Brian Howell Upholstery – Fort Walton Beach, FL
Redecorating… and upholstery!
We had gorgeous teak chairs long and lovingly used that had been perfect for me and my husband. Our birdwatching, talking, puzzle-doing, reading chairs. After twenty years, the fabric was becoming threadbare. I didn’t want to really buy new ones, as these special chairs were wide enough to sit cross-legged, which I love, balance a computer, phone, drink, and even hold a cat or two, on their wide, smooth arms. The pattern vibed in a colorful style, but you could see through to the cushions especially on “my” chair. So, should I try to get them re-upholstered? I’d never done that, and hadn’t a clue as to where to start. So I googled and checked Nextdoor for any suggestions for upholstery shops on the Emerald Coast of Florida, and up popped Brian Howell Upholstery in Fort Walton Beach. There were good reviews, too.
I emailed Brian and sent him a photo of the chairs, and he emailed back a quote! One year later, when I was finally ready after having been distracted with other decorating projects, we went down to meet him – one cushion in hand. I thought he might have three books of fabrics, but, I was shocked. He had thousands of samples in his shop at 123 McGriff St., Fort Walton Beach, Florida!
Brian cracked up as I directed my husband to “Start looking!”, and Hubby stared helplessly around the room at the hundreds of fabric sample books. I told Brian the feeling I was going for and he could see the vision, and suggested books to check out. Brian said to bring the favorite books home so we could see how the fabric looked in the changing light of our home. Great advice, as the colors did change from morning to evening! I brought home (that time!) at least ten books. Each books had dozens of patterns and material types. All I could see and dream was fabric! The books were spread out all over the chairs and tables and I bookmarked favorites (dozens). My cats even examined them!
When I settled on a few choices, we went back to the Brian Howell Upholstery shop. He informed me that my final selections may not be the best for extended sitting! Darn! He explained why, and what type of material would be better. Brian was honest and knew very well what would be best. Back to our house with several more books, more sticky notes and musings, we finally made a choice.
Brian said he was swamped, gave us a completion date, and off we went. We stopped by the next day to return some of the many books I forgot, and he was already DONE!!! My heart leapt! The upholstery work was perfection!! Mind you, this was not an easy pattern in my opinion, but the craftsmanship was that of an artist. I didn’t even notice at first, but once we got the cushions home and placed them on the chairs, it became evident how much care was taken in the detail and pattern matching. How could someone do such professional work?
Brian gave us the extra fabric in case I want to have pillows made in the future. He can do that. In fact, I am now thinking of re-upholstering all the furniture in my house! Those dining room chairs I’ve had for years. Maybe a new bench cushion. Even my Hubby’s future theater room can have sound-proof upholstery custom fit on the walls. Brian Howell can do it all.
I am giving a Brian Howell Upholstery a five-star rave review. We are fortunate to have such a talented craftsman in our Emerald Coast area, with great advice, expert experience and results. He loves what he does and it’s evident. Thank you, Brian Howell Upholstery!
Brian Howell Upholstery, 123 McGriff St., Fort Walton Beach, FL
850-243-7008
[email protected]
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
