Forgotten Treasures

As I made my way to the lower level of a house I was helping stage, my eye immediately went to the corner of a blue and white damask sofa in the back of the basement. It was covered with a worn blanket and looked as if the only use it had was a cat bed. I made my way around forty years worth of stuff to peak under the cover. My heart skipped a beat as I realized it was in near perfect condition. I felt sorry for the old piece of furniture, banished to the basement to finish out its days in the dark and gloom. This sofa deserved better surroundings than plumbing pipes and cinder block walls. A glamorous piece like this should live in an elegant Paris apartment flanked by crystal wall sconces and stuffy portraits of old men.
How I wanted to rescue this treasure! I imagined driving home; it perched on the roof of my mini van like a large fabric trophy.

Most of my life I have had a tendency to cart abandoned pieces of furniture home, as if they were stray animals. I find it hard to pass up a lonely chair on the corner, or a worn but still functional table at a yard sale. It gives me a thrill to recreate them with wood glue and a fresh coat of paint. When I was furnishing my first home, those cast off pieces were a great way to decorate with little or no money. Traditional chairs and outdated tables were always more fun with a bright color or new fabric. It was a challenge to see what I could make of something that others thought had worn out its usefulness. For years, white has been the color of choice when updating wood furniture. Lately, I am noticing that black seems to be just as popular, along with the more daring colors like red or robins egg blue.

I love the fact that most trends tend to come back in style at some point. Designers have a treasure trove of past styles for inspiration. The best part is that each time they are recreated they have a fresh new look. Spring seems to be the time of year to breathe new life into old things. Damask fabric is quickly coming back in vogue for home décor. Once known as the fabric of royalty, it was first produced in China, Persia, India, and Syria. As it became more affordable in the 1920’s its popularity soared. The pattern can be almost anything but will always have a raised design and is reversible. The more traditional muted colors used in the damask of yesteryear are still available for a more formal look. Designers are also adding an element of fun and casualness with bolder colors. At the same time, retaining the traditional patterns. This spring, you will see it everywhere. In bedding, wallpaper, fabric, and even lampshades. While I would not suggest you recover your sofa with damask fabric, you certainly could add some great pillows to showcase this hot trend. My favorite is the black and white floral pattern. It would bring a fresh look to a neutral living room or add romantic drama to a bedroom. Target has many choices in this color and pattern. Try adding a bold red and white damask shower curtain, found at wrapables.com, for an entirely new look in your bath. A fairly neutral damask rug from bedbathstore.com would work wonders for a sun porch or family room.

Looking for some cool artwork? Frame a piece of damask fabric or wallpaper. You could probably even find wrapping paper if you looked hard enough. A metal frame would give it a modern edge while an ornate gold frame would be a great homage to the Hollywood glamour of long ago.
Spring is the time to give your space a shot of life. Keep an eye out for the unexpected treasure. Remember the wonders fresh paint and fabric can do. Who knows, you may even find yourself driving a little slower the next time you pass a forlorn chair on the curb.

©2007 Heather Durren, ASP, IAHSP
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