Before & After: Vintage Junk to Breuer Chic

We frequently check Canadian design blog, Style North, to stay apprised of the stylish antics of our friends to the north. We're suckers for any DIY, but this seemed particularly clever and it's no-sew. (We're huge fans of any no-sew project!)

For this project, Style North founder Chris was inspired by Marcel Breuer chairs with lace-up backs (We featured these in a house tour a couple of months ago) This chair was actually a trial run for a set of chairs that will be covered in fancier leather. For complete instructions, see Style North.

Comments (4)

Awesome idea.

posted by Jesse Lu on April 3rd 2009 at 7:34pm
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Hmm, if I hadn't seen how great the original chair was I would be more into the leather version. I like how the caning is continuous from the seat to the back. For me, it visually reinforces the sinuous line of the chair. The two pieces of leather break up the line.

posted by MiklakMiklak on April 3rd 2009 at 8:02pm
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I've got a set of those with the lovely cane on them. I like what Chris has done with the chair which was obviously coming unraveled, but I'm going to agree with MiklakMiklak and say that the original caning - when in better condition - is much nicer.

Does anyone know where you can caned chairs like this repaired?

posted by sciencegeek on April 4th 2009 at 11:20am
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Love the chair, but don't understand the 'fear of sewing' comment. Like using hot glue or a nail gun, getting comfortable with a sewing machine can be a short learning curve. Most home sewing projects only require long, straight seams. You don't really need to know how to insert a zipper, make buttonholes, fit darts, etc. Used sewing machines are super affordable and take up less space a lot of other other DIY tools.

posted by MaeEast on April 4th 2009 at 5:18pm
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