Louis and I have a long lasting love affair, and I feel this one may stand the test of time. If I could choose one chair, just one chair to have for eternity, it would be Louis.
The oval back is such a timeless silhouette (clearly since it's been around for centuries) and I absolutely love how versatile it can be. Glossy and modern, demure and traditional. Louis has got it going on.
I have always known that one day, Louis and a few other of his friends Louis, would come to stay with us, and hopefully to stay for a while. I figured that day might come when we have a house, and a proper place to really put them up. A dining room of their very own to call home!
Well, Christmas came early this year, and Louis made a shocking early arrival!
If you've heard of me talk about my obsession with designer warehouse sales, you'll already know the beginning of this story...
At my very first warehouse sale, which turned out to be the mecca of them all, I bought a TON of stuff. My mom did also. And like me, sometimes my mom buys things she doesn't quite know what to do with. We are a family of impulse buyers, what can I say?
My mom scooped up a set of 6 Louis chairs at said warehouse sale. Why didn't I jump on them? Firstly, not my colour , at all. The wood is finished in a deep mocha/espresso stain, and the upholstery is camel. Might work in someone's home, but not mine.
That wouldn't have been enough to deter me though. The main reason I didn't take them home with me right then and there was that I was out of money. I brought a big wad of cash with me that day, and vowed to only spend what I had. And I did. I spent it all.
My mom and I disagree on what they cost. I remember them being $50 a chair, so $300 for the set. She reemembers $75 a chair, so $450 for the set (the day was such a whirlwind and we both spend so much money that it is completely understandable that neither of us remember how much they actually cost. Well, actually I remember...my mom just forgot). Either way, a MASSIVE deal compared to what these babies would cost retail. HUGE HUGE steal!
I couldn't justify it though, and even after my mom and dad decided they did not want them, and even after they sat in their garage for nearly a year, I couldn't justify the $300 because I knew I'd have to probably throw another $50 at each chair to make them look pretty for me (and that would be upholstering them myself, add another $100-$200 a chair for a professional job).
To make a long story short, we were at my parents for dinner the other night talking about these forsaken chairs that were still in their garage that my mom had yet to successfully sell on craigslist. And then it happened....
She said..." Well, would you like them? I'll just give them to you."
To which I responded " HECK YESSSSSSSSSSS."
I started to shake.
Ideas started running through my head.
I had always wanted the chairs, the only barrier was the cost. The cost of something that desperately needed a makeover and would cost even more.
But now that they were F-R-E-E, and oh, the possibilities were endless!
There are so many routes to take my friends Louis I, Louis II, Louis III, Louis IV, Louis V and Louis VI on, but I think I might have to go the safe route. I tire of pattern and colours really quickly, so I think I might just be going all white.
What do you think? What would you do with 6 Louis chairs?
I have already hatched a little plan for the upholstery to be revealed later, but what I'm really stumped on is the wood. Do I go straight white (maybe even with a gloss), or do I try out Annie Sloan's chalk paint for a more weathered look?
Let me know your thoughts! I need help! :)
xo J