My father's chair...

The sun is finally out, which makes me think of all the great outdoor places to sit and read, relax, and reflect.  I always think that the sign of a "great home" is the number of places, nooks, and areas, where one can curl up with a great book, listen to music, and just relax.

I don't have a formal name for these places other than "nestle spots."

A friend of mine once told me that she had never before been in a house where there were so many books and nestle spots or places to sit and read.   ...but what makes a great relaxation-reading-music appreciation space?

When you think about it, there are three basic components that help to create "book and music space."  These are a great "seat," a warm blanket, quilt, or throw, and -- of course -- great reading materials and music.

Today, on the anniversary of my father's passing away, I will share two of my favorite chairs that are the focus of great nestle spots in our home.

This is my father's chair.  When he passed away, my mother immediately began redecorating.  I think it was her way of putting closure to everything.

My father sat in this chair to read and had an old wooden rocker that he used when watching television.  I think my brother took the rocker.  I quickly carried the chair away.


 It's nothing special, but... every time I look at the old, worn, buttery leather... I think of my father!

The chair now sites in a cozy corner of our spare bedroom. 

When we moved to our house, my mother-in-law asked if we would like to take an old chair that belonged to my husband's grandfather. 

When I looked at it -- in all of it's pale blue and mauve early 1990s glory -- I thought..."how could I have said yes to this thing!?" 

But, the chair had lots of potential with it's little wings and carved, mahogany feet. 

I found a local upholster who agreed to "fix it up."  I selected a silk, herringbone, fabric in oatmeal.

The upholster did  a great job of maintaining the detail that was part of the original chair.  Below is a picture of the feet--which we did not refinish because I thought that we would lose some of the chair's history if we did.

I don't have a before picture, but here is a picture of the remodeled chair.  The chair sits in my husband's home office.

As you think about your own "nestle spots," take a look at this great book and web site!  It is most excellent!

 

500 Chairs

Happy nestling!