This piece is a family heirloom from the 1930’s.

It’s been moved multiple times: Nebraska to Texas, Texas to Nebraska, back to Texas, and then after my grandfather’s passing in 1987, one last time back to Nebraska.

Well, that is until the winter of 2012 . . .

See, one of my oldest and dearest friends’ fathers was driving out to California and offered to haul it to San Diego, so I could restore it. [How great is that?!] When the chaise arrived, however, I was absolutely speechless.

The entire piece was covered in mold [MOLD!] obviously stored improperly during its many years. So due to its state, I had to completely gut it. I stripped the wood with a natural wood stripper I made myself out of lemons and oranges. Then afterwards, I had to hire a carpenter to reinforce the legs as someone in my family had used L-shaped brackets to fix it themselves, ruining its antique appeal. [Yea, major bummer.] Anyway, once the legs were fixed, I laid new jute webbing and cleaned/fastened all of its 24 springs.

As I worked, though, it became more and more apparent to me that the wood was insanely too dry and sadly damaged – I would not be able to re-stain it. After much creative brainstorming, I quickly realized I could go the more “artistic” route. So after purchasing mucho spray-paint, I went crazy [as you can see]. Finally, once the painting was complete, I concluded that black fabric was the only way to go so it did not distract from the painted wood.

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.“ – Scott Adams

I am absolutely in love with the finished product. It makes me think of Bill Cosby’s sweaters on “The Cosby Show” [I was obsessed with Rudy as a little girl] thus giving it its name “Huxtable.” And yes, I know my chaise isn’t for everyone, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?! Plus, it just won first place at the San Diego Fair 😉 me so happy!