The end of the year is often a time to reflect on the past, and formulate aspirations for the next year. It can be a time to think about transformation. Today I’m sharing my favorite kind of transformation–chairs! If you follow Nystrom Design on Instagram, you know that I have a small obsession with chairs.

Each chair is a chance to tell a story. The shape of the chair, the material that it’s made from, the surrounding space and furnishings–all of these elements can contribute to a highly personalized experience. I especially love it when clients come to us with a favorite chair that needs a little love. You know, that chair that fits like a worn-in pair of jeans, except you don’t want it to look like a worn-in pair of jeans. It is our delight to give those pieces a refresh, and figure out how to work them into the overall design.

At our Noe Valley Project, one of the first decisions we made was to reuse a settee that had been inherited from the husband’s parents.  It became a focal point in the foyer at the bottom of the staircase. We chose a windowpane plaid for a subtle nod to the traditional style of the piece.  The vibrant shade of turquoise and the tangerine-colored pillow bring the piece forward in time.

At our North Beach Project, we had several opportunities to give some old chairs a new lease on life.  With an apple green spotted Ikat fabric, this antique chair became the perfect counterpoint to an open floor plan with a modern leaning.  We placed it at the entry, which opens directly to the dining area. The shape of this chair doesn’t lend itself to curling up with a book.  But it’s a great perch to remove shoes or set down a handbag at the end of the day.

 

 

 

 

I think of myself as someone who is able to envision unrealized potential.  But I have to say that when I first saw this dilapidated little chair, I had to stretch my imagination.  Thankfully, we work with a very skilled upholstery workroom! We had a small ottoman made in the same fabric, and the chair emerged from its metamorphosis as an inviting bedroom chair that is just right for this cozy little alcove.

 

 

 

This favorite red leather chair had occupied our client’s office at her law firm for over 20 years.  When she retired, she asked us if we might find a home for it in their new home design.

The leather was still in good shape, so we didn’t need to do anything to the chair itself.  But it got an entirely new personality in the environment we created, using wallpaper from Osborne & Little, accented by new custom bookcases.  With a reading lamp and accent table nearby, all the essentials are covered!

As 2019 comes to an end, I hope that 2020 brings you whatever kind of transformation you desire!