Tag Archives: window treatments

Home decor: cozy winter decorating ideas

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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.

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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?

 

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: 5 great uses for gingham

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Gingham:  defined as a cotton cloth which has a pattern of colored squares on a white background.  This pretty much says it all. 

I love the upohlstered gingham headboard, bench and lampshades in this bedroom from Good life of design blog.

Gingham can be found in just about every color of the rainbow and the size of the squares can range from a very tiny 1/16″ of an inch to a large and graphic 2″ square.  It is most often made from 100% cotton, is machine washable and will provide a casual and relaxed feeling to any application.  Here are 5 ways to use gingham for your home decor and entertaining projects:

  1. Simple window treatments such as window valances and cornices made from gingham will add a spot of color and pattern to a laundry room, kitchen, nursery or kid’s bedroom.  Gingham drapery panels are perfect for a country inspired dining or living room.  For a quick and easy update, add just a leading edge trim or hem of gingham to existing draperies.
  2. Set your table with napkins and tablecloths made out of machine washable gingham. 
  3. Make throw pillows that combine gingham, florals and stripes for a french country look.
  4. Not just for country homes, bold black and white gingham squares will add a graphic touch to a contemporary interior.
  5. Recover your kitchen chair seat cushions with a gingham fabric or, for easy clean up, consider a gingham vinyl.  These are sure to provide you with a cheerful greeting each morning! 

While gingham is great for interior design projects, crafters will also enjoy using gingham for tote bags, basket liners, quilts, aprons and other clothing items.

How have you used gingham in your home decorating projects?

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: Fun fabrics with a retro feel

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 Just as certain smells can transport you back in time, certain fabrics can do the same.  If the smell of freshly baked cookies reminds you of your grandmother’s kitchen then you must surely remember her oilcloth covered kitchen chairs.  If the smell of lilacs transports you back to your parent’s backyard then the memory, no doubt, includes clean denim jeans and crisp cotton shirts hanging on the line.  And if, like me, the smell of a crisp summer morning reminds you of weeks spent at the lake you are probably familiar with an old mattress covered in ticking fabric.

These retro fabrics are available in many different colors and patterns.  They are durable and can be used for window treatments, seat covers, outdoor furniture cushions, table linens and accent pillows.

This cute table and chair set from Chalkydoodles on Etsy is upholstered in colorful oilcloth that can resist stains and wipes clean with a damp cloth.  Perfect for a crafts table cover, floor protection and seat covers on this darling set.  I bet all of you DIYers could easily accomplish this look!

Ticking is a durable and versatile fabric that is commonly associated with mattress and pillow covers.  However, it can also be used to make fun bean bag chairs for all the kids and will be able to withstand the rough and tumble activities they will subject the chairs to.  How about a darling window valance edged in red for that wanna-be train conductor in your family?  Or cover that well-worn sofa in the family room with red ticking slip covers welted with navy blue for a nautical or Americana look.

A standard wing chair gets a facelift with blue ticking fabric. (avail at frenchlaundryhome.com)
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If you are not looking to redecorate then toss a few pillows on the sofa made from ticking, denim and gingham or recover your outdoor cushions in colorful and durable oilcloth.  I guarantee, or at least I hope, you will be transported back to the carefree summer days of your childhood!

Home Decor: Summertime and the livin’ is easy

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Happy Memorial Day!  I hope it finds all of you relaxing and looking forward to all the good times summer has to offer–barbecues, picnics, long bike rides, lazy days on the porch, swimming and warm summer breezes that allow your window treatments to billow in the wind.  But let’s not forget why we celebrate Memorial Day,  so find some time to visit a local military cemetery, drop some cookies off at the USO or just say thanks to a service man or woman in your community.

It’s been a tough winter and spring throughout our country so here’s a little summer eye candy to get you dreaming about summer

cute summer bicycle by Nan Lawson for Grow your Beauty
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I could sit and relax in this chair all day long..how about you?
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Swings are just part of summer, aren't they? (photo courtesy of HGTV)
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wildflowers galore
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So take some time to help the kids set up a lemonade stand; finish a book in one day, drink some sweet tea and gather with friends as often as possible.  And don’t forget some summertime decorating…summer decorating tips to follow…..

Fabric: Exotic and Versatile Netting

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Summer is not over yet so turn your dreams of an exotic vacation destination into reality with netting.  There are so many ways to use this unique fabric in your home decorating.

  1. Create a canopy over your bed allowing the netting to puddle on the floor to create a sultry and romantic getaway in your own bedroom.  It can be attached with a ring, as shown, tied to bedposts, attached to ceiling beams etc.  The cool and inviting look will make you feel like it is summer all year long.
  2. Add a netting ruffle to the edges of the bedskirt in a nursery or little girl’s room.  The stiffness will make the skirt hang properly and add that designer detail to the room.
  3. The light and airy look of netting results in wonderful window treatments for the summer.  Simply drape the fabric over an existing rod.
  4. Those summer weddings and garden parties will be even prettier with netting used in the table coverings.  Create an overlay or use an an underlayer.  Netting is available in many colors making it possible to coordinate with your existing linens.

Don’t let summer pass you by without finding a way to use this cool and breezy fabric in your decorating plans.

Fabric: Decorating with Solids

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In decorating and interior design we spend a lot of time talking about patterns.  However, many people prefer the serene, uncluttered look of a room decorated in all solids.  If done correctly, a room decorated with solid fabrics can be sophisticated, serene or energetic, depending on the colors you choose.  The lack of pattern will also allow a view, interesting architectural features or a collection of artwork to really stand out.  The key to successful decorating in this manner is to vary your textures and colors to add interest and warmth.

The master bedroom

Many people desire a master bedroom that is a true escape from the hassles of everyday life.  This would mean that the room should be uncluttered both physically and visually.  A soothing  solid color on the walls, bedding, window treatments and furniture will create a haven for the couple.  Try painting the walls a soft gray and add quilted bedding in a solid color that matches or contrasts with the walls.  Window treatments can be adorned with trim to add movement and interest.  Velvet pillows, a leather chair with nailhead trim and a throw at the foot of the bed will complete the picture.  Just thinking about this room makes me want to jump into bed and relax!

The family room

While a busy pattern will hide some dirt and stains, todays fabrics are very good at resisting stains and clean up easily.  A family room can be fun without overloading the pattern.  In place of that checkered couch, try a neutral sofa and chairs in a cozy solid chenille.  Add throw pillows in various colors for comfort and interest.  Use a contrast welt on your upholstered pieces to make the solid fabric really stand out.  This sounds like a family room I would like to spend time in.

The interest in this room comes from the quilting, rug pattern, texture on walls and furniture
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The mix of woods makes up for the lack of pattern in this room
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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.

A Day of Decorating is a gift that is sure to please Mom

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner (May 9th this year) and while Mom always enjoys the lovely flowers and candy or a special brunch with the family, consider giving something a little different this year.  How about a day of decorating?  There are many things you can do to help Mom spruce up her nest and this gift will last for many years to come.

  1. Upholster an old chair that Mom loves.  It is easy and fun to add new cushions to a dining room chair, for example, and the room will look brand new.  Choose a fabric in a modern color and pattern for an extra surprise.
  2. When was the last time Mom changed out her window treatments?  If budget allows, spring for some new draperies or window shades.  At the very least, add some embellishment to her existing draperies by sewing some trim to the edges or adding new tiebacks.
  3. Replacing tired and worn throw pillows can have a dramatic impact on the room.  Choose lots of bright and happy colors for spring and mix and match patterns and fabrics.  It is possible to have photos made into pillows and what Grandmother wouldn’t like that?

There are so many ways to give the gift of decorating.  But the best gift of all is your time so spend a day with Mom rearranging her bookshelves, reframing old family photos or shopping for a new lamp or area rug.  You will both enjoy it.