Sunday, September 23, 2007

Bedroom Makeover - Part Two.

I found this chair in the garbage 9 years ago. I liked it then, and I like it now. But fabric was very old and dated , so I decided to reupholster it myself. Fabric choice wasn't difficult, I already had draperies and decorative pillows from same fabric.

It took me a while to take all the staples out. I used old fabric parts as my template to cut new fabric.

It was my first experience with the upholstery, but I think I have achieved what I wanted.
It may be not perfect, but it is my home and my chair and I love it the way it is.


I called this "Horse Pillow". I know, it does not exist in the nature - the horse with leopard skin pattern, but the fringe on this decorative pillow reminds me of a horse mane.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Wild and Beautiful. Bedroom makeower - part one.

Animal prints - some people love it, others hate. We are all different, thank god! Otherwise we would all end up having same colours, fabrics and furniture in the same houses. Would not that be a nightmare!

Let's go back to animal prints.

Those beautiful full operational draperies are made of leopard print faux fur fabric. The little valance covers and hides inexpensive I-Beam rod. It has small drop size for a reason. There is only 6" above the patio door leading to a balcony, and the owners are relatively toll.


The chair
and the ottoman were reupholstered with the same fabric to keep the animal print theme. The ottoman provides a sitting place in the morning and a storage surface for the bed cover and decorative pillows over night.


Colours on the bed cover and on pillows are in harmony with colours on the draperies. For sewing enthusiasts it will be easy to make draperies and decorative pillows. Even upholstery probably won't be a problem.

If you are not sure about your skills, I would recommend to hire a professional to do the job.


Sunday, September 9, 2007

Is Black and White a New Trend in Home Décor?

It seems everyone is offering black-and-white decorative accessories nowadays.

Was not black-and-white around before? May be I wasn’t looking for white and black items and just didn’t noticed them?
Lately I was going through my collection of Burda Magazines I’ve collected over the years and suddenly found these beautiful dresses made in black and white. Magazine I found the dresses in is November 2003 issue of Burda. That means I have had it since 2003, but probably was not paying attention all that time.

In 2005-2006 I’ve designed a collection of decorative pillows in Black and White silk. Look at the pictures of the 2003 dresses and my 2007 pillows.

Do you see the similarity?

I do not have the pillow similar to the next dress, but may be I should make one?

I am wondering, how strong the influence of fashion industry is on interior décor? I have feeling that it takes about 2-4 years for colours, fabric patterns and textures from fashion industry to be adopted in Home Décor field.

Below are black and white decorative accessories that I have found in various local stores in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Ikea store (right):

Loblaws (right):

Zellers (right):

LenkArt.com offers a whole collection of Black and White Decorative pillows for those who love clean lines of contemporary décor style.


Monday, September 3, 2007

Custom Wall Art


Whether you are moving into new house or renovating your old good place, it's worth consider the wall art. Wall art is an integral part of interior decor and can't be ignored. In my opinion it's as important as a wall color or the choice of the sofa fabric.

From this point you can choose from the closest department store or from an art gallery. The choice is yours: either a mass replica of Mona Lisa or unique work of unknown artist. Often both options may cost you same money.

Featured here are the two art works by Andrei Filippov: Fireworks #1 (above) and Hydraulics (below). Both are photograph prints available in custom sizes and finishes, framed or non-framed from ImageKind.