This month we're featuring one of our newer creators, Maria (the face behind Be Seated Designs)!
Meet a talented furniture artist who transforms forgotten chairs into vibrant, one-of-a-kind statement pieces through the perfect blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability! From carefully stripping each chair down to its frame to painting, upholstering, and adding the finishing touches, every project is a true labour of love. Her fearless use of colour, eye for beautiful details, and passion for breathing new life into vintage furniture, makes her work impossible not to admire. We caught up with her to learn more about her creative process, favourite Country Chic Paint colours, and what inspires each unique transformation!
Let's kick it off with the steps on how she got this look!
1) She stripped the chair down, (she usually isn't sure what’s been there before and some of her older chairs that she's stripped down from the early 1900’s Victorian area, have used horse hair and hay as inserts.)
2) Lightly sand or if needed make some small repairs.
3) Paint the wood frame depending on what fabric she uses.
4) Starts with the upholstery.
5) For this chair, Maria used our Raspberry Sorbet & a Christian Lacroix scattered rug!
Ready to meet the creative force behind these colourful transformations? Let's dive in!
Favorite CCP Colors:
"Bliss and the Raspberry Sorbet, they are such a puff up vibrant colour, as you can see I love colors."
What is your favorite tool?
"Since upholstering, my most used tool is the stapler remover and pliers and of course the Goosneck Webbing Stretcher which is so much fun! In painting I usually use sponge brushes and then distressing by using different grit of sand paper."
Where do you find your design ideas or color palettes?
"I get inspired by the chair frame first with all the detailed and beautiful craftsmanship some of my chairs have. From there, I decide on the colour of the wood frame I want to paint and the combinations of the fabric and tassels I want to include as part of the end result."
What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?
"Hmm… fun fact: I’m very spontaneous and tend to make decisions on the spot. For example, in my upholstery work, I have a large collection of fabrics and often start with a clear idea of which one I’ll use. But at the last minute, I might completely change my mind and go in a different direction. Sometimes the best creative decisions happen that way!"
How has being part of the DIY or refinishing community impacted you?
"Being part of the DIY and refinishing community has inspired me to see the potential in old pieces and transform them into something beautiful. The creativity, support, and shared ideas from others have helped me grow my skills while giving me a rewarding way to relax, express myself, and feel proud of what I create."
More about Maria & her chairs she transforms:
"I transform vintage chairs into bold, one-of-a-kind statement pieces through careful upcycling and custom upholstery. Combining sustainability, craftsmanship, and creativity, lovingly restoring each chair from start to finish. I believe every home deserves a unique accent piece and that life is too short for an ordinary chair."
Products Used:
Want to follow along for more of Maria's future projects? Check her out on Instagram: @beseateddesigns
