Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Make A Bow for A Present

One of our trim suppliers created this nice little video for making a classic bow for wrapping presents.

Gift Wrapping Tips
Secure a hard-to wrap gift with an embellished ponytail holder.
Assign a different colored wrapping paper for each child.
Martha Stewart recommends a rotary cutter.
Use double-sided tape.
Don't use too much paper.
Turn fabric scraps into ribbons and embellishments.
Wrap awkwardly boxes diagonally and it will look perfect.

Shop discount fabrics >>

Friday, October 19, 2018

Time To Go Cordless

Time To Go Cordless

New Safety Regulations for Window Coverings

Effective December 15, 2018


The Window Covering Safety Council in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a significant change to window covering standards. As of December 15, 2018 all ready made blinds must be cordless. Once current inventory levels of corded blinds are depleted, all the consumer will see are cordless blinds in the big box stores both locally and online. All types of custom blinds are exempt which will allow consumers to order window coverings with cords if so desired.

Why such a costly change? The concern is for the safety of our children. With an average of 12 children a year dying from strangulation from cord entanglement and 20 a month being take to the emergency room, the time has come to make a significant change to protect our children.
www.InteriorDecorating.com has already prepared for this change.  You can order cordless blinds online today. The new blinds feature easy to use cordless lift systems. If you want to see how they work, check out our informative videos on our 

Friday, September 14, 2018

Arched Window Products

One of the products offered on www.InteriorDecorating.com is the notched pin strip.  This product makes it easy to hang draperies inside an arched window.  Check out this video:



Shop products >

Friday, August 17, 2018

Fabric Focus: Alexander Henry

Unusual. Distinctive. Fun. Vibrant. Novelty. All words that describe the cotton fabric prints from Alexander Henry. These popular fabrics are loved from fashion designers to home sewers. If you are looking for something unique, you will find it in these designer fabrics.

Alexander Henry is located in Burbank California and is run by the De Leon Design Group—Marc, Phillip and Nicole de Leon.  Each pattern is designed by in-house artists  who paints each pattern by hand. 


Of the essential studio process, Nicole de Leon explains, "We are painters and we love to paint, and we love that the process is organic and sometimes wonderfully unpredictable. Moving and blending the media is vital to the process." Phillip de Leon, her brother and design partner concurs, "As a fabric company and as painters we feel tied to the tradition of old world textile design. There is an intimacy to our finished product that I believe our clients notice. When we introduce a collection, our customers approach each design as something unique, where the hand of the artist is definitely in evidence."
Don't you just love these new fabrics?


Monday, July 30, 2018

Ripplefold Curtains

Ripplefold window treatments are gaining in popularity in the residential market. A common look for commercial spaces, the ripplefold carrier system creates a sleek, elegant wave like pattern visible on both sides of the curtains. When the curtains are open, they require less stackback space and provide more exposure to the glass.


 When choosing ripplefold curtains, you need to choose either a butt master carrier or overlap master carrier. 

Center Draw: Butt master will provide a continuous fold look but will allow some light to filter in between the center crack. An overlap carrier will cover the light gap but create a flat center.
Left or Right Draw: A butt master carrier will have a continuous wave look with the curtain panel wrapping completely around the end. An overlap master carrier will create a flat look on the end.

Friday, July 13, 2018

Interior Design Quotes

Random Interior Design Quotes


Shop Maxwell Fabrics
"Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated." Paul Rand

"A house is much more than a mere shelter, it should lift us emotionally and spiritually." John Saladino

"The best design projects are the ones where people broke the rules." Nate Berkus

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

"If you love something, it will work. That's the only real rule." Bunny Williams
"I think your eye will gravitate towards the colors that are right for you—you don’t have to be a design expert." Joanna Gaines

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Traverse Curtain Rod Terms

Left Draw, Right Draw, Center Draw - What do these terms mean?


Traverse rods include a track with carriers that are pulled with a baton or cord.  They can even be motorized. So what do these terms mean and what do I need?



Center Draw: Two drapery panels split in the middle.  When the draperies are open, one panel stacks/draws to each side with the opening in the center.

Left Draw: One panel that opens to the left and closes to the right.  When the draperies are open, the panel stacks/draws to the left.

Right Draw: One panel that opens to the right and closes to the left.  When the draperies are open, the drapery panel stacks/draws to the right.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Fun New Fabrics from Premier Prints

Premier Prints, a southern based company, produces fun prints for home decorating.  These fabrics are washable and inexpensive.  You can use these cute fabrics for just about any project you want.

  • Throw Pillows
  • Wall Hangings
  • Curtains and Valances
  • Table Linens
  • Doll Clothes
  • Aprons
  • Home-made Gifts
  • Occasional Use Furniture
There are more than 500 new fabric designs on our website: www.InteriorDecorating.com

Here are some of my favorites:









Friday, April 20, 2018

Abstract Fabric Makes a Comeback

Abstract designs are making a comeback. Some of the patterns are reminiscent of popular designs in the 1980's while others are new and fresh.  These popular styles will give your home or office a modern, contemporary feel.  Create bedding and accents for your home decor with abstract fabrics for upholstery, draperies, bedding and pillows.  These fabrics would also make lovely wall art, screens and soft window shades.  Take a look at some of the new abstract fabrics on www.InteriorDecorating.com

https://www.fabric-textiles.com/619837-7633-B6660-CORAL
https://www.fabric-textiles.com/590806-7633-Abstract-Sherbert

https://www.fabric-textiles.com/617351-7633-HU15861-590-PLUM-RED

Friday, April 13, 2018

Clean and Organize Today

Why does it take putting your house on the market to get all those little projects done?  Why can't we have a nice, updated house while we live in it?

Let's get to work. First, make a list of all the things you want fixed or updated. Most of the projects on my list did not take that long to complete and I really do love the results. I have wanted my front door painted for years. It took about 2.5 hours - with my husbands help - to get it completed. That's it and I love it.

Of course, regular spring cleaning would make some of the work much easier.  Have you started your spring cleaning yet?

If you vinyl mini blinds and the slats are broken or missing, we have budget-friendly blinds in 100's of sizes. They can also be custom cut to fit your window. Shop Blinds

Another quick and easy fix - make a cute pillow cover out of some new fabric - just slip your old pillow in and you have an instant update. Here's a link to a no sew pillow how-to >

After you make your list, number them in order of priority.  Budget for your needed supplies and stop putting the projects off.  You will feel so much better when your house is fresh, clean and up-to-date.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

A Tour of the Kasmir Workroom


Recently we visited the Kasmir workroom in Dallas, Texas. It is always amazing to see the vastness of one of our premier fabric suppliers up close. After a very warm welcome, the tour was informative and fun.  If you need cornice boards, bedding, drapes and curtains made, we would be happy to quote custom work from Kasmir for you.




Shop Kasmir Fabrics >

Friday, March 9, 2018

Spring Mantel Ideas

Birds and Bunnies. Pastels, Pinks, and Greens. These things make us think of spring. If you are ready to update your mantel for the spring, try out some of these ideas that should take you into summer.  Grab your favorite spring flowers, some bright greenery and try a few of these mantel decorating ideas.


I love the birds on the candlesticks. Such a cute idea. 

 Nothing says bright and cheery like forythia blossoms or tulips. The quote "Live life in full bloom" is a great idea for your spring mantel.

Friday, March 2, 2018

Fabric by the Yard

Understanding fabric by the yard is key to correctly estimating how much fabric you need.
Let's say you want to figure out how much fabric you need to make a basic, knife edge 20x20 square throw pillow.  Decorative fabric is usually 54" wide.  1 yard is 36" so you can make one pillow from 1 yard of fabric.  You can cut two squares across the fabric.  You could make two pillows with approximately 1 1/2 yards.
Shop 1,000's of Fabrics


Friday, February 23, 2018

Fabric Trimmings Trends

Fabric Trim has gone big and bold.  Borders and tapes have reached new heights widths. Large 2.5 to 4 inch wide tapes keep showing up everywhere. These are perfect for adding an elegant touch to draperies. Large bands also make a statement on furniture. The perfect spot is on a large throw pillow. Here are some of my favorites:
Shop Wide Trims



Friday, February 9, 2018

DIY Cornice Boards

What is a cornice board? A decorative element that crowns a door or window.  A valance will have loose fabric at the bottom where a cornice does not.  You can use a cornice to cover curtain rods and window blind head rails.  Cornice boards also add dimension and hard lines to a window treatment.
Check out this how-to make your own cornice board on www.InteriorDecorating.com


Friday, February 2, 2018

Charlotte Lifeguard Finish

I love new innovations.  This week we received some samples of Charlotte fabrics that have been treated with Lifeguard Performance Finish.  You can have any Charlotte fabric treated for only $4.75 per yard.  What does that do for your fabric? EVERYTHING

Permanent Water Repellency
Permanent Stain Repellency
Permanent Odor Repellency
Permanent Antimicrobial Resistance
Permanent Antibacterial Resistance
Permanent Durability Improvement

This finish is eco-friendly - no harsh chemicals so it is safe for kids and pets and makes your furniture kid and pet proof.  WOW  The finish will not alter the feel or colors of your fabric.  Easy to clean - just brush lightly or use mild soap and warm water.  Check out this video where Emery and I tested the claims.



Shop Charlotte Fabrics >>

Friday, January 26, 2018

High Performance Fabrics

Trendy: Purchase high performance fabrics made for outdoor use to use in your home.  Many of today's outdoor fabrics have a fabulous look and better feel than in the past.  The inherent qualities of these fabrics make them a great choice for your indoor spaces.  Since they resist spills and fading and are very durable, they work well where kids and pets are regular visitors. Duralee also has a new line from designer Lonni Paul that features Crypton brand fabrics - these are normally for commercial spaces.  New looks that will last a long time - you can't beat it.

Shop Beautiful Indoor/Outdoor High Performance Fabrics >

Friday, January 12, 2018

Magnolia Fabrics and HGTV's HomeTown

Magnolia Fabrics will be featured on HGTV's new hit show Hometown. The first season was a HUGE success and season 2 premiers January 8th 2018.

We are honored that the show's talent and producers asked us be a partner. Our fabrics will be featured in each episode this upcoming season. Were we excited about the publicity from our products being featured on a national television show? Absolutely! But greater than that was our interest in supporting a hit television show that is filmed right in our backyard. The show is filmed in Laurel MS, a small town just hours from us. Erin and Ben Napier, the hosts of the show, live in Laurel and are helping to revitalize the town one home at a time.
Support the show by watching each week starting January 8th. You will not be disappointed!


Friday, January 5, 2018

Front Door Colors and Tips

One of my projects for this year is to paint my front door. What color? What kind of paint do I purchase? Are there tips for doing a great job? Here's what I found.

Planning


Red - choose a red or shade from your brick colors or a nice gray (try pulling the color from your grout lines).  Light yellow and beige will work as well.

Grey - light blues and turquoise, yellow and dark purple all make great choices.

Brown - bright red, mossy green and darker blue shades will create a lovely look.

White - dark colors like green, black and dark gray create a dramatic and classy look. However, when your house is white - any color will work.



Tape paint chips to your door to compare your choices. Another suggestion is to purchase samples of your top picks and paint larger swatches to compare throughout the day as the colors will appear differently depending on the sunlight.

Better Homes and Gardens lists some traditional exterior house color schemes:

  • Yellow and Cream
  • Charcoal and Light Gray
  • Sage and Taupe
  • Plum and Taupe or Cream
  • Rich Green plus Gray
  • Forest Green and Black


Painting

First, wait for a clear sunny day - you don't want to paint when it is below 50 degrees.  About a quart of paint will cover a single primed exterior door.  Be sure to purchase paint designed for exterior surfaces. Glossy paints tend to last longer and go well with brick. Clean and sand your door prior to priming and painting. You can use a paint brush or low-nap or foam roller to apply the paint.