If I come across a great piece of fabric, it inspires me to make changes to my decor. Whether it is the colour palette in the pattern or the pattern itself, my head is filled with possibilities for updates. I don't always follow these decorating urges, otherwise I'd be changing my decor every week, but sometimes it's good to pay attention when inspiration hits.
There are so many ways to update your space with a simple length of fabric. Often you can find great remnants at thrift stores or fabric stores that are affordable. Even costly fabrics can be affordable in small amounts so there's no excuse for living in a humdrum space. On a small scale, you can use fabric remnants to make new toss cushions (or cover old ones). Even if you don't sew, you can hand stitch a simple cover or even use hem glue to fuse the pieces together. Use a vibrant remnant of fabric to cover lampshades, wastebaskets and decorative boxes for pretty storage. A hot glue gun or some spray mount is all you need to begin your small craft project.
Our feature photograph, courtesy of Dulux, boasts fabric stretched on frames and used to cover a fireplace opening when not in use. This is a great way to cover a dark, empty firebox while adding pattern and colour to your space. In this case a few covered frames are simply leaning against the fireplace wall. You could also hang this artwork in any room for added pizzazz. Stretcher frames or even foam core can be found at craft and art supply stores over which to stretch your piece of fabric. The fun part about this project is that you can change the fabric on a whim to get an entirely new look. You may all ready have old pictures or paintings that you can cover in this manner. You'll be gluing the fabric to the back of the frame so no harm done if you change your mind.
Another great way to make wall art out of fabric is to create a hanging fabric scroll. Glue fabric ends around pieces of thick wooden dowel and hang from a braided rope to create a focal point in a room. This will add visual height thus adding extra drama. Add tassels to the scroll for a regal look. This can be a dramatic touch at the head of the bed.
You can create fabric wall panels by creating frames on the wall with thin wooden trim and filling in the panel with lovely fabric. This would be a great project for a formal dining room. Imagine rich damask fabric with coordinating paint colours!
Create a soft look in a bedroom or nursery by creating a fabric canopy over the bed. This project can take on many forms, depending upon the bed/crib so do a search on the internet for the application that will suite your specific needs. Even simple mosquito netting draped at the head of the bed can add a soft, romantic touch.
On a larger scale you can create a focal wall by covering an entire wall in fabric using spray adhesive. This is a large job that will require lots of fabric but if you find the right pattern at a good price then it's worth the effort. Try this at the head of the bed, or on a partial wall in an open concept space or even in a powder room.
Use fabric to recover chair seats. You can transform your dining room set with a fabric upgrade. Consider mixing and matching fabric remnants for an eclectic look. If your chair seats are removable then this is a fairly easy DIY project. Use the old fabric as your template for tracing and cutting the new fabric pieces. Use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the seat bottom.
If you're in a quandary about colours for your new decor then take your palette from a great piece of fabric. If you like it in the fabric you'll like it in the room. Don't forget fabric doesn't necessarily have to come from a bolt, it might be curtains, bed linens or even an article of clothing.
Textiles can make your decor a wonderful, soft, textural place to be. Fabrics are a necessary part of any room. Use them to create a new look for your home.
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