The English Maximalista

Back in May of this year, after ten interminable months of searching, Mr Maximalista and I FINALLY found a formal dining room set that we both like.

The key phrase, here, is “that we both like”. Because I had found about a dozen that *I* liked during that time, but which Mr M did not… or if he did like, he balked at the price. (We Are NOT Spending Three Grand On A Table was the official title of a fiery discussion we had outside the Restoration Hardware furniture shop in Denver, this Spring.)

And even though I was sorely tempted to simply overrule him by purchasing whatever the hell I liked, instead I opted to Make Respectful Decisions about choosing stuff for our new home together. 

Frustrating, since Making Respectful Decisions involved me being patient for almost one entire year until we found a dining room set that satisfied us both.

Since I am not a patient woman, this wait period was extremely painful for my soul; I’m glad it didn’t take any longer, because I was thisclose to cracking point, dear reader. THIS. CLOSE.

We had the dining room rug. We had the china and the linens. We had the obligatory crystal chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling. What we did NOT have was the bloody table and chairs. 

My life felt barren and incomplete.

So try to imagine my absolute joy that weekend a few months ago, when we were at Goodwill in Colorado Springs. By this point, I was completely bereft of any hope that we would ever find a dining room set my husband approved of. When lo-and-behold, what appeared before me that day but a perfectly proportioned, sophisticated beauty! 

Was I hallucinating?! I warily circled the table, unsure if my hopeful eyes were deceiving me. Glaring coldly at other shoppers who may have foolishly been under the grave misapprehension that I wasn’t interested in this particular set. Texting Mr Maximalista to hurry over to the furniture section because — dare I utter it? — I have found The One.

She had Queen Anne style cabriole legs. Six matching chairs (the upholstery was knackered, but I had vision = not a problem). And was that *hushed awe* mahogany under the thick veneer of dust? Surely Mr Maximalista would not veto this one?

Furthermore *rubbed eyes in disbelief* did that price tag say $125 for the set in its entirety?!

Yes, indeed it was all true! Mere moments later, we had paid, loaded up Lady Penelope… and my poor, long-suffering husband was forced to listen as I cackled with elation for the entire drive home.

That evening, after polishing the new set [solid and in good shape, despite a few characterful nicks and scratches] I spent several hours searching online for fabric with which to reupholster the existing tired-looking chair seats. Unsurprisingly, I ended up buying some material which cost more per yard than the table and chairs themselves cost. Oops.

[Kravet.com]

Thankfully, it was worth every penny and UNDER BUDGET, two of Mr Maximalista’s favourite words to come out of my mouth. It may have taken me a few months (oops, again!) to get around to this little reupholstering project, but we are both delighted with how it turned out.

Sadie is delighted as well: from the 2 yards I bought, there was enough left over to make her a stylish bandana and a rag toy.

Because you know, the English Maximalista’s dog must have coordinating accessories.

Lots of love,

M xo

An Englishwoman and her dog:

Freshly reupholstered chairs: