Welcome to #FoundAndChairished, our series where we talk to designers about an incredible piece they found on Chairish. Be on the lookout for new #FoundAndChairished stories here on the blog as well as on our Instagram account.
This time around, we spoke to Lauren Ashley, owner and lead designer of Houston-based interior firm LA Weddings & Interiors. When a client showed Lauren a photo of barrel chairs with rope posts, she set out on a mission to find them. She located a bang-on match on Chairish—upholstered in a grey ornamental fabric. In order to modernize the chairs, Lauren and co-designer Kerchalyn Mayhorn reupholstered the cushions in a beautiful, deep green velvet and gilded the rope accents with gold leaf. Now the centerpiece of the client’s living room, the chairs exemplify the sustainable soul inherent in giving vintage pieces a second life.
What Chairish item did you buy that you’d like to share a story about?
A pair of Napoleon III style, wood-carved barrel back rope chairs from the 1950s
Why did you buy it?
Our client showed us an image and said ‘I need this chair!’ We said, ‘say less!’ We searched high and low for these chairs. We’re thankful to our mentor Veronica Solomon’s Facebook group “What They Don’t Teach You In Design School.” She mentioned Chairish and we were able to find these chairs.
In what room did you use it?
They are in our client’s living room. We also wanted to make these pieces adaptable so they can also work in an entryway—hence our photoshoot in the client’s foyer!
In a few words, how would you describe your interior design style?
We would describe our interior design style as modern sophistication, but with pops of color! This particular client wanted modern and traditional. It was a perfect project for us to stretch our design skills.
Why do you love shopping vintage? And how does sustainability factor into your choices of new products vs. vintage finds?
These are our first vintage pieces and we weren’t disappointed. I would love to incorporate more into our designs.
Are there any dream vintage or antique pieces you wish you could have?
Our new client has a vintage bar. Oh, the visions I have for it! I can imagine the space with vintage lacquered furniture with a gold finish.
All photos by Krytondra Mamou
