Congratulations to Denver Public School teachers on reaching an agreement after 3 days of striking! Dave was out there on the picket line in front of his school every morning at 7:00 am and it was interesting to see the process first hand. The daily organization that’s involved to mobilize large groups of people is tremendous. The community support for the teachers was moving and it would have been quite difficult without their support. As I write this, I am grateful for all the unions that have paved the way for us in 2019. There’s a long history in our country of unionizing and striking for fair wages and decent working conditions. Walking out of your job, without another job waiting, and vociferously voicing your displeasure isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Also, Dave lost his voice chanting union slogans.
Now, on to more important things like Chesterfield sofas! I have long loved the Chesterfield sofa. I think it goes back to my love for Ralph Lauren’s ads from the late 1980’s. Lauren has been a fan of the Chesterfield and in the late 80’s they were typically styled with stacks and stacks of books, black watch plaid, some florals, a dark oil painting or two and a hunting dog. In the ads, the leather Chesterfield sofa sat low in a moody, dark environment that, to my young eyes, looked as romantic and elegant as one could get.
The name of the the sofa comes from the Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Stanhope, who according to the London Gallery, was known to be a little bit of a trendsetter. The story goes that the Earl commissioned this sofa – rolled arms, deep tufting – so that gentlemen could sit comfortably without wrinkling their clothing. After years of variations on this style of sofa, the Chesterfield ultimately became an emblem for English style which the old Ralph Lauren ads harkened back to when I was a teenager. Get your riding boots on honey and come lounge with me on the sofa! Be sure to wear lace and bring that floral pillow your grandmother gave us!
I’ve always wanted a Chesterfield, but right now in my life I have dumpy sectional that’s usually draped with dogs, blankets and family. Someday! Here are some gorgeous interiors starring Chesterfields to inspire you in case you are looking for a sofa.
“We’ll hold this line until Hell freezes over — Then we’ll hold it on ice skates.” Anonymous, picket sign
The Colorado Nest 
Yay for Dave! Yes, going out on a limb for better pay and work conditions can be a scary proposition in these tumultuous days. People who do have my utmost respect.
That said! Yes, yes, yes– I love Chesterfield sofas. It was what i really wanted when we moved into this house, but my budget and the need to compromise with my partner on furnishings and such prevented it. I saw a teal colored one at the used furniture store recently and my heart almost stopped. However, it needed work and I new I couldn’t negotiate a change of couch when the one I have is only two years old. I can dream though.
Teal!!?? Sounds amazing. I’d love to find a distressed/vintage one, but I imagine that so does everyone. We have too many pets right now that shed for a sofa like that. Someday though – I can dream too! 🙂