summer pillows and couch rambling

{Completely a tongue-in-cheek post ahead. I do not, of course, really and seriously fret over a couch - only a little. Just sayin'.}
I'm not digging on our couch lately. The couch we spent *forever* finding and agonizing over (and in the end, ended up with THE most basic of couches). I could tell you a million reasons why I strongly dislike it, but I'll spare you and save it for Steve (because he loves it when I talk about the couch. Ha!). I regularly stalk the aisle of my favorite antique furniture shops in hopes of a new (old) one. But only 6 years after buying ours, it seems both wasteful and expensive to replace it just because I don't love it anymore. For better or worse, I'm committed to my couch. And so...I do what I can to like it. Spread a little love on it, you know? Favorite quilts draped, and last week - new pillows in hopes of a little lift.

I hesitantly cut into this amazing piece of Marrimekko that Katja sent me this spring. I've been treasuring it for just the right project, and this seemed worthy enough for the scissors - and I used every square inch of it that I had. I put the opening on the back, fully anticipating washing these (white!) pillows often. I opted for ties instead of buttons this time, after my last set left button impressions on everyone's face who laid their head on the 'wrong' side. Oops.

I was talking with a friend the other day about the lifespan of couches (because as 'not thrilling' as that conversation might seem, everyone has a couch story) - she thinks I'll soon enter a few years of 'tolerance,' followed by a slight fondness for it before it finally is time to get a new one. I think the pillows might have pushed me over into the tolerance phase - I like it much better now. Does that mean I'm closer to a new couch?

Comments

[daniela]

hi,
i have a firnature philosophy: unless you LOVE it, get rid of it, and live on the floor until 'love' comes knocking on the door.
So, in my book, I'd say "ditch it"! ~ (go on).

d

ps my clothing shopping philosophy is: if in doubt, go without.

pss. speaking from, gloating from experience, we have a brand spanking new dinner table. It's a DRREAM~LOVE table extravaganza that we waited and waited for. We ate on a small Japanese hight table for a long time (coffee table) ... and it was worth it.

psss. nice accessories, though. Couch doesnt look too bad from here, but I'm hearing you.

[S.]

how i understand you! my couch is 9 years old. it looks a bit like yours, but it´s yellow! i run miles and miles to find it, in that perfect pale yellow of my dreams... but now i just can´t stand it! i don´t know how to make any pillows. i covered it with a burgundy cloth mas it doesn´t get any better...
just love, LOVE your blog! i read it everyday but never left a comment before. I just love your work and can not wait for your book to arrive the bookshops. here in Portugal it may be a litlle hard to find but there´s always amazon.
sorry about luka...
best wishes!

[jesica dehart]

there is a hilarious or interesting (can't exaclty remember the tone) short story by Ron Carlson on the very topic of couches! If you can't find it easily I have a copy of it I could photo copy and send. It is in a book called "Bastard On The Couch" which was the book that followed "Bitch in the House" another amazing book. Bitch in the HOuse was written and then her husband wrote the Bastard book.

[Heather]

Too funny! I just made a couch cover during nap time yesterday cause the old one had huge rips and showed the hideous red tartan plaid in several places. (It's my mom and dad's old couch... and I HATE IT!!!) So I'm amused to find that other's despise their couch. But here's the thing... does one's couch really matter? I absolutely LOVE your new pillows. Maybe they will do the trick?!

[Vicki]

For fall...I would love that couch with a nice true red and white. How about 2 pillows made from one print and a matching patchwork throw of contemporary red and white prints with a little touch of another color for spice? There, now you are all set with an end of summer project! I do love the yellow pillows for summer.

[Kelly]

I have been in search of the RIGHT couch for TEN YEARS! Yes, 10 years,my poor family...destined to a life with an uncomfortable futon...still searching...Yours looks very comfy...I can't seem to find anything that isn't microfiber...I believe I have waited too long...perhaps, a couple of comfy chairs, with ottomans?

[homemakerang]

I can so relate to this story. As much as I would love "NEW" furniture at times, I couldn't imagine paying the price and then being committed to it for quite some time! I love change so much and see so many inexpensive couches it seems as my last thrift find has worn out... HUBBY on the other hand says we have the most uncomfortable furniture imagineable and would walk into any furniture store and buy new but I would cringe... He would love your couch, but I actually do too. What about making slip covers to change with the seasons, you are so darn creative, you could have a different couch weekly young lady ;)

[kristin]

those beautiful new pillows and that amazing quilt (can't believe that find!!) really brighten up your couch - and they look lovely i think. totally summer.

[Lil]

if i'm not mistaken, that's an ikea couch yes?? we have the same, in red cordorory (sp) and i'm an ikea fanatic (although you wouldn't know it looking through my ecclectic home). anyway, if so, do yu have the option to get a different slipcover...it's less expensive than a whole new couch! just a suggestion...

[Carrie]

I am in the same boat about the couch. I love the comfyness of mine and the fact that it is already has a slipcover. Yep but that is now in tatters and it is embarrassing. I've been searching far and wide for a new one but just can't seem to find anything that I'm happy with and I too don't want to spend so much when my need for change is too often. So I decided to make a slipcover and see how that goes as I'm sure I'll be cursing along the way. Probably a nice white linen or twill that I can just bleach the heck out of and just add the decorative touches with quilts and pillows.

[fernanda]

I too understand you fully. Our couch was my dad's and I believe now it's in the 13th version. I change the upholstry every year trying to make it good. But we truly had enough of it. We can't wait to have some spare money to spend on new couch. However, there are always other things to buy.
Love the summer pillows.

[Tracy Rizzo]

I too am waiting for the perfect couch to come my way-dreaming of a deep brown yummy soft texture-I can dream I guess. My current love seat(couch bit the dust) looks just like yours

[Jess]

LOL!! We are in desperate need of a new couch and I just showed Dane one similar to this online this weekend. My dream couch... isnt' that funny?! So anyway, we'll be looking for one when we move (Lord willing this summer). So, where did you get yours? Is it an ikea one? Perhaps if the tolerance stage fades a bit quicker you'd, consider selling which would so work toward justifying a new one.... right? >. Anyway, just thought I'd share that I love it...and the pillows. I picked up some awesome old sheet at Goodwill months ago and have been holding onto it. It reminds me very much of Merimeko. It would be perfect to use as curtains in the house we are looking to buy, and I am hoping for leftovers for a few pillows. OK...have a great day, and I am very sorry to hear about Luka. It is simply amazing the role that animals can play in our heart and the lasting imprints they leave.

[Sarah]

I second the slipcover idea. I love changing our slipcovers and making "new" furniture.

[Dawm]

Ok...I can totally relate to this post. We spent years looking for just the right couch. I got fabric samples to test it for stain tolerance. In the end we found the Petrie Sofa. http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=931
&f=11068
It is made out of cotton and is stain resistant and extra long for my 6 foot 5 1/2 inch hubby. We also thought it would have the cuddle factor. When we purchased it...it was $200.00 cheaper than it is now. We got it in Tarragon. Here are the problems...cushions tend to go flat, buttons on seat cushions are coming off, can't use regular water to remove any stains, easy to cause a stain removing one and not a huge cuddle factor. So in the end like it but don't love it and don't think it really holds up so well....
I completely relate. Why do couches have to cost soooooo much??????xoxox
p.s. I LOVE your new pillows...they make it a whole new couch!!

[Jen]

I made slipcovers for our couch and chair and a half. It isn't hard and I covered them with duck, which probably sent my sewing machine into a tizzy, but it survives today. They are fitted, not drappy and do awesome washing and being tortured by three children. So if you don't like the couch, find some fabric and redo. I love the marimekko fabric. It's so bright and wonderful.

[Sarah]

I always have couch drama. We finally settled on something *really* ugly, but really useful. I sort of (not so) secretly can't wait until it's lifespan is over.

[Stefani]

Maybe we should set up a couch swap, cuz your is looking fab to me! Of course, it could be the completely awesome butterfly quilt and those wonderfully summery pillows. You are such a rock star :-)

[lera]

Pretty pillows.

I feel the same about our couch. We've only had the couch for 5-6 years. I decided just last week that when baby #6 is potty-trained, I'm buying a new one. Although, it will be 2 years from now. I have plans for new pillows already.

[shari]

your new pillows are so bright and cheery. i hear you on the couch thing. we have 2...an old sleeper sofa that i can't stand but it's the only bed we have for guests! so tolerate it i will. i guess...but it doesn't stop me from dreaming about a new one. ;) xo

[heather]

i won't rant either, but i so feel ya on this one. for many reasons, which are totally uninteresting, our 4 year old couch sucks. however, what i do love is our 7 year old futon! a good quality futon is hard to beat. you'll spend more than you did on your dorm room futon, but so, so worth it. covers can be changed to suit the mood, they are long enough for tall guys and gals to lay on, seat is deep enough for two adults to cuddle comfortable (very important), all wrapped up in a wooden frame, love that! but you know, those pillows are beautiful and tolerance is a very good thing.

[heather]

oh! and you can place your glass of wine on the arm of the futon, very practical!

[Melissa]

I definitely love the new pillows and if you have a favorite fabric in your stash I always feel pillows or curtains are the way to go because they are seen everyday!

[diana]

I think I have the same exact couch. And I don't love it either. Maybe I need new cushions. Hmm.

[Stacy]

What is it about coaches? I always look forward to getting one wish such anticipation but once it's home it's not long before the disappointment sets in as the "new coach" auora goes away. It's the only furniture we ever buy "new" and it always shows so much more wear than the hand-me-down and thrifted stuff. Perhaps it's the fact we spend so much on it, relatively speaking, that gets me down. We've had our coach just three years so I've got years ahead before thinking about a new one. I do find new pillows always help. Yours are great.

[Rani]

Yours is the right attitude. Use your couch as your palette. Another excuse to to 'rummaging' to find more treasures to show off on your couchy canvas. Good luck! (Mine is also fairly new and covered in grape jelly and juice).

[colleen]

i like your couch and it's one i sort of have been envisioning when we buy a new one. maybe i should not envisions that?????

our dog ate our couch. seriously. he ate down the back of it like it was corn on the cob. we've since been covering it with an assortment of quilts and coverlets, all of which he's eaten holes into. he seems to be outgrowing the fabric eating now and so our couch sits, a tired box of sage colored cloth, with a laura ashley type yellow-y flowery coverlet over it. i have just stopped looking at it.

craigslist has tons of couches, mostly ugly ones.

[Sharon]

It looks like a nice couch, but it just doesn't seem like YOU. But I LOVE the pillow fabric. It is SO wonderful! It is nice to have a "canvas" but I understand the desire for a couch that is just right.

[Kelly]

Wow, that is FANTASTIC fabric! If only everything they made wasn't upholstery wt - I would love a dress out of the stuff!

As you say, everyone has a couch story, so I won't bore you with ours. My suggestion for getting rid of a couch fast: keep those kids jumping! In such a manner ours met its end last year, and we are very happy with its replacement.

I very much enjoy your blog, thanks!

[Madeline R]

My husband and I are having this dicussion right now too. But in reverse. I am fine with our big old neutral brown couch 'til the kids are old enough to stop pouncing on it. He says it is no longer comfortable. Who knew that lots of people are talking couches?

[tamara]

I can relate to this post. My couches are currently 13 years old and I have passed through the "love them" stage. The fabric is fading and wearing. The seats cushions are losing their supportive capabilities. Generally we do need another set, but I am so avoiding making the purchase. I'm hoping to "tolerate" mine for at least another year giving my children ample time to wear them out a bit more. I haven't reached the "slight fondness" final stage that your friend speaks of, I hope I don't, that would mean I might have to live with them longer than another year *wink.
Your pillows are gorgeous.

[Vivien]

You know why we love reading you? Because you talk our *language*.... Everyone can relate!

[Domi]

Love the new pillows. At least you're not suck with my couch. ;)

[Julie]

I can so relate to your couch issues... we would love to have the money to replace our worn out, faded one!

[bigbucketgirl]

I have no tolerance for our couches. I despise them with a phenomenal passion. If the carpet wasn't as despicable then i'd throw them and sit on the floor. I cuold live with bean bags and huge floor cushions but DH is feeling his age and wants structure! Glad you're finding tolerance.x

[m]

The pillows are simply gorgeous.

We've never had new new furniture, only new-to-us furniture (except the occassional bookshelf). Our couch is pretty to look at, but possibly the most uncomfortable thing in the world to sit on. I know we could get the cushions restuffed, but it seems such a bother to find a place to do it properly. (The couch is from the 50s and has springs in the cushions.) We're moving at the end of summer and we're both fantasizing about leaving it behind and getting a new one (either new-new or new-to-us) in the new city.

I'd love a new-new one, but the idea of the environmental impact of that makes me a little squeamish. But the the idea of a comfortable couch sends me over the moon!

[Grace]

Oh, I *so* hear you on the couch. For many years, we had one that was cast off from my dad's office. Finally last fall, some friends found a leather set on craigslist but only wanted the loveseat & chair, so we split up the set and we have a leather couch now (which I love!!!)

However, as much as I love my 'new' couch, it does not have any cool pillows on it. ;) Your pillows are amazingly beautiful. Really. I am so, so jealous of them.

[Helena Brearley]

I love those cushions, and I have the same exact couch that I decided the other day that I HATE, good idea for a re-do with the cushions

[Laura]

I used to work for a furniture store. We were told to tell customers that couches only had a lifespan of seven years. (I think that was so we could sell them couches.) But, seems like your due next year! I'll take those pillows for my old couch when you get your new one. Mine is only 5 years old :(.

[Ginnie]

I love the shape of that couch. A nice slipcover would fix it right up. You have the skills.

When my ex husband and I bought a new house, we looked for a new couch. We found one that I adored. A lovely silvery sage, with a camel back. Good quality. And then he came home before we actually purchased the couch of my heart and told me he didn't love and he had found several he did like and I could go make the decision on which one and the fabric. They were all cheap piece of crap couches, and I hated it with a passion. When I left him, I left him his damned couch! I now get great pleasure in knowing I don't have to look at that ugly, cheap couch ever again!

[Melissa H]

You touched a nerve with this post. I HATE my couch (but love yours). When I got married 7 years ago his couch won the "who's do we keep debate" because it was really expensive but it's a total bachelor pad couch (green leather). I will admit it's comfy and easy to keep clean but I hate it and my slip covering efforts haven't been too successful. Maybe I'll take the commenters' advice and ditch it. I think I can let go of a 10 year old couch I hate even if it was ridiculously expensive 10 years ago. Sorry for the ramble--I think your pillows are beautiful.

[melanie]

i actually like your couch, but i know how you feel. i loved my couch when i first got it, and now i am just not feeling it at all. on a completely unrelated note i LOVE the yellow phone you have sitting on the side table

[Michelle]

If that's how it works, I'm going to make a dozen pillows right now. Anything to get me closer to a new couch. The one I've got now was our first new home purchase when we married 10(!) years ago. And now I'm totally over it. Kid-stained, cat-scratched, sagging, worn-looking old thing. Can't wait to throw it out! Oh, wait, then I'd have to pay for another one. Sigh.

Love your new pillows, absolutely screams summer.

[francie pants]

I love your couch! It makes me think of the decorator guy who was on Oprah the other day and said, have a basic couch and then dress it up with pillows. I'll trade ya. I fell in love with this $20 blue nauhgehyde danish modern wood beauty from the thrift store. Just had to have her. And while I lovvvve looking at her, comfy, she not be. Even the dog climbs up on it, and gives us a side look that says "you impractical humans..... who sits on a wood and vinyl couch??" Yer pillows are adorable!

[Sarah Taylor]

After reading all these comments, and never having really had a proper couch myself for many of the same reasons listed here, I suggest we all start a new anti-couch revolution that forces furniture manufacturers to come up with a better invention that is more attractive, easier to clean, cheaper and doesn't take up so much damn space.
On the brighter side, I really didn't even see the couch, too busy was I oggling those chirpy pillows.

[Kristy]

So funny - my husband & I have a constant struggle over this. Our couch is a hideous futon, but it's great for company to sleep on. When I lived in Belgium everyone had a classic leather couch, which they bought once and kept for their entire lives. This is what I want to do. I wonder if you can get cruelty free leather couches? We also have the drop leaf kitchen table that my grandparents bought second hand 40 years ago - it has lots of history, but we have to get rid of it because it's a danger zone with a crawling baby.

I'd love to buy all of my furniture second-hand, but it is crazy expensive here ($1000 for a teak dining table!) and there are bedbugs everywhere. Gak.

[Heather]

I share your dilemma everywhere I turn in my house. Our house is filled with furniture from my grandparents, my husband's parents, my husband's ex-wife, and my husband's years as a starving graduate student (in the 70's). There is so much I wish to replace, but some pieces have sentimental value but are totally non-functional, others are functional but ugly beyond rehabilitation, and others my husband loves and I hate.

I'm going through the same struggle with 2 desks that my husband bought in the 1970's. They're solid wood, well-made, beautiful to look at, but totally too short and small to be useful for any kind of crafting, which I like to do. I want to replace them with one giant, counter-height table, but husband doesn't want to part with the old desks. We have no attic and no basement in which to store them, so they remain.

[peggy]

unless that's an ikea couch as someone speculated above, I think we have the same couch! Yours looks brighter than mine with the new pillows. My throw pillows are reds and greens & made from napkins!

I find it hard enough to keep my couch clean with 1 little kid... I can't imagine 3!

[SOULEMAMA]

I told you everyone has a couch story! ;)

And to answer the questions - nope, it's not IKEA. It's from Filene's, six years ago.

[katja]

The pillows are so beautiful!