Showing posts with label curtains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label curtains. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

White on White In the Living Room





I have to admit that I love white rooms, not totally white but the vast majority of the room so that I can add pops of colour in my soft furnishings and accessories. I hasten to add that I'm not alone and while too much white can look cold, clinical and hostile, when you have great style it can really give a room the 'wow' factor.

Another great advantage of using white is that it can make even the smallest living rooms look light and airy and the colour suits all styles of homes. From a French inspired chateau, Scandinavian classics, to modern and contemporary styles. You can also use white to create a stunning Shabby Chic interior which is packed full of different textures and materials.

White curtains, especially if they're full length and lightweight will ensure as much light as possible can enter your living room during the day; alternatively white vertical blinds will give you sleek clean lines which suit contemporary homes perfectly. For the ultimate window dressing use a combination of white curtains and white blinds so that your windows look stunning day and night.

Don't shy away from using white as it has a lot to offer, and it doesn't have to be cold if you get the balance just right!

Image: French Antiques Blogspot

Friday, March 9, 2012

Stylish Window Treatments for Spring: Palazzo Curtains


Inspired by fashion Palazzo curtains have to be made from soft floaty fabrics such as silk (real or faux) or lightweight fabrics which catch the breeze of open windows. They also have to be voluminous and full length if they are to replicate Palazzo trousers correctly. Be sure that your curtains look like chic and sexy Palazzo trousers rather than bell-bottom pyjamas if you want to pull this style of window dressing off correctly.

The curtains have to be grand, sleek and eye-catching, in a similar vein to body shapes Palazzo curtains are ideal window dressings for tall, long windows (rather like fashion models) rather than short and squat shaped windows which won't really do them any justice.

With sheer lightweight fabrics it's easy to make your own cheap curtains in the Palazzo style – just make sure that you allow for plenty of fabric with and length and a neat heading (rather like a waistband on trousers) which gathers the volume of fabric up to a neat finish.

If you're looking for interior design ideas you won't go far wrong looking at the latest fashions – once the fashion shows are over we always see interiors following suit to a certain degree.

Image: Design Inspiration

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Stylish Window Treatments for Spring: Lambrequins


Have you ever heard of a Lambrequin? The chances that you haven't! Their origin lies in a piece of cloth which was used to cover the back of a knight's helmet in Medieval times. It's also know or referred to a short piece of rigid cloth window treatment.

Basically a Lambrequin is a decorative pelmet that is made to fit into the top half of a window and rather than just being a piece of fabric the Lambrequin's fabric is glued or stapled over MDF (similar to a headboard). Usually there are no curtains or blinds used with them so theoretically you can only use this style of window dressing in rooms which don't have a privacy issue such as hallways. However modern styles mean you could use them in conjunction with a roller blinds or curtains. As Lambrequin are neat and tidy they are ideal for windows which are hard to reach or where voluminous curtains would swamp the room or area.

You can make your own Lambrequins relatively simply buy using curtain fabrics and designing yourself a template. Don't forget that the fabric will be stretched so be wary of pattern distortions, fraying etc. A medium weight fabric is ideal.

Another tip – don't get carried away making intricate designs on your first attempt, also make sure that the size of the Lambrequin balances with the size of your window.

There's plenty of interior design ideas for dressing your windows this Spring – let your windows make a real statement in your home.

Image: Design du Monde.blogspot

Thursday, January 19, 2012

2012 Interior Design Trends: Reflecting Your Personality


We all know, or should do, that our interior décor, the colours we choose to use and our tastes in furniture and furnishings should reflect our personality. However, for many having the spare cash to get the designer interior we lust after is a dream we hope one day will come true.

This year is a year for change and despite the gloomy economy and high unemployment figures hope is always on the horizon. You should remember that you're not alone, retailers are also struggling in many areas and as such are offering some great discounts as well as generous sale prices.

'Strike while the iron is hot', so to speak and look for a bedding sale to re-vamp your bedroom on a budget with cheap duvet covers and ready made curtains uk. Up-dating your home is a great morale booster, so rather than let the 'winter blues get you down' surf the net and find yourself some great bargains.

Look for online retailers who guarantee quality and offer such things as free fabric samples to enable you to 'feel the quality of the cloth' before you make your final decision on colour and pattern.

There's a lot of proverbial sayings in this post and whilst I'm no great believer there may be something in them to make you take note and be inspired to change your interior this year to reflect the real you!

Image: Things That Inspire

Thursday, January 5, 2012

2012 Interior Design Trends: Heritage


Once again we see an emphasis on looking to our heritage, with shades of grey, brown and creams being the main colour schemes. This style means we could in fact go to 'brocantes' to find bygone treasure such as silver plated or pewter accessories if we don't have any family heirlooms of our own to display.

This style also reflects the warmth and comfort that the past holds for most of must. Beautiful damask curtains that may remind us of our grandparents, antique photo frames holding sepia photos can all be put on display around our homes.

Bed throws with hand finished trim don't have to be inherited pieces as new versions can comfortable sit side by side with new to achieve a comforting and welcoming look in our homes. Add lots of textures to your rooms so that they don't become flat and boring, cheap cushions in a variety of shapes and fabrics can be piled onto sofas, chairs and beds to get the look.

Return to days gone by and bring comfort to your kitchen by using kitchen rugs and kitchen blinds in shades of brown and creams, all you need to do is start filling your home with the aroma of home made bread or cakes and you're on the right tracks to achieving this interior design trend.

Image: Atticmag

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2012 Interior Design Trends: Brocante


For those who aren't used to hearing or seeing the word 'brocante' in French it basically means 'boot fair' – so the new buzz word in interior design is 'brocante' which sounds far chicer than boot fair! The style encompasses mixing old with new and reflects the current economic climate. It could also be the 'new' shabby chic and it's basis is fundamentally the same.

You visit a brocante and purchase second hand goods, haggle for a good price and grab yourself a bargain. As the saying goes “one man's rubbish (or junk) is another man's treasure”. However, if you don't want a newer version of Shabby Chic you can still grab a bargain as the customary January sales have begun in earnest.

Soft furnishings, curtains, cheap cushions, blinds, kitchen rugs and bedding sale prices means that you don't have to settle for second best or second hand. And whilst I'm not condemning second hand I do wonder why people go for this option where there are so many great finds to be had on the internet and the high street where soft furnishings are concerned.

Ask yourself 'do you really want to sleep on a stranger's used sheets?' - I know I wouldn't go that route – what's your feelings on taking this stance?

Image: A Life's Design

Friday, December 30, 2011

Looking Back – 2010 Highlights


2010 has been an exciting time in interior design, so let's take a quick look back and remind ourselves of the highlights.

I began the year by sharing the new trends and colours forecast to be big throughout the year – we saw designers re-cycle and up-cycle, create eco-friendly interiors and focused on using the space in our homes to their full potential.

By the summer we'd given you ideas on how to make statement headboards as well as ways to brighten bedrooms and kitchens on a budget. We touched on fantasy ideas to bring a completely new look to your rooms and took a brief look at using Feng-Shui.

We also talked a lot about window dressings, the art of layering and how the catwalk can also inspire interior design ideas. As autumn approached we looked at using bed throws, cheap rugs, curtains and blinds to help keep your homes warm and cosy; and of course in December we've looked at ways to add festive cheer into your rooms.

So what's in store for next year? Well, we can look forward to more stunning interior design trends, new colours, different perspectives on design as well as tips and hints on how to transform your home on a budget. 2012 is set to be more fascinating than ever before, especially as designers are introducing to their latest design innovations which we take build or adapt to suit our own homes.

Happy New Year everyone, and I look forward to your company throughout 2012!

Image: Design Heaven

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Spruce Up Your Interior For Christmas - Bathrooms


The choice between using a full or partial window dressing depends on your need for privacy first and on your bathroom's design second. For example, in a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, full opaque curtains or wooden blinds will be a must when there are neighbours. Full sheer curtains are great when the house is in the woods where nosy neighbours are nowhere to be found!

Go for Decorative Accents:
Don't forget the decorative accents using soft furnishings either. Think of the ways that the area above the mirror or the sink can be livened up by placing swags of colourful fabric artfully twisted into a valance. Or place a valance over the shelves to add a pop of colour into a utilitarian space.

Even colourful towels can become decorative accents when placed in visible spaces. The bath will look nicer when a double towel bar with patterned towels is positioned over it. Better yet, swap your old, tired towels with new ones or hang new hand and face towels for added flair – mix and match until the colours complement each other.
You can go festive and add a little tree to stand on the vanity unit or window sills – I'd prefer candles scented with festive fragrances such as spiced mulled wine, fir trees or Christmas pudding!

Image: roomenvy

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Interior Design Winter Warmers: Kitchen Rugs


With the trend for natural flooring such as stone, slate or ceramic tiles in kitchens the floor can become cold during the winter, especially if you walk around without shoes or slippers! Without spoiling the look and style of your kitchen there's a huge range of kitchen rugs available which are the ideal winter warmers.

Team the colour with your window blinds or curtains to bring a chic look to your kitchen and look for rugs which have been designed to take the spills of general kitchen life. If your flooring is polished tiles it may be wise to use anti-slip matting otherwise you may find yourself skating across the room!

The latest styles and designs are a far cry from the tatty looking kitchen rugs used in the past to lay on top of lino – today rugs are available in a wonderful array of plain colours or patterns to suit various interior design styles.

If you're interior design style encompasses up-cycling then why not make your own rugs? I've seen them made from old leather belts (without the buckles) and even neck-ties!

So, while you're preparing food or simply making a quick cuppa, treat yourself to a kitchen rug to help keep your feet beautifully warm this winter.

Image: guyerfamilyblog

Friday, September 23, 2011

A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 4: In the Bathroom


Water is a source of energy in Feng shui, so make sure you don't have leaks or dripping taps to take that energy away. Always keep your bathroom well ventilated, a 'normal' positive health approach. One of the key aspects is to ensure that the toilet seat is kept closed when it's not being used and never flush the toilet with the seat still up and the energy will be flushed away as well.

Decorate your bathroom in warm colours and try to keep it as natural as possible. This is difficult to do with baths and sinks being made of plastic but you can ease the blockage of energy by using wood, stones or metal in corners as decoration of your choosing. Live plants also help feed the movement of air purity throughout the space.

Use lightweight net curtains or vertical blinds to keep the room well lit as well as private from the outside world. The bathroom is the most difficult of rooms to keep a positive chi moving with barriers such as placement, size and unnatural materials but by taking a few precautionary steps, you can bring a surreal and peaceful feeling to this room.

Image: Feng Shui Bathroom Tip blogspot

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Interior Design Ideas for Halls and Entrances


It's time to add a bit of nature to your hallways. Yellow thistle flowers, which are often referred to as 'pineapples' are really nice wild flowers that look great in an entrance hallway against practically any other colour. This will give your home a summery and welcoming arrival for your guests.

These next interior design ideas are really down to personal preference but as many halls and entrances are dark you may need to add some artificial light. By placing small 'fairy style' lights along the skirting boards of your hallway, this will create a stylish effect at night-time. Try not to over-do it though, just a few light along the floor is more than sufficient for the effect we are looking for here.

By adding a rectangular rug the eye will automatically drawn down the length of the hall – circular rugs are also ideal for square entrances to take away the 'boxy' feel.

A door curtain is also a good idea particularly in older houses as not only will it stop any draughts in the winter it will also add a homely touch to your hall.

Image: apd

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Chelsea Flower Show


The Royal Horticultural Chelsea Flower Show is in full swing this week – and what does this have to do with interior design? Well, William Morris has been mentioned on more than one occasion and one of the top interior designer Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen showed viewers how interior design and garden design are singing from the same hymn sheet so to speak. He refer to choosing garden furniture in the same way you would choose your sofa and other soft furnishings.

Of course most for us know Lawrence for his flamboyance and forward thinking interiors and room make-overs. His love of luxury bedding to transform even the most tired looking bedroom is synonymous to his interiors; along with mixing colours which can be inspired from nature itself – such as bright poppy red curtains with lime greens to create chic and stylish interiors.

The presenters of the flower show also made copious remarks about the Arts & Crafts movement (William Morris) and how the new artisan garden category has brought new structuring, colours and planting into gardens which can be viewed from even the humblest sized people's windows.

The more you look into gardening the more you'll see just how it influences interior design year on year and through the seasons.

Image: Blog Graham Brown

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Contemporary Interior Design Ideas: In The Bedroom


Who said the only furniture in the bedroom has to be the bed, bedside tables and dressers? When you want to add form and function to your bedroom consider adding some seating. This will of course only be possible in a larger bedroom, but if you have the room, an elegant chaise can completely transform it into an luxurious parlour. You could also create a cosy corner with an overstuffed chair, end table, small lamp and a footstool. When you need to create a place of escape within your home, this is a good option.

Add elegance to your bedroom with full length pencil pleat curtains in a soothing, chic colour – again if you've got a large bedroom – have the curtains extend further than the end of your windows to create a chic hotel look. Statement headboards are also part of the contemporary design scene – make your own by choosing fabulous patterned curtain material online. It's a good idea to add extra height to get the full effect and if you can tie-in your bed's valance with the same fabric it will bring a sense of balance and cohesion to your room.

Image: Belle Maison
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