Simple Mantel Decorating

When Bryn posted her latest project last week, the mantel instantly caught my eye. I love the way she mixed lots of small vases in different shades.

 

 

Normally, I would say it’s better to not put lots of little things on a mantel.  But, when it’s a collection of similar objects, it can be a really simple and beautiful way to decorate this often tricky spot.

 

I’ve noticed that Target has a pretty good collection of vases lately that you could mix and match for a similar look: 

 

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

 

I also like this collection from Ballard Designs:

 

 

And, of course, there’s always the inexpensive DIY route.  Goodwill is never short on those florist vases that everybody has:

 

source

 

You can spray paint glass to achieve a milky effect like this.

 

 

Just don’t run spray-painted vases through the dishwasher.  I know from experience.

How To Buy “To The Trade” Fabrics

When I first started doing design work, I quickly realized that there was a limit to how creative you could be if you only shopped at the same one or two fabric stores.  Once I officially opened my design business, I figured out that I could access “to the trade only” fabrics at a discount by obtaining a tax ID number and setting up accounts with those fabric manufacturers. 

 

fabrics for this client room (most of these are made by Duralee)

 

So, what does this mean for all of the non-designers in the world that just want to buy pretty fabrics without hiring a designer?  You can still get them.  A lot of you reading my blog already know all about this, but for those who don’t, I thought you might be interested. 

 

 

Since some fabric manufacturers require that you set up a business account to purchase, or require a minimum order, there are buying services that act as the middle man.  My sponsor, House of Pemberley, happens to be one.  I asked Kimber how she typically charges for fabrics, and she told me that she usually marks up her cost by 20% and doesn’t require a minimum purchase—unless the company does.  (Most don’t.)

 

 

 

House of Pemberley has some fabric listed by the yard on their site (as well as ready-made pillow covers) but they can order almost anything, if you search fabric sites (like Quadrille, Schumacher, Kravet, etc.,) and find something you like.

 

 

 

You can also find a limited selection of designer fabrics now on sites like Fabric.com and HouseFabric.com.  Etsy has also opened up a whole world of access to pillows and home decor items in “to the trade” fabrics.  (If you find a pillow you like but need more of the fabric, a buying service like House of Pemberley can usually order more.)

 

Hope this helps and clears up some of the mystery of those elusive to the trade fabrics. . .

The Saturday 6

 

A perfect nook.  (See more of this home here.)

 

 

 

My blogging pal Abby—formerly of A Delightful Design—recently changed her blog name and launched a new web site for her design business, Abby M Interiors.  It’s a scary thing to change your blog address once you’ve been at it for a while.  Hope you’ll pop over and say hi. . .

 

 

All in one week, I bought a pair of canvas tennis shoes and a bicycle.  Is it considered a mid-life crisis if you’re trying to be ten again?

 

 

 

In lieu of Post-It notes, a cute dry-erase board using Pantone paint cards.

 

 

Another season of American Idol is over, and my girl won.  (Am I the only one still watching this show?)  The finale was good but nothing topped this song from last year’s show.  It’s still one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched.  I was so pregnant last year when this aired and laughed (and cried) so hard my husband thought I had gone into labor. . .

 

 

A rare photo of me and all of my babies. It’s funny how the photos that look the happiest can actually be taken through clenched teeth.

 

Have a great Saturday!