Belle Maison Archives :: The Chesterfield Sofa

I'm away on business this week and thought it would be fun to reach back into the BM archives and pull out some of my more popular posts (I have over 1,000 posts to choose from after 5 1/2 years of blogging!). This post was on the Chesterfield sofa - something I was obsessing over back in 2010 and still love just as much today. I think it's a timeless trend! Enjoy... 

The Chesterfield sofa has been around for centuries and it's no wonder! This may quite possibly be the most versatile sofa out there. Whether the style of your space is modern, masculine, feminine, traditional, glamorous, coastal, or any other style, the chesterfield is bound to fit right in to your decor. Upholster it in leather for a relaxed, traditional or masculine feel. Upholster in velvet for a glamorous or Hollywood regency twist. Cover it in a white textured linen for a sophisticated, feminine look. Whatever fabric you choose, make sure it's solid. Prints can look messy and take away from the beautiful tufting. How do you feel about this sofa style? Please share your thoughts!

IMAGE CREDITS: ANTHROPOLOGIE; LONNY MAG VIA DECOR PAD; APARTMENT THERAPY; DECOR PAD;  HOUSE TO HOME; CHESTERFIELDS1780

 

Shop Spotlight: Coach Barn

There are a gazillion online stores out there, many of which sell the same things that we're all tired of seeing. If you've been looking for some new online resources for unique finds, you'll love Coach Barn! They carry a large selection of antique reproductions, French country, and cottage style furniture primarily made in the USA. What I love most about Coach Barn is that almost all of their casegoods are available in over 40 stains and painted finishes, which are hand-applied and can be combined in a rubbed finish to bring multiple colors into each piece.This makes the whole shopping experience feel more customized - I can't tell you how many times I find an amazing piece of furniture but wish it came in a different finish or color. They also have a new upholstery line with many beautiful styles available in fabric and leather. "Our remarkable designs exude comfortable living with simple sophistication and our specialists only offer the best in customer care and create an unbeatable shopping experience. Coach Barn expresses Your style!" 

I've rounded up some pieces from a few of their collections to share with you. It was hard to narrow down my favorites, especially in the Cottage House Collection. What's your favorite item from their shop? If you like Coach Barn on Facebook, you'll receive 10% Off your next order! (max value: $200; not to be combined with other offers). Just mention code BELLE during phone order.

{SHOP THE COTTAGE HOUSE COLLECTION}

{SHOP THE FRENCH MARKET COLLECTION}

{SHOP THE CB UPHOLSTERED COLLECTION}

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*This post is sponsored by Coach Barn, a Premiere Sponsor on Belle Maison. All thoughts, opinions and product selections are my own! 

xo - Julie

On the Hunt for: An Upholstered Ottoman / Table

So yesterday I accidentally kicked the wobbly, loose leg on our coffee table, which resulted in the whole leg falling off and the table crashing down on the floor. It's a heavy table with a teak wood top and heavy metal base...luckily our 6 month old son or two cats weren't underneath it! My husband flipped out at the thought of something happening to our son, so the table is off to find a new home (Craig's List!). Now it's actually kind of nice not having a table - it's like a big playground for Luke. But eventually, we're going to need something and now I'm thinking a large upholstered ottoman would be perfect. Maybe even one that doubles as storage. I'd love to have one custom made (someday, when we actually have the extra money!), so I went on a search for different styles for ideas...would I want it tufted, in a solid fabric, patterned fabric, leather? Do any of you have an ottoman that doubles as a table? What works for you in your living room?

 {A super chunky fully upholstered ottoman - no base or legs}

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{Love the wooden base on this one for books, magazines, etc.} 

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{This one if fun with a tufted top and scalloped design on the base with nailheads}

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{I can opt for a fun striped or printed fabric like this one}

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{Love the simplicity of this ottoman with a more traditional leg} 

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{Perhaps I should keep it super simple with a solid fabric (NOT white!) with a contrasting welt?}

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{Or I could go with animal print like this amazing zebra hide!}

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{Another tufted style with nailhead trim on the base} 

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{I like how this one looks more like a coffee table with an upholstered border and tufted inset} 

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{A chunky tufted ottoman in a fun pattern - love the low base}

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{I love the thick painted legs and the fabric print with an over-sized welt on this one!}

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Color Pop

Painted walls and fabric are great ways to introduce color into a space, but another fun way to add a pop of color is with a vibrant piece of painted furniture. We often go with the usual furniture finishes - stained walnut or espresso, black, white, natural, metallic...why not mix it up and add that one unexpected painted piece in bright lacquered orange or deep turquoise? I'd love to add a bold painted side table to our living room! What about you? Do you have any fun painted accent furniture in your home?

[IMAGE SOURCES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7]

Quick Style Update: Decorative Hardware

One simple and effective way to update the look of a piece of furniture, kitchen or bathroom cabinetry is by switching out the hardware. This little trick is often times overlooked, but can have significant impact! Think of hardware as "jewelery" for furniture and cabinets - it can take anything from ordinary to super chic, and requires little time or effort. I've rounded up some of my favorite decorative knobs, in addition to a few snapshots of spaces with "upgraded" hardware that really makes a difference. I'm planning on getting this dresser for the baby's nursery and want to change out the knobs to something a little more interesting and youthful! Have you swapped out your old hardware for something shiny and new?

{FIND ALL OF THE RESOURSES & LINKS TO EACH OF THESE KNOBS ON MY PINTEREST BOARD "DECORATIVE HARDWARE"}

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7}

Loving Poufs

Poufs have been a longtime favorite of mine. They're versatile, stylish and practical - three very important factors to consider when selecting anything from furniture to accessories for a space. Poufs are a little different from ottomans. They're more like over-sized upholstered pillows or floor cushions, inviting anyone who comes near one to plop down and get comfortable. They're great for additional seating in a living room or bedroom. They're also great for kid's rooms. Do you own a pouf? I don't, but after seeing some of these, I may need to get one!

Happy Friday! Have a lovely weekend. Tomorrow my sister and I are meeting for brunch then off to register for the baby! Can't wait :) xoxo - Julie

{FABULOUS POUF ROUND-UP: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}