NEW YEAR'S PARTY DECOR

Partying at home with friends is one of the best ways to spend New Year's Eve. If you're hosting a get together this year you'll want to check out these New Year's decor ideas.

 

  

  

 

From top to bottom: 1. Martha Stewart, 2. Martha Stewart, 3. Martha Stewart, 4.  Escapade, 5. Fiskars, 6. Sweet Paul, 7. Dining Delight,  8. West Elm

IKATS

Ikats have been popular for a while now – and we still can’t get enough of them. Generally I think of Ikats in the warmer months, but there are so many Ikats to choose from, there’s no reason you can’t find an Ikat that you’ll love year around. Here’s some inspiration and a few resources for Ikats.  
 

Kravet Weaves, Ikats

Duralee, Istanbul Exclusive Prints

Duralee, Destinations III

 

 

Sources: (from top) Elle Decor France, Southern Living, Elle Decor, Elle Decor, Elle Decor, Elle Decor, Elle Decor

CHESTERFIELDS

Chesterfields aren’t just for the smoking lounge anymore. In fact they’re quite versatile and make great additions to all types of rooms. If you are lucky enough to have a dedicated den, I love the idea of decorating around a traditional theme (like an old English library) then breaking the rules whenever you feel like it.

Sources: (from top) Decor Pad, Apartment Therapy, Decor Pad, Decor Pad, Pinterest via HGTV.ca, Apartment Therapy

BRIGHTEN UP

I'm a big fan of making seasonal decor changes - especially in the Pacific Northwest where the fall and winter lack color. Just rearranging to infuse color into the rooms you spend time in can make a big difference. Here are some cheery rooms that utilize bright accessories to liven up the mood. 

Images from: A Note on Design

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

This year I’m planning on making some Christmas gifts. Partially to save money, but also because I’ve been inspired by graphic colorful housewares like these ones by Le Bon Marche

Here are some easy projects (and some super easy ones) that will make great gifts:

Makeup Bag Tutorials from Tipnut

Tote Bag Tutorials from Tipnut

Table Runner Tutorials from Tipnut

Place Mat and Napkins Tutorials from Tipnut

Apron Tutorials from Tipnut

Oven Mitt and Pot Holder Tutorials from Tipnut

Tea Towel Tutorials from Tipnut

TRENDS IN TEXTILES - PART ONE (LINEN, WOOL AND VELVET)

Linen – Is really versatile and depending on the weight and weave can work for many different applications. Because linen is a natural fiber it accepts dies really well, which means great colors! It’s important to keep in mind linen is a “living fabric” meaning it shrinks and expands with humidity. In some instances (depending on weight and weave) linen is less than ideal for upholstery. One way to compensate for this is with a linen/synthetic blend, which can look and feel just like 100% linen.

Check out these Kravet linens (top: Mamani 55% linen / 45% rayon, bottom: Pengua 100% linen)

Wool – Also, accepts dies really well, therefore you can find some great colors. Wool is a really strong fiber so (depending on weave, weight, and texture) it can be really durable. Also, wool is eco-friendly, compared to a petroleum-based fiber. Wool doesn’t have to be stiff and traditional! There are some great modern wool fabrics.  

Check out the colors of these Camira, Illusion wools

Velvet – It’s more versatile than you think! Velvet can be matte or shimmery - velvet comes with or without backing. Velvet without backing drapes better than velvet with backing, which means it’s suitable for drapery. Velvet with backing generally is not. Robert Allen makes some great drapable velvet. (Always ask your workroom if your velvet is suitable for drapes.) Velvet with backing can be super durable and ideal for upholstery. Aster, Solid Velvets, by Duralee has a double-rub of 250,000, which means it’s about as durable as fabric gets. 

Stay tuned for Trends in Textiles - Part Two (Mohair and Vinyl)

CHOOSING FABRIC FOR YOUR UPHOLSTERY PROJECT

When it comes to choosing fabric that works well for upholstery, durability is crucial. Luckily there's a system in place that rates the durability of fabric (actually there are two.)

The two abrasion rating tests performed on fabrics are:

Martindale - A wear abrasion test used extensively in Europe. The fabric's warp and weft are abraded at the same time.

Wyzenbeck - A test used (mainly in the U.S.) to measure a fabric's resistance to wear and abrasion. A fabric sample, pulled taut and weighted, is abraded with a cylinder covered with a 50 x 70 wire screen or a 10 oz. cotton duck cloth.

These tests determine a fabrics "double-rub" (or DB) number. A double-rub of 30,000 or more means the fabric is considered heavy duty and is suitable for upholstery. Anything above a double-rub of 75,000 should "wear like cast iron." Meaning not only is the fabric suitable for upholstery it's considered a performance fabric.

If you fall in love with a fabric with too low a double-rub number, there is hope. You can have the fabric knit backed, which will (somewhat) increase the fabrics durability. Even after a fabric is knit backed it's wise to bear in mind the fabrics original double-rub, delicate fabrics will never perform like heavy duty fabrics in terms of durability.

YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to use textiles to set the tone for your feast. Thinking about your thanksgiving table might even inspire you to try something new with the meal itself. I've been doing some research and I'm especially inspired by tables with unique blends of traditional elements, modern touches (especially with the textiles,) and a healthy dose of humor. Here are some great examples. 

Martha Stewart: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 Country Living: 1, 4, 9, 11 Simplified Bee: 10, 12 West Elm (for modern table linens): 13