dress up the new or reinvent the old?
Oh we are too alike..I’ve been looking at the Karlstad too! But I feel the same way. Something with character would be nice. I’m scouring Craigslist and am going to go to some secondhand furniture shops to look for a project. I hope you find something you love at the right price! xoxo
I vote to reinvent the old…love what she did! Good luck!
Colleen — Stalking Craigslist here too! We’ll have to keep each other updated! xx
Definitely reinvent the old! It’ll be more unique and I’m sure will last longer.
So pretty. I saw reinvent the old!
Do you ever use http://www.craigslook.com?
It’s make it so much easier to find things on craigslist!
xo,
C
sigh. what an incredibly tempting couch. rita is a decor goddess!
xo,
sylvie of silver lining
Reinvent the old!!! Marc and I are on a hunt as well. Let me know what you decide to do. XO
Mitchell Gold has great ones and Crate & Barrel!
:)
http://ladulcivida.blogspot.com/
This is a tough one, because I really love a brand new bright white couch, but also am giddy about the idea of something older, with a lot of character, and potential panache. I think you would do a gorgeous job on something old!
Dress up the old where possible… however, we know that we’re are far from being in our permanent home and have moved enough to know it is hard on furniture so when it comes to big stuff we’re still in a phase of newer and cheaper… someday we’ll upgrade, but for now it’s all about what we can afford and what we aren’t afraid to load into a moving truck again, and again, and again :)
I haven’t been too impressed with sofa’s out there (at least the affordable ones) so if you can find a good comfy, sturdy one I’d say go for it and make it your own!
I can see the merits of both; however, repuposing an old sofa not only is a good way to recycle but is also much more unique. The reupholster that you featured is such a great example!
I’m always torn between the good price vs. the character. And I think it’s totally okay to mix the 2 and gives it even more character in the long run but on big pieces…I think I prefer the character!
You could save on a chair! :)
I got a very nice Room & Board sofa off of craigslist for just $175 (in NYC!). So for me that was a very happy medium between Ikea and really high quality.
Reinvent the old!! You just cant recreate that charm with something new! I was so intimidated before I tried reupholstering for myself (http://findingmyaloha.blogspot.com/2010/06/table-for-four-please.html) but now that I have done it, theres no going back for me!
I say IN with the OLD out with the new! The hunt is 1/2 the fun! Best of luck to you…can’t wait to see the progress!
p.s. Thanks for commenting on my first blog post! You are too kind :)
xx,
k. kerr
I love all this good advice! I’m definitely leaning toward finding a vintage sofa and reupholstering it as many of you favored. I’ll keep you posted on any prospective finds!
xx Katie
I love adding new life to the old !
pve
In with the old! Such character and much better quality on the frame usually. Will last a lifetime!
Definitely reinvent the old. But smell it first! ;)
such perfect inspiration.
reinvent the old..i got a wingback for $50 at the alemeda flea market got it re-upholstered in yummy china seas fabric..and i look to look at it its my fav..
I remember that couch and I LOVE it!! Especially the intricate woodwork!
xx
dagny
reinvent the old definitely!
Absolutely reinvent the old – the piece will last so much longer, and you won’t have to tell everyone who asks that you got your couch from Ikea like a million other people. The hunt for the perfect piece is such a better memory!
Also: don’t stop with Craigslist! When we moved into our new space, we found what was practically our dream sofa at a local thrift store. Our $100 went to the Aids Action Committee in Boston, and we didn’t even have to reupholster. Good luck!