Welcome to Part II of my Summer Project Updates. If you missed Part I, it covered several sewing projects. This update is about putting into action the traditional décor topics I’ve discussed in previous articles. Here’s a peek at how I’ve recently been integrating traditional décor into my home.
 

Large tapestry

 
Over the summer, I obtained this large, beautiful tapestry depicting a typical medieval scene of winemaking. The size made it a great candidate for hanging on a blank wall in the stairway.
 

For other tapestries used in traditional decorating, check out the tapestries article.
 

TV stand with arches

 
With the purchase of a new television, we needed a lower-profile TV stand. Due to technical requirements, a repurposed antique cabinet would not meet our needs, so I searched for something new. I found the functionality we needed in this stand, as well as the nod to modern design that my husband enjoys, and the classic design element of arches. The gilded scallop pattern provided just enough traditional details to make it work in our family room.
 

For other arches used in traditional décor, check out the arches article.
 

Repurposing an unstable settee

I had an impressive French-style antique settee with original upholstery in our guest room for a long time. Problematically, no one could sit on it because its frame was so unstable. I held out hope of being able to stabilize the chair, but merely touching the wood frame would cause its gilded wood to crumble. I had to admit that it was, sadly, beyond restoration. I struggled with getting rid of such a beautiful piece and so I decided to salvage the original upholstery fabric. I removed it and used the fabric to sew pillows for a new settee. With the fabric removed, I was surprised to see the original padding materials for the bench. It comprised burlap, some loose cotton, and a piece of basic cotton fabric to hold together the primary stuffing—straw. I knew that horsehair was sometimes used in old furniture, but I was surprised to find such a common material inside such a distinguished piece.

The settee after the upholstery fabric has been removed. The primary stuffing is straw, held in place by burlap and plain cotton cloth.

The stuffing of the settee after the upholstery fabric has been removed. The primary stuffing is straw, held in place by burlap and plain cotton cloth.

The upholstery fabric, after being removed from the settee.

Repurposing the upholstery fabric from the antique settee as pillows.

 

For related posts, check out the furniture reupholstery article, the French-inspired guest bedroom portfolio, and the sewing projects portfolio. 

Velvet & silk pillow

My cousin came across a silk scrap embroidered with a tree pattern and knew it was right up my alley. I paired the silk with velvet fabric on the back to sew a textured addition to this reading nook.
 

For related posts, check out the velvet & silk article, the decorating with trees article, and the sewing projects portfolio.
 

Tree in an urn

 
When a neighbor decided they could no longer house this Ficus tree, I saw an opportunity to not only feed my tree-décor addiction, but also to add another urn planter to my collection. For the summer, this urn and tree are bringing ambiance to my front porch.
 

For related posts, check out the decorative urns article, the decorating with trees article, and the front porch portfolio.