I recently decided that I hated my couch. No really, I hated it. The main reason for my distaste was simple: it was uncomfortable. What is the point of a sofa you don't want to sit on? We bought the couch when we bought our house (almost five years ago) and it fit the original requirements: affordable, modern, neutral, and not from IKEA. I've learned a lot since then. Modern often means "structured" (AKA hard), and strangely, the older it gets, the less comfortable it becomes. This might have to do with the "affordable" (AKA cheap) part. Neutral is great, but very light tan is not, especially if you: have children, drink coffee and red wine, and wear dark denim. But here's the thing, a new sofa is not in the family budget right now. Plus, I have been striving to "make do or do without" and it really is a perfectly decent sofa. See:
Then something magical happened. Jason taught Jude how to build a "truck" with the back couch cushions.
And one day, instead of making him stop playing so that I could sit on the stupid couch, I grabbed a large pillow from the other room. As soon as I sat down, I knew I could "fix" the couch. A trip to Target, (for 3 Euro style bed pillows, $10 each), a rummage through my fabric stash (thank you compulsive IKEA shopping), and one pillow cover tutorial later (thank you Prudent Baby) ... mama had a brand new couch.
Oh, and washing that bad boy didn't hurt either. FYI: Washing a micro fiber couch is very simple! Here's how: fill a bucket or large bowl with warm water and a few squirts of mild dish washing soap. Dip a rag or sponge in the water and wring it out. First scrub any serious stains. Then, using long smooth strokes and rinsing often, give the whole thing a once over. Allow to dry and viola, good as new!
The living room feels so much cheerier and the best part: it's super cozy.
It's also a bit sentimental because the red and black fabric was the backdrop to a "photo booth" at our wedding, so every time I look at it, I'm reminded of that awesome day. Plus, I already made a "Boppy" style pillow of the same fabric before Jude was born, so if (when) we have another baby, that pillow will blend right in.
Here's to little projects with big impact!
Linking up with the William Morris Project at Pancakes and French Fries.
