This week was Summer Market when the furniture, fabric and accessory distributors present their new product line. Shabby Chic, of which I previously wrote, is a very loose, sloppy, or supposedly comfortable look. I dislike belaboring this Shabby Chic issue, but more and more upholstered goods suppliers are showing this. It is definitely the fashion fad of the 90's. I just wish it fit better. Corner and arm rest welts are always sagging. Skirts are always hanging on the floor. If you think about it, the concept is terrific.
Today an old business associate dropped by the studio whom I had not seem in years. He is a slipcover manufacturer. He is the third generation in a family owned slipcover manufacturing company established in 1905. I had forgotten this wonderful resource there was so close by. The portfolio of his completed work is fantastic. Now his slipcovers fit. It was amazing to me that he can make a slipcover look like a brand new piece of furniture not a shabby slipcover at all. Now he also has pictures of the Shabby Chic look that he has done, so one can order as perfect or loose as they like. A tweed wing back chair with wooden legs can quickly be changed to cabbage roses with a ruffled skirt and contrasting welts. Just let your imagination run wild!
Decorating for Christmas can have an entirely new meaning. Slipcover the living room furniture in red and green plaid. Lets do what the New Englander's do, change your rooms to spring and summer colors for the summer. Remember the carpet commercials where the kids spill the food on the carpet and the mom says, "That's OK". The kids spill on the slipcovers and you can say "That's OK" because the slipcovers can be laundered. The price is great too! One reason the Shabby Chic concept is so popular is it is so completely practical. I always liked the concept, but now that I have a artist to supply the slipcovers, I am excited!