What is the Best Advice for Upholstery and Reupholstery as it Relates to Design for my Home or Cottage?
From Worn to Wow – Upholstery That Transforms!
Our homes and cottages are our retreats. Our creative inspiration, our palette to the world of our friends and family depicting our interests, our personality and a view into our everyday character!
This entry bench area upholstered in a neutral pattern with coordinating throw pillows provides a functional place to rest while putting on footwear and also provides a welcoming and stylish view to the rest of the home.
Showcasing our everyday life as well as living in a home that presents itself as a practical, durable and yet inviting space, means having the right fabrics and furniture that is conducive to a functional everyday life.
Upholstery is one way to accomplish that whether it’s recovering an inherited treasure or finding a fresh new option for a dated and worn-out piece.
When Lisa Steward first started offering her upholstery skills, she wanted to bring her over 20 years of experience to Kawartha Lakes specifically. Lisa states that the: “biggest reason customers are attracted to my work is the look on their face when they see older items like furniture with sentimental value being transformed into new and beautiful states.” She goes on to explain that furniture with good structure is always worth reupholstering. Lisa appreciates that there is a lot of attachment in our homes to furniture so when she is able to restore something to a new and beautiful state it can be very rewarding for her and the home or cottage owner. That is truly where the value lies in recovering furniture pieces and breathing new life into the old.
Home by Tim + Chris upholsterer, Lisa Steward, in a segment interview by Kawartha Economic Development. View the segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EoIYKFXFas
New Life for the Pieces We Love
In the world of interior design, reupholstering furniture is about more than just giving a chair or sofa a facelift—it’s about honouring craftsmanship, preserving memories, and creating something both beautiful and functional for the present day. Whether it’s a beloved heirloom passed down through generations or a well-loved piece that simply needs refreshing, reupholstery plays a vital role in design by blending sustainability, sentiment, and style.
This cottage bench meant that storage could be incorporated and allows the piece overall to act as additional furniture and seating. An overstuffed seat cushion adds colour and interest.
Why Reupholstery Matters in Design
Furniture is often the backbone of a room’s personality. By reupholstering, designers can retain the lines and character of a piece while updating it to reflect current trends or a client’s evolving style. It allows for continuity between past and present—keeping the charm of a classic silhouette while adapting it to modern living. For clients, the process can be deeply personal: it’s not just about fabric, it’s about breathing new life into pieces that carry stories and meaning as Lisa points out.
The Evolution of Fabrics and Design
Decades ago, reupholstery was limited to heavier, traditional fabrics and a fairly narrow range of patterns. Today, advances in textiles have expanded possibilities dramatically. Performance fabrics resist stains and fading, making them ideal for busy homes and summer cottages. Sustainable and eco-friendly materials are increasingly popular, appealing to clients who care about longevity and environmental responsibility. Patterns, textures, and colours now range from timeless neutrals to bold statement fabrics, giving designers endless ways to reimagine a piece.
Not Just About Aesthetic
Reupholstering is not just an aesthetic choice—it’s a smart and sustainable one. Instead of discarding furniture that may be structurally sound, reupholstery reduces waste and extends the lifespan of quality pieces. For many clients, it’s more meaningful (and often more cost-effective) to transform a cherished item than to replace it with something new. Plus, reupholstered furniture becomes unique—tailored to both the space and the personality of the homeowner. It’s hard to replace that super comfortable sofa that’s been in the family a long time! They don’t make them like they used to.
These chairs from an old historical Sturgeon Lake cottage were given new life with a neutral, wearable fabric option. Having the chairs refreshed also meant the cottage owner could still enjoy the heritage and story behind the chairs connected to family gatherings. Often, it’s difficult to find replacement furniture when working with a certain era. Being able to recover furniture means we keep the historical story and the old-world charm intact.
Breathing New Life
At its heart, reupholstery embodies the best of interior design: creativity, sustainability, and storytelling. It allows us to cherish what came before while embracing what’s next. And in a world where design increasingly values authenticity and individuality, giving furniture a second life is one of the most rewarding ways to bring both beauty and meaning into a home.
Statement pieces using bold colours create fun and whimsy in this room. While an upholstered ottoman coordinates with both the rug and sofa for a durable approach to everyday wear and tear.
Designing the Unique
Often with upholstery we can create entirely new designs and styles for a space. Headboards using the wall as a backdrop allow us to add a custom approach to a proposed client design.
At Home by Tim + Chris we are always exploring beyond the ordinary. We are excited to continue designing your Kawartha Lakes home and cottage lifestyle! Design, that is driven by us but highly influenced by you!
View Lisa’s Shop Talk segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EoIYKFXFas
Learn more about our Upholstery services: https://www.roombytc.ca/upholstery or tell us about your project: https://www.roombytc.ca/upholstery-estimate
Follow Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retreasup/
If you have a design question you would like to submit for the next Town Crier issue, you can send it to the Home by Tim + Chris design team at: info@homebytc.ca
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