Tag Archives: pillows

Fabric and Home Decor: Valentine’s Day Fabrics

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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?

 

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

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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?

Fabric: Five fall favorites #3–chunky knits

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Who doesn’t love to pull on a warm, chunky knit sweater when the thermometer takes it’s first dip?  It just makes us feel so cozy and comforted.  Well that same idea has been introduced into your home decor in the form of accent pillows, throws and even vases.

For all of you DIYers out there, it is a pretty easy project to sew a pillow out of discarded sweaters so you better start hitting up the thrift stores now.  Centsational Girl’s blog offers a wonderful tutorial on how to make these very easy pillows that are sure to become your family’s favorite item to cozy up with during these chilly autumn nights.

Once you have created your throw pillow you will, no doubt, have leftover “arms” that can be slipped over an old vase for instant “cozy”.  If you don’t want to make your own, do what I do and buy it from Crate and Barrel.

 

 

If you do not knit or crochet, chunky knit throws are available at stores like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and even Target.  Buy several as they are sure to be a popular item on family movie night.

cable knit throws from Pottery Barn

Is this one of your fall favorites as well?

Home Decor: go big or go home

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While many people prefer a serene bedroom that is a respite from the outer world, others like BIG statement pieces in the bedroom.  Take, for example, this oversized upholstered headboard by Victoria Webster 2009 Home Tour.  It literally dwarfs those tiny bedside lights.  But the large scale, unusual shape and interesting pattern certainly make for an eye popping focal point. 

 

This large headboard reaches all the way to the ceiling (by Stephen Karlisch for d home magazine)  Tall, buffet style lamps are necessary to keep the proportion correct in the room. 

Well known designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard used an oversized tapestry hung on the wall as a headboard in this bedroom.  For balance, large pillows and HUGE lampshades were incorporated into the design.

You can recreate these looks by using your favorite fabric pattern and making your own upholstered headboard or by hanging a treasured blanket or throw purchased on your travels, on the wall behind your bed.  But if you do decide to go BIG be sure to keep scale and proportion in mind.

Home Decor: Around the world with globes and maps

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For many of us, summer is all about travel.  If you are lucky you have enough time and money to explore new destinations here at home in the U.S.A. or to foreign countries.  Others may travel to relatives homes for some family time while others may stay close to home and enjoy their own communities.  Wherever you choose to go, it is always fun, and currently very popular, to decorate with maps and globes that depict the places you have been, or would like to visit.  See if any of these ideas work in your home:

Framed black and white maps are perfect wall art in this casual dining space by Erin Gates.  You could choose vintage maps of your hometown, maps of your annual vacation spots etc.

This colorful boy’s bedroom from Better Homes & Gardens features a map of the United States on the wall along with a globe on the bookcase.  These can act as educational aids but are also a fun way for kids to mark their own trips and adventures.

For those of you who enjoy DIY projects, consider embroidering a pillow, dish towels or table scarf similar to those found at cat studio featuring points of interest in your favorite state, national park or vacation area.   Or simply place a globe in the family room or den for reference.  They make beautiful room accessories and it is always fun to locate faraway places.  You just might learn something new!

Simplicity’s Early Autumn Collection

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Simplicity has just released their Early Autumn Collection. As usual, the collection has many versatile patterns. I particularly like the neck details on this Runway Collection dress. This jacket/cardigan and pants ensemble is another winner in my book. The top, jacket, and cardigan are for stretch knits only and would luscious in stretch velvet. Fashion for the home is also included in these new entries to Simplicity’s great pattern line up. I love these pillows. They’d look fabulous in Amy Butler prints.

Ignite a spark with romantic home decor

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Now that the wedding is over and Prince William and Princess Catherine have returned to “normal” life, royal wedding fever is cured; but romance lingers on.  Many of us desire a romantic look to some rooms in our home but do not like heavy lace, frilly curtains and girly colors.  Well, help is on the way!

A romantic look is achieved through the use of textural fabrics, soft colors and heirloom quality furniture and accessories.  Check out these photos and see what you think:

I think any man would be comfortable in this romantic bedroom courtesy of Country Living.  The rough brick wall, distressed iron bed and bench and neutral colored bedding all come together to create an inviting and relaxing space that certainly falls into the romantic category.

Another romantic bedroom, this one courtesy of Pottery Barn, that features dark wood furniture but the romance comes from the wonderful textures of the bedding and the “surprise” of chandeliers as bedside lighting.

This bedroom courtesy of High Gloss Magazine is the ultimate in romance.  Soft pink colors, floral embroidered bedding and that mirror!  What man doesn’t love a mirror by the bed? (naughty!)

While all of these photos show romantic bedrooms, it is possible to bring a touch of romance to other areas of the home as seen in this photo from pinterest.  The selection of fabrics and the addition of wonderful trims such as ruffles, tassles and appliques will add just a hint of romance to a sitting area, dining room or bedroom and the colors should please both men and women.

Isn’t it time to add a little romance to your home?  I can’t help you with the hubby but maybe some of these decorating ideas might reignite a spark, you think?

Design trend alert: Are you an owl lover?

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Have you noticed lately all the products that seem to be featuring owls?  These little feathered guys with the big eyes seem to be popping up everywhere!  On fabrics, wallpaper and accessories.  While I like the idea of using an unusual pattern to add a surprise factor to your decorating I am not sure yet how I feel about this trend.  Check out these items and let me know Whooooooo (sorry) is an owl lover out there.

  • I actually like the graphic black and white feel of this wallpaper from the Abigail Edwards collection.  It could be used in an entry as shown here, in a powder room, den or kid’s room.

  • Accessories are an easy way to introduce a trend into your decor.  They are affordable and can easily be switched out if you grow tired of them.  This owl sleep mask is cute enough to be hung on the wall or as a bedside accessory for guests.  It is available here.

 

  • Owls do not have to be whimsical and childlike in design.  This beautiful owl pillow found on ebay will add an earthy touch to a mountain cabin or a man’s den and the colors are right on trend for today’s homes.

If you love these wise old creatures you might want to introduce them as a lamp base, for example, or use owl fabric to sew a child’s bedding or special quilt.  Now that I have made you aware of the trend I bet you will be surprised at the number of “owl” items you spot around town.  How do you feel about this trend?  Whoooo ( help me..I can’t stop myself!) out there has some other ideas for decorating with owls.

Say “I love You” with these Valentine decorating ideas

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A day of love.  A day of romance.  Cookies, candy, flowers and just maybe, an engagement ring.  Valentine’s Day is a day set aside to remind all of your loved ones that they are special to you.  Yes, it is for young (and old) lovers but don’t forget your kids, special friends, even Mom and Dad.  And to prolong the feeling of love and to add a shot of red to your home decor, check out these ideas.

Kids big and small will love this lips pillow from the sofa garden shop on Etsy.com
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Nothing subtle about this pillow from Alexandra Ferguson.com
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This cute vase could be used year round and is available from firecat on etsy.com
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And don’t forget all the pretty fabrics available to make throw pillows, basket liners, gift bags, picture frames, etc., etc.  You guys are more creative than I so share any Valentine’s Day ideas you have with us.

Home Decor: Shoo fly don’t bother me or how to decorate with insects

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Did you ever think the day would come when you would want bugs in your home?  Well that time is now.  Many spring collections in both fashion and home decor are featuring little buggy creatures on pillows and accessories and they will actually add a refreshing touch to your spring and summer decorating.  Take a look at these ideas.

the neutral colors found in this butterfly pillow from Pottery Barn are really quite restful and soothing.
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This nostalgic butterfly collection adds color to a wall arrangement (photo courtesy of Lonny magazine)
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The bright colors takes the "sting" out of this wasp pillow by Jonathan Adler.
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Beetles are supposed to bring good luck. Check out this colorful beetle pillow from Jonathan Adler
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Bugs Life fabric by Robert Allen available in several colorways
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The above items can be found at Jonathan Adler and Pottery Barn.  Not to be outdone, fabric manufacturers have jumped on the bug bandwagon making it possible for you to create your own pillows, window treatments and accessories such as basket liners, lampshades, even an upholstered headboard for the little entomologist in your family.