I saw my first Happy Chair on tumblr. The bold colors, wonderful texture and sense of whimsy drew me right in. Soon I was looking through the gallery on the Happy Chair website. Apparently I was so enchanted by the chairs that I neglected to read any of the info about the company or the woman that behind Happy Chair.
Fast forward to last Saturday. I was in Charlotte (NC) visiting my old stomping grounds in Lake Norman. I walked into Bebe Gallini's, one of my favorite local gift/home decor shops, and what to my wondering eyes should appear but Happy Chairs! Not one or two, but several scattered thoroughout the store. They are even more fabulous in person.
While I'm sure they are comfortable, I didn't even bother to sit in any of them. Instead I was admiring the creative skill that goes into making each chair a true work of art.
Swoon.
As we browsed around Bebe's spotting Happy Chairs, I couldn't help but notice several Happy Chair accessories including over-the-top pillows and oversized appliqued draperies. If I could've fit this pillow in my carry-on bag...
Turns out that Happy Chair is a local Charlotte company created by Shawna Robinson, a former NASCAR driver. From the Happy Chair website, "Happy Chair finds worn and weathered pieces and gives them new life. My heart, soul and hands personally go into each piece of furniture designed to be a Happy Chair. I brazenly mix and reconstruct new and vintage fabrics. Exciting patterns and inspired details bring unique character to life in each original piece. Once completed each Happy Chair is given a name based on its distinct personality. Yes it takes time, creativity and patience but the end result is magic derived from passion."
And to think, there's a veritable warehouse of Happy Chair designs barely 5 minutes from where we used to live. While I'm disappointed to no longer be so close, it's likely a relief for my credit card. Happy Chair may not sell online...but then again, it's not like I've never driven between MA and Charlotte before ☺...
{visit the Happy Chair Facebook page for a peek at Shawna's current projects}
