Tag Archives: pillows

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.

On the 8th day of Christmas….eight yards of wonderful trim.

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Skipping six and seven (birds again) and on to the 8th day of Christmas where I received eight long yards of wonderful trim.  I think trim detail on pillows, draperies, furniture and lamps shades is the one thing that turns an OK room into a WOW room.  Here are some simple ways to use trim in your home.

  • Most upholstered furniture pieces have a cording or welting around the cushions and frame of the item.  Use a contrasting color or fabric welting to highlight the shape or details of an unusual chair or simply to turn an ordinary couch into something custom.

  • The sleek shape of this couch is highlighted by contrast piping. sofa available at undertheroof.stores.yahoo.net
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  • In my humble opinion trim should always be added to throw pillows.  This can be in the form of braid, fringe, cording or tassels but nothing looks more unfinished than a pillow without trim.
  • Add fringe or trim to the leading edge of your drapery panels for a custom designer look.  Even off the rack window treatments can be upgraded with a bit of trim added to the hemline.
  • Turn an ordinary lampshade into something unique by gluing some brush trim to the lower edge.  (be careful that the trim does not come in contact with the bulb)
  • Update an old bedskirt by sewing some trim around the lower edge.
  • Easiest of all, sew some tassels to the corners of pillows or chair cushions to add that final detail.

My true love knows how much I love trims of all types.  His generosity of eight yards allows me to start trimming everything in the house.

ABC’s of Decorating: The letter “M” for monogram

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What’s in a name?  Well, it is the ultimate way to personalize something and nothing does it better than a sophisticated monogram.   The addition of a monogram can turn an ordinary pillow, throw, book cover, scarf, even a chair back into something personal and special.  It can be as simple as one large block letter representing a last name to an elegant swirling font that includes first, middle and last initials.

Home Decor

  • Have a set of initials embroidered onto a throw to use on those chilly winter nights. 
  • A monogrammed pillow is a nice final step in making the bed.
  • A crisp black monogram added to the backs of linen covered chairs creates an elegant and personalized dining space.

Gifts

  • A set of pillow shams featuring the new monogram is a great gift for newlyweds
  • Children love to have something special that is theirs alone.  Sew a pillow out of fun fabric and add one large initial to identify each child.
  • Monogram a scarf to keep your college bound son or daughter warm.
  • Add a monogram to a scrapbook or photo album for a truly personal gift.
  • Monogram an apron for the cook in the family.
  • Tote bags can be monogrammed and given as gifts to teachers and co-workers.

A monogram will add a sophisticated look to any room in your home and, when given as a gift, this thoughtful touch will certainly be appreciated by the recipient.

Pillows are Finished, Hurray!

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Here are my finished pillows. I’ll have illustrated tutorials showing them in the making soon.

Amy Butler Hourglass pillow
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The fabrics are Amy Butler’s Deco Rose Brown and Fresh Poppies Fuchsia.

The little kitty is not perfect, but I think she is kind of cute.

Candy Kitten
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Amy Butler Hourglass pillow
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My favorite, done in Amy Butler Pressed Flowers Turquoise and Clematis Grey.

Pillows in the Making

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I’ve had more time to sew lately and I wanted to share with you some photos of my projects in the beginning stages.

I am using lovely Amy Butler fabrics along with some Amy Butler patterns
that can be downloaded for free.

Here is the Hour Glass Pillow in the making; this pattern is one of Amy’s own designs.

This little pink kitten is taken from the “Birdie the Cat, AKA Cozy Kitten” pattern designed by Jacob Redinger, an associate of Amy’s. I am not so keen on the face in the pattern design, so I am going to embroidery one of my own.

Decorating has gone to the dogs–and cats, and birds and fish etc.

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We love our pets.  And when it comes to decorating our homes we are not shy about showing our love for our four legged friends (as well as our swimming and flying friends) through the use of fabrics, wallpaper and accessories that reflect our favorite animals.

Many fabric manufacturers offer several options when it comes to fabrics that depict dogs, cats, fish and birds.  You can choose whimsical patterns for a child’s room or sophisticated and regal patterns highlighting the important role animals play in our lives. 

 

 

Perhaps your favorite pet is something a bit more exotic such as a gecko, parrot or koi fish.  You are in luck as there are fabrics that show these cute (?) little guys as well.

There are many ways to use these fabrics in your home.

  • Accent pillows will add a playful touch to a den, family room or bedroom and express your love for your pet.
  • A cornice board upholstered in one of these fabrics is a subtle way of showing you care.
  • Bedding and window treatments in a child’s room is a fun way to let them enjoy their favorite animal even if it is not a pet.  There are fabrics depicting horses for the equestrian in the family and elephants and monkeys for those who dream of exotic vacations.
  • Cover a lampshade or small footstool for a touch of whimsy.

With all the unique accessories, fabrics and wallcoverings available, there is no excuse for forgetting your favorite pet when it comes time to decorate.

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.

Add a WOW Factor to your Home Decorating

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Have you ever been in a room where you just stood back and admired the color, the furnishings or just enjoyed the “feel” of the room.  Chances are that room had a “Wow” factor and so can the rooms in your home.

  • A great chandelier or hanging light fixture can make an ordinary room seem extraordinary.  This does not mean you have to hang a sparkly gold and crystal chandelier in your dining room.  There are many wonderful and unique designs to choose from that will fit with your decor.  Fixtures that feature a glass bell jar, a hand painted or blown glass pendant or light bulbs that look like pillar candles will add a pop of wow to your rooms.
  • Add an eye popping color to your walls or your accessories.  An all neutral room will benefit from an accent wall featuring a metallic finish.  A jumble of brightly colored pillows on a window seat or a sofa can say “wow”.
  • An unusal mix of color and pattern can be a wow factor if done correctly.  How many times have you been in a hotel lobby or beautifully decorated home and said to yourself “I would not have thought to put those fabrics together?” 
  • Attention to detail is a must if you are looking for a bit of “wow”.  Think of a thick and fluffy tassel hanging from a doorknob or beautiful beaded trim on a pair or drapery panels.  A grouping of collectibles or perfectly framed and matted artwork are small details with big impact.

Gather your personal photos and possessions, add a bit of life with books and plants and place them in a room that is beautifully lit and features furniture arranged in a comfortable and inviting fashion and, you too, will have a home that will make others say “wow” when they enter.