What Can I Do With Left Over Fabric?

Do you have odd yards of fabric left over from miscellaneous projects such as reupholstering, window treatments, bedding or even clothing? Well, those odd pieces of fabrics might not be as hard to make use out of as you think! We all deserve to get our money’s worth out of our purchases. If you already bought the fabric, chances are that you most likely love it. Let’s find creative uses for it in your home.

Throw Pillows

A very simple project for your leftover fabric is to make throw pillows. You do not need a lot of fabric to make the pillows look great; even two different corresponding fabrics on each side can work.

Just head over to your local fabric store and buy filling or pillow forms and you will soon have a cost effective new throw pillow. In my personal opinion you can never have too many throw pillows. Sofas can hold a lot and they don’t all have to match!

Make sure the colors, patterns and sizes go well together. Nothing says relaxation more than fluffy pillows! If you are an experienced sewer, try adding a decorative trim around the edges for an added touch of elegance.

Upholstered Seats

Do you have upholstered seats on your dining room chairs? Small pieces of fabric can be utilized here as well. The seats do not have to match. The patterns just have to coordinate with the room. For example, do you have six dining room chairs? Why not try upholstering the two end chairs in one fabric pattern and the other four in another?

Reupholstering dining rooms can be an easy do-it yourself project if the chair has a square or rectangle seat. Here are some simple instructions:

1. Start by unscrewing the seat from the frame.
2. Wrap the fabric on top of the existing seat.
3. Staple gun it on the bottom
4. Screw the seat back on the frame.

Yes, it is that simple. You are sure to impress your next dinner guests!

Window Valance

How about utilizing the odd fabric pieces for a window valance? Small, simple windows in bedrooms, hallways or laundry rooms sometimes need just a touch of color. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Here are another set of simple instructions:

1. Measure down from the top of the frame so that approximately the top third of the window is covered by the valance.
2. Tuck the sides of the fabric over.
3. Attach a white muslin fabric on the back
4. Sew on a rod pocket.

The valance rod that the fabric slips over is typically inexpensive and easy to install. For an added touch of elegance, try a decorative rod to accent the window.

What do you do with your leftover fabric? Any other suggestions?

4 Eco-Friendly Fabrics You Need to Know: Non-organic linen production processes may surprise you

What you don’t know about most fabrics will probably surprise you. Not only are there chemicals in the foods we eat, they are also found in our upholsteries, blankets, and clothes.

“Green fabric” includes any fabric made from sustainable or organic natural materials. Green fabric is also used to describe both recycled and fabric created using natural products and organic processes.

Organic cotton: Traditional cotton covers 5% of the world’s cultivated land, yet uses it uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and 10% of world pesticides (including probable carcinogens).

Organic cotton is weaved from non-genetically modified plants. It is certified as grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides that damage not only the integrity of the cotton but the land and surrounding ecology.

Organic linen (Flax Fiber): Though many use “organic linen” to describe all organically (grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides) produced linen, true organic linen is created with flax fibers – the oldest crop in the world! Linen is naturally creamy white to light tan in color, pure white is only achieved through bleaching. It is notorious for wrinkling, but linen lovers just accept that as part of its charm. It is a great hot-weather fabric because it absorbs a lot of moisture (e.g. sweat) without feeling damp and dries quickly, which cools the skin.

Flax fiber is extracted from the skin of the stem of the flax plant. Flax fiber is incredibly soft, shiny and flexible (often resembling blonde human hair). Though flax fiber is stronger than cotton fiber, it is less elastic. The best grades are used for linen fabrics such as damasks, lace and sheeting. Coarser grades are often used for the manufacturing of twine and rope.

Organic wool: Traditional methods for producing wool have an adverse impact on the environment and livestock welfare. During the production of non-organic wool, livestock is often subject to synthetic pesticides, non-organic feed, and possibly even synthetic hormones and/or genetic engineering. The livestock could also be subject to substandard health management, and live in substandard conditions.

Organic Wool During the production of organic wool, sheep/livestock are raised and treated in a different way to those which produce non-organic wool. The above treatment and conditions should not be present during the production of organic wool.

Hemp: Because of its biological association with marijuana, hemp is still illegal to grow industrial hemp within the United States. Legislation is being worked on to change this, but as of now, hemp needs to be grown elsewhere in the world (which causes it’s carbon footprint to increase). Hemp products can be manufactured in the US, though, and there are now on the market a wide variety of clothes that use hemp as the green fabric in their manufacture.

Hemp grows easily and is environmentally friendly. Hemp fiber is naturally mildew-resistant, antimicrobial, UV protecting and even fireproof! This makes it an ideal candidate for household pieces that get a lot of use, but isn’t the softest option around.

I Love Contemporary Patterned Rugs, but How Do I Make It Work?

Do you find yourself in love with a patterned contemporary rug but uncertain about how to incorporate it in your home? You are not alone.

Contemporary rugs look awesome but can be hard to work with. The large scale patterns and multiple colors might clash with other pieces in the room. Might I recommend trying to pair a large printed contemporary rug with a solid colored sofa?

Solid Color

Now, the best part about contemporary rooms is that the sofa doesn’t have to be the typical beige or white. It can be a vibrant solid color; green, red, black, etc. Pick one color found in the majority of the rug and make that same color your sofa fabric!

When using chairs in a room, I would typically recommend a patterned fabric. However, this might pose a challenge when working with a patterned rug. Instead, try repeating the same solid color fabric used on the sofa. Popping the colors in the rug with patterned throw pillows on the sofa and chairs can be a great accent.

Common Patterns

Always use patterns that correspond well together. Keep everything geometric or swirls or circles; otherwise the patterns may start to fight each other.

Artwork for Accent

Next, why not repeat the same type of pattern and colors found in the rug with the artwork. But here is where you can start to bring in some other elements into the space. For example, some contemporary flower prints will work great with a geometric patterned rug!

Mirrors

If more than a couple pieces of artwork are needed in the room, why not try a contemporary mirror? There are some really neat mirrors out there, such as what I call the “sunburst mirror,” a small, round mirror with pieces of metal coming out from the center. Some will even have tiny round mirrors at the end.

Simple Accessories

For the finishing touch, keep the accessories simple, such as large coffee tables books, a simple floral in a contemporary vase, picture frames or a large bowl with fillers such as coffee beans and candles.

Do you prefer a contemporary or traditional design for your home? How have you blended patterns and color?

Bamboo Fabric! How Do They Do That?

How in the world is there bamboo in my fabric? We have all heard about the hype in the sustainable movement with bamboo because it is rapidly renewable, needs no replanting, pesticides or fertilizers. When it comes to bamboo flooring, we can easily recognize it. But did you know that there can be bamboo in your fabrics?!

Bamboo resembles cotton in its unspun form; it is soft and can be worn directly on the skin without many people complaining of allergic reactions that they might have with wool or hemp. This is because the fiber is naturally round and does not have sharp spurs that can irritate the skin.

Since bamboo is naturally a beige color, many companies are bleaching the fibers until they become white. When bamboo is left unbleached and in its natural color, it is considered organic bamboo. Before the bamboo fiber can be spun and dyed for weaving into our products, it is heavily pulped until it separates into thin component threads of fiber.

But the most amazing thing about bamboo fabric is that is retains many of the same properties it has in its natural plant form! It is highly water absorbent, which allows the fabric to have excellent wicking ability that will pull moisture away from the skin so it can easily evaporate. Wow, can you imagine what this would be like on your workout clothes or socks?

It gets even better because it has many antibacterial qualities and can retain these through washing and drying. This reduces bacteria and odors that can be left behind on some fabrics. Additionally it has insulating properties, which means we can stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Now THAT’S impressive!

By now you may be wondering how this might translate well into home products. Imagine having bamboo towels that are water absorbent, antibacterial, and reduces odors. How about bamboo sheets or blankets? They will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Sounds like a great night’s sleep to me! Additionally, the bamboo fabric can take bright dye colors well and drapes smoothly to create wonderful looking window treatments.

Have you designed with bamboo fabric before? Are you willing to try?

Using a Neutral Palette to Make a Statement

Neutral does not equal boring! We hear all this talk about accent walls and using bright colors to liven up a space, and that does not have to be the case. Neutral palettes of grey tones, whitewashes and beige surroundings can be full of depth and visual interest.

Grey Spaces I work in the office furniture world of commercial design and when we talk about grey workplaces, this is not what I mean in designing for a grey interior. Do not think scary cubicles! The key to designing a grey neutral interior is to focus on sheen. By using a variety of grey tones with different gloss levels, you can range from charcoal to light nickel satin. This will add visual interest while still maintaining a cool and relaxed feel.

The White Space White modern interiors can feel a bit stark. In spaces where you want to stay bleach friendly think about pattern and depth. You would be shocked to see how many colors of “white” there really are. Just take a walk through a local paint store and look at only how many white paint chips there are. If you want to create your own white interior, be sure to use multi-tone whites. This will add depth and character.

Also, in regards to pattern, be sure to think of using sheer and opaque combinations to create white on white patterns. What lighting you select in white spaces will play a big roll too. If you select cooler colored bulbs,  the room will be more “blue” and cool – if you select more warm bulbs, the space will be more “yellow” and warm.

Beige For All For beige interiors you want to think of texture. Think of earthy textures in beige, such as wood and sand. By using multiple textures, once again, you can gain visual interest, depth and variety. This neutral family has the most gradation because you can travel to the dark brown to the very light sands. A beige neutral space will feel warm and cozy.

Always keep in mind that a space can include all of these neutrals combined for great visual impact while still maintaining classic color without too many “accents”.

How do you use neutrals in your space?

Wood or Fabric Headboard? That is the Question!

Is it time for you to select a new headboard? Do you find yourself trying to decide between wood and fabric?

These are the main two choices available to us without making something creative ourselves to serve the function of a headboard.

Typically we find ourselves searching through furniture store after furniture store for a bedroom set. They come in matching pieces – headboard, dresser, nightstands and possibly even a chest of drawers. Wood headboards that match a bedroom suite can have a dramatic effect on your bedroom. Everything looks as if a professional picked it all out for you. All you have to do is coordinate the bedding.

But maybe you don’t have the money for the matching bedroom set. Or you already have a bedroom set but find yourself in need of a new bed size.

I recommend an upholstered headboard. You can use it over and over again with any furniture in a similar style. Upholstered headboards can even be reupholstered to match the new bedding you may get in the future!

Common upholstered headboards available today might be tufted with neutral fabric or leather, which would be perfect for a more traditional styled bedroom. Try sectioned off leather squares in the shape of a rectangle. This can be easily applied in a modern bedroom. Or you could keep it simple with a plain rectangle or curved top. This provides a great opportunity to coordinate fabric with your bedding.

When working with existing furniture or trying to throw together a guest bedroom, upholstered headboards can work wonders. Do you have an old chest of drawers, end table or dresser? When using an upholstered headboard, the sky is the limit. Nothing is required to match. This may be the perfect chance to strip the furniture and re-stain or paint it. Make all the miscellaneous pieces have matching finishes. What an eclectic looking room you will be able to create! I guarantee no one will have a room just like yours if you take this route.

What kind of headboard do you prefer? Have you ever created your own?

Looking For a Tough, Resistant Fabric? Sunbrella Has Just the Thing

Ever wonder why some fabrics stand up to challenges like weather, moisture and children better than others? 

Some brands, like Sunbrella fabrics, have a Teflon (or in some cases Kevlar) coating built into the weave of the fabric, eliminating the need to scotch guard.

The pattern and color selection has blossomed into a vast array, both modern and traditional in design. Fabrics that were once intended for outdoor use, based on texture and toughness, have now been woven softer and lighter. I would consider using them for an occasional throw pillow or drapery.

Think of panels you may have hanging in a sunroom. They may get damp if a window is left open. You can still find an ultra tough awning-like material. This is great for outdoor applications, like a hot tub cover or a cover for all of your stacked outdoor furniture. By selecting a great pattern, the stack of furniture doesn’t have to be an eyesore in your yard all winter long.

I have used Sunbrella fabrics on design projects inside and out. In a breakfast nook, children might be crawling with mucky hands around your new seat cushions. What was once impossible to clean is now a breeze with a little Palmolive and water.

Sun drenched rooms can reap havoc on your beautiful upholstery or leather. Sunbrella fabric has a built-in sunscreen. The life expectancy is superior!

If you have a beach cottages or swimming pool, you may want to consider this fabric for outdoor seating.

Sunbrella also makes the Sunbrella-PLUS-8400 Marine series 60″-wide. The “Plus” refers to the added urethane repellency treatment. It repels water and prevents moisture from collecting or creating a mildew problem.

Since they look very similar, the only way to know you are getting Sunbrella-Plus is by its color number (it begins with the number 84) and hope you are dealing with an honest vendor. It is available in the most popular marine colors to match all of your boating cushions.

Sunbrella is a wonderful outdoor-use product that adapts well for indoor areas exposed to the sun or moisture. Choose from solids, stripes and textures that suit your needs.

Keep in mind that due to the technology involved, the dye has a tendency to vary more than the average fabric. It’s just the nature of the product. If given the option, make sure all of your fabric is coming from the same dye lot. I would do this in any case, with any fabric, but especially with Sunbrella.

The use of seconds or end-run material is also not recommended. There are many variants that can crop up. Keep in mind that there are reasons why those who are reputable in the profession refuse to purchase the so-called bargain priced end-runs or seconds from the mills. If you care enough about the application of a Sunbrella fabric, you obviously care about your furniture.

Tell me about other uses you have found for Sunbrella Fabrics.

Using Dining Chairs Throughout Your Home

How many of you find yourselves with extra dining chairs at home? Or are you walking through a furniture store or antique shop and see one lonely beautiful chair but do not have a clue what to do with it? There are many ways to solve this problem! Dining chairs can be one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in our homes today.

First of all, might I suggest having an eclectic dining room set? Find a dining room table and look for chairs that might coordinate with it. They do not have to match! Or you could make some match, but not all, and try to tie the chairs together by upholstering the seats in the same fabric. Since single chairs are often on clearance or cost less, you may even save money in the process!

Many areas of the home are used for entertaining and we often find that there are not enough seats. Do you have an empty corner in the living room to tuck a chair in? Or an odd space where you can angle the chair in front of the wall so it just offsets a large chest or bookcase?

Layering furniture can have a dramatic effect on the room. How about in your foyer? Do you have a console that a nice chair would coordinate with and your guests would have a place to sit and take their shoes off? The same idea can be used in a large upstairs hallway. Pair the chair with a chest and you will even have extra space to store sheets and towels!

Finally, I recommend perhaps finding a place in your bedroom. A perfect spot might be with a vanity table to sit on while applying make-up or doing your hair. Or what about angled in front of a dresser? Now you have a place to sit while putting on your shoes or pantyhose.

The best part about finding odd places for chairs is that you can always pull the chair up to the dining room table or into the living room during parties. No matter how you look at it, you just can’t go wrong having extra seating! How have you utilized space and seating in your home?

Impacting Rooms With Window Treatments

Whatever your design style is, window treatments and wall coverings can form the decorative framing for the rest of your scheme or palette. You may prefer to have white walls, or maybe you are afraid of color that “drowns” the room that way. Could it be that you are trying to create a clean, uncluttered, contemporary space and you just don’t know what to do with your windows? Here is a brief summary of how I help my clients decide on the style of window treatment to choose from:

Think Practical: Window treatments can monitor light filtration, save energy, and operate as a privacy feature. For example, cold rooms that may have old windows could be quickly fixed by adding a honeycomb shade or a heavy weight curtain. I often have a client who really appreciates the classic and timeless style of a shutter treatment too! If you can tolerate the sun and maybe a small draft, I recommend a cafe style shutter which sort of acts like a top down bottom up roller shade, allowing privacy on the lower portion of the windows but allowing light in from above. If you have a view that you don’t want to block entirely, this may also serve you well. For bedrooms, this also acts a s a great privacy, but it may require full treatment rather than cafe to maximize your privacy.

Think of the Ambiance: Decide on how you want the room to make you feel. Then decide on whether or not your windows are where you would like to draw attention too. Is it an older home and are your windows not the most desirable thing to look at? Are they uneven? Perhaps you can dress your windows with panels mounted to correct the misshapen window, acting as a camouflage. Decking out your windows in a gorgeous floor to ceiling silk, fine tapestry, or sheer that flows and puddles to the floor will add instant elegance, character and flair to your room design. There are so many beautiful embroidered sheers, some traditional and others that, believe it or not, really cater to modern design. Think of Robert Allen, JAB and Stroheim and Roman to name a few. Their sheer books are phenominal! Full of texture and elegance…sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Think Architecture: Extend the window treatments beyond the bounds of small windows to make them look taller or wider. Raise the illusion of a low ceiling by mounting the window treatments just below your crown molding. Treat a non-descript portion of a wall by widening your fabric widths and “blanket” the wall, giving the illusion of a longer, extended window behind it.

Think Creatively, think of possibilities, and know that a window treatment could be your room’s greatest asset!

What is the Ikat Fabric Trend?

How many of your know what an Ikat Fabric is? Ikat fabrics found their way back into the fashion and interiors trend now for a couple years, but did you know that they have been around for centuries? Ikat in Indonesian means to “tie” or “bind.” Ikat actually refers to the process in which the fabric is made and the fabric itself. A dye resistant method is used on the warp/weft before the threads can be woven into the Ikat pattern or design. Patterns can vary from country to country and can often be a symbol of status, wealth, power and prestige. Then there is America, who has taken it upon themselves to start marketing this cultural fabric into our products!

Ikat fabrics are constantly being found in the home interior’s market. Many ikat fabric patterns we are seeing have one single color with a neutral beige or white background. This is because each strand is arranged into bundles, tied and dyed separately before being attached to the loom and woven into a pattern.

Since this can take a great deal of skill if multiple colors are used, my professional assumption would be that it costs less to have a fabric with only one dye color. Both the manufacturer and consumer can win on price this way while getting the same look!

Ikat fabrics can be found on many accent pillows; this might be where you may see more than one color since less fabric is used. But we are also seeing these fabrics on full upholstered sofas and chairs; this is a great way to make an impact in your room!

With such a busy fabric on a large piece of furniture, try and keep the rest of the room simple. If you must have accent pillows, keep them a solid color and try adding a decorative trim around the edges for flair. I suggest picking the Ikat fabric for either the sofa or the chairs. When used on both it can often be a little bit too much.

A solid or monochromatic rug can be simple yet effective against the busy pattern. For artwork, I would recommend using mirrors, clocks, or simple pictures without a lot of detail. Finally for accessories, try using a clear glass bowl with some pops of colors through marbles, coffee beans, accessory balls, or dried flowers. Pair this with big coffee table books and a couple picture frames and you should be all set!

Next Page »