Home Decor: Rock-a-bye baby fabrics

Is there anything more delightful than decorating a nursery for a little one?  Perhaps you have a new baby in your home or your newborn has very quickly turned into a toddler with likes and dislikes of their own.  Whatever the reason, decorating a child’s room means you can pull out all the stops–anything goes—there are no rules.  As with any other room in your home, there are some guidelines to follow to insure a room that is safe, functional and visually appealing for your son or daughter as well as for yourself.

Fabric

There are literally dozens and dozens of fabrics made specifically with children in mind.  For example, you can create a sophisticated french retreat using a toile fabric for bedding and window treatments.  Add a coordinating check and floral pattern for a true french country look.  Or maybe your little one prefers something a bit more whimsical such as Covington’s fun balloon print.  This bright and colorful fabric can be paired with multiple solids to create a happy environment for any child.  Try to think outside the pink and blue box and choose unusual color combinations like pink and lime green, turquoise and brown or even a soothing all neutral color palette.

Furniture

Function and safety are first and foremost when it comes to choosing furniture for your child’s room.  Before purchasing any items for your child’s room check with the Consumer Protection Agency (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/chld_frn.html) and their safety guidelines.  You will need a bed, dresser, chair, shelving and rugs.  All these pieces will add personality and color to the room.

Paint

Use a low VOC paint to reduce the amount of fumes and toxins that could be released into the room over time.  This is one time when the color scheme you use does not have to coordinate with the rest of your home.  If your little one wants an all purple room, go for it.  A room with painted dragons on the wall…no problem.  Polka dots and  stripes ….ok with me. 

You get the idea…..let your child have a say in what their room will look like and they just might learn to keep it neat and tidy.  (OK I can dream can’t I?)

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Home Decorating: Seashells by the seashore

As we can all tell by the weather, summer is really just beginning and it is not too late to add to your summer decorating.  Nothing spells summer to me more than pretty seashells collected on the beach and piled high in a hurricane jar.  But there are many ways to bring this iconic symbol of summer into your home decorating.

• The stores are full of mirrors, candlesticks and lamp bases covered with real or faux seashells.  Check out this lamp from Lamps Plus.  How pretty on a bedside table!  Pottery Barn even sells bags of shells for those of you who do not live near a beach (or just don’t like sand stuck between your toes) as well as lots of other sophisticated beachy accessories.
• Fabric is a perfect way to add a touch of sun, sand and shells to your home.  Fashion a couple of pillows from this Robert Allen fabric for a cool summer feel.  Quick and easy summer projects such as easy to sew window valances, a border on bath towels or crisp summer bedding can all be made from fabrics featuring shells and other symbols of the sea.
• Furniture with shell motifs can add a whimsical as well as traditional touch to any room.  In fact, the shell is a very popular symbol found on Queen Anne and other furniture styles.
• Accessories are a fun and easy way to highlight any season, including summer.  Place a large conch shell on top of a stack of books to remind you of that vacation at the beach.  A fun project with the kids is to glue seashells around picture frames for photos of last year’s trip to the Bahamas.  Or you can simply fill large jars or hurricanes with all the shells you have collected over the years as a  fun reminder of past trips.

Replace all of your 4th of July decorations with this symbol of summer and your home will be decorated for the rest of the season.  That leaves plenty of time for you to visit the beach to collect more shells!

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Home Decor: Christmas in July

Believe it or not, it is not too early to start thinking about the holidays, especially when it comes to decorating.  Now, I am not recommending that you pull out the tree and start stringing the lights.  But if you are planning on hosting out of town guests or a large holiday party and the house needs a bit of sprucing up (no pun intended) now is the time to start making plans.

A decorating plan

Before you order new furniture, paint the walls or replace the carpet you need to have an overall decorating plan.  This will save you time and money and help you avoid costly mistakes.  It is fairly easy to create a plan:

• Decide which room(s) you want to redecorate
• Choose a color scheme.  You can use a piece of artwork, fabric or a picture from a magazine as inspiration.  If you are redoing just one room be sure that the room “flows” with the rest of your home’s decor when it comes to color.
• Determine just what you need when it comes to furniture, artwork, floor coverings and accessories.
• Find fabric and paint for your project.

Being organized will make it easy for you to shop for your new items.

Furniture

If your decorating plans include new furniture now is the time to start looking and place an order.  Most upholstered pieces can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks for delivery.  Fabric for reupholstery may be backordered which will result in a delivery delay.  How disappointed will you be when Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you have a beautiful table but no chairs?  How uncomfortable will your out of town guests be when they have to sleep on an aero bed because the new sofa sleeper did not arrive in time? 

Paint, upholstery and installation

You are not the only one looking to redecorate for the holidays.  This means your paint contractor, upholsterer, plumber and handyman may be very busy and unavailable to work on your project.  Starting early will insure that you get the job done. 

• Paint the walls while you are waiting for new furniture to arrive.
• Schedule your reupholstery projects and have the upholsterer pick up the pieces while you are waiting for fabric to arrive.
• Use this time to have your handyman make small repairs, hang new lighting fixtures etc.

Shop, shop, shop

While you are in the malls, antique stores and discount stores you can begin to look for those small items that will complete the room.  Stores are trying to make room for new inventory for the upcoming season and there are sales on accessories, bedding, carpet and furniture.  Now that you have a decorating plan you know exactly what you are looking for and you will not have to “settle” for something that is less than perfect.

We all know how stressful the holidays are in the best of circumstances.  If you are organized and prepared you can avoid the last minute panic that so often accompanies holiday plans.  Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

 

 

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Fabric: Decorating with Solids

In decorating and interior design we spend a lot of time talking about patterns.  However, many people prefer the serene, uncluttered look of a room decorated in all solids.  If done correctly, a room decorated with solid fabrics can be sophisticated, serene or energetic, depending on the colors you choose.  The lack of pattern will also allow a view, interesting architectural features or a collection of artwork to really stand out.  The key to successful decorating in this manner is to vary your textures and colors to add interest and warmth.

The master bedroom

Many people desire a master bedroom that is a true escape from the hassles of everyday life.  This would mean that the room should be uncluttered both physically and visually.  A soothing  solid color on the walls, bedding, window treatments and furniture will create a haven for the couple.  Try painting the walls a soft gray and add quilted bedding in a solid color that matches or contrasts with the walls.  Window treatments can be adorned with trim to add movement and interest.  Velvet pillows, a leather chair with nailhead trim and a throw at the foot of the bed will complete the picture.  Just thinking about this room makes me want to jump into bed and relax!

The family room

While a busy pattern will hide some dirt and stains, todays fabrics are very good at resisting stains and clean up easily.  A family room can be fun without overloading the pattern.  In place of that checkered couch, try a neutral sofa and chairs in a cozy solid chenille.  Add throw pillows in various colors for comfort and interest.  Use a contrast welt on your upholstered pieces to make the solid fabric really stand out.  This sounds like a family room I would like to spend time in.

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Home Decorating: Baskets, wicker, rattan–Oh my!

Maybe it is because the summer season has arrived but we are seeing a lot of wicker and rattan in stores and advertisements.  You can find this fabulous  material in furniture, baskets, lamp bases and accessories.  Is there a difference between wicker and rattan?  Well let’s take a look at each one of these terms and see if we can answer that question.

Wicker

Wicker refers to the process of weaving a flexible wood, such as willow, together to create furniture and baskets.  The term wicker actually refers to the process of weaving the fibers.  These fibers include the aforementioned willow, cane, bamboo and rattan. (see below)  Wicker furniture is a common choice for sunrooms, beach houses or any home that desires a relaxed and tropical look.  It can be left in its natural color, stained a darker color or painted to match the room. To retain its beauty it should be protected from the elements.

Rattan

Rattan is actually a plant found in Southern Asia that has long and strong stems suitable for weaving.  These fibers are steamed and bent into the desired shape.  Once they have dried they retain the shape forever.  Rattan tables and chairs are a popular choice for casual rooms and work well in small aprtments as they give off a light and airy feel.

As you can see, the terms wicker and rattan can be used to describe the same item, and often are.

Baskets

Baskets are the workhorse of many rooms in your home. 

•  They can be used in the kitchen or bath as a place to store take out menus, silverware, linens, tissue etc.  The texture is a nice contrast to all the smooth surfaces found in these rooms.
• In a childs bedroom or playroom they can corral the hundreds of tiny army men, doll clothes, crayons and markers and books that kids seem to collect.  Just be sure to choose baskets that have no sharp edges.  Better yet, create a colorful fabric lining that will protect tiny fingers and can also be laundered.  Online fabric store (www.onlinefabricstore.com) has dozens of kid friendly fabrics to choose from.
• Place baskets throughout the family room to collect magazines, tv guides and those endless remotes required in todays technical life.  No more “Where’s the remote?” questions.
• Slide a basket under the nightstand next to your bed to hold all the books and magazines you plan on reading.  This keeps the top of the nightstand clear for your eyeglasses, lotion and a glass of water.

The beauty and texture of a natural product like rattan adds interest to any room in your home.  Look for picture frames, small footstools, lamps, pots for plants and other small items that will allow you to introduce this product without making a large investment.

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Decorating recipe for a summer party

The unofficial beginning of summer is here .  Time to summerize your home in preparation for all those backyard barbecues, pool parties and casual gatherings that can last long into the warm nights.  While the food is the star of most parties, your home decor is certainly part of the recipe.

Add a pinch of this and a dash of that and you have a home that is ready for summer entertaining.  Here are some quick and easy seasonal changes to turn your ordinary home into a summer retreat.

1. Switch out your artwork.  Replace your normal paintings and prints with black and white photos of past family vacations.  Frame inexpensive posters of sailboats, beach scenes or gardens in bloom.  Better yet, pull out the watercolors and have the family create their own artwork for a one of a kind gallery.  What a great way to create fun vacation memories.
2. Sew or purchase lots of inexpensive throw pillows in bright summery colors and pile them high on your sofa and chairs.
3. Fill glass hurricanes with shells and sea glass and place them on the dining room table.  This centerpiece will last you all season long.
4. Even the kitchen can use a touch of summer.  Glass canisters filled with old fashioned candy is a tempting way to add color and whimsy to your countertops.  And yummy too!
5. Invest in some wonderful outdoor dinnerware that can last all summer long.  Today’s colors and patterns look like real china.  You can choose a patriotic red, white and blue that is always appropriate or opt for a sophisticated Tuscan patttern in mediterranean shades of orange, olive green and blue. 
6. Slipcover your furniture.  You can sew your own or have them made.  The money spent is worth not having to worry about suntan lotion, messy spills and dirty hands and feet.
7. Add some wicker in the form of baskets, casual furniture, even lampshades.
8. For chilly nights around the firepit have a selection of summer themed blankets and quilts.  Look for patterns that depict summer scenes or choose luscious colors like ocean blue, raspberry pink and sunny yellow.

Once the house is ready for summer so are you.  All that is left to do is plan a menu and invite friends and family over for a day or evening of relaxation and fun.  Isn’t that what summer is all about?

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Luscious fruitbowl of summer colors for home decorating

It is so fun and easy to bring a touch of summertime to any room in your home.  Today’s popular and trendy colors–orange, green, purple and blue—can all be found in a cool and summery version.

• Orange has been popular for a few years now and ranges from warm rusts and persimmons to a true vibrant orange.  How about a soft peach for those warm summer months?  Think of peach cobbler, pink and peachy sea shells, the inside of a grapefruit or a lone peach hanging on the tree surrounded by all the beautiful green leaves.  A lovely color for a sunroom, cool bedroom or in a kitchen and breakfast room during the summer months.
• Purple has almost become the new neutral since it appears to go with everything.  Is there anything more inviting than a bowl of purple grapes on a cool kitchen counter? For your summertime decorating, a deep grape color can be used in any room in your home. It is especially summery when combined with grass green, butter yellow and other shades of  blue and purple.
• Green in all shades is popular, especially in the summertime.  This year, why not consider a true apple green for a pop of bright and cheery color.  Granny smith apples, kumquats, pears,freshly mowed grass and shiny new leaves all offer variations of this yummy color.  A green and white kitchen is so refreshing.  As is a sunroom, living area or master bedroom. 
• The color of the year, Turquoise, simply screams summertime.  While it is difficult to find this color in a fruitbowl, it certainly coordinates with all those colors and will jazz up any interior or outdoor space.  Scatter a couple of throw pillows around, add a turquoise lamp base to the room, place some outdoor pots that feature this color on the deck, you get the idea.

Inspiration can be found all around us and by simply pulling colors from your summertime fruitbowl you can add a splash of cool and inviting color throughout your home.

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Ole for Cinco de Mayo and festive decorating

Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday for Mexico but many cities in the U.S. join the celebration where festivals and parties abound.  It is fun and easy to decorate your home for your own Cinco de Mayo party.

• Set the table with brightly colored fabrics depicting the colors of the Mexican flag (red, white and green) or choose bright, south of the border colors like yellow, green, fuchsia and cobalt blue. 
• Be creative with your decorations.  Use a sombrero as a chip and dip holder; add multi colored peppers as a vase filler in hurricanes filled with candles. 
• Spread these same colors throughout the house in the form of throw pillows, candles and other decorative accessories.  If you have a serape or Mexican blanket, toss it on the back of the couch or chair.
• While a theme is fun for party decorations, try to avoid a theme in the house.  Pass on the fake cactus and sombreros and opt for beautiful pottery or folk art collected on your travels.
• Fill the black hole of the fireplace with a grouping of empty terra cotta pots in varied sizes.  This creates an interesting focal point.  You can still add candlelight by placing votives in between the pots for a subtle glow.

These warm and casual decorating ideas can be used all summer long, even after the holiday is over.  The bright colors, textured fabrics and fun accessories are perfect for the patio or pool area or a casual living space.  Just don’t forget the guacamole and margaritas!!

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A Day of Decorating is a gift that is sure to please Mom

Mother’s Day is just around the corner (May 9th this year) and while Mom always enjoys the lovely flowers and candy or a special brunch with the family, consider giving something a little different this year.  How about a day of decorating?  There are many things you can do to help Mom spruce up her nest and this gift will last for many years to come.

1. Upholster an old chair that Mom loves.  It is easy and fun to add new cushions to a dining room chair, for example, and the room will look brand new.  Choose a fabric in a modern color and pattern for an extra surprise.
2. When was the last time Mom changed out her window treatments?  If budget allows, spring for some new draperies or window shades.  At the very least, add some embellishment to her existing draperies by sewing some trim to the edges or adding new tiebacks.
3. Replacing tired and worn throw pillows can have a dramatic impact on the room.  Choose lots of bright and happy colors for spring and mix and match patterns and fabrics.  It is possible to have photos made into pillows and what Grandmother wouldn’t like that?

There are so many ways to give the gift of decorating.  But the best gift of all is your time so spend a day with Mom rearranging her bookshelves, reframing old family photos or shopping for a new lamp or area rug.  You will both enjoy it.

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Home Decor: Inviting Nature into your Home

With the arrival of warm weather it is now possible for us to open our doors and windows and enjoy the beauty of nature—warm air, the smell of freshly mowed grass, the sound of the birds and the bounty of colors in the garden.  These same sights and sounds can be brought indoors through the use of a few decorating tricks.

• Birds are a big trend this spring and summer and can be found on pillows and in artwork and other home accessories.  Switch out your heavy landscapes for a couple of bird prints or add some curtain panels using some of the lovely fabrics featuring these feathered friends.
• Bring the outdoors in by using a few simple cuttings from your yard.  These could be ferns, twigs, leaves and stems from bushes, anything green will add a touch of life to your home. Place them in simple mason jars or group them together in a beautiful vase for an easy and long lasting centerpiece.
• Faux bois (means fake wood in french) furniture pieces are available in small chairs, tables and benches and can be a fun addition to a breakfast room or seating area.  Replace that dark wood end table with a light and airy faux bois table to add interest and texture to a space.
• Something as simple as a bowl full of seashells or a large piece of coral placed on top of a stack of books will add to the natural look you are seeking.  There are fabrics available that feature all of these items and can be used to fashion fun throw pillows, summer curtains or simple chair pads.
• Whimsical items like fish and bugs add a fun touch to any room.

Mother nature is the best designer there is so take a look outside and bring those colors and textures indoors.

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