Getting Ready for Spring–Outdoor Cushion Update

Spring is right around the corner and it has made people start thinking about their outdoor living spaces. One of my readers recently asked me if I had any ideas on what to do with her outdoor patio furniture cushions which are worn, falling apart and faded.  She didn’t want to spend a lot of money and wasn’t keen on the idea of replacing all the cushions.  There are 10 pieces of furniture in her set and a total of 20 cushions which by any calculation = MONEY!

Naturally my first instinct was to suggest new upholstered or slip-covered cushions or to paint her current cushions but neither of those would work given the condition of her cushions and her desire to save money. So, I did a little research and found some really great options on Pinterest that might work for her.

First I came across the idea of creating new cushions using shower curtains as the fabric.  I thought this was a pretty brilliant idea and given the fact the most shower curtains are waterproof this would work great for her outdoor area.  Here’s a look at some pretty fabulous cushions created by MomsbyHeart!.

  

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Next I came across this idea of using standard bed pillows to create outdoor lounge cushions.  Way cool and super easy.

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And finally I came across this idea of using painter’s drop cloths and spray painting the fabric in whatever color you want.  Drop cloths are inexpensive compared to outdoor fabric and with a little sewing and a few cans of paint you can get a new look for not a lot of money.

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Since upholstering is always top of mind for me, this little research project shined a light on the fact that there is always more than one way to skin a cat or in this case get new outdoor cushions.

Spring is just around the corner…have you got your outdoor area together yet??

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My New Favorite Wall Treatment: Fabric

After seeing the fabric covered wall that Marian over at Miss Mustard Seed  created in her master bedroom, I’ve totally fallen for the idea of fabric as a great way to decorate a wall.

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While covering walls with fabric is not the quickest and easiest to do, the impact is down right stunning.  Applying fabric to a wall is quicker than stenciling and given all the beautiful fabrics available on the web an in fabric stores, you can create just about any look you want.

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Fabric covered walls are a great option for renters since fabric can be mounted to foam core or cork board and attached to the wall with removable adhesive strips or Velcro.

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I love the look of quilted fabric walls which can be achieved with cording and tacks.

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Placing fabric into the recessed areas of a paneled wall is another great application idea. Add ribbon to finish off the edges and create a contrasting border.

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And burlap or linen is an inexpensive and easy fabric wall treatment.  Use upholstery tacks to secure the fabric to the wall and create an industrial chic frame.

Adding fabric to a wall is not on my to-do list but if it was, here are a few fabric picks I’d consider :

Cottage Twill in Harmony from Fabrics.com

Suzani Twill in River Rock from Fabrics.com

Rigi by Thom Filicia from Lewis and Sheron

Patras by Nate Berkus from Calico Corners

Porada Lin in Watermark from Calico Corners

So what’s you vote?  Love it or Leave it???

If this idea has inspired you and you want to give fabric covered walls a try, here’s a good tutorial on how to get it done.

 

Other post you might enjoy!

Accessorizing the FIVE Impact Areas of Your Home

Creative Wall Décor

The Starting Point of Design

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Pattern Trend: Vintage Florals

I’ve seen vintage floral patterns everywhere I go.  No longer do they look outdated to me but instead they look fresh and nostalgic.  I love the romantic sense they can add to a space or an outfit and the happy feeling they convey. 

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So what’s not to love about vintage florals?!

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A Few New Things From Ikea

Does anyone know what was going on at the Atlanta Ikea store on Saturday?  WOW! 

The  hubs and I ventured out to Ikea at 4:30 on Saturday and were floored with the amount of people there.  The store was packed to the rafters and I thought to myself, “did I miss a special event or something.”  I don’t know what was going on but maybe everyone in Atlanta, trying to escape the heat, said to themselves let’s go to IKEA! 

After spending more than 5 minutes searching for a cart (yes, it was that bad) we began to make our way through the store.  I didn’t have any particular purchases in mind other than to pick up some cocktail and dinner napkins, but I did want to see what was new at the store.  I ususally go to Ikea during the week and am able to snap lots of pictures of the things I like but with the store being so packed, picture-taking felt almost like an Olympic sport!  I did manage a few photos and wanted to share them with your today (sorry for the blurry photos…I was on the move so as not to get run over by a shopping cart)!

 

 Loved this gallery wall display which was a grouping of Fjallsta frames  containing fabric pieces from Ikeas’ fabric shop.  These frames are some of my favorite because the wide edge and the $14.99 pricepoint.  This is a great way to create an impact wall in your home without spending a lot of money.

And, here are a few of my favorite fabrics…

 Majken Fabric–$7.99/yd

Britten Nummer–$4.99/yd

Malin Vag–$6.99/yd

Stockholm Blad–$8.99/yd

Saralisa–$8.99/yd

 

 

Most, if not all the fabrics from Ikea are $8.99 or less per yard and can be ordered on-line.

 

I loved this rolling metal cart.  The perfect addition in a kitchen, bathroom or even a craft or hobby space.  I think this piece was only $49. 

 

These natural linen covered boxes were so cute with their metal label rings on the front.  They were SOLD OUT so I didn’t get to bring these babies home.  There are several sizes available and they also came in black. 

 This cowhide footstool was so chic for IKEA. $279.00

Ikea is always a great source for inexpensive candlesticks, these silver candlesticks were all glass and are priced between $8.99 and $12.99. 

 I loved these white frames which almost looked like trays hung on the wall.  More Ikea fabric framed.

This black oval frame is such a beautiful piece.  I  think it would look great as part of an eclectic gallery wall display.  Or, you can have a piece og f glass cut and create a mirror.  At $29.99 it is a great buy.

And finally,  another item I wanted but it was sold out.  These black and white tin cans would be great to store office supplies in or use as a fun box alternative for a gift.  At $3.99 for the set I’ll definitely be going back to pick up a few sets!

I wish I could have snapped a few more pics to share!  There are lots of new things at Ikea so if you have a store in your area it’s worth a trip.  If not, check out their website as most items are available on-line.

 

Happy Shopping!

 

all images by ConfettiStyle

 

 

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The Function and Fabulousness of Skirted Tables

Skirted Tables are a decorating dream!  Not only can you hide stuff under the skirt but a table skirt adds instant softness and unique style to any room.

Just about any table can be skirted and just about any fabric can be used.

Keep your table skirt plain and simple or dress it up with decorative trims and borders.

Pattern table skirts are a great way to introduce pattern and visual interest into a space.

And,  table skirts are  perfect for hiding supplies, pipes and unsightly structural elements within your home.

Function and Fabulousness at it best!

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Turn a foyer table into a style statement!

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Cover up the supplies and add a pop of color and style while you’re at it.

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Elevate the softness in a bedroom with skirted night stands.  A great place to hide reading materials!

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Between windows a skirted table adds the softness that curtain panels would have.

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A round skirted table add real style. Skirted tables are a great way to camouflage old and worn furniture, giving it a new life.

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A fun fabric makes a great skirted desk cover.

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Create and inexpensive desk with file cabinets and a solid surface top.  Add high style by covering the cabinets with fabric.

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I love this office.  The file cabinets under fabric add funtion below and bookcase on top give the entire wall scape a built-in feel.

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A great place to store old books…under the skirt.  I love the bold trim on this cover.

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And this greek key trim is stunning.

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Add a trim at the bottom of the table skirt to draw the eye down and add visual weight near the floor.

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Stunning!

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A bold pattern fabric is a great way to add visual interest in apartment decor where you often can’t paint or wallpaper.

If you’d like to make a table skirt but aren’t sure how to go about it, check out this great tutorial by Elizabeth over at The Mustard Ceiling blog. 

 

So now the big question….What’s under your skirt?

 

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Fabrics I’m Loving

I’ve spent a lot of time at Forsyth Fabric lately looking for the perfect fabric for design projects.  Forsyth is one of the largest and most impressive fabric stores here in Atlanta and entering their doors is like entering a candy store for designers. 

I snapped a few pictures during one of my recent trips of fabrics that I’m loving at the moment! 

 The woven blue and tan floral is so dynamic.  This would look great on an accent chair or in a bedding ensemble!

 Grey is one of the most popular colors in design at the moment and these graphic grey and white patterns and so fresh!

 Loving these tribal inspired fabrics, especially the teal and white combo.  Perfect for a Settee or ottoman.

 Linen combinations never go out of style…classic and versatile.  The herringbone is really appealing and I think you’ll be seeing lots of herringbone come fall.

 Grey mixed with citron yellow is such a strong color combo. 

 More grey and white in this classic trellis pattern.

 I’m all over these chocolate-brown and white patterns.  Brown is a great color to mix with brights or pastels.

 

 

 This purple fabric is stunning in person.  The gold scallop is woven and raised creating lots of dimension and textural interest.

 Pinks and Salmon colors are so happy and energetic.  I love these patterns and think they look great in a bedroom or home office design.

 Lots of animal print combos.

 Blue with white or ivory is always a classic and always in style.  Love the first square on square fabric.

 This little owl fabric made me smile.  What a great foundation to design a kids room around.

Walking through a fabric store is always so inspiring for me.  I cut samples and just get lost in all the possibilities of what could be. 

If you’re ever in Atlanta, you must stop by Forsyth Fabric and if not, you can always shop them online here!

 

So, do you love wandering the aisles of fabric stores as much as I do?  What’s your favorite fabric color combination??

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Best of Etsy: Burlap

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Best of Etsy post or shared my love of burlap with you so I’ve rounded up some fab burlap finds from Etsy for your viewing and shopping pleasure!

  

Monogrammed burlap clutch!  Tres’ Chic!

Burlap Silverware Holder.  Such a great way to dress up a dinner table.

Happy Burlap Pillow.  A fun home decor accent.

A new twist on the pouf trend..Burlap Pouf!

I love this Burlap and Rhinestone Cuff  Bracelet!

This Ruffled Burlap Pillow is so darling!

Really cool Burlap Napkin Rings!

This Burlap Chalk/Cork board would be a great addition to any office!

This Burlap Tote is so versatile!

This Burlap Bedskirt is a must for a shabby chic bedroom.

 

What’s your favorite Burlap item?

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Let’s Get Crafty–My DIY Mod Love Pillow

Last Saturday, I was watching one of my favorite design shows, The High Low Project with one of my favorite designers,  Sabrina Soto and saw this Jonathan Adler Mod Love pillow used in the high-end version of the nursery she designed for a young couple.  I was immediately smitten with the pillow until I researched it on-line and found out that it cost $175.00. 

Here’s the pillow if you didn’t see the show or aren’t familiar with it.

 

While I love me some Jonathan Adler, I just couldn’t bite on that price so I decided to create my own version of it.

Here’s my pillow which when it was all said and done only cost me $8.00!  WhooHoo!

 

 

 

 

Wanna know how I made it??   Here’s all the deets.

Gather the following supplies:

• Neutral Color Pillow—17” x 17”—Mine came from Wal-Mart and was only $6.00
• Felt—one piece of red and one piece of purple. One sheet from Hobby Lobby is .29 cents
• Hot Glue Gun of your could use fabric glue too!
• Scissors
• Lighter
• Ribbon–Of course I used ribbon from my favorite ribbon source, May Arts Ribbon.  You can view and purchase the entire May Arts ribbon line on Amazon.com.

  You’ll need three different colors/styles.  This is what I used:

•  FN27—5/8” Twill in Yellow—You’ll need 45” total
• QH46—1.5” Grosgrain in Apple Green—You’ll need 11 ½”
• WFF46—1/2” Grosgrain Circles in Apple Green—You’ll need approx. 62” for a 17 x 17 pillow.

 

The How To:

 Note:  After you cut your ribbon pieces as outlined below, run the cut ends of your ribbon over the lighter flame to seal the fibers and prevent fraying.

 First, create the ribbon border around the edge of your pillow using you’re the grosgrain circle ribbon.  Adhere it with your hot glue.

Cut 3 pieces of yellow ribbon—9” and 3 pieces 6”.  Following the layout in the photo, lay the three long pieces vertically towards the left edge of the pillow and glue in place.  Lay the small pieces horizontally and glue in place.

1. Cut a heart from your red felt and glue down.
2. Cut a 11 ½” piece of your wide apple green ribbon, form a ‘v’ and glue in place.
3. Cut an ‘e’ out of your purple felt and glue it in place above the ‘v’. 
4. Stand back and admire!

 

 Savings:  $167.00

 The Look for Less:  PRICELESS!

 

Have you knocked off  any designer pieces lately? 

 

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