A Giveway From My Fabric Shop

If you want to give your room a decorating boost without spending lots of dollars, adding a pair of throw pillows in a fresh fabric will give your room an instant update.

I am giving away a pair of custom throw pillows from my shop, Decorate23.  The giveway is being held at A Little Etsy Love.  Use the link for instructions on how to enter to win a pair of 18" throw pillows using any fabric in the shop.

Good Luck!

Painted Furniture

I have been working with many Interior Redecorating clients lately.  One thing I find is that many of them have a room with mismatched pieces of furniture which are functional but do nothing to enhance the room's design. One way to save these pieces and make a design statement is to paint them a standout color.

For just a few dollars, and very little effort, an old hand-me-down piece can become the focal point of a room.  The yellow dresser above brings lightness and energy to the space. Anyone can easily create a similiar effect in their home.

osborne & little

Some tangerine paint and a half yard of fabric brings this simple chair to life.  Paired with the complimentary green console, the chair makes an even bigger statement.

Painted accessories are a safe way to add strong color even if you are color shy.

If you would like to add a painted piece to your room's interior go to Do-It Yourself Magazine Online

for instructions and ideas on how to paint just about any surface in your home.

White Bedding

One elegant way to update a master bedroom is with white bedding.  The white bed creates a serene setting in the bedroom and is versatile enough to work with any design style.  Changing the look seasonally is easy by adding a different  texture with the top layer such as a blanket or duvet. 

Two beautiful examples of the all white bed made special with embroidery.  This bedding would be equally at home in a cottage or contemporary setting.  Designers Guild bedding

The use of different textures makes this all white bed warm and inviting.

Bedding at westelm.com

For a feminine look ruffles embellish this crisp white bedding from potterybarn.com

Romantic Script Fabric

One of the most elegant and romantic trends in fabrics and decorative pillows is the use of script lettering.  Many of the fabric designs are french script or french postal stamps.  The fabric is usually a natural linen or hemp.  These patterns evoke a vintage feeling, when letters were written by hand.  I plan on reupholstering an ottoman with this French Postal Script Fabric,(above)  available at housefabrics.com. I'll post a picture when I am done. I used this same fabric to create some pillows for my etsy shop.   Adding several pillows with a script design to a sofa or chair will bring a touch of old-world charm to your home.  Mix several different patterns together in the same room for a designer look.

Pen Pals Fabric by Waverly.

The Bonjour Pillow from Word Garden on Etsy

Dragonfly Pillow from Rosenberryrooms.com

Nest pillow from potterybarn.com



Clean Lines, Texture and A Shot of Color

This room is a great example of a successful mix of pattern and texture. The light walls and neutral curtains are a great backdrop for the mix of pattern in the fabrics. The light blue color of the walls is repeated in many of the fabrics. The terracotta color is repeated in the patterned fabrics and again in the solid upholstery fabric but is used sparingly for just a punch of color. The ceiling light fixture, urn and side table add a variety of organic textures. The lines of the furniture and accessories as well as the curtains are simple and unfussy. Photo HouseBeautiful.com

Adding any of these elements to your room will give it an instant update and current feel. 

A great way to refresh a room is with a new pendant or chandelier.   There are so  unique options available at all price ranges.  By simply swapping out an existing fixture, you can instantly update a room. The most popular trends are large industrial size pendants, natural or woven materials and lots of bright color.

Restoration Hardware  Clemson Pendant brings a sleek industrial style to any space.  Great over a kitchen island.

This wharf light from Urban Archeaology comes in a variety of colors.  Great in a home office or kitchen.

The use of natural woven materials brings interest to a pendant shade.  Go to lightinguniverse.com for more details.

Made from a vintage French Oak wine barrels, this Wine Barrel Chandelier from Restoration Hardware adds instant character to any room.

The Exeter Five Jar Pendant from Pottery Barn brings charm to a casual eating area or family room