Tag Archives: draperies

Favorite Springtime Fabrics

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We are all being teased by Mother Nature this year.  One day it is sunny and warm and the next day, depending on where you live, we are bundled up and shoveling snow again or drowning in downpours.  But we all know that those warm and sunny days are just ahead of us and we will be wanting to introduce bright colors and refreshing fabrics into our home decor.  Here are some of my favorite spring and summer fabrics that can be used for window coverings, new bedding, accent pillows or that reupholstering job you are ready to tackle.

This Bugs n Blooms fabric by Robert Allen is so fun with it's little creatures running all around. And what says spring and summer more than bugs?!
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Whimsical fabrics that feature all the living creatures we associate with spring and summer are always a fun way to invite the season into your home.  Birds, bugs, sea life, bunnies and squirrels will add some fun and color to your accent pillows or chair seat cushions.

Embroidered fabrics are so soft and pretty and provide a hand crafted look to your drapery panels or upholstered pieces.

This Beacon Hill embroidered fabric is exquisite (Bellezza in Porcelain)
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Linen is always a summertime favorite.  The relaxed style and subtle texture are cool and refreshing and linen is available in just about every color imaginable.  Use it to slipcover an ottoman or side chair or add flowy drapery panels to your windows.

The thought of sheer drapery panels billowing in the wind just makes me want to sit down with a glass of sweet tea and a good magazine and enjoy all the sensations of summer.  It is easy to switch out your existing draperies for a pair of sheer panels.  These fabrics are available in solid colors like white and ivory for the ultimate in coolness or often have subtle patterns and colors woven into them.

Do you have a favorite summertime fabric you like to use?

Home Decor: 5 tips for fresh spring decorating

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Spring is just around the corner.  I promise!  So why not invite spring into your home with these five tips for fresh spring decorating:

  1. Replace those tired and heavy drapery panels with easy to sew panels made out of earthy burlap or a pretty spring pattern.  If you don’t like this idea, then just add a band of color to the hem and/or leading edge of the draperies.  Use no-sew tape if sewing is not your strong suit and choose an unexpected color like lime green, the newly popular pink, orange or sunny yellow.  Just like a chia pet, you will have instant spring!
  2. Roll up that dark and moody rug and replace it with a textural one made of sisal or other natural material.  Your room will feel lighter and brigher. 
  3. You already know to switch out your throw pillows.  But opt for a mismatched selection of floral prints for something new and different.  Be sure to add some fun trim for that designer look we all crave.
  4. Paint is the best problem solver of all time.  Paint an accent wall or tackle a big project like your stair railings.  Turn an old dresser or hutch into a work of art with a new paint job that adds stripes, color blocking or other paint techniques.  After all, you are stuck indoors so why not be creative?
  5. Add your seasonal touches a little early.  Replace those winter snowmen, bowls of pinecones and evergreen wreaths with perky bird knick knacks, vases of fresh tulips and floral scented candles.  The temperature gauge may not say spring but your home certainly will.

It has been a tough winter in most parts of the country but it is almost over.  Enjoy what is left of it by spending your time inviting spring into your home with these decorating ideas.

Color of the month for November: Teal

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Did you know that teal was the official color for the Ovarian cancer movement?  Like turquoise, teal is a combination of blue and green.  However, it is a softer version due to a bit of gray mixed in to muddy it up a bit.  It is often referred to as teal green (more green than blue) or teal blue (more blue than green).  In color psychology teal signifies reliability and commitment and is thought to promote spirituality.  Wow..that is some powerful color!  The teal color can be introduced into your space via accessories such as artwork, lamps and throw pillows or used in fabrics for draperies, upholstery and bedding.  The good news is that teal coordinates beautifully with many other colors, allowing you to create a beautiful home using this powerful color.  Of course, the popular turquoise and gray are excellent companions to teal but how about red, pink, yellow and every shade of neutral imaginable.  Take a look at these fabrics and notice the varied tones of teal and how it mixes just as well with vivid colors as it does with neutrals.

Teal green is sophisticated with a single neutral accent color in this Robert Allen Fabric
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A brighter verson of teal pops when combined with pink and green in this Amy Butler fabric Notice how beautifully teal works with gold, browns and beiges in this Beacon Hill Stacia fabric
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Fabric: Let the sun shine in with sheer fabrics

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Nothing says summer like soft sheer draperies billowing in the wind; it just makes you feel cooler.   Sheers, as they are referred to, are most often used as a second layer to draperies.  They soften the light, provide a small amount of privacy and can hide an ugly view outside.  The fabrics used are soft and drapey and include cotton, silk, linen, voile and even polyester.  However, today’s sheers are not the ordinary white curtains your grandmother used.  Far from it!  The selection available today feature patterns that range from soft florals to bold geometrics in colors or tone on tone embroidery.  See if any of these decorating ideas will work in your home.

  • Consider using a sheer fabric with a golden tone to cast a lovely glow in a dark room.
  • Drape fabric over a pole for a simple, no-sew window treatment.
  • Sheers added to a four poster bed (or just two posts) will create a cozy and romantic spot.
  • Replace those heavy winter drapes with lightweight sheers for the summer months and don’t worry about privacy.  Throw the doors open and let the sun shine in !
  • A sheer overlay makes a pretty tablecloth.
  • Add an extra layer to your shower curtain.  This will hide the tub enclosure but still let the light in.
  • Use the leftover fabric to wrap a winebottle.  Simply tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle and you have a beautiful gift presentation.

Sheers are an affordable way to change the look of your room in minutes.  Enjoy the soft breezes of summer now and, when fall arrives, choose a fabric with subtle embroidered leaves, for instance.

How to stay cool and find decorating inspiration at the same time

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It’s too hot to decorate, don’t you think?  Who wants to sit in front of a sewing machine or work hard at painting walls when summer time is beckoning outdoors.  So I thought I would cool you off with some photos that are cooling and refreshing and maybe we can find some decorating inspiration while we look at them.  So grab your drink with an umbrella in it and let’s go….

Primary colors are always a popular choice for summertime, family room or contemporary decorating.  And that cool blue water is this year’s color, turquoise. 

Green remains popular for many reasons.  But take a look at this backyard retreat.  Notice how cool and inviting all the greenery is with just a pop of bright yellow color.  You can do the same thing in the interior of your home.

Blue and white is a classic color combination.  And in this photo another classic, the greek key motif, has been used.  You can translate all of this to your interiors.  Imagine that same border on your living room draperies….lovely!  As you can see it is easy to find decorating inspiration even while you are relaxing.  So refill that drink and enjoy the summer.

Updating window treatments

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Are your draperies starting to look a little worn?  Do you need something to finish off the bamboo blinds you just purchased?  Maybe your windows are bare and you don’t know where to begin.  No worries–this post talks about window treatment options that are easy and affordable and carry a big “wow” factor.

Draperies

Draperies can be full pinch pleated drapes on a traverse rod, tab top panels attached to a decorative rod or a set of stationary panels placed at either end of the window or doorway.  If you are satisfied with the style and color of your drapes but just want to update them a bit you have several options.

  • Sew a contrasting border to the hem and/or sides of the panels.  You can use a 4″ wide border around the whole panel for a crisp, geometric look or you can add a large panel to the hem (12″ & up depending on the size of your drapes) for a custom look.  Choose a solid that coordinates with your room or find a pattern such as a greek key pattern for even more interest.
  • Tab top draperies can be punched up a bit simply by adding buttons to the tabs.  These can be covered in a matching or contrasting fabric or use an uncovered button (metal, rhinestone, etc) to add some texture and shine.
  • It is easy to hot glue trim to the sides of drapery panels for an instant update.  Just be sure to use a glue that is designed for use on fabric.  Add braid, gimp, fringe or ribbon to give ordinary drapes a custom look.
  • Something as simple as updating your rod can make all the difference.  Don’t overlook the finials at the end of the rod as this is often the only part that is really seen.  Use your imagination;  in place of rods consider using a collection of  large  knobs for tab top drapes or a piece of wood cut from your property for drapes held in place with clip rings.

Blinds and Shades

If you have installed blinds or shades and your windows are looking a little bare, a valance or cornice board may be just what you need.

  • Adding a valance above your shades is the easiest fix of all.  They can be purchased off the rack or easily sewn by you or someone else.  They will hide the “works” of the shade while adding color and pattern to your windows.
  • A cornice is a box that fits over the top of the window frame and is made from wood or styrofoam then painted or covered with fabric.  Like a valance, they hide the “works” of the shade while providing interest to the window.
  • Stationary panels placed on either side of the window is a great way to soften the harshness of a bare window.  These draperies are not functional, they simply add color and pattern to the area.

Window treatments can be very expensive but adding dressmaker details to ordinary drapes or panels will save you money and give you that custom look at the same time.

Home Decor: Stripe it rich with striped fabric

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What comes to mind when you think of stripes? The stand out black and white of a referee’s shirt, the patriotic red and white found in our stars and stripes flag, a zebra?  Stripes come in many different colors and combinations but just one shape–linear.  There are many ways to use this form in your interior decorating. You can choose subtle striped fabric in quiet colors on pillows or large “in your face” stripes on the wall or floor.  Here are some other suggestions for using this great pattern throughout your home.

  • A black and white striped shower curtain is the perfect complement to old black  and white tiles in the bath.
  • Turn ordinary dining room chairs into a feast for the eyes with striped fabric on the seats, the back or the entire chair.
  • Striped draperies will give your windows the appearance of height.  Use them horizontally to add the appearance of width as well.
  • Border a sisal rug with a striped fabric to add pattern and color to the floor.
  • Striped accent pillows are an instant attention getter when grouped with other patterns for a playful and relaxed look.
  • For the ultimate in luxury, “wallpaper” a room with striped fabric.  This works well in a powder room or as an accent wall in a bedroom.
  • Stripes coordinate with most other patterns so combine them with checks, florals, toile and plaids for a designer look.

Regardless of your design style, traditional or contemporary, striped fabric will add a sophisticated and interesting touch to your home.

Shed some Light on Window Treatments

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Having choices is great but it can be a daunting task when it comes  to choosing window treatments for your home because you have many, many choices.  The decision you make will be determined by your need for privacy, light control, view, and your preferred interior decorating style.  Let’s take a look at some common types of window treatments.

  • Shutters are a wonderful choice for most interiors.  They offer the ultimate in light control and privacy and come in many different sizes from a small 2′ vein for country interiors to  large 5″  plantation shutters for a sleek, contemporary look.  Keep in mind that the larger shutters allow more light into the room and make it possible for a view to be seen.  You can place a valance or cornice above the shutters or stationary panels on the sides to add some softness and color. 
  • Draperies can be made to coordinate with any style interior.  Simple tab top, rod pocket or grommet hung draperies offer a clean, unfussy look to a room.  On the other hand, pinch pleated draperies with a matching valance provide a formal look.  Placing stationary drapery panels on either side of a window or door allows you to bring color and pattern into the room without the expense of full draperies.
  • Shade styles range from a simple roller shade to billowy balloon shades in a coordinating fabric.  Roman shades are another option.  Many manufacturers today offer shades that are woven from natural materials like bamboo and grass cloth.  These add a nice textural look to the room and still provide privacy .  Blackout fabric can be applied to most shades for the ultimate in light control.
  • Toppers include valances and cornices.  A valance is attached to a rod of some sort and attached to the wall.  A cornice is an l-shaped box that has been upholstered and attached to the wall.  These toppers finish off a window nicely without blocking a view or requiring large amounts of fabric.
  • Drapery hardware can be found in just about any style, color or size imaginable.  You can choose metal rods in chrome, brass, oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel or wrought iron.  Wooden rods are available in many stains that will match your woodwork.  All of these rods come with matching rings, finials and drapery tiebacks for a fully coordinated look.

For a complete selection of window treatments visit sites such as www.smithandnoble.com or www.hunterdouglas.com.  They offer many styles as well as solutions for difficult areas like sliding glass doors or odd shaped windows.  You can also provide your own fabrics and trim for truly customized window treatments.