The Chair
“I chose the Cantilly chair by Flamant because it’s solid, practical, and comfortable for people of all sizes,” says Burgess. “It is a great-looking reproduction that could, with its traditional lines, hold its own in a room filled with 18th-century antiques. The brown-and-gray limed finish reminded me of driftwood, which keeps the chair and the room from getting too serious. The wood could also be stained or lacquered to take the chair in a different direction.”
Lovely In Leather
“The cream patent leather was inspired by some of my favorite creamware pieces,” says the designer. “I love the idea of using patent leather on a classic chair to give it an edge. This style is practical for the client who needs something that cleans easily but also looks great. The chair could sit at a breakfast table that is used every day, but it looks just as chic in a formal dining room.” Painted and Pretty
“I love to give my clients seasonal options and European flair, which is why I decided to do a slipcover,” says Burgess. “This is also a great choice for the person who needs something easy to clean. The slipcovers can be removed and sent to the cleaners. Being from the South, I, of course, love a monogram. But I wanted to put a spin on the traditional embroidered monogram, so I had it painted on.” Fabulous In Floral
“This print fabric absolutely sent me over the edge when I saw it,” she says. “The branches in the print play off the driftwood feel of the chair. The beautiful floral fabric and the delicate gimp trim are a very traditional Southern look. The combination of blues and greens would definitely pop in any room.”
| BETTY'S TIPS FOR GREAT UPHOLSTERED PIECES |
| On Leather: “I really like using leathers for dining chairs because they are practical, and patent leather in particular is very easy to clean. But I don’t like the look of a welt cord of leather on a piece upholstered in leather.”
On Stitching: “I want to see hand-sewn details on upholstered pieces. Once you have looked at enough pieces, you can really tell the difference.” On Trim: “I like trim bumped up to the edge of whatever I am working with, and I like it to blend with the fabric, rather than contrast, for a more understated approach.” On Skirts: “On a sofa, I like a waterfall or dressmaker skirt. On dining chairs, it depends on the chair, but I love a short skirt, especially if I am showing off a pretty leg. There is nothing worse than a skirt that is proportionally off.” On Nailheads: “Nailheads give any piece of upholstery that extra sense of customization and traditional flair.” |
RESOURCES: Betty Burgess, Betty Burgess Design, 404/841-7707; Flamant, 901/361-6735, www.renebyflamant.com. Lovely In Leather: Fabric, Patent Leather, by Glant through Jerry Pair (T), 800/367-7247, www.jerrypair.com. Painted and Pretty: Slipcover fabric, Mistral, by Travers (T), 212/888-7900, www.traversinc.com; contrast fabric, Carreaux des Tours, by Claremont (T), 212/486-1252, www.claremontfurnishing.com; trim by Samuel & Sons through Ainsworth-Noah (T), 800/669-3512, www.ainsworth-noah.com. Fabulous In Floral: Fabric, Tree of Life, by Jasper through Ainsworth-Noah (T), 800/669-3512 www.ainsworth-noah.com; 19th-century French painted armoire from Jacqueline Adams, 404/355-8123, www.jacquelineadamsantiques.com. |
