"Reviving a Vintage Chaise Longue: A Colourful Transformation Journey"

There's something about stumbling upon an antique that beckons a new story. A while back, I discovered this old chaise longue tucked away in an antique shop, whispering tales of forgotten elegance. While its structure was solid, it yearned for a revival—one that involved vibrant patterns and a burst of colour.
My fascination with the intricate, mesmerising designs of Morocco became the guiding muse for this transformation. However, rather than replicating traditional Moroccan patterns, I chose designs that I felt harmonised with the essence of this unique piece of furniture.
However, my wife and I found ourselves stumped by the mystery of the chaise longue's leather seat. This unexpected challenge added a tinge of frustration, especially when attempting to clean it. Despite using products that had worked flawlessly on other leather items, they proved to be incompatible with this particular lounge. The aftermath? A sticky residue that demanded some serious elbow grease to eradicate.
Once cleaned I embarked on the task of painting the entire surface. It took me a weekend to paint the longue. However, the process of applying a protective spray took longer than anticipated due to intermittent drying periods.
As with any artistic endeavour, this project wasn’t exempt from the inevitable critical eye. Every stroke and detail revealed nuances that beckoned further alterations or new additions. As with most of my work I often look at pieces later and want to change parts or make additions. Apparently I am not alone with how I operate. I am informed by others that It’s the familiar dance of creativity, where each stroke opens the door to new possibilities, urging one to refine, enhance.and reminded us that beauty often lies in imperfect, in the evolution of ideas.
Now, adorned with patterns not as exquisite as the designs created by Paloma Picasso’s Marrakesh collection for Tiffany & Co. but a lot more vibrant than what I found it. The dark brown as you can see in the photo is no longer dominant but if you look closely at the painted design, I have deliberately left some of the original timber appear. The once-forgotten chaise longue now sits in a comfortable corner of a lounge room.

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