Pattern, Memory, and the Perfect Fit: A Personal Approach to Fabric and Reupholstery
Reupholstering with Story and Style
As part of this renovation, I’m reupholstering two old pieces I’ve had for a while: my ’90s vintage sofa and my EQ3 bed. I still love their shape and function, but they’re ready for a fresh look that reflects where I’m at now and ties into the overall vibe of the condo. Instead of replacing them, I’m giving them new life with two Mark Alexander fabrics I’ve been eyeing for a while. They’re not just nice to look at. They’re personal, textured, and speak to both memory and intention.
The Sofa: Soft, Deep, and a Little Luxe
This vintage sofa is a keeper. It’s got clean lines, beautiful round wooden legs, and a shape that just works. The arms and back are removable, so it converts easily into a daybed. That flexibility is great for guests or just stretching out. I’m reupholstering it in Circa Blueberry, a deep, inky velvet from Mark Alexander. It has that matte, slightly dusty finish that feels elegant but cozy. The texture brings in a sense of quiet luxury, and the tone pairs perfectly with the warm woods and soft metals I’m layering throughout the space. It’s one of those upgrades that feels subtle but completely elevates the room.
CIRCA BLUEBERRY
The blend of natural wool and luxurious viscose gives the velvet a charming, understated effect combined with a subtle lustre.
The Bed: Bold Pattern, Personal History
Cello Upholstered Storage Bed From EQ3
For the bed, I’m going with Tempera Indigo, a bold checkered Japanese linen weave. This one’s special. The pattern is a modern nod to the “Ghana Must Go” bags I grew up seeing everywhere. Those woven plastic totes were a constant in everyday life when I was young. This fabric takes that pattern and reimagines it in a refined, heavyweight linen that still feels graphic and masculine. The bed itself is a storage bed, which is a game changer in a small condo, and it’s slipcovered. So this fabric will be made into a new slipcover to replace the original. I love that I can switch it out again down the line if my style shifts, but honestly, I’m so into this one I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
TEMPERA INDIGO
Alluding to a Japanese aesthetic, this relaxed check incorporates bespoke blended linen yarns, creating subtle tonal variation and conveying a handcrafted nature.
The Dining Chair: Contemporary & Unexpected
Vintage Dining Chairs
After reupholstering my bed and planning the sofa update, I’ve been thinking about how to carry that same energy into the dining area. The dining chairs I have are sculptural and well-made, but the finish and fabric feel a bit dated. I’m considering painting the frames in a soft satin blue-grey to give them a more contemporary edge—something that still feels warm and intentional but a little less traditional than wood stain. For the seat, I’m drawn to the idea of reupholstering them in the same indigo patterned fabric I used on the bed, or possibly in Kobe Marine from Larsen, which has a beautiful textural quality and depth of colour. It’s a way to bring subtle continuity across the space without being too matchy. Paired with a blackened or smoked wood pedestal table, I think the whole setup could strike the right balance between modern, cozy, and character-driven.
KOBE MARINE
Kobe Marine by Larsen is a richly textured jacquard with a painterly, broken stripe. Woven in a tonal indigo palette, it adds movement and depth while still feeling calm and grounded. The subtle irregularity gives it a hand-done quality that works beautifully in both modern and collected spaces.
Picking the Right Fabric for the Right Job
With reupholstery, look matters, but so does function. I chose both of these fabrics with durability in mind. The velvet is soft but strong enough for daily use. The linen weave has great structure and a tight finish that makes it perfect for a headboard. Both are made from natural fibers, which means they’ll age beautifully and bring in that relaxed, lived-in feel I want throughout the space.
Fabric Care Basics
What to Know Before You Reupholster
Choosing a beautiful fabric is one thing, but understanding how it wears is just as important. Here’s what I’m keeping in mind with the two I’m using:
Velvet (Wool + Viscose Blend)
Viscose has a beautiful drape and sheen, but it’s also highly sensitive to moisture. Even plain water can leave marks or distort the pile.
I’m having this fabric professionally treated with something like Scotchgard to protect it from spills and stains. I’m careful, but I can’t expect guests to be.
Brushing the velvet lightly and occasionally rotating cushions will help keep the fabric looking even over time.
Linen (100% Linen Weave)
Linen is strong and breathable, but it can wrinkle and soften over time. That’s part of its charm.
Since this is a slipcover, it can be removed and spot-cleaned as needed.
Linen performs best when it’s tightly woven, which this one is, and I like that it will develop character as it ages.
Taking time to learn how your fabric behaves helps you not only extend its life, but actually enjoy living with it—without worrying every time someone sits down with a glass of wine.