From the Studio

It's that time of year.
The Holiday decorations are everywhere, and music is in the air. But this year I'm feeling a bit of caution around the edges of my inner celebration; it's actually more like an uncertainty, a hesitation. I think many of us are experiencing a wariness that seems to imply we're not at all sure just how healthy Santa is this year ... or if he'll be able to make the trip at all.
Many people I talk to are low-to-out on the money front. Most people are not willing to put Christmas on the credit card, because they can't say with certainty that they'll even have a job next month. So things are a bit tense.

Thinking through this, I am struck by the fact that my luck began in my childhood. We had very little, but we didn't know it.

At an early age, I learned how to make 'something' out of 'nothing.' My family is filled with artists and creators, so it was common for us to be struck with an idea, and then - rather than realize we couldn't afford the materials to execute what we'd thought of - we figured out how to make it happen using what we had.

When my kids were little we cut down a Christmas tree, we strung popcorn and cranberries, I made decorations using bits of egg cartons ...our tree was beautiful, and we made it ourselves.
Through the years I'd gotten away from that concept of doing without, and making what I need. But I am back to it; I actually find myself instructing and guiding others on "creative solutions" as they struggle with how to feel 'empowered' rather than 'deprived.' We're not deprived, we just need to crack open our noggins and find the ideas, then figure out how to bring them to life.

I usually play my own kind of Santa with my grandchildren. I gotta say, it's my greatest blessing, to see the world through their dancing eyes. But this year I have very little disposable income, so I am making just about everything they will receive from me.

Gabby - the six year old - will receive a doll wardrobe for Kit, her American Girl doll. I gathered up my bits of fabric, trims, snaps and buttons, and have made three outfits so far.  I found a small, unused suitcase in the garage. I'll spray paint it a girlie color and stencil Kit's name on it, along with some other designs. Then I'll line it and finish it out to hold the little clothes and accessories. 

I think I've turned from Santa to an elf ... the one that stays up all night making toys. Haha! But really, when the creative juices are flowing, it's such fun to see an idea come to life.

Aidan, who's four, will get a Woody vest (he's outgrown the one I made him when he was two two, and I still have some of the fabric).

He'll also get a dickie with a blue collar on it, so that he can be "Fred" (from Scooby Doo) any time he wants to. Aidan loves to dress up as his various characters, and the Chipmunks have now been added to the group. So red, green and blue turtlenecks from Walmart, appropriately customized, may be in the cards as well.

Baby Chloe is only one, so I'm on the fence with her, not sure just yet what will excite her. She's the happiest toddler anywhere, she was born laughing, and is just so thrilled to be alive.
Maybe I'll give her a Nanny day, complete with books, bubble bath and sleepover. That one's still on the drawing board.

My children will get paintings and throw pillows. But not just any paintings, and not just any throw pillows.

For the paintings, I'll pull out images of them I created when they were children. I'll clip the "half price" framing coupon and head to Hobby Lobby.

Click here to see my portrait work!

Awhile back, I found some wonderful pillows copied from actual vintage illustrations, each depicting a different state. The details are in beautiful embroidery. These pillows run right at a hundred bucks apiece.

Click here to see these cool pillows!

Now, I can't currently afford those gorgeous pillows, so here's how I'll turn the idea into something I can afford: on that same website I found the same images, screen printed on dishtowels for twenty dollars apiece. So I'll make three for each of my two kids, one pillow for each state where we lived when they were growing up.

Cookies and baked goodies will go to a few close friends (made with ingredients bought using coupons, on 'senior discount' day); I'll package them in my supply of 'gently used' holiday tins and baskets that I've saved through the years. A bit of effort, yet not much money tied to any of it. When all these carefully chosen items are wrapped up and under the tree, lights glittering, the fire blazing and carols on the stereo, it's simply impossible to find anything lacking.
Family, friends, and gifts from the heart.

Now that I think about it, there's no need to worry.

Santa will be here.

I just know it.

Any questions, comments, or need a bit of help?
Feel free to write ... and have no fear ... 

That's why I'm here.

Create!


CeceD

From the Studio

We’ve been talking about home, projects, how to create the feeling you want in your personal spaces … and now the Holidays are upon us. If you didn’t have a pile of pocket change to spruce up your place, I’m guessing the gift-giving process will find you with a bit of a financial dilemma as well.

I was driving down the freeway last night, thinking about the Christmas stockings I’d been seeing in the last couple of weeks. We generally do Holiday installations for some clients, so I always check to see what’s new in that department. This year’s Christmas stockings show a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials … and it hit me: most of us have boxes, bags, crates … full of bits and pieces of this and that. You know, little scraps of fabric, short lengths of trim that we couldn’t do anything with but could not bring ourselves to throw away. So … why not make Christmas stockings?

Think about it … it is not that difficult, even for someone who doesn’t sew. And if you don’t sew, you could partner with a friend who does. You fix lunch and do the cutting, the ‘sewer’ puts the pieces together and you both leave at the end of the day with original creations that cost virtually nothing! If you want to take it one step further, you can fill your stockings with goodies from the Dollar aisle at Target, or from the Dollar store.

Now, if you don’t have remnants and trims available, it’s very easy to go to a fabric store and cruise the remnant aisle. Many times they run the remnants half price. And even if it’s not remnants, you don’t need much to make a stocking – about half a yard. So knock yourself out and get something you love!

Or better yet … look through your charity truck box; any old sweaters with a few moth holes in them? These can make beautiful stockings, just cut around the damaged areas and you’re good to go! Or you might have some old flannel shirts, old dresses, skirts, jackets … anything you’ve grown tired of could be given new life by making a Holiday stocking out of it! And if the items have any kind of sentimental value, making a Stocking is a great way to keep the memories alive, because they’ll come out and be remembered year after year!

Now, you might be thinking it’s too much trouble to do this, or you don’t have enough time, or you just don’t have the energy to get motivated. Well, here’s a thought:

If enough of you are interested, we’ll do a “stocking workshop” here at the studio. Bring your stuff, and we’ll have some materials and patterns available here. You can sip coffee, be inspired by the others in the workshop, and leave at the end with a new stocking, and - if you want to make more than one - others cut out to assemble at home. In some cases we’ll even sew them up for you after the workshop if there’s room on the schedule.

So think about it, let me know if you’re interested, and we’ll make it happen! Whatever your decision, know that gift giving is very much like creating your spaces: it’s never about the money, it’s about how you approach it, what you do with what you have, and the energy you bring to it.If you have any questions, if you want to sign up to receive info about our studio gatherings, or if you just need a nudge in the direction of Holiday spirit, write to me or comment below.
Just let yourself have some fun with it, and have no fear –

That’s why I’m here!


Create!


Cece D for DDG

From the Studio

I was finishing up loading things into the garage for the tag sale, and I thought about you and wondered how your cleaning projects are going. You know, there are so many things that sort of land in our lives through the year, and if we don’t ferret them out on a regular basis, eventually there’s so much it is too overwhelming to even deal with.

Have you ever watched Clean House on BRAVO TV? I love Neicy Nash, and the whole Clean House team. They have a family in each episode that has let their clutter get the better of them. I have to tell you, if you watch that show, you’ll feel ever so much better about your own space - or you'll think, "Yikes! That looks too familiar!"

In every episode, the process is the same: let go of what you don’t love, or don’t need. They stage ‘tag sales’ (or ‘yard sales’ or ‘garage sales,’ whatever you call them) and use that money to create … ‘sanctuary’ in the home. They create peaceful spaces where people can truly come home and re-energize. The personal oasis. We all need it.

The point is, it’s a great idea to do a tag-yard-garage sale to get some money to do a project you’ve wanted to do for awhile. It's fun to team up with friends, advertise it as ‘multi-family.’ Bring out the hot coffee, the donuts and the tunes one early Saturday morning, throw open the garage and put some cash in your pocket!

By the way, one of the crucial items to include for your sale: the "after sale charity truck." The truck will come and cart off all the items that didn't sell, you get a tax deduction, you'll have $$$ in your pocket, and your space is clean. When you settle on a date for your sale, call the truck then, and schedule it for the last day or the day after. Be sure to tell them you'll be sending all the things that didn't sell. Different companies have different names for that, but the bottom line to tell them is, you want a "total after-sale cleanout."

Okay ...

So let’s say you’ve done your tag sale, or you have a secret little stash you’re going to use to take your space to the next level. If you’ve made your “Design Workbook,” what are your projects? Most of us have small projects (hang a curtain rod or a picture), medium projects (paint the bedroom or change the bedding), large projects (build an arched roof and columns on the front porch, and find some antique iron work to use as railings), and all points in between.

Sometimes all we know is that we want a change in a room or in a space (inside or out). We don’t know how it should look exactly, but we do know how it should feel. That’s very important. It’s all about how the space feels, the energy in it. So here’s a way to help you connect the “feel” with the “look.”

I’ve always brought tons of design magazines to the studio. I have stacks and stacks of them right now. It’s crazy! And I was raised to never, ever mark in a book or put a tear on a page. So when I started tearing pages out of magazines, I had to do a little intervention with myself! I got through the guilt, and I kept tearing.

I have a file system that's set up for my ‘tear sheets’. I use these for myself, but mostly I organize all kinds of looks for a wide variety of styles to help with my clients. And you can build your own tear sheet file. In fact, you must! It's a creative journey of self-discovery that's easy and portable.

Here’s one way to do it:

Tear the pages out of your design magazines, and organize them into rooms. Give each room a sleeve page in your Design Workbook. You can make separate file sections for ‘Lighting’ and ‘Accessories.’ If you have a big project, I recommend setting up a separate binder for that project. You’ll want your dividers, tear sheets regarding the project, your sleeves for receipts, etc. in that binder. I did that on the last project, and it made my taxes so much easier, because it was all right there.

I have a second binder that is strictly for the exterior and the landscaping. I know nothing about plants, but I know what I like.

When Pam, my landscape consultant comes over, I show her the tear sheets of plants and exteriors that I’ve collected. This helps her get an immediate picture of my taste and the 'feel' I want to create, so it saves us both time (and save me some consultation money).

You’ve torn your sheets out, you’ve organized them very efficiently (you’re so good!), and now … how do you know what you’re going to do?

Take your tear sheets from one file and spread them out in front of you.

Notice the ‘story’ these images are telling you. There is at least one

connecting element in the pictures. It could be the light coming through the rooms; it could be the peaceful atmosphere of the rooms. It could be the vibrant feel, the casual feel, the cozy feel. And how are these things achieved in the pictures? I will write more in the next day or so, and share with you how to translate those elements – with a bankroll or on a budget – so that you can begin to create the beautiful space you deserve.

Don’t start feeling overwhelmed – you can do it!

If you have any questions, comments, or need a little nudge, just leave a comment,

and have no fear –

That’s why I’m here!




Create!



Cece D for DDG

From the Studio

Willie’s a tree guy who stops by periodically to see if I want him to cut any trees down. Well, he stopped by  yesterday. When I got up this morning I could see out the windows! All the trees, bushes and scrub that I’ve been wanting gone are … gone! He’ll come by later this week to grind the stumps, and then it will be time to call Pam the landscape lady to come over and draw up what I need to do. Criteria: must look lush and fabulous with a minimum of upkeep.

That will all come in due time. Today the water’s off because Mr. Joe is running water pipes and faucets around the back yard. You gotta have water if you’re gonna have plants.

So here in the studio, my assistant Jessie is organizing the fabric samples, and I am thinking about the projects you may have rolling around in your brains. Big? Small? Somewhere in between? Here’s a thought: it’s six weeks from Thanksgiving week. Do NOT start a renovation project now. You’ll want to shoot yourself if you’re climbing over sawhorses to get the turkey out of the oven. But some projects – those “freshen up the space” projects - are perfect.

Let’s think ahead a minute: are you having family over, or are you going somewhere for the holiday? Or maybe you’re planning to cozy in, just yourself and your pets and maybe a friend or two. Whatever your plans, it’s time to make sure your personal space reflects who you are today, and supports you for who you’ll be tomorrow.

So … let’s think PAINT!

The least expensive change with maximum effect is paint. Some people find it very intimidating to select a paint color. If you’re one of those people, here are a few tips:

Pick an item in the room that is a color you love. This item can establish your color palette for the room.

Go to the paint store and get some paint sample strips. Take your item with you if it’s portable (like a pillow, a small picture, a swatch of fabric). If it’s not, take a photo on your cell phone and check that at the paint store to make sure you’re in the general ballpark.

When you get back to your space, pull the strips out and lay them out on a table or chair. What jumps out at you? Anything? Is it just confusing? Okay, her

e’s one way to look at the strips, and it’s never failed me yet; I’m going to break it down by a few brands of paint that are common in this area:

Porter Paint:

Let’s take as an example, strip number 162. This is a strip with chips of six different shades of green, all with a grey base note. The center or “balanced” color on the strip is “Twig Green.” It’s a pleasant color, and is a good choice for bedrooms or bathrooms. But the more ‘expensive’ looking color is the one below it: “Baltic Green.” Generally speaking, the more saturated color is going to read as more expensive and luxurious. So if you’re thinking “Twig Green” and you feel just a bit daring, go with “Baltic Green” instead. I think you’ll love it!

Sherwin Williams:

Since we’re on greens, let look at strip number 26. These greens have the same grey base note, but are a little different … they have a bit more ‘verve’ to them. The center color on this strip is “Softened Green.” I always steer my clients toward the shade darker which is “Clary Sage.” It’s a fairly saturated color, full of life but not to dark. I’ve used “Clary Sage” many times with my client

s, and they love it.

Benjamin Moore:

Benjamin Moore has three different collections in their paints, a

nd they’re all terrific. For this exercise, we’re looking at the “Classic Colors” collection, strip number 052. As you look down the strip, the most saturated color (the one at the bottom on each strip) has a bit of umber brown in it, making it a little warmer than the darkest colors on the other strips. But up at the center of the strip is “Weekend Getaway.” This color is comparable to “Clary Sage” and “Baltic Green.” These three colors are the expensive looking choices, or what I call the “money colors.” And if you go one shade darker on the BM strip, you find “Mistletoe.” It is an absolutely fabulous color, will work well as a neutral in any room, and I cannot think of another color that would not go with it. You could choose brown, orange, pink, red, black, navy … they each go well with “Mistletoe.”

And here’s the thing about Benjamin Moore:

they have “paint pots” – little jars of your shade

that you can buy to try your color before you get the gallon.

There’s another section of Benjamin Moore Paints called the “Pottery Barn Collection.” You can see them at www.PotteryBarn.com.

Out of their current colors, two that I love are “Texas Leather” (walls) and “Winter Snow” (trim).

So pull out you Workbook; think through your project; go snag some paint strips; bring them home and make a choice. If the color you chose wasn’t available in a tiny jar, get a quart. You can mix it in with the gallon later if you try it on the wall and get a big YES! To it. And if you don’t love it you’ve not spent a fortune.

The image above shows the use of "Texas Leather" and "Winter Snow," both from Benjamin Moore's Pottery Barn Fall, 2008 collection.

Now, about those paint finishes:

Always, always … use eggshell or its equivalent on your walls. It’s washable, goes on well, and will cover better than a flat paint. It also looks better on the wall. On the trim I use a latex semi-gloss.

Two of the prettiest trim paints I’ve found are :

Benjamin Moore’s Classic Collection - “Simply White” (Right)

Benjamin Moore’s PB collection - “Winter Snow” (Shown above)

These whites are creamy and clear but not stark. They will not turn yellow or pink once they're up. The will compliment any of the colors discussed here, and many more!

I hope this has helped to get your wheels turning. I always say, the buddy system is the best, so if you can do it partner with a friend and together you can knock two rooms out – trim included – in a couple of days.

I’ll write again with more idea for how to freshen up your space. We’ll go through the process step by step, so that at the end, you’ll have in your space exactly what you saw in your head!

In the meantime, if you have questions, feel confused, or just need a little nudge, drop me a line, and have no fear …

That’s why I’m here!


Create!


Cece D for DDG

From the Studio

I jumped on a plane early Friday morning, and flew to New York for business this weekend. I got back late last night, so am now playing catch up … and here I am! I promise to get the new computer notebook soonsoonsoon so that I can keep current on all things as I move around.

But let me just tell you – the energy in Manhattan is second to NONE. Granted, the economy is down, but the pulse is as feverish as ever in Times Square. There are throngs of people everywhere, and everybody’s talking at once!

I stayed in a hotel at 49th and Broad(way). I love it when we set home base in that area, because that’s where the action is. And it’s a very short jaunt to the Fashion District. I walk over there and prowl up and down the streets; I get fabric and trims, and lots of ideas! I love going to Mood Fabrics (you’ll see them featured on Project Runway). One of the guys at Mood – Terek – is the “go-to guy” for me. He knows exactly what I’m looking for. Sometimes I call him on the phone and send up an S.O.S. He helps me out every time!

And I’ve got to say – if you’ve never been to New York (or even if you have) - one of the very best times to go is right now, in the early fall. It’s just so beautiful there. The air is crisp, the crowds, though huge, are not nearly what they’ll be at Thanksgiving all the way through New Years. It leaves you feeling energized, you’ll be bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to tackle … well, anything!

With that in mind, let’s address something that most of us have been putting off for ... too long: clearing clutter, and overall cleaning. We’re continuing to talk about creating a space that you love to come home to. It starts with rooms that have in them only the things that you need, and that you love. It's time to let go of everything else.

My daughter called me this weekend from Atlanta. She’s a beautiful woman, a fabulous musician and all round creative spirit. She told me she was loving the crisp weather in GA, too, and was on her way home to throw open the windows and do a “fall clean.” Oh,” I said, “you’re gonna blow the stink out of the place are you?” We both laughed, because that’s what we call it when it’s past time to scrub things down to a spit shine and let some fresh air blow through. The fall season puts us in the mood to do just that.

I spoke with her today, and she got the job done. Now it's my turn ... and I'm ready!
And then I got to thinking, how do I encourage you to start to create your spaces, to get cozy’d in for the winter? It all starts with a good cleaning.

When my kids were young we had very little money, so my friends and I would do “cleaning days.” I’d go help them with a deep clean, and they would come help me. Well, that was years ago, and now it’s me and Max (my dog) doing the work. Actually I work and he watches and sleeps and runs in circles and races to the front door to bark at the mailman. I put on my sweats, turn up the music, push up my sleeves, and get going.

One of the things that happens when we clean is we come across stuff that we can’t quite tell what to do with. If you don't have a system, that will wear your brain out in short order! So now when I’m clearing clutter and doing general "gotta get my life in order" stuff, I start by making a list. In my trade we call it a “punch list.” I organize the list by rooms, and list what needs to be done in each room. For example, on my page about the blue bedroom, it says: I need to paint, and hang the new curtain rod. I also need to purchase a quilt and an area rug. I need to get a piece of artwork framed, and I need to purchase something to hang over the red bookcase.

Once I get my lists made, they go in my “Designers Workbook.” It’s a white three ring binder that is dedicated to projects, past and future. There is a plastic sleeve for receipts; there are also sleeves for paint chips and swatches for each room, along with dimensions of the room and the windows.

Once my lists are done, I get started. Time to clear the clutter.

I usually put three boxes in a row on the floor or table and label them “sell," "give away,” or “throw away.” The “keep” pile goes on the floor or on the bed. Once I’m done, I don’t deal with the boxes until I’ve put the things in the pile away. I don’t know, for some reason that helps to make sense of the chaos. The boxes get moved with me to the next room ... and on and on until they're filled with all the "give away" and "throw away" things I've ferreted out. I put the "throw aways" in the garbage; I put the "give aways" in the garage for the charity truck.

Oh, almost forgot! The first page in my Designers Workbook is a list with phone numbers for all the workers - contractors, repair men, plumbers, electricians, painters ... and the charity truck. The first thing I do when starting a cleaning like this is I call and schedule the charity truck. That is my way of putting ME on notice that they're coming, so I need to get all the stuff that's going to charity pulled out and in the box labeled "give away."

When it’s paper that I’m going through, there are two boxes labeled “file,” and “shred.” There is a trash bag for things I can safely throw away without shredding. When the “shred” box if full, I’ll take it to a place on the square that does file storage. They will shred it for me for around 5 or ten dollars.

So the idea is, it’s time to set things right, go a little "Fung Shui," put all your home in order. That means it's time to clean the surfaces, clean out the drawers and shelves. Time to get ready for the beautiful spaces that are to come. And trust me: they're coming!

A well prepared space will make you feel ever so much more peaceful. Kind of like climbing between fresh sheets after a long day and a warm bath. Is there anything better? I don't think so!

If you have any questions or comments, please email or write in the comment section and I’ll get back to you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, if you need some help, or just a pep talk, have no fear.
That’s why I’m here!


Create!



Cece D for DDG

From the Studio

Have I got some goodies for you!

Today, we're thinking ... Chocolate. Mmmm! Or maybe, a bowlful of pecans. Or even Chocolate diamonds and pearls! Ooooh!
Well, come on, you didn't think I'd say "brown," did you? Okay, what I'm vying for here is a change in perspective. That's because if I started this post by saying,

"Today we'll talk about "brown," you'd probably hit the mouse and be gone. So would I. But shift your perception and hang with me here, it's going to get delicious.

Yesterday we talked about the sage and brown combo that is beautiful but … getting a bit old in large doses. We discussed the color ‘sage,’ and I showed you some ideas for working with that color and infusing coordinating colors like gold, melon, and apple green. Today we’ll consider the options of working with … okay, I’m gonna say it … brown.

Now, brown – done correctly - can be one of the most beautiful colors to work with. When you include textures (as in sisal, tapestries and chenille) and depth of color (as in rayon or silk velvet) you’ll create intensity of feeling, to great effect.

Every once in awhile in the design industry you’ll hear the statement “Brown is the new black.” Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t but the simple fact is, brown can hold its own, and make your space beautiful, warm and inviting.

In the artist world, the color brown is made by combining red and green. And of course, green is the combination of blue and yellow. So brown is the ultimate result of the three primary colors – red, blue and yellow. When you look at the brown color you have in your space, what colors do you see in it? Is the tone you have more the color of milk chocolate, or is it closer to the bittersweet variety? We’ll look at and discuss some images that show both, and then you can decide.

So here we go … let’s look at some possibilities ...

Brown, Gold and Red.

One designer that loves brown is Ralph Lauren. Lauren's style is labeled "High Country," and his trademark look has defined an entire segment of interior design styles. It was born of his own lifestyle, and is a reflection of what he does and how he lives; the public has responded with enthusiasm. If we don't live like that, most of us want to! And why not? The Lauren look is upscale casual elegance, with lots of texture.

Here Ralph Lauren has accented brown with tones of gold and red. The textures add richness and depth. Lauren is such a pro at layering for visual interest. Some of the layers in this setting are: velvet (shams), sweater knit stripes (pillow) and wool plaid (blanket). The quilted corduroy comforter reverses to plaid and is trimmed in leather. Talk about High Country chic ... this is beautifully upscale casual, and offers a menu of colors and textures that will make you want to "cozy in."

Brown and Pink.

The brown and pink combination always makes me think of ice cream. It's probably because when I was a little girl we had "Neapolitan" ice cream ... you know, it came with three colors in one box ... brown, pink and white. The color combination is classic and somewhat unexpected. Even nurseries are beautiful in this pallette. It's easy to dress it up and make it fussy, or keep it simple, make it sleek and serene. Either way, it's absolutely delicious!

This bed has a bed crown with swagged curtains for an "over the top" treatment and an ultra feminine look. Textures are used in abundance: the brown lattice on the pink shams, the pink duvet is crushed velvet with brown velvet added to the tiered ruffle trim. The pillows are a variety of textures with brushed fringe, ball fringe, ruffles and embroidery. The result is almost that of a princess's bedroom, high in a castle somewhere. What female of any age wouldn't love this?

Below are examples of simple combinations of

pink and brown, with large doses of white.

Brown and White with Monogram.

Here we have a tone on tone with white. Textures are plenty in this setting, too, but they are very understated. The result is quiet, elegant luxury. Do you recognize the element that really makes it pop? It's the chocolate brown monogram on the crisp, white pillows. The shams, duvet cover and dust ruffle are all the same fabric: a soft cafe' brown linen printed with a classic toile design in deep chocolate. You'll notice that in this setting there are no lavish trims, no embellishments. Carefully tailored details are what make this look work. The shams are flanged, and a simple chocolate braid trims the monogrammed pillows and the cuff on the top sheet.

If you love this look, or just love the monogramed pillows, that's easy to do. Just take some white shams (or whatever your color scheme is) to a monogram store and have them do the monogram. Check online for stores in your area. If you have trouble finding one, or if you feel a bit intimidated about that, write to me in the "comments" section and I'll help you track it down.

And before I forget: here's a side note about your sheets:

When you're shopping for bed linens, it's important to go for cotton sheets, and to "count the threads" in your sheets. What does that mean? Well, it's pretty simple: the "thread count" is the number of threads used per square inch when weaving the fabric. (It's required by law that the information be printed on the packaging and is usually in the advertising copy.) Sheets generally start at about a 250 thread count, and can go up to over a thousand. The higher the thread count, the more expensive (and the softer, more luxurious) the sheets. You can find sheet sets at department and discount stores that are very well priced, that are 100% cotton, and that have a nice, high thread count. So go for it! Treat yourself to some new sheets, and put your old ones in the tag sale box. I'll be doing a post soon on bed linens. So that's all for now on that subject.

Okay, back to our "Brown" story ...

Brown with Apple Green and Red (and a little jungle thrown in).

If you're looking for something with a bit more spice, look no further. Take your brown items, and pair them with a saturated apple green, and a deep red. Add splashes of leopard print, and voila! A sophisticated "world-view" design that is elegant and energizing. Note the use of a bold pattern with bold stripes ... using a combination of different patterns, in the appropriate scales, adds a special kind of "layered" effect, and that adds interest. There is a bit of texture added, too, in the brushed fringe on the accent pillow.

Brown Tone on Tone.

If your bedding is already brown, or you want to simplify the look without sacrificing a beautiful design sense, this may be just what you’re looking for. In this example, it’s all about color saturation and texture. Let’s start with the bed skirt: this is a gathered skirt, with sheer layers in a light cocoa shade. As we move up to the bed, we see the sheets. These sheets are very high end, with exquisite detailing.

Notice the pleats on the cuff of the top sheet. There are tailored shams in the sheeting material as well. The bed cover is a beautiful quilted design in a dark milk chocolate, with matching shams. Seriously, if you prefer a simple, quiet space – whatever room you may be working with – this is a beautiful way to instill elegance while keeping the palette very simple.

Brown with a ‘Touch’ of Blue.

So maybe what you really want is to tone down the blue, but not get rid of it entirely. I count this as one of the “fresh, outside the box” approaches to the sage and brown palette that can work for as long as you want it to, because … well, it’s timeless.
In this example, the duvet cover is a light cocoa linen with a darker paisley bordering about 22 inches in all the way around. In addition, the hem detail on the duvet is dark brown velvet. The shams and accent pillows are a combination of the paisley fabric, the light cocoa, and brown velvet. Here the sheets are also dark brown. If that’s too much brown for you, try sheets in a light cocoa, the same tone as the duvet. That would quiet down the brown while allowing the pattern to stand out a little more.

Well, I hope you are over flowing with ideas now. If your color issues aren’t about sage and blue, take the info you found here and try applying it to your own color palette. You can do it! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. For questions, just post in the comment section and I’ll get back to you pronto.

If you need help, have no fear.

That’s why I’m here!

Create!


Cece D for DDG