Fabric: What’s new at OFS?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Diane

Our inventory of beautiful designer fabrics is changing all the time. What’s new this month?

Geometrics

Plenty of bold new geometric patterns including chevron, stripes, zig zag and wave patterns are available in colors that range from a crisp brown and white to a zingy red and white wave. Be sure to check them out.

lipstick waves

Ethnic

Ethnic patterns such as Ikats, paisley and suzani prints remain popular. They add a touch of global chic to many areas of your home. Choose subtle pastels or go for the gold with bold colorways.

Portfolio bansuri bramble Ikat

Textures

Soft flannel, sturdy denim, rugged leather and versatile vinyl all add a layer of texture to your decor.

Summery shades

Believe it or not, summer is just around the corner. Now is the time to start thinking about the colors and patterns you want to use to update your sunroom, patio or outdoor areas. Pretty lattice patterns and warm summery shades of yellow, green and coral will invite the outdoors in.

Portfolio Treads in Sunflower

NFL Fabric for the BIG game–New England Patriots vs. New York Giants

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Diane

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last couple of weeks you are aware that this weekend is the biggest football game of the year–the XLVI Super Bowl. And if you live anywhere on the east coast you, no doubt, know who is playing. The New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

While the players, the NFL, the media and the advertisers all take this game very seriously, it is really a time for the fans to get together with friends and family, enjoy lots of fattening but delicious food and root for their favorite team. Make that special Super Bowl party even more fun with pillows, throws, table cloths, aprons and party decorations and favors made out of fleece that features your team’s logo.

If there isn’t time before the big game this weekend, start your project for next season because, before you know it, football will be upon us once again.

Fabric and Home Decor: Valentine’s Day Fabrics

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Diane

Let’s start the month off with love. It is not too late to add a hint or two of Valentine’s Day to your home decor. Here are just a few ideas that might result in some flowers and candy from those special people in your home:

Can’t say it enough times….pillows, pillows, pillows. They are the quickest and easiest way to change out your decor for seasons, holidays etc. A simple felt heart appliqued to a pillow can really get your heart pumping! Make your own or purchase one like this from the pineapple catz on Etsy.

A cuddly throw in holiday patterns is sure to be welcomed on the chilly February nights. After all, Valentine’s Day is all about cuddling. Fleece, flanneland chenille are warm fabrics available in holiday solids like red, pink and cream as well as “loving” patterns like plaid and toile.
pink plaid flannel
Be creative with your fabrics. For example, wrap a bright red knit around an old vase to create a pretty holder for all those beautiful roses you are sure to receive. A tutorial for a sweater knit vase can be found here.
Add a pretty tablecloth in fun red and white checked gingham or, for a romantic dinner for two, consider a satin or lace table topper.

These colorful ideas will brighten up your winter home and send a message to your family and friends that says “I love you”. How do you decorate your home for Valentine’s Day?

Home decor: cozy winter decorating ideas

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Diane

We all knew winter would arrive sooner or later. And while the unseasonally warm temperatures at the beginning of winter were a nice surprise, it is now here in full force. Time to curl up by the fire, spend some time indoors and turn your home into a cozy and warm retreat.

A roaring fire just spells cozy. But you can’t have a fire without logs (unless you have one of those fancy fake fireplaces). Turn your log storage into a decorative accent:

Looks like a year’s supply stacked next to the fireplace in this photo by Elle Decor.

source

How about a pair of knit throw pillows on the floor? (courtesy of elements of style blog) You can make these yourself out of recycled sweaters and afghans or knit them yourself. (tutorial here)Either way, they certainly provide a nice spot to while away the cold winter nights.

And don’t overlook simple ideas like plenty of comfortable throws and lots of cozy fabrics like fleece and chenille or the tried and true flannel sheets placed on everyone’s bed; cover up cold tile or wood floors with shaggy throw rugs or add drapery panels in warm fabrics and colors to your windows. What a great way to frame the beautiful wintry view outside.

photo courtesy of pottery barn

Hot cocoa anyone?

Home decor trend alert–black and white stripes

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Diane

I wouldn’t exactly call black and white stripes a “trend” but more of a classic and sophisticated look.

If you are a fan of Million Dollar Decorators on Bravo (the jury is still out on that one for me) then you have probably discovered that renowned designer, Mary McDonald, is a big fan of this bold and graphic look as you can see in this photo by Tim Street Porter for House Beautiful. Black and white stripes are created through the use of clever molding patterns and combined with a black and white striped fabric on the outdoor furniture and drapes.

If this look is just a bit much for your tastes, add a black and white stripe fabric to accent pillows, window treatments or upholstered pieces. Black will always anchor a room and provide a spot for the eye to rest as it surveys the space and, let’s be honest, it just spells FUN!

Pottery Barn uses this bold pattern in outdoor pillows and grommet hung drapery panels that really add a punch to an all neutral space.

HGTV designer Sarah Richardson brings this look into the bedroom via an upholstered headboard seen in the mirror. The chevron stripes provide a fresh take on the black and white stripe look.

There are many fabrics available featuring the black and white stripe pattern. Like the Three little Pigs story, some have been softened with the addition of a subtle neutral, some are wide stripes, some are thin stripes. But what you do know is that there is a black and white stripe that is “just right” for your project or home decor. You can check out our large selection here.

A window on the world or how to decorate a window seat

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Diane

A window seat is often just a small area placed in front of a window that is wide enough to sit on or, if you are really lucky, fully recline. They are often carved out of an area on a stairway landing, in front of a bow window or created between two built in bookcases.

The key to making a window seat inviting is, of course, the amount of plush pillows and cushions that are available. And what a great opportunity to use your favorite decorating fabrics.

House to Home shares a window seat that has been carved out of the corner of the room. With the homespun gingham fabric window treatments and cozy quilts, I could sit here all day long.

If the architecture of your home does not offer a window seat, create your own. Find a spot between two walls, add a bench and some comfortable fabric and you have an instant window seat. In this example there was no window so a mirror adds some reflection. And don’t you just love all that additional storage underneath!

This cheerful kitchen window seat designed by Elizabeth Dinkel is a great spot for an after school snack. It provides a comfortable place to sit with your kids and discuss their day.

This window seat designed by HGTV designer Sarah Richardson turns an ordinary dining room window into an inviting spot to share a cup of tea with a friend or read a good book. It also provides additional seating and showcases several beautiful fabrics. Is there a place in your home for a window seat?

Add a little whimsy to your home decor

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Diane

Sometimes interior design can be just a bit stuffy. Or maybe you just need a touch of whimsy in your home that will make you smile every day.

Whimsy can be something as simple as an accessory placed in an unexpected spot, a fun piece of fabric or something larger such as a wonderful piece of artwork or elaborately designed piece of furniture.

Check out this bed from Attila design on etsy. This is certainly the ultimate in whimsy but what fun!

And this colorful and whimsical chandelier (photo courtesy of House and Home) turns an ordinary bath into something special.

You can express your sense of whimsy through your artwork as shown in this room by Woodson & Rummerfield and courtesy of Decorpad. They simply framed pieces of old wallpaper, added molding and created a unique and whimsical wall of art. You could accomplish the same look with pieces of fabric, children’s drawings or simple pieces of colored construction paper.

Or in your choice of accesories such as these lamps, pillows and knick knacks or a little suprise like the “feet” on this bench courtesy of m studios. How about that crazy lamp !? Isn’t it time for some whimsy in your home?

little white mice add a touch of whimsy to a bookshelf (available at shop 57)

Home decor: Is clearing out clutter the mission impossible of decorating?

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Diane

Do you sometimes feel that an organized home is truly the mission impossible of decorating? Are your closets and drawers overrun with “stuff”? Well you can organize your rooms with three simple products and that, my friends, is your mission should you choose to accept it.

But “How?” you may be asking. Baskets, buckets, bins and boxes is all you need to know.

Baskets not only add wonderful texture to your interior design, they can hold anything from magazines and toys to blankets and remote controls. Add baskets to shelves or place a large one next to your favorite reading spot. You can line them with fabric that coordinates with your decor to prevent items from falling through the cracks, so to speak. And, maybe best of all, they are easy to purchase and very affordable. Check out these beauties from Pottery Barn.

Buckets are the perfect storage solution if you enjoy an industrial look. Fill your buckets with cleaning supplies, crayons and pencils, make-up or even those pesty flip flops that seem to be scattered around the house. Place one at the foot of the stairs to corral all the items that need to be moved upstairs and, with one easy motion you can carry everything at once. Ikea is a great source for buckets of all colors and sizes.

Bins and boxes are the ultimate quick and easy storage system. You can choose from clear boxes with lids to store clothing and shoes or colorful cardboard boxes for photos, craft materials, office supplies, tax records and other items that make your home or office look messy and disorganized. Visit sites like The Container Store and Target for ideas on how to create the perfect storage system for your home.

After all, who doesn’t want a closet or home office that looks like this? (photos courtesy of closet world)

Do you have a favorite way to keep clutter from taking over your home? If so, please share with all of us.

How to bring Golden Globe fashion into your home decorating

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Diane

Color was the name of the game at last night’s Golden Globe awards. Beautiful gowns in shades of green, sapphire blue, red and, of course, plenty of black made an appearance.

Fashion and home decor trends often go hand in hand. The colors you see on the runway are the same colors you will see appear in furniture and fabric manufacturer’s showrooms.

Black and white and red all over rooms is one of my favorite color combinations. Check out previous posts about these fun room designs here. The gorgeous George Clooney and his date Stacy Kiebler wear this combination beautifully, wouldn’t you agree? (of course, I would wear any color George asked me to wear!) And the cozy black, white and red Lake Tahoe bedroom designed by Scot Meacham Wood ain’t bad either!

This rustic bedroom was designed by Scot Meacham Wood

Laura Dern and Zoey Deschanel chose to wear luscious green.

photo courtesy of celebrity-gossip.net

Green is always a popular color choice in home decorating and we will, no doubt, have many beautiful green fabrics to choose from in the future. The yellow based green of this velvet chair is trending right now and adds a sunny feel to any style interior.

Green velvet chair in room designed by Robert Passal

Blue is a universally popular color and it appeared on the Golden Globe red carpet several times tonight. For all you blue lovers out there I don’t have to tell you how to use this color in your home decor. Choose any shade of blue you like and go for it. The varying shades of blue in this dining area designed by T. Donovan Keller and courtesy of House Beautiful offer a cheerful morning greeting.

Breakfast room designed by T. Keller Donovan courtesy of House Beautiful

Fabric: shhhhh, the baby is sleeping

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Diane

Since I recently became a first time grandmother to a delicious baby girl I have become somewhat obsessed with everything”baby”. Has anyone else noticed how addictive buying baby clothes can be? Maybe we should start a 12-step program for this!

Here at onlinefabricstore.net we offer many different fabrics that are just right for baby. They are all cozy, cuddly, comforting and colorful.

Boho chic: The boho chic baby might enjoy P. Kaufmann’s Gypsy, a colorful paisley in cheerful shades of pink or a turquoise and coral combination that is right on trend with the new color of the year, tangerine tango. For a real decorator look, add some burlap to a bedskirt, window treatments or accessories.

Toile: Toile fabric has long been a favorite for a sweet french country or traditional nursery. While it is available in the more common color combination of cream with black, green or red, newer versions provide a more modern selection that features lime green, pink and primary shades of red, green and blue. This pretty fabric can be used for a boy or a girl and coordinates beautifully with complimentary checks and stripes.

Felt, fleece and chenille : These soft and cuddly fabrics can quiet a crying baby and add pretty color to their blankets, clothing and accessories at the same time. Choose from a bright red fleece covered with frolicking monkeys, a sports themed blue or a pretty pink fleece that features friendly lambs and daisies. And remember how cozy your grandmother’s chenille bathrobe always felt? Wrap your baby in that same comfort with chenille blankets and quilts.

Gypsy by P. Kaufmann in watermelon

What is your favorite “baby” fabric? Would also love to hear about your grandkids.

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