Penelope Bianchi

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Slipcovers!! Seasonal slipcovers save your furniture!

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Seasonal Slipcovers!

What I love about slipcovers is so many things!!

My mother was from the “South”.  (Lucky me in so many ways having particularly to do with the “HOUSE!”)

She taught me to have four………yes four…… seasonal sets of slipcovers for my furniture.

(My  goal is four;  I now have three;  and I will have four!” )

First of all;  when a new season starts;  I get a” new house”!  It’s almost like having 3 houses in one.

It is just a joy!  Even my husband gets excited.

(I actually do this transformation with help, on the actual “first day of fall, Spring, Summer;
unless it falls on a weekend)
 Otherwise the following Monday.

The very first day of “fall”  The  old “Oriental” rugs rugs go  back down;  All the pillows change, the slipcovers change on the furniture;

 and it does almost look like a different house!

So to begin;  this is fall.  This is our “big hall” a combination living-dining room……

This is FALL!

This picture shows a lot of the furniture!  with……

The fall slipcovers.

Deep rust Fortuny on the ottomans;  teal on the chair seats, tapestry pillows and some quilt on the banquette, and the rugs and paisley

by the fireplace! (one of the two fireplaces in the room).

Rug and cozy seats around the fireplace on the “seating” side of the room.

(there are two fireplaces one at each end.  One at the “seating end”;  and another at the “eating end”.

 

This shot shows the paisley shawl upholstery with the inset vintage needlepoint.  Also next to the fireplace.
Also the 18th century fragments of tapestries preserved and made into pillows………
.
We are not talking, nor doing, “Shabby Chic” loose slipcovers over here.  Nothing wrong with them;
just way too “trendy” for this Pasadena decorator.  I avoid “trends” like country people avoid “rattlesnakes”.
Just my view!

This is the opposite side of the room!

Directly opposite the other fireplace!

Its oriental rug is a cozy addition.

This is the dining area: this area has its fall and winter backwards Fortuny.

Fall includes my lifelong collection of antique paisley shawls, antique needlepoint

(collected for decades;  even  some made by me) ;

and the fall cozy colors emerge to  replace the Summer pillows and fabrics.

The banquette is covered with my antique tapestry pillows;  collected over my lifetime.

My favorites are from Dallas.  The tapestry was falling apart;  (there is nothing wrong in this)…….

The lady who made these exquisite pillows rescues the intact , fragile parts of the tapestry;  and makes exquisite pillows

with antique trim, hand-dyed velvet, and down fills.

They must not be considered “pillows”!

Here are a few examples:

This is one from Dallas.  There is a village scene around this tree.

This little creature I found in the flea market in Paris.

You can see that collecting things can give so many layers of beauty and meaning to your house!

(This is one of our dogs;  rescued from a freeway on-ramp)!  The dogs are fond of the banquette;  and the leopard blanket came from Bunny Williams’

recommended dog bed source:  “Wally beds” ; totally washable.

Again;  Slipcovers.   And end of FALL.

NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT SPRING!

HERE IT IS!  THIS TRANSFORMATION STARTS MARCH 21st.

 TAH DAH!

SPRING!

The main rugs go to storage and the pretty peach floors show.

Cushions pale yellow silk;  ottomans yellow Fortuny.

Different pillows and quilt on the banquette.

 

This close-up shows the spring pillows in better detail.

By the way, the valance is two antique valances sewn together found at an “Antique Show”

Antique shows are great places to find vintage textiles.

And my antique toile coverlet with the hand embroidered work salvaged from some  beautiful old sheets made into a pillow by my friend Kathy

(Pillow Beach on Etsy)

 

The Spring dining chairs have slipcovers of some Chelsea Editions embroidered fabric.
(Rugs not removed yet)
The whole room looking the other direction
We also have “summer slipcovers”…I call it “3 months in the Hamptons”
Please do notice;  not one piece of furniture is different .
Same with the “summer installment”.
The whole point is;  the comfortable arrangement of furniture does not change.
You feel as though you have gone to your “summer house”  with just a change of tailored slipcovers
By the way;  another important  thing slipcovers do (I also learned from my adored mother);
is that your furniture (if you buy quality;  which of course you do)  will outlive YOU.
 Three or four sets of slipcovers prevents any of them from becoming worn out or faded.
 Just select carefully ;  and preferably hire a decorator to help you.
 Buy the best made  upholstered pieces you can possibly afford.. (custom made or from a great consignment store).
and then slipcover like mad!
I truly believe there is much that can be learned from the past.
And old traditions are worth continuing.

Here comes SUMMER!!!

Luna is in her guarding position on the ottoman covered in an antique linen and hemp hand-woven French fabric!

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In Spring, these 4 chairs are in vintage red French ticking!  In Winter, cozy paisley!
These are covered for Summer in white on white Indian fabric that is all hand appliquéd in various geometric patterns!

close

close up

You can see the incredible hand-work.

IMG_2313

Looking the other direction!

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The bay window has different pillows;  a combination of some similar Indian appliqué that I found in bright yellow!
My favorite pillow in this group was made from a panel my mother bought in
Europe many years ago; and I found folded in her linens!

pillow

Now for an amazing story!

A few years ago,we rented a house in Spain for  a week; we had our whole family !  (All 15!!)
I went to a painted furniture place I had always wanted to see;  and look what was hanging on the wall!!!

IMG_1105

The identical linen panel on another color background!!!

I’m trying to find out where it came from!!

IMG_2317

This ottoman is in a vintage red French toile in
Spring;  and in a red strie velvet in Winter!

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This is another view!

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The dining side of the “Big Hall” with Yellow Soulaido French fabric on the chairs !
This fireplace is opposite the other fireplace!
The trumeau mirror is one of a pair with two different scenes with children playing painted on them!

IMG_1945

Dog-proof is important!!

Recycling wonderful old textiles is very GREEN!!
I hope this inspires some people to want   “Seasonal Slipcovers”!!
It is so much FUN!!!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. As much as I enjoy very tailored upholstery, people are surprised how much I like slipcovers. It is part of my Southern heritage too, reinforced by the influential tutoring of Sister Parish, Albert Hadley, and Bunny Wiiliams. For your home, it would be hard to pick a favorite scheme — all are absolutely lovely.

    Reply

  2. As much as I enjoy very tailored upholstery, people are surprised how much I like slipcovers. It is part of my Southern heritage too, reinforced by the influential tutoring of Sister Parish, Albert Hadley, and Bunny Wiiliams. For your home, it would be hard to pick a favorite scheme — all are absolutely lovely.

    Reply

  7. How wonderful your comment is!!)
    (You all have no idea how I appreciate your comments!)

    Thanks so much for your comment!
    Funny! Iam a decorator; and my goal for all my clients is to look “undecorated”; “undesigned” and “collected” as opposed to “curated!” YIKES ICKY THE PERFECT “spare house!” Who wants to go there??? And who wants to sit there?
    Thank you!!

    Reply

  8. How wonderful your comment is!!)
    (You all have no idea how I appreciate your comments!)

    Thanks so much for your comment!
    Funny! Iam a decorator; and my goal for all my clients is to look “undecorated”; “undesigned” and “collected” as opposed to “curated!” YIKES ICKY THE PERFECT “spare house!” Who wants to go there??? And who wants to sit there?
    Thank you!!

    Reply

  9. How wonderful your comment is!!)
    (You all have no idea how I appreciate your comments!)

    Thanks so much for your comment!
    Funny! Iam a decorator; and my goal for all my clients is to look “undecorated”; “undesigned” and “collected” as opposed to “curated!” YIKES ICKY THE PERFECT “spare house!” Who wants to go there??? And who wants to sit there?
    Thank you!!

    Reply

  16. I am in love with your paisley shawl slipcovered chair! I too collect them, but am afraid to use them as slipcovers as they will shred! Love seeing your home, not matter what season! It’s just beautiful. Would love to see it decked out for Christmas. Winter slipcovers? ~Delores

    Reply

  17. I am in love with your paisley shawl slipcovered chair! I too collect them, but am afraid to use them as slipcovers as they will shred! Love seeing your home, not matter what season! It’s just beautiful. Would love to see it decked out for Christmas. Winter slipcovers? ~Delores

    Reply

  18. I am in love with your paisley shawl slipcovered chair! I too collect them, but am afraid to use them as slipcovers as they will shred! Love seeing your home, not matter what season! It’s just beautiful. Would love to see it decked out for Christmas. Winter slipcovers? ~Delores

    Reply

    • That is vitally important!
      Find (if you don’t have one) a really good upholsterer; and ask him (or her) If they don’t make them; they will likely know someone who does. And make sure you see their work! More and more people are working from home now; and do lovely work! You can also google. (Whatever did we do before google”?)

      Reply

    • That is vitally important!
      Find (if you don’t have one) a really good upholsterer; and ask him (or her) If they don’t make them; they will likely know someone who does. And make sure you see their work! More and more people are working from home now; and do lovely work! You can also google. (Whatever did we do before google”?)

      Reply

  24. That is vitally important!
    Find (if you don’t have one) a really good upholsterer; and ask him (or her) If they don’t make them; they will likely know someone who does. And make sure you see their work! More and more people are working from home now; and do lovely work! You can also google. (Whatever did we do before google”?)

    Reply

  28. Gorgeous! Love the changes, it does look like a different house and stunning in each season.

    Happy Holidays hope you post your decorations.

    BTW I loved your !!!!!!!!!!! showed your enthusiasm & sense of fun. It is not all about punctuation & essay writing.

    Reply

    • Thanks! I honestly do think I took out 100 exclamation points!

      However, thank you for saying that! Many of my readers say that they can hear my “voice ; and that is the way I talk; I guess? or I think? Please tell me your honest opinions! My main goal is to be “me” authentic; the one and only real “me”! (there I go again!)

      Honest opinions are requested…..it did seem ridiculous…….100 exclamation points in one blog posts! Good grief!

      Before I had my own blog…..I responded to others…..and many made fun of me for all of my exclamation points!

      What shall I do??
      We are all very busy…comments will be appreciated! This is the first question (I think) I have asked!

      If you have a minute…….please weigh in……..about the exclamation points!

      I think my writer is right……..I use them as periods…..however; I talk like that! So…your opinions please?

      It is an important part of my website and blog!

      Reply

  29. Gorgeous! Love the changes, it does look like a different house and stunning in each season.

    Happy Holidays hope you post your decorations.

    BTW I loved your !!!!!!!!!!! showed your enthusiasm & sense of fun. It is not all about punctuation & essay writing.

    Reply

    • Thanks! I honestly do think I took out 100 exclamation points!

      However, thank you for saying that! Many of my readers say that they can hear my “voice ; and that is the way I talk; I guess? or I think? Please tell me your honest opinions! My main goal is to be “me” authentic; the one and only real “me”! (there I go again!)

      Honest opinions are requested…..it did seem ridiculous…….100 exclamation points in one blog posts! Good grief!

      Before I had my own blog…..I responded to others…..and many made fun of me for all of my exclamation points!

      What shall I do??
      We are all very busy…comments will be appreciated! This is the first question (I think) I have asked!

      If you have a minute…….please weigh in……..about the exclamation points!

      I think my writer is right……..I use them as periods…..however; I talk like that! So…your opinions please?

      It is an important part of my website and blog!

      Reply

  30. Gorgeous! Love the changes, it does look like a different house and stunning in each season.

    Happy Holidays hope you post your decorations.

    BTW I loved your !!!!!!!!!!! showed your enthusiasm & sense of fun. It is not all about punctuation & essay writing.

    Reply

    • Thanks! I honestly do think I took out 100 exclamation points!

      However, thank you for saying that! Many of my readers say that they can hear my “voice ; and that is the way I talk; I guess? or I think? Please tell me your honest opinions! My main goal is to be “me” authentic; the one and only real “me”! (there I go again!)

      Honest opinions are requested…..it did seem ridiculous…….100 exclamation points in one blog posts! Good grief!

      Before I had my own blog…..I responded to others…..and many made fun of me for all of my exclamation points!

      What shall I do??
      We are all very busy…comments will be appreciated! This is the first question (I think) I have asked!

      If you have a minute…….please weigh in……..about the exclamation points!

      I think my writer is right……..I use them as periods…..however; I talk like that! So…your opinions please?

      It is an important part of my website and blog!

      Reply

  31. Every time I visit your home I never want to leave!
    You have created something so magical.
    I adore your slipcovers. They are perfect for the way we live… with all of our adored animal family members!

    xo

    Brooke

    Reply

  32. Every time I visit your home I never want to leave!
    You have created something so magical.
    I adore your slipcovers. They are perfect for the way we live… with all of our adored animal family members!

    xo

    Brooke

    Reply

  33. Every time I visit your home I never want to leave!
    You have created something so magical.
    I adore your slipcovers. They are perfect for the way we live… with all of our adored animal family members!

    xo

    Brooke

    Reply

  34. At Winterthur, Dupont had 4 sets of draperies for each window.

    He didn’t want views of the garden to be ruined with the wrong fabrics/colors.

    Love this man.

    Adore your room. XO T

    Reply

  35. At Winterthur, Dupont had 4 sets of draperies for each window.

    He didn’t want views of the garden to be ruined with the wrong fabrics/colors.

    Love this man.

    Adore your room. XO T

    Reply

  36. When I’m properly grown-up I’ll be organised and when I’m organised I’ll have seasonal covers. Though there are only really two seasons here, which should make things easier.

    What I really love is the way your creeper hangs, untrimmed, in front of the door. We used to have an orange trumpet vine which grew down over the deck roof in festoons of orange flowers. We never trimmed it until all the flowers were over and the little showers of rain water that fell on us when we brushed against it always gave us a sort of thrill!

    Reply

  37. When I’m properly grown-up I’ll be organised and when I’m organised I’ll have seasonal covers. Though there are only really two seasons here, which should make things easier.

    What I really love is the way your creeper hangs, untrimmed, in front of the door. We used to have an orange trumpet vine which grew down over the deck roof in festoons of orange flowers. We never trimmed it until all the flowers were over and the little showers of rain water that fell on us when we brushed against it always gave us a sort of thrill!

    Reply

  40. The exclamation points are you!!!!!!!!!!!
    They express your enthusiasm when you share the beauty of what you have created or discovered.
    Where would we be without enthusiasm??! And, they are contagious!

    Reply

    • Oh my goodness! You are one of my very first comments on one of my very first blogs! Thank you so much for commenting!

      “Blogging” I think, is different from writing! Thank you for all of your comments…….I treasure every single one! From the bottom of my heart!

      Reply

  41. The exclamation points are you!!!!!!!!!!!
    They express your enthusiasm when you share the beauty of what you have created or discovered.
    Where would we be without enthusiasm??! And, they are contagious!

    Reply

  42. The exclamation points are you!!!!!!!!!!!
    They express your enthusiasm when you share the beauty of what you have created or discovered.
    Where would we be without enthusiasm??! And, they are contagious!

    Reply

    • Oh my goodness! You are one of my very first comments on one of my very first blogs! Thank you so much for commenting!

      “Blogging” I think, is different from writing! Thank you for all of your comments…….I treasure every single one! From the bottom of my heart!

      Reply

  43. p: i love slipcovers too. my favorite are your spring ones – can’t wait to see the summer ones, those might be my favorites too. i love your house – can i have it? just mail it me, please. i’ll take good care of it!

    Reply

    • HOW FUNNY it is to reply to this kind of comment! (are you sure you want to approve? ) DUH!!
      The question should be…..”are you sure you deserve this enormous compliment?)

      Thank you, Joni…..from the bottom of my heart! Yikes!!!

      Reply

  44. p: i love slipcovers too. my favorite are your spring ones – can’t wait to see the summer ones, those might be my favorites too. i love your house – can i have it? just mail it me, please. i’ll take good care of it!

    Reply

    • HOW FUNNY it is to reply to this kind of comment! (are you sure you want to approve? ) DUH!!
      The question should be…..”are you sure you deserve this enormous compliment?)

      Thank you, Joni…..from the bottom of my heart! Yikes!!!

      Reply

  45. Dear Penelope,
    What a beautiful and gracious home, no matter the season! I love the changes, and of course, your slipcovers! What I really love most: your ability to create many harmonious seating groups!! And all your antique textiles, cushions and pillows.
    Thanks for this fabulous post!
    Cheers from DC,
    Loi

    Reply

  46. Dear Penelope,
    What a beautiful and gracious home, no matter the season! I love the changes, and of course, your slipcovers! What I really love most: your ability to create many harmonious seating groups!! And all your antique textiles, cushions and pillows.
    Thanks for this fabulous post!
    Cheers from DC,
    Loi

    Reply

  47. Dear Penelope,
    What a beautiful and gracious home, no matter the season! I love the changes, and of course, your slipcovers! What I really love most: your ability to create many harmonious seating groups!! And all your antique textiles, cushions and pillows.
    Thanks for this fabulous post!
    Cheers from DC,
    Loi

    Reply

  51. Penelope, your slipcovers are so, so marvelous! Your home looks so fresh each new season. I tend to get on a soapbox about buying well-made furnishings so that they can be recovered and slip-covered year after year. Your house looks warm, inviting and so comfortable. I think I judge the success of a room if I can see myself taking a nap there or reading a book there. (Tells you a lot about my priorities in life!!) Your rooms look divinely nap-able and read-able. N.G.

    Reply

    • Honestly; I could receive no greater compliment! What you expressed in one sentence is what my goal has been for every house I have done in the last 43 years! May I quote you??

      Thank you!!!

      Reply

  52. Penelope, your slipcovers are so, so marvelous! Your home looks so fresh each new season. I tend to get on a soapbox about buying well-made furnishings so that they can be recovered and slip-covered year after year. Your house looks warm, inviting and so comfortable. I think I judge the success of a room if I can see myself taking a nap there or reading a book there. (Tells you a lot about my priorities in life!!) Your rooms look divinely nap-able and read-able. N.G.

    Reply

  53. Penelope, your slipcovers are so, so marvelous! Your home looks so fresh each new season. I tend to get on a soapbox about buying well-made furnishings so that they can be recovered and slip-covered year after year. Your house looks warm, inviting and so comfortable. I think I judge the success of a room if I can see myself taking a nap there or reading a book there. (Tells you a lot about my priorities in life!!) Your rooms look divinely nap-able and read-able. N.G.

    Reply

    • Honestly; I could receive no greater compliment! What you expressed in one sentence is what my goal has been for every house I have done in the last 43 years! May I quote you??

      Thank you!!!

      Reply

  54. …simply perfect…in all seasons…(of course you can keep your !!!!!…i certainly intend to keep my…and no caps) blessings laney

    Reply

  55. …simply perfect…in all seasons…(of course you can keep your !!!!!…i certainly intend to keep my…and no caps) blessings laney

    Reply

  56. …simply perfect…in all seasons…(of course you can keep your !!!!!…i certainly intend to keep my…and no caps) blessings laney

    Reply

  57. I love slipcovers! I no longer change my slips as they are off white or canvas in color. I instead change out the pillows. I look forward to that change twice a year as well. Your home is lovely in every season. I love vintage textiles!

    Reply

  58. Hi Penny! I loved this the first time and the second time too!!! You don’t show the dining side enough! And I love the pink in your bedroom. It’s such a wonderful color!!! I couldn’t live without slips – ever. And not shabby chic slips either. just the ablity to clean and change. I’m washing my chair today!!! haha! Love you!

    Reply

    • I bought the pigments in Provence; all the walls in the whole house (and the exterior plaster) have the same “pink_ocher” color mixed with the plaster and limewash….are the same pigment……heavier or lighter….except the blue on the ceilings, arches and one room……it is interesting how different the walls look in different rooms..according to the light!

      Thanks for the suggestion! More dining area pics!!!!
      ps How about Brooke and Steve’s house? And that book?
      My favorite EVER EVER EVER!!!!

      And I was so lucky to be friends with them….and went through the whole process@

      they are the most darling people!!!!!

      I love you!!!

      Reply

  60. YES< I KNOW…………..I need to get on the slipcovers!I really NEED to get rid of a chair or TWO but am finding it difficult!I too find it ENCHANTING!I bet the DOGS LIKE IT TOO!YOUR home is lovely…………….FULL of SOUL and PASSION of STUFF.I think I have seen TWO of the THREE slipcovers…………..do you know what color you want to use for the FOURTH?Or is that what is HOLDING you UP?You have not FOUND the right fabric/color as of yet?I have a huge bolt of white that AUNT K bought and made slipcovers for my MOTHER's QUEEN ANNE chairs………..maybe I should START with THAT!
    LEOPARD Is speaking to ME!
    XO

    Reply

    • Just like your kimonos! Or maybe you should not! You change your costumes….and your garden…..so much…..we do not want to CONFUSE the ITALIAN!!! Stick with the same coverings on the furniture! For now……my poor husband…..(who loves and sees the changes in the slipcovers)…..gets a bit confused when =the furniture is rearranged in the morning when he comes out of our bedroom door!!! He says he loves it! I get a surprise every day! things in new places!
      S
      So there you go!!!

      Reply

  61. You already know how I (and many many others) adore you style. But I also adore that the dogs are allowed to be there too. Just beautiful. Everything is cherished, collected and loved over the years. Yes, this is almost a lost “art”…never change !!!

    Reply

  62. thank you so much, Marsha! We are on the same page! I adore your blog! And we will meet with our dogs!

    thank you!

    Reply

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