Step One: Unstapling and unstapling....and unstapling

Ok, so it took many hours and a few chipped nails, but I removed all the fabric. Whoever put it on in the first place sure was staple-happy. (Note to self: consider gluing the trim rather than stapling for easier removal on the next remix).

What I found underneath the fabric was, well, a bit crumbly. I'm going to put new foam on and I'll have our local hardware store cut new MDF seats for me.

I'm undecided whether to paint the chairs cream or black. I painted part of one in cream, and although I love that look and am planning to paint my kitchen cabinets that color (when I work up the nerve and time), right now my cabinets are that awful oak. I have no other painted cream, but I do have black accents throughout the kitchen and great room. So I think I need to stick with the black idea.

Now I'm off to look for replacement fabric and drop off the pattern for the chair seat MDF boards. Enjoy the day - it's a gorgeous one in our coastal town, and although it's still hot, the humidity has finally broken.