Project: Sun Fabric Cushions

One of the few art projects that I distinctly remember doing as a kid was placing flowers on white sun paper, letting it sit outdoors for a few minutes and then rinsing the paper off to find the flower outlines transferred onto an indigo blue background. When looking for an online source for sun print paper recently, I was intrigued to find that the technology has now also been applied to fabric. I had to try it. The cushions above that I just brought into the shop are the result. I traced antique penmanship art images onto a sheet of clear celluloid and then sewed the results into cushions with linen backs. I had to experiment a bit with time and placement, but I eventually managed to get the images to transfer clearly on the rich indigo color that I love so much. Here are a few more ideas via Pinterest for sun fabric projects. 

Images: RevivalSmith, Pinterest.

Mismatched Bedside Tables

I've had customers ask me recently to let them know if I get any matching bedside tables in the shop. I don't have the heart to tell them that it's very unlikely. Part of what I love about selling vintage furniture is that I encounter so many one-of-a-kind pieces. When it comes to lighting or cushions, pairs can create a sense of continuity. But matching bedroom and dining sets just aren't for me. Someone described it to me as, "walking into a room and knowing within 10 seconds what it's all about." Vintage pieces help to layer a room so that you want to come in and explore. To me, these images of mismatched bedside tables are proof that if you love something, there's always a way to make it work. 

Images: Vignette Design, My White Room, Manolo for the Home, Canadian House & Home, Apartment Therapy, Designing Home.

Stairwells

Like its hallways, a home's stairwell is often treated as an afterthought. Because we don't congregate on the stairs, but rather pass through them on our way to somewhere else, it's not unusual for them to be ignored when decorating plans are being made. But even a small pass-through space can become a vision for the eyes. Decorative tiles, elegant carpeting, paint effects and art are all very effective in these small spaces. They retrain us to notice the humbler spaces in our homes and they prove that a little bit of effort can have a big visual impact. There's no reason the path to bed each night can't be an inspiring one.

Images: Lonny magazine, May 2012 issue. Canadian House & Home magazine, November 2010 issue. British Homes & Gardens magazine, November 2010 issue. Driven by Decor. Apartment Therapy. Houzz.

Boho Chic

Partly made up of world market treasures and partly made up of flea-market finds, boho chic is all about layers of textiles, colors and collections. The opposite of minimalism, boho chic almost invites messiness. A few trademarks of the style: piles of cushions, overlapping rugs, walls covered in art or photos, and furnishings with character (read imperfections). Ultimately, boho style is collected over time. Though an approximation of the style can be achieved overnight, it won't have real character until it has been lived in for a while. A boho space will often have pieces that don't naturally make sense together. But the look is enhanced by the differences. Even the ugliest little piece of furniture will shine in a bohemian room. What's not to love about a style that welcomes rejects?

Images: The Comforts of Home by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, published by Ryland, Peters & Small. Recycled Home by Mark & Sally Bailey, photography by Debi Treloar, published by Ryland, Peters & Small. This Free Bird. My Favorite and My Best. WeHeartIt. Apartment Therapy.