Sunday

5 Basics Budget Version: Texture and Color

On to interior designer Sara Gilbane's Basic No. 2: Texture and Color.

"For those who like a monotone color scheme it is very important to bring in texture to create depth. Go for your all-white room, but you must add texture - grasscloth on the walls, mohair, velvet, linen fabrics. . .

I am a sucker for wallpaper - I like using grasscloth in larger living spaces to bring in texture. Patterned wallpaper in unexpected small spots is great fun and gives your guests a surprise - such as in bathrooms, closets, backs of bookshelves. 

I am also a huge fan of lacquered walls. . . The ceiling is a space that usually goes forgotten in most homes. Whether you paint it a pale glossy grey or the same color as the walls - it adds instant drama. . . You can also throw wallpaper on the ceiling - a shimmery gold or silver patinaed wallpaper on a dining room ceiling works well with candlelight. A heavy grasscloth on your library ceiling or in between beams adds a modern coziness." 
Full post here

Texture and Color: From paint, rugs, fabric, wallcoverings to accessories - there are thousands of inexpensive ways to add life and depth to any room. A natural fiber rug is a wonderful neutral that instantly adds inviting texture. 
At Home Decorators Collection, you can find a banded 5' x 7'9" seagrass rug for $129.00!


You could easily paint the cotton binding a different color to coordinate with other elements in your room (though I like it just fine as is). Charlotte Moss, the ultimate New York stylemaker, recently debuted a sisal rug with a custom painted pattern for a New York showhouse.
A few more options from Home Decorators:

Kampur Coir Rug, for a rougher texture and more streamlined look.
$149 for 7' x 9'



Premium Braided Jute Area Rug
With knotted, loose ends - a bit more formal.
$249 for 7' x 9'  
Images from here.
Added bonus? The last two rugs are reversible, meaning twice the value. Another great source for rugs is West Elm. Even better if you can purchase the in-store sample for a discount or catch them on sale. Here are two favorites:
Diamond Jute Rug - this pattern can actually work as a neutral.
$229 for 8' x 10'

Zigzag Rug - Madeline Weinrib-inspired for a much better price.
Instantly, you have a modern element to the room.
$229 for 5' x 8'

Images from here.

Fabric. Check out the remnants section of your local fabric store (such as Joann Fabrics). I found enough yards of a quality, chocolate linen to make curtains - for $7/yd.* Additionally, you can find great patterns in surprising places - use this upbeat curtain fabric from Urban Outfitters to upholster a headboard, sew a coverlet or cover a pillow:

Climbing Blossom Curtain on sale for $19.99! 
52" wide in 63" or 84" lengths
Image from here.

Side note: If you aren't handy with a sewing machine, many drycleaners will make curtains, slipcovers, etc. for you with your own fabric.

Check out these fabric solutions from Ikea:
Coordinating Fialena fabrics for $6.99/yd each
 
And classic stripes for $7.99 yd 

Images from here.

A surprising source for wallpaper? Target.
Grasscloth! On sale for $40.49/roll

Mode Darcy Wallpaper on sale at $59.49/roll
A modern look for a downstairs bathroom or hallway without being overpowering.


Brewster Zinnia Wallpaper in Green on sale for $63.74
Soft and lovely.

Odyssey in Black on sale for $59.49
This is right up Kelly Wearstler's alley, paired with gold furniture pieces.

Images from here.
Wallpaper is a luxury, which is why making a statement in a small space is a great use for it - the closet, bathroom, a hallway (even just above a chair rail). I love seeing wallpaper in a home, you can immediately sense the personality of the homeowner.

And last but never least, there is always paint. By simply putting a color on the walls, trim or ceiling, you immediately dictate the mood of the room. It is hands-down the most affordable and simple way to add life to your space. Go for super high gloss on a chair or accent piece (table, lamp, stool, etc.) to mimic the expensive look of lacquer. You can always change it.

Now that is a deal.


*The damn curtains were an unfortunate failure. I got lazy, didn't measure twice in my haste and ruined them. The fabric was great and such a steal . . . before I touched it with scissors. Lesson learned.

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