Here's a question, please help!
I really need some advice quick...
I spent a year trying to decide if the Restoration Hardware's Toledo vintage bar stools in distressed black would look good with our aged kitchen cabinets.
There's a little black in the granite counter, and there's a black tone in the stain used to age down the cabinets.
But...the stools don't look distressed to me like the catalog shows.
Also, they have silver caps on the legs, which isn't what the advertisements show. I think it makes them look too new.
Since none of the stores carry this color for display, I could only see the finish in the catalog and on the Internet. This is not what I expected.
We ordered 3 stools when they went on sale last week. They arrived by UPS on Wednesday night. We opened 1 box, but left the other 2 unopened in case we decide to return them.
What do you think ladies?
Return or keep?
Please leave a comment with your opinion.
Here's the catalog picture. The distressed black is on the bottom left:
http://catalogs.restorationhardware.com/spring/WebProject.asp?CodeId=7.7.1.5&BookCode=spr13flx&SectionIndex=0&PageIndex=276
Here's the catalog picture. The distressed black is on the bottom left:
http://catalogs.restorationhardware.com/spring/WebProject.asp?CodeId=7.7.1.5&BookCode=spr13flx&SectionIndex=0&PageIndex=276
sharing at:http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
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I like to mix a little old and new, the distressed all over the room, so I'd keep them.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that doesn't look anything like the catalog picture. I guess it depends on whether or not you like them anyway as to whether you keep them. They may just distress naturally from use over time. How long do you have to return them? Maybe keep the one out and see how you feel about it.
ReplyDeleteglad you agree they don't look like the catalog! Wild Bill thinks they look exactly the same (???), men! I think he just wants something to sit on at the counter ;-)
DeleteI can tell you are not happy with them. I hate when I'm excited about something and then it doesn't live up to my expectations. I'm sure they were not cheap. You need to love them.
ReplyDeleteyou're right. After Irene's comment, I'm starting to come around to the "new" look of them as opposed to the overall distress of the kitchen. Stay or go? It's really hard to decide.
DeleteThey are handsome.
ReplyDeleteThey look a little masculine and industrial next to your French country kitchen which is fine, but it might take time to get use to the contrast.
Crate and Barrel has some too. One in a darker metal and one in the lighter metal. I think the gun metal would be nice. Actually that's the finish I went with and it looks retro. They had samples on their floor, but it had to be ordered. They have a feminine curve to the leg, but are industrial. Just something to compare RH's too. Here's the link:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/turner-gunmetal-18-24-counter-stool/s369985
They come in island height and counter height. They are fun because they can go up and down for your guests.
I really like the looks of Crate and Barrel's stools. I could only find the gun metal ones. thanks so much for this info.
DeleteI like them, but I have found that when I try to make something work I am never quite satisfied so I think for the price if they are not exactly what you hoped for they should go back and you should keep looking.
ReplyDeleteyou're right about giving up and then never being satisfied. I have hated a house or two for the same reason.
DeleteMom, I agree with Jenn. It's one thing to "make it work" when dealing with $5 thrift store chairs, but quite another for these. I like them, but if you don't love them, don't keep them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jaimee. It's one thing when you are "fixing up" something from a thrift shop, or a hand me down. If I am paying Restoration Hardware prices, I fully expect it to meet my expectations without making it meet my needs.
DeleteAnd I dislike the metal on the bottom. But that's me.
I have found that if you question things at the beginning, you usually don't all of a sudden love them. If they are returnable, I would return them and wait until I found exactly what I wanted.
ReplyDeletemakes sense. hate the process of returning them. I think the stores count on that and that's why everything is shipped directly to the shopper these days.
DeleteI agree with Jaimee and Jenn. When in doubt, throw it out (or return in a timely manner).
ReplyDeletethanks Emily. seems like returning them is the thing to do.
DeleteWhen my daughter and I shop together and we have trouble deciding on something, we ask each other, "Does it wow you?" If it's not a wow, then the answer is no. Sounds like you are not wowed, so I say return them. If they are not what you really want, they will bug you forever! And life is way too short for that!
ReplyDeleteyou're right Sharon, the stools wow me, but not the finish. Thanks for your input. I really appreciate your time.
DeleteDitto. They are a great shape, but don't have the patina of the catalog photo - almost flat and lacking warmth of the wood as in the photo. I don't know if the price makes them worth keeping and using somewhere else, but if you don't love them, don't keep them. Your kitchen is looking great!
ReplyDeleteOkay, so, chiming in with the other ladies~
ReplyDelete-I luv the stools, but not the finish. And they dOn't look the same as what was advertised--probably changed manufacturers for a better price.
-If I'm trying to SELL myself on something--it's usually nOt right and I move on.
Before you either settle on keeping or returning them, ask yourself if you're not sold on the STYLE WITH the rest of the room, or is the FINISH causing your hesitation--?
Everyone has their own "price point," so if you feel like you got a good price and changing the finish is the answer---I say go for it! Personally, I think the antiqued green would look fAb with your cabinets (based on the limited view in the pics)!
And btw~the cabs look really nice!
Catherine
Thanks Catherine. It's definitely the finish. It just needs to look a little distressed and more wood showing thru on the wood top.
ReplyDeleteI like them! I think black is a neutral and goes with anything. If you're not happy with them looking too new, maybe you could distress them yourself. If the seat is made of wood, you could sand it to show the layers. Add some clear wax to seal it afterwards. I once did that with some painted wooden bar stools from Ballards years ago. It gave me the look I wanted without having to return them.
ReplyDeleteI like them, but I agree they are very black and don't look distressed. I also find it strange that they have those metal feet but they didn't show that online. That said, they are cute stool and look fine in your kitchen. I guess it is just personal preference at this point. No sense wasting the money if you won't be happy with them long term.
ReplyDeleteHa, ha...now it's my turn to offer advice! Don't you just love blogging for that?! Anyway, black looks fabulous in any decor... old looks good with new just as a contemporary piece looks good with vintage. However, you have too many concerns to let this one pass, in my opinion. And I get the concern over the silver feet. That would bother me, too. So, I say pack it up and try again somewhere else. Hope that didn't come across too strong. It was all said with love!!! xo
ReplyDeleteI would be bummed...but I like them. In time at my house..they would be stressed. I wouldn't go to the effort to send them back.
ReplyDeleteSo sad when this happens...all excited and it's not exactly what it is supposed to be! Personally, for stools I think they are nice and will not stay "pristine" for long. Following you back!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
dear heart...this is a little late..like 3 years late but anytime I am that uncertain, I take them back..I like to INSTANTLY fall in love and if I don't, then it's not for moi...xoxo
ReplyDelete