Herringbone LCW Chair

20Apr09

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During a recent Sunday dinner, I was looking through my sister-in-law’s copy of Martha Stewart Living. It was an issue all about color and various painting techniques, so I was kind of intrigued. I passed on the faux bois dressers and gingham walls, but stopped dead in my tracks when I came across their herringbone LCW chair. At first I thought it was really cool looking, but then the fact that someone actually painted faux effects onto an LCW Eames chair was too overwhelming. I quickly went through all five stages of mourning: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The whole process took about 30 minutes. So now I bring this issue to you, dear readers. I’ve come to accept this near-blasphemous creation and I want to know how you feel about it. Would you personally ever apply faux effects to a piece of classic, MCM furniture? Are you a purist or a believer in personalization? Do you like this herringbone rendition? I admit that if I saw it in someone else’s home, I’d be OK with it, but it’s not for me (at least not on an LCW). I’m pretty much a believer in not meddling with the classics. Share your thoughts!
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For those interested in actually trying this technique, whether on an LCW chair or, preferably, a thrift store find, an instructional video and article can be found here.

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Comments

8 Responses to “Herringbone LCW Chair”

  1. Tristan on April 20th, 2009 7:25 am

    I’m pretty much against anything Martha Stewart.

  2. KV on April 20th, 2009 10:28 am

    I think “purists” who think everyone should be a purist too are actually called “snobs.” And they are boring.

  3. Lushpad on April 20th, 2009 12:51 pm

    My heart leapt into my throat when I saw a classic chair modified from its original look, but you know what? It isn’t so bad. I probably wouldn’t do it on an authentic licensed LCW chair, but a repro or an obviously damaged chair is the perfect canvas. Maybe there’s a new niche market for “decorated” classics?

    Would be a fab contest, don’t you think?

  4. EvangelistaLA on April 20th, 2009 1:05 pm

    I think it’s a great way to update something … perhaps a good idea if it’s a knock off like you said…

    It would be perfect for an older child or teenager’s room if the rest of the house is very modern.

  5. CapreeK on April 20th, 2009 3:18 pm

    Lushpad – I’d have to agree. Maybe on a damaged or knock off or even some other chair (from Ikea, maybe?). I like the technique and general look, but I would never, ever try it on the real deal. I’m interested in hearing more thoughts about this!

  6. Paul Anater on April 20th, 2009 10:22 pm

    Ugh. Strike one, it’s a sacrilege. Strike two, it’s a faux finish. Strike three, it’s a pink faux finish. In addition to needing a license to manufacture one of these chairs, someone should need a license to buy one.

  7. traci on April 21st, 2009 2:22 pm

    While flipping through my complementary martha stewart magazine I showed the technique/picture to my husband and he lost his crap. The technique and design was acceptable enough in his book but to do it to such a beautiful and expensive chair was totally out of line.

  8. shane on April 21st, 2009 4:59 pm

    Doing this to an LCW does bother me as it is a design classic meaning no amount of fakeness will make it any better only hurt it. However this doesn’t bother me nearly as bad as the fact that the guy doing the demonstration mispronounces the Eames name. He says “Aims”, that really bothers me. If you can’t pronounce the name you can’t have the chair. A new rule by me.

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