If you’ve been a reader of this blog since the early days, you may recall me talking about an armoire that we inherited along with a few other beautiful pieces from Guillaume’s grandparents in France. Inside it was lined with fabric that his Grandmother did about forty years prior and it was looking rather tired. When Guillaume’s mother told us that she was coming to visit for a couple of months the Christmas before last and asked for a project to work on, I knew exactly what she could do, reline the armoire.
The old fabric was looking a little tired
Before her arrival, I set to in search of fabric. I knew that I wanted something bold to offset the old style and after a shortlist, decided on an Amy Butler fabric that I bought from Fabric Online. While I’m on the subject, I want to give a little shout out to Lisa, the owner of Fabric Online – she was amazing! In my ignorance, I ordered much less than I needed and half way through the project found out that there was no more of this particular fabric in stock in NZ, anywhere! I think she felt my panic and limited time with Annie heading back to France so Lisa took over and couriered more into the country direct to me. She really went above and beyond what I call good customer service.
I admit that I didn’t give Annie an easy job. Luckily she kept the original fabric cut outs to use as the pattern and then she had to ensure that the design lined perfectly throughout. In retrospect it would have been much easier for her had I have chosen a fabric with a continuous pattern like the original, but it really turned out beautifully I think.
I know I promised you a long time ago that I’d show you the final result, however the completion hit another block with me being unable to find a brass rod and holder to compliment the original brass hinges and features anywhere in NZ and then we had to move house so I didn’t have the time nor energy to put into it. Annie ended up bringing one with her from France this last summer, so literally it was a year in the making!
Okay are you ready? Ta-da here it is, the final result. A round of applause for Annie whom I dedicate this post to with all of my heartfelt thanks! Every time I open this armoire, it makes me smile – she’s a real beauty.
I’m so happy with the marriage of the contemporary fabric with the vintage armoire, I always find old and new to be the perfect harmony. Do you? Would you have chosen something modern or kept it within the same style? Perhaps you’ve undertaken or considered a project like this? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences.
Mel xx
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The perfect mix of contemporary and vintage – love the result. Oh to have these kinds of heirloom pieces passed on in our family, the best I can hope for is a porcelain tea cup (and I am ok with that). It’s always good to endorse great customer service when you come across it, I’ve found it to be severely lacking in recent experience.
Thanks for the advice! I was rather hoping you would say something as simple as that. I now don’t feel as guilty about glue and staples…
Oh good:) Good luck with the job, I’d love to see the result.
Please could you tell me how the fabric was fixed? I have got an Edwardian wardrobe with its original silk lining in which is all but falling to pieces, It is well over 100 years old, so it’s not surprising really!
I want to replace the lining with new fabric but am not sure how to fix it.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Yours looks lovely, it might even encourage me to try something other than cream cotton cambric….
Hi Alison,
We fixed it with a combination of craft glue in most places and then a staple gun where we felt it wasn’t holding well – mainly in the corners where it wasn’t so noticeable.
Good luck with the project, the Edwardian wardrobe sounds amazing. It’s a big job but well worth it. I recommend going for a continuous fabric pattern so it’s not too tough to line up.
Have a great day! Mel:)
Hi Mel, I just saw your post and am in love with the result. It is absolutely gorgeous. Besides all the hassle with the fabric it must have been a hell of a work for Annie to get such a result. I can understand your joy every time you open this beautiful piece of furniture.
It was a huge job but she did really enjoy the challenge I have to say. Thanks Corinne xx
I remember this project well – what an incredible result! Your’e mother-in-law is very clever!! x x
She really is. Annie offered to line our other armoire the last time she was here and I declined which I kind of regret. M xx
hi mel, greetings from BYW! i am so happy to discover your blog – what a gorgeous blog with all these beautiful designs and great recipes!
Thanks so much Ananda and so lovely to have you here. Mel x
Hello,
This is so beautiful. What a brilliant idea and a secret surprise everytime you open the doors.
Truly breathtaking.
Hata
(from BYW)
Thanks Hata and beautifully said:) Lovely to have you stop by! Mel x
My goodness, it looks fab Mel! I loved reading about the details that went into it. The armoire is so so beautiful and special and I think you made the right choice by going for the bolder fabric. I agree with Gudy that the originaly fabric also has a timeless appeal. Great job, looks great. xD
Thanks Doris! Mel x
Hi Mel, I love the fabric you chose for this. It was already a beautiful armoire, but now it’s fantastic. Love what you’ve done. I noticed it matches your art..
I also love the styling of your first photo. It’s so sweet.
hx
Thanks Hege! Hope you’re well in Scotland xx
Gosh what a clever clever lady! I never would have ever thought of this. Looks amazing. So so divine and isnt it amazing when businesses go out of their way for you. You really do remember them dont you? xx
I know, a year later thinking about doing this post she immediately came to mind. M xx
Oh, my, Mel, that looks like a lot of work but oh so beautiful!. I would have gone for a modern pattern too. Interesting to see the old fabric was already 40 years old, it looks like Liberty print and pretty new to me! I’ve never done any similar but I am thinking of putting some wallpaper on my front doors. We’ll see…xx
It totally does look like a Liberty print. I’m not exact with the time but not far from it after speaking to G’s mum. I thought something “pretty and soft” just wouldn’t work here, bold is where I needed to go. Wallpaper on the door sounds like a really cool project, hope you do and share the results. xx
Oh Mel, the contemporary really brings it up to date…and that pattern on the door. Your mother-in-law really outdid herself. Gorgeous!
Thanks Cyndi. Didn’t she do an amazing job? Not for the faint hearted though! Mel x
Just beautiful… very impressive! xox
Thanks dear Tash, so happy to finally show it! xx
Stunning Mel – lost for words!!
Thanks Alex, that means a lot:) xx
Wow! Love it Mel. x
Thanks Morag xx
Wow, wow, wow…. first off, I LOVE the armoire, what a beauty! The fact that you inherited it makes it extra special!
The fabric you chose is gorgeous – Amy Butler is fab! I also love old and new. There’s something so mesmerising about it.
Love good customer service and well done for commending ‘Fabric Online’. Good to know where to buy from.
Now to Annie, the superwoman mother-in-law. She cooks like a Goddess and re-lines armoire like a Goddess. You lucky thing. I’m glad you’ve dedicated this post to her.
Enjoy your stunning armoire lovely xx
Ah thanks Tina… I know those Frenchies are a clever bunch;-) xx