To those of you who emailed ... Is it done? To those of you who asked ... Did it work? To those of you who commented ... Will we ever see it?
The answer is yes. I got butt implants, they totally worked and maybe a lucky few of you. Also I finished my hack of the Restoration Hardware Aspen Collection. Just in time to pack it away for winter!
I'm not going to interrupt your scrolling with too many words in this post.
Because the clumsiness of my words will only detract from the beauty of my hack.
Although I should mention I haven't actually finished the coffee table yet. I still need to chamfer the edges (I'm holding out until someone decides to give me a router and chamfering bit).
It is not a lightweight collection. Knowing I'd have to move it around eventually I decided to put it on casters. The only casters even remotely strong enough to support it were appliance casters. I wouldn't say it makes the sectional exactly slip across the backyard like a letter carrier on ice, but ... it can be done.
That chair there? I have relaxed in that chair. Not for long, but long enough to be able to claim I've relaxed in that chair.
There were more than a few hiccups along the way. Which could have been due to the wine now that I'm getting a good look at the whole picture.
The chair's seat and back are at what is considered the perfect sitting angle, 100 degrees. So the seat of the chair slopes towards the back a bit and the back is at a similar angle, making you feel cradled.
I wanted to have the same angles for the couch and built it that way until I realized that you can't have a sectional couch built like that because once you get to the corner your angles are going all sorts of different directions.
DAMN YOU MATH.
So I built the seat straight on the sectional and fiddled around with it by adding extra bits of lumber here and there to sort of fake an angle. More on that in a later post where I focus on how I actually built this thing.
Bread, olives and wine. The PERFECT snack ( if you replace the wine with Diet Coke).
The next step is to make or buy some sort of cover for the whole thing. A pergola is out of the question because that'll be just a bit too much going on in this little backyard of mine. My choices are either a couple of those sail cloths or one of those massive cantilevered umbrellas.
I might get a few weeks of sitting out here if the weather cooperates. And the butt implants.
Lois Baron
You seem to have no reason to go indoors in nice weather--everything you need for a fabulous life is now in your backyard. lol. Gorgeous job.
Nicky Rauon-Wright
It is super ! Magnifique
Amy in StL
Funny, I went with a pergola with a clear, corrugated plastic roof because I felt that an umbrella or sailcloth would clutter the open feel of my patio.
Ev Wilcox
That is what we did over 3/4 of our deck here in Northeast Ohio. We can sit out in the rain and snow (unless it is blowing like crazy). We sit and visit with our two outdoor cats and our indoor doggie and we really are one happy family! We used clear corrugated over the area of the dining room window for more light there. We used white opaque for the rest, for light but coverage too. We can also enjoy the uncovered area for the sun. Karen's outside furniture and area are wonderful! Hats off!
Su
Brillant. And beautiful. Love the castors. Go for the "sails".... Would compliment the look you have going.
Jennifer Daily
you are a rock star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
I cannot believe you managed to finish this project already! And pick tomatoes. Because tomatoes just don't stop. Pick 23. Turn to leave, and 7 more ripened. Anyway, the furniture is truly fantastic! Absolutely beautiful. And what about those cushions? Did you make those too? Or did you put Betty to work? BTW I do have a router you can borrow. I have to check on the bit. Also, my vote goes on sail shades. They are gorgeous aren't they? If you decide on those and then of course, because it's you, you'll decide to make them yourself. Of course. You'll have to offer a workshop on making them. You see, I need a few of these myself. So ya, you need to get the workshop planned.
Mo
Way to go Karen! It looks great. You should be very proud. :)
Jenny W
just, spectacular :D
Alexandra
You are woman...I hear you roar! Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to hang out in your beautiful backyard. I am interested on the fabric for the cushions...is it Sunbrella fabric? i.e. able to withstand rain, bright sun?
Teresa Richardson
I agree with everyone else. I also prefer the permanent roof solution. May be a bit pricey, but once done, good for years in all kinds of weather. Use tin and enjoy the sound of rain on it. Angle it so snow weight is not a great problem either. Next we well have you build some glass walls so it is full protected and you can enjoy it all seasons with no bugs to bite....
Louise
Wow! Amazingly gorgeous - that's all I can say, 'cause I have to scroll back up and admire the result of your hard work. Bravo!!
Linda Wade
You are truly the most amazing chick. Gives me hope that I can do things myself. Maybe not on your level but that's ok. I'll get better. Thanks for all the great videos and information. I look forward to your posts.
Brandy Ballard
I love it!!! You did such a great job. I was concerned at first because I'm not really "rustic" in my decorating so the distressing was a little meh to me. BUT, it turned out PERFECTION!!!! So wonderful. Such a lovely sitting area. Have to concur with the lady who said the permanent roof coming off the house. My parents have one for their teensy backyard (think about 1/4 or less the size of yours) and it makes it so nice to be able to be out in the heat of the summer (our summers are so not outside favorable like your winters aren't for you). Your pieces outshine the original!
whitequeen96
OMG - SUPERB!!! And I really didn't think I'd like it - but that was before I saw your version of it. Gorgeous! Has your family been over to see it yet? They'll be blown away!
Catt in Kentucky
I have been wondering how you were doing on this project! Wow! I love everything.......rustic and yet so sophisticated.... comfy looking too. Fab job!
Centi
I am deeply impressed. This seems to require so much expertise and sepcial skills. Plus, it looks really great!
Cred
Awesome job! It looks superb. And thanks for the perfect backrest angle. I've been thinking about this a lot lately as I search for a lounge chair (side chair, whatever). I'm looking for an mcm chair as they seem to have a proper angle for sitting comfortably.
Hope you still get a couple of fair days to enjoy your furniture. With a fire and some warm clothing, a fall pizza party sounds inviting.
Ronda
yummm ... pizza party!
Jennie Lee
I love it. I am green with envy.
Elaine
What a fabulous and classy job you've undertaken and mastered!! I knew it would be gorgeous, Karen. Get your non-implanted butt out there this week because the nights are starting to get chilly. The entire yard is so beautiful! Your ability to tackle ANYTHING is over-the-top impressive!!
Melissa
So excited to see the finished product! And, you did not disappoint, it is stunning.
Will wait now for your furniture line to come out...