Choosing, upcycling, refabricating

Michelle reflects on her sofa choice, a confident orange in an indulgent and richly textured fabric that compels you to touch it. “White looked good and was safe. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it; it was too safe.”

She shares some practical advice for choosing the right sofa hue. “A swatch can be hard to work with, so try to find a big cushion or have a floor cushion made in the fabric or colour you want.” This block of colour will allow you to better understand how it will work in the space.

When it comes to redesigning or refreshing for a new season, Michelle urges us all to upcycle the furniture we covet. “You don’t have to scrap things; try reupholstering first. You can save the base and give it a second life. Then it’s custom made – no one else will have that piece!”

Her passion for reimaging furniture has been a life-long affair. “That’s my background – pattern making and textile design,” she explains. “Textiles are part of our DNA at Tequila Kola. Textures and textiles are what set us apart.”

One of her favourite items is a dome armchair ( pictured). It’s recently been reupholstered with five contrasting fabrics and stud detailing. “It’s a great reading chair – like a cone of silence!”

Refabricating and reupholstering aren’t just about aesthetics. Michelle explains that this type of treatment is the perfect way to give furniture a new lease of life – for example, if teenagers have treated something harshly. “Reuse, relive, recondition,” she suggests.

It also sounds like a great way to get reluctant family members to agree to a revamp, especially if they’re attached to a favourite sofa. “There’s no need to give up favourites. In fact, they can be improved upon and given even more longevity with a bit of TLC.”