When I was pregnant with our son Cory (his music blog is here), I bought an old wicker rocker at an estate auction for $20.00. It was in such poor condition that my husband was embarrassed to carry it to the car. I was a high school teacher at the time, and the boys in the shop class spiffed it up for me with white paint. (It was before my DIY passion took over). And by the way, I spent many hours rocking Jordan in that chair, too.
(Before)
It stayed that way until about ten years ago when I painted it a dusty soft green. Also, I think it has lived in every room of every house that we have owned.
Recently, I decided to paint it navy and move it to our guest bedroom where I am embracing color. I’m a little bummed that navy seems to be the trendy, go-to color right now because for me navy is and has always been a neutral. I have it in every room of our house and have for years, and I plan to keep it in every room. But when it is no longer a trend, I’m afraid it (and I) will look dated. (You can go here and here to see more changes in the guest room).
I bought some some navy and cream colored upholstery fabric and have just wrapped it around the existing cushion for the time being. I have a total weakness for any ticking fabric out there and was thrilled to find this cloth in such a nice quality. When I get an empty day on my calendar, I plan to sew up a fitted cushion cover with welting and all. (I’m not sure what those shadows/smudges are. They aren’t on the fabric).
I love the way it works with the rugs that came home with me this spring. It serves as an anchor to tie all of the other navy touches in the room together.
I love the new look for the old wicker chair that I plan to keep forever. Maybe some day I’ll be able to rock grandchildren in it.
I have the same thrilled, bummed feelings about navy too! We have it all over our home…I wear it too! So I guess I’ll really be dated, as well as my home in a while. Love the story behind your chair….such sweet memories! 😉
I’m a sucker for ticking fabric too. Being a former high school teacher – I can appreciate those
high school shop students, they have helped me out on a project or two. Additionally, the auto shop class figured out what was wrong with my car when the professionals could not – oh the power of creative young minds!
That pretty old rocker has served you well, and I’m sure you’ll one day rock grandchildren within its wide arms.
I completely understand your aversion to having your long-loved navy go ‘trendy’ and then ‘passe’. I have the same relationship with blue and white toile. As a new bride, in 1973 I made blue and white toile bed coverings and curtains, and have always had at least one room with touches or toile. The mania for toile and transferware comes and goes, and I just enjoy what I love.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful website with us. I, too, share your love of navy and love the way you have incorporated it in with more vibrant colors. Long live navy!