Guest Post: Winter Textiles

I was lucky enough to be contacted by Susi over at Design Shuffle about doing a guest post and I was really excited about the idea of introducing other talented writers and bloggers to you here at D+U.  My hope is that in the future I can bring you more contributors that will share their unique points of view and cool projects.  So with out further ado....(insert drumroll here)....


Hi, I'm Susi and I can usually be found over at Design Shuffle, a wonderful online community of design professionals and design lovers who share their work from around the world.  I love getting out and visiting great Interior Design blogs like Design Plus You. Thanks for letting me stop by!  I live in the Northeast and we got our first dose of winter this weekend so I'm thinking about cozy home textiles for winter already.  Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!


The tartan is a classic pattern for fall and winter fashion so it makes sense for it to be a perfect pattern for cozy winter textiles. Wool blankets or cotton flannels in charming plaids are great to make a bed cozy for winter.

Warm woolen throws and blankets are a great opportunity to add color to a room. Drape a striped throw on a chair, bed or sofa to add pattern and color.

A favorite winter textile is the knit throw.  These are like sweaters for your furniture.  Cozy cable knits, thick garter stitch and finely knit cashmere are popular choices.

A winter bed is best made with layers and layers of cozy winter textiles. Down comforters, quilts, coverlets and throws add an extra layer of warmth, and can add great color and texture to a Bedroom Design.

Not your granny squares throw, these crocheted blankets are lacy wonders.  These delicate winter textiles look like woven snowflakes.

For a cozy winter table, use a throw as a table cloth. A cream throw add textures to this winter table. This is perfect for a tea or cookie party.

Fur is the ultimate luxury fabric for winter. Faux furs have come a long way recently and are a fantastic option for the budget or anti-fur decorator.  So soft and cozy!

Nothing says winter textiles like a stack of beautiful handwoven wools and mohairs.  For winter decorating ideas, look for throws, blankets and coverlets that will add color and texture to your rooms. Throw blankets are perfect for any Living Room Designs.

With winter around the corner its time to start thinking about cozy home textiles already! For more great ideas or if you want to share your inspirations, visit Design Shuffle, where you can learn about the History of Interior Design and connect with Boston interior designers and more!


images: pinterest, dwell studio, pinterest, good life of design, country days, better homes and gardens, good life of design, graham and green

Creative Picture Frame Project

Like many of us out there, shopping is one of my favorite things to do.  Not only do I get a chance to peruse stores for interesting products, but now and then I come across a display that makes me stop and think.  For instance, at Pier One, this wreath made of frames really stood out.  What a great way to showcase family photos or pictures from your travels.  Also, it looks like you could make this on your own if you get a little creative with the support structure.  Instead of buying frames from a store you could try getting used frames from a thrift store and spray painting them.  That way the project would not only be cost effective, but have a more eclectic feel.

Sticker Wallpaper by Payton Turner

In Elle Decor this month they featured the artist Payton Turner who has come up with a new technique of creating "wallpaper".  She uses STICKERS!  I think I can safely say that we've all dabbled with putting stickers on our walls as kids, but Payton has turned it into a beautiful, colorful, and unique form of wall art that has become her career.  Who knew?  At first glance her work appears to be a sophisticated print, but close up it become a landscape where tigers, monster trucks, ice cream cones, and Elvis's coexist.  It gives traditional patterns a non-traditional, irreverent edge.  I completely love it!


To commission her or buy a framed piece of art visit Flat Vernacular.com

Etsy Home Decor Wrap Up

Shopping on Etsy can be a little daunting at times.  There are so many wonderful online stores and vendors that it can be hard to get through it all.  I often find myself getting lost for hours just looking through all the lovely things people are making and selling.  If you are like me, I was very excited to see that the site not only has original artist's work, but has been getting more home decor shops as well.  Here is a short list of some of my favorite e-stores to stop by and peruse.  They have some really unique items don't you think?  What are your favorite shops on Etsy?

1. Vintage Industrial Two Tier Chemistry Test Tube Rack  2. Vintage Way Rite Metal Scale  3. Vintage Brass Door Knob Wire Picture Holder  4. Antique Rustic Harvest Bowl

1. Russian Vintage Tea Glass Holder  2. Vintage Mechanical Alarm Clock  3. Vintage Tin Box from Latvia 4. Vintage Small Porcelain Cup

1. School Wall Map  2. Victorian Kraken Octopus Plate  3. Glass Bottle Apothecary Jar  4. Toledo Cafe Chairs

1. Modern Glass Decanter  2. Mid Century Pottery Bowl  3. Mid Century Pot  4. Rust and Peach Mexican Blanket

1. Blendo Pitcher and Glasses  2. Chrome Magazine Rack  3. Trio of Brass Candlesticks  4. Lattice Edge Milk Glass Pedestal Bowl 

Keep Calm Gallery

Yey! It's Friday!  This week has felt so long for some reason.  It seems like it has been filled with things that appear to be quick and easy, but then take twice (or three times) as long as you thought.  I've definitely repeated the mantra "keep calm" a lot this week followed by deep breathing.  It reminded me that I wanted to share the Keep Calm Gallery with you.  As you may have seen in house tours on blogs like Apartment Therapy or Design Sponge, the "Keep Calm, Carry On" poster is a pretty popular choice when it comes to artwork.  It was originally created in England to keep up moral during WWII, but has since turned into a design trend showcased in posters and other merchandise.  To be completely honest I think the poster is just ok...I mean, I liked it at first, but it was like hearing a song on the radio too often...I got sick of seeing it everywhere.  The Keep Calm Gallery however, has all of these other really fun posters, tea towels and cards.  You should definitely take a look if you like graphic and illustrative artwork.  Happy weekend everyone!

images: Keep Calm Gallery

Decorating with Maps

An art form in and of itself, a map can be as detailed or abstract as you want it to be and can add an international flare to your space.  It is also a great way to absorb geography. Having a map on your wall can be a wonderful learning tool each time you look at it.  How many other forms of wall art can do that?  For me, I like to keep a map up so that I can keep track of where I've been and where I want to travel to.  It is inspirational each time I pass by.  I've even taken to putting up photos to go along with the locations.  

Images: Penny Farthing Design House, You Are My Fav, Green Wellies, My Home Ideas, Nothing But Bonfires, White By Mehar, Domino Magazine, Elle Decor, Evie and Bluebell, Convoy.tumblr, Houzz,

Expedit Bookcase..you are Everywhere!!!!

As you probably have noticed in various interior designs, the Expedit bookcase from Ikea is a very popular storage choice for a lot of people.  It's simple, straightforward design, goes well with almost any style of decor and the ample space it provides is enticing for the book-lover or collector. Check out the fun ways people personalize this best-seller.

Images: Elle Decor, House to Home

Images: Design Sponge, Kishani Perera

Images: Decor Pad, Simplyvonne, Samantha Pynn, Cape27 blog, Ohdeedoh , Almostbunnies, Dozidesign

Table Settings for Your Romantic Dinner or Soiree

Pepperdesignblog

Whether you are planning a candlelit dinner for two or a larger valentine's get together, the perfect table setting can stir up just the right amount of love and romance.  Here are a few simple ideas for setting your table this holiday.  

  

Do a little DIY project this weekend and create a variety of heart-shaped doilies made from pink and red napkins.  Check out instructions at the Martha Stewart website.

Graphic and fun, these pop-up placemats from Publique Shop give your table a modern vibe.

A simple red placemat, a modern looking napkin and some ribbon might just do the trick.

Lucas Allen for Real Simple

This cute table runner is great for kids or adults. Check it out at Pottery Barn Kids (on sale for $14.99)

A doily charger with a handmade card can dress up any tableware. 

Delish.com

Bring color to your table with peonies, roses, or another type of simple bouquet.  For a more sophisticated look, stick with one type of flower instead of a variety.

Apartment Therapy

Try putting flowers or budding branches completely under water in large vases.  This look is a beautifully different way of displaying flowers.

ioffer.com

Don't forget the candlelight!  Try mixing candlesticks of all different sizes and styles to create an eclectic centerpiece for your table.

Kellyoshiroevents.com

These lovely place holders not only bring a bit of red to your table, but also some old world romance using wine corks as their base.

Howdoesshe.com

Take a cue from Martha and use food to bring color onto your table.  You can use naturally red beverages and food, decorate items like the cupcakes below, or add little design details when serving.  For example, heart shaped teabags or wine bottles with a custom red sleeve and message.