Using Colour - Natural Palettes of Shades Part 2

Carrying on from our my last post - once a base colour has been selected and applied to the majority of the wall surfaces, accent colours can be use to highlight feature aspects of the room; nature-based shades of brown, blue and grey work really well but equally splashes of bright, contrasting colours can be used to add interest and excitement; maybe some fuchsia pink cushions and matching throw or a stunning display of bright red silk flowers in a tall vase. You may like to swap and change these from season to season to give your room a quick and easy update.

Texture is very important when using natural shades; it helps to add layers and depth to what might otherwise be a rather “flat” scheme. In keeping with the simple and uncluttered theme of the Natural décor, a few well-chosen and stunning pieces work better than lots of random items strewn around the room. Again, borrowing from nature offers an enormous choice of beautiful items for your room; sea shells, rocks, smooth pebbles, drift-wood, leather, metals, both shiny and matt and natural fabrics like Hessian and calico.

Flooring in Natural palette rooms is well suited to wood (scrubbed floor-boards rather than shiny formal parquet), stone or rustic tiles. This can be softened by putting down rugs to create a warmer feel to the room.

Image: Belle Maison

Can't Find The Curtains You're Looking? - Simple, Make Your Own!

If you're looking for a particular style of window dressing and are fed up with not being able to find exactly what you're after, then why not join this years interior design revival of making your own curtains or blinds? Further still you could even opt for second hand curtains and add your own personal touches with trimmings.

Making curtains is really not that difficult as long as you have the basic skills of being able to use a sewing machine; having said that you could even cheat and use the latest haberdashery and take up hems using iron-on tape! If you want Roman blinds these are available in kit form and all you need is a kit and the fabric!

With those parts out of the way you can begin with contemplating colours and/or patterns for your curtain project. Neutral colours are easy on the eye and can look good in nearly every space - they will also enhance on light or give the impression of light.

Colours create moods too so think about cool tones for bedrooms and bathrooms, warm tones for kitchens and dining spaces. It might be easiest to go with an existing colour palette that you have in your room. With large windows or rooms you have more options when it comes to bold patterns but with a smaller scale you should look for delicate details or stripes.

Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things

Stay True To Your Own Individuality

Mix and not matching creates a chic style which suits modern family homes and lifestyles. Stripes are known to make rooms appear taller which gives the illusion of more space and light.

With discount fabric warehouse stores online its easy to collect materials of all colours, patterns and fabrics to make an abundance of cushions to pile onto sofas, chairs and beds to create a homely look.

I think it makes a real change to focus on reality rather than dreaming of the impossible! Interior designers undoubtedly create great interiors, however for the vast majority these designs come with a hefty price tag – the trick is to use the ideas, tweak them a little and create your own interior style which reflects your independence and personality not your budget.

With little skill you can transform your living space into a haven rich with colour, pattern and chic style. Just remember to stand true to the style of your home and leave the homes of the rich and famous as places to visit in person or via the internet and pinch ideas from!

Be open to trying new styles, experiment and broaden your horizons so that your home becomes envied!

Image: Decorology

Innovative Ways To Brighten Your Kitchen Cupboards

We know that bold patterns are right on-trend this year, along with people being more pedantic over the choice they make for using sustainable materials. As such why not use bright bold fabric to cover your kitchen cupboards?

An inexpensive and very different approach to up-dating kitchen cupboards! With the ability to buy fabric online then are a whole plethora of beautiful designs and patterns to choose from. Opt for medium weight fabrics to enable you to simply stick it to the cupboard doors.

You should also look for fabrics which don't fray otherwise you'll have to turn a small hem all the way round which, unless you're very careful won't give you a nice flat and even surface edge. PVC fabric may be the best choice as these are also wipe clean, have a thicker density which won't be spoilt by glue seeping through.

Ask staff in a fabric warehouse for suggestions if you're unsure or drop their customer service team an e-mail for advice.

You have to admit this is an ingenious and inexpensive way of bringing a whole new trendy look to your kitchen! You could even use the same fabric for a table runner or make your own Roman blinds for a balanced and cohesive look.

Image: AtticMag

Make Your Own Statement Headboard

Statement headboards are right on-trend and you don't have to be an expect in interior design or DIY to achieve the look!

All you need is a little inspiration from the designers by looking at interior design blogs, then browse for gorgeous fabric online and rustle up your own version, as long as the headboard is big and the colours you choose compliment your décor anything goes!

Use MDF board and simply cover it with your chosen fabric, a staple gun will come in handy or if you prefer a softer headboard to lean against stick a layer of foam to the board before you cover it.

To create a professional look to your bedroom buy enough fabric to make matching boudoir style cushions or use it to make your own Roman blinds, so that the colours and patterns blend together. However, don't forget the centre of attention should be the headboard, so don't go overboard an the accessories otherwise there will be too much competition for centre stage which can lead to a unbalance and unharmonious look.

To bring another of this year's trends into your bedroom opt for big bold prints which are ideal for creating statement headboards!

Image: Decorology

Have An Eye For A Bargain!

Having an eye for a bargain is hot on everyone's agenda, especially if you've just moved into your first flat or home. As we all know a bargain is only a true bargain if you actually need the object you're buying, it's not the same as a 'wish list'!

I classify window dressing as a necessity not a luxury! Therefore to get real value for money you need to scour curtains for sale from a discount fabric warehouse and snap up genuine bargain which will you can use, and if necessary re-use, time and time again.

Look for reversible curtains as these will enable you to change the look of a room as well as giving your neighbours something new to look at if you don't have nets or blinds!

Also look out for curtain linings thermal style to give you added comfort and help reduce heat loss via your windows, which in turn will help lower your fuel bills! Do a little savvy shopping and you'll find that you can be frugal without having to scrimp on having a stylish window dressing!

Opt for patterned curtain fabrics as these will not restrict your interior style as you'll be able to pick out colours from the fabric to use as an accent to create a harmonious look.

Image:Endless Inspiration

Try Fabric Printing To Make Your Own Art Work!

Add a touch of spring to your bedroom with beautiful colour combinations of lime and purple. Set against a white back drop these colours create a gorgeous colour scheme which suits modern and contemporary homes beautifully.

Adding wall art with identical colours brings the room together and is a great way to add new dimensions and looks to a bedroom. Do away with the traditions of formal prints or pop art and deck your bedroom walls with the 'unusual' which team with your bedding sets.

If you fancy trying your hand at some 'cut work' or unusual paint effects you can be inspired by others! With the availability of buying fabric online you can mix and match patterns and colours to suit your living space.

Look for patterned fabrics which offer the opportunity to cut out the detailing and then use this to make prints in your chosen colour, a bit like potato printing you did when you were younger, with an adult twist!

There are lots of great ideas for bringing a fresh new look to your home online; if you can't think of your own ideas then take snippets and looks from other people, after all that's what great interior design ideas are all about – sharing with others!

Image: My Notting Hill