Chairs for Charity
2024 Chairs for Charity Silent Auction: Furniture Recycling for a Good Cause in Vancouver
I was honored to participate in the 2024 Chairs for Charity silent auction, which was showcased at the James Crossing Booth during IDS West in Vancouver, BC. The event raised funds for Covenant House, a local organization supporting homeless youth. The concept behind the project was to breathe new life into a chair in need of repair or an update—a metaphor for giving someone in need a second chance.
I selected a pair of wooden chairs, originally crafted in Montreal, Quebec, around 2005. At 19 years old, they were outdated and showing signs of wear. In collaboration with James Crossing, an importer of fine European fabrics, I chose a vibrant, nature-inspired Claire de Quenetain maximalist print to give the chairs a modern update.
Before…
After…
Claire de Quenetain’s nature inspired Paradeisos-blue in a cotton-linen blend was selected to show case the bold and beautiful leaf motif Claire is known for.
To further personalize and refresh the pieces, I partnered with Thao's Refinishing Studio, a local furniture refinisher, to give the wood a subtle pearl finish. The finish added just the right amount of sheen—neither too glossy nor too matte—creating a balanced contrast with the bold fabric pattern. The result was a striking, modern transformation, providing a unique, functional piece for a lucky bidder while supporting a meaningful cause in the community.
Sherwin William’s “After the Storm” SW9685 was selected from the Emerald Designer Edition for designers.
Kelly Grimes at the James Crossing booth at IDS Vancouver 2024, enjoying a quick break on one of her re-imagined Facebook Marketplace “free” finds.
