Extreme Makeover: Ottoman Edition

When we first moved into our new place, we searched high and low for the perfect oversize leather ottoman for the living room. We wanted it to serve as a dining table, a footrest and extra seating (not all at the same time). We had visions of romantic dinners by the fireplace (okay, the TV), and parties filled to overflowing with our favorite people.
Finally we found one we could afford, which has the added bonus of storage on the inside, from Ballard Designs. It came in a variety of fabrics (and they will send swatches for free), but alas, not leather. Being the good compromisers that we are, we begrudgingly opted for a pretty red twill that matched our rug.
Fast forward three months later, and that twill is already stained (from the now-disgusting-seeming combination of food and people's feet), and faded from the bright afternoon sunlight in our living room.
Luckily I have a mom who's a genius, and she knows how to reupholster, but I learned in a morning, and honestly, anyone could do it. Here are some good general instructions. We spent Superbowl Sunday stretching and tacking the leather over the red fabric, resulting in an ottoman that is way more sharp-looking and durable (the dimpling on the forward-left corner is where the "brand" is on the leather, which we kept intentionally). The rattan tray is from Williams-Sonoma Home.
In this economy, it's good to remember that with a little elbow grease you can transform the things you already have.
Check out more furniture rehab on one of my fave blogs, Design Sponge.

P.S. Look forward to fun houseguest blogging from my friend (and bride-to-be) Lea, on Monday!