They may have used small dowl rods or biscuits to join the chair. Which usually means a void/rebate is created and then a proud piece glued into the void. (Think male/female sockets etc). So you may be able to gently tap (rubber mallet, not metal hammer) to get the pieces apart. Use fabric or thick wadding or sponge to protect your timber when you whack it.

Hi Anna, I used leather for the recovering. This made things easier as it stretches quite a bit and is very forgiving. I used one piece for the backs. I stapled one end of the fabric to the bottom edge of the back, then wrapped it around back to just over the staples, folded under the raw edge and used upholstery nails to secure.

And the seating areas are different, don't try to make it look like one area. I would put minimal ( if any) teal around the black sofa. Do your dining room. Then give you living room the same respect, it is it's own space

Is this where you are looking? http://www.houzz.com.au/user/sarsfieldbrooke Looks like they are in NZ - and you can use the Contact Me button to ask a question...