Our Austin team recently moved into a larger space, and getting the sterile, office-y room into a condition that’s fit for a creative, interiors-obsessed team is an ongoing process (one that includes an upcoming kitchen and bath remodel!). My goal is to create a space that is functional and flexible, and also really comfortable and inspiring. Each local team member has a work station, of course, but we also have an area with a pair of cozy sofas, a large dining or work table, and a private conference room.
One thing we were lacking was a spot for just a couple of folks to gather. It’s not comfortable to hover at one desk and the large table feels really excessive. A smaller table with a couple of chairs would be ideal for two or three to meet, or for an out-of-town team member to park for a couple of days. So, I was casually on the hunt for something suitable.
More to Read: Our New Office Reveal
Photography: Madeline Harper
I actually have Quinn to thank for finding the perfect pair of chairs! He spotted them at a local men’s clothing shop, Stag, during a parking lot. He snapped a photo and sent it to me and I enthusiastically replied that YES! I did want them. The original upholstery was a camel-colored flannel that was pretty, but worn out and thin and pilling in places. But the shape and scale were right, and at just $300 for the pair, I knew it would be worth it to have them recovered.
I knew immediately where to begin my search for new fabric: Supply Showroom is a woman-owned trade-only showroom that stocks boutique brands of fabric and wallpaper curated from around the world (you might remember them from our Local’s Guide to Austin). The three owners have impeccable taste, and the showroom is a staple in the Texas design community. In Austin, it’s located in a converted house on a tree-lined street and is filled to the brim with charm and inspiration and has a super helpful and friendly staff.
The mid-century chairs are fully upholstered — even the arms and legs! — and have a really square, linear shape, so while I considered a few options, I narrowed it down to some graphic patterns pretty quickly. The main fabric is a linen called Anni Check by Imogen Heath. It’s a modern interpretation of a classic woven check, which felt perfect for these chairs. For a little contrast, I chose a smaller pattern by Maresca Textiles for the sides of the seat and back cushions.
In the office, we paired the chairs with a pedestal table from Leanne Ford’s collection for Crate & Barrel. The plaster finish has a ton of texture and warmth and the round shape and heavy base are the perfect contrast to the leggy chairs. It feels cheesy to say that we gave the chairs a new lease on life… but it feels like we did just that! This project is a great reminder of how much impact a custom project has on a space. There is just no substitute for the depth and interest that a one-of-a-kind piece (or two) has in a room.
Window Treatments: Everhem
Pedestal Table: Crate & Barrel
Faux Green Leaf Tree (6 ft): Pottery Barn
Chairs: Vintage
Main Fabric: Anni Check by Imogen Heath
Accent Fabric: Dash Check by Maresca Textiles
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