Tag Archives: sheers

Home decor: Color of the month–White

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While some experts may point out that white is not really a color, we all think of it as one of the most important colors we use when decorating our homes.  What with all the weddings, graduations and easy summer living, June just seems the perfect time to choose white as the color of the month.  Think of all the white that surrounds you right now:

  • bridal gowns
  • graduation gowns
  • confirmation and communion outfits
  • white slipcovers
  • white sandy beaches
  • summer clothing such as crisp white cotton blouses for you or yummy eyelet dresses on little girls
  • clean white sheets hanging on the line
  • fluffy white clouds in the sky
  • White sheer curtains blowing in the wind

You get the idea.  And, if you have been shopping for white paint or white fabric then you have probably discovered that, like all colors, white comes in several shades.  You can introduce white into your decorating plans in many different ways:

  • Slipcovers are a great way to have white furniture without worrying about spills and stains.  Choose indoor/outdoor fabrics for even more protection.
  • White lampshades allow lots of light and you can always embellish them with trim, paint etc.
  • White draperies and window treatments offer a clean, crisp look to a sunroom or bedroom for example.  They can also be trimmed with colorful fringe, braid or ribbon for a designer look.
  • White linens will enhance the look of any dinnerware for a beautiful table setting

Here are some white rooms that might inspire you:

photo courtesy of Seattle Homes and Lifestyles
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The key to successfully decorating with white is to add lots of interesting texture in the form of sisal rugs, baskets and warm woods.

White bedroom from Veranda featuring art by Bernd Haussman
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This all white bedroom designed by Suzanne Lovell offers a restful retreat for the owners.

Sitting room courtesy of House to Home
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This white living room is warmed by a fluffy rug and throws and anchored with brown accents found in the furniture, furniture legs and accessories.  And the fireplace doesn’t hurt!

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.