Check out these worldly fabrics…

Most popular fabric designs today have been influenced by the same techniques used to make textiles since the early days. In fact, most of these fabrics are still being made using these same ancient techniques. Since these beautiful fabrics are all over the interior design market today, it’s time for a quick vocabulary lesson in some of the most popular of these fabrics and patterns.

Ikat (aka, Flame Stitch) : Coming from the Malay language meaning "tied" or "bound,” Ikats are created using a tie-dye process on either the warp or weft (the direction of the threads), before being woven together to create a pattern. This beautiful textile is typically made with silk, but can be found on all sorts of fabrics today. Ikats have a very long history and are found all over the world. The designs vary depending on the region in which they are made, but are often considered symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige because of the time involved and high level of skill required to make them.

“Flame Stitch” is often used in place of “Ikat” and are in actuality very similar. It is my belief that the Flame Stitch pattern is just one variation of the many designs that the Ikat umbrella covers. This term usually describes the zig zag pattern and is seen as the more simplified or modern versions of an Ikat.

The term Ikat can refer to the textile itself, the pattern, or technique. For more on Ikats, check out this post.

Suzani : Coming from the Persian word for “needle,” Suzanis are embroidered textiles typically made with cotton and/or silk. The patterns used on Suzanis are typically sun and moon disks, flowers (especially carnations, tulips, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (usually pomegranates), and occasionally fish or birds. These textiles are referenced as far back as the 15^th century and most likely originated in what is now known as Uzbekistan. They were typically given to a groom on his wedding day and were made by his future bride as part of her dowry to highlight her skills.

The term Suzani can refer to the textile itself, the pattern, or technique. For more on Suzanis, check out this post.

Wood Blocked (aka, Hand Blocked) : This is technique is used to print patterns on to textiles and dates as far back as before AD 220 with the Han dynasty in China. This technique was not only used for fabrics, but for paper printing as well. A carved piece of wood is dipped in ink and then stamped onto a piece of cloth to create beautifully patterned fabrics each with their unique qualities. This technique has been found around the world including India where it is most commonly used today to create our beloved fabrics. While some fabrics today are made with more modern stamping techniques including machinery, we can thank the good ol’ fashioned hand blocks for paving the way to gorgeous fabrics. Designers such as Peter Dunham and John Robshaw keep us enthralled with this look through their beautiful fabric designs.

The term Wood Blocked refers to the technique used to create the textile.

Paisley : This pattern is something that most of you are probably familiar with, but don’t know it! A paisley is a droplet-shaped motif that originated in Indian, Persian, and Pakistani design. It is typically produced using the Wood Blocked technique mentioned above

The term Paisley refers to the pattern on the textile.

I hope this quick lesson helped clear up some of the vocabulary for you! Check out our future postings when we dig a little deeper into some of these popular ethnic fabrics and see how they are used in today's stylish interiors.

Ellenor

My Great Bedroom Redo!

I dream of re-doing my bedroom... and then I wake up and realize that I'm on a spending freeze right now so my dream will have to wait. But this doesn't stop me from planning for when I can do it. So, here is my plan for the great bedroom re-do!

I would make a room that was beautifully balanced between masculinity and femininity. A pink and blue scheme with modern furniture pieces. Here's a run down of what makes up the room that I want to wake up to everyday!

1. Right now my bedroom is painted a very pale Robin's Egg blue and I love it! So I would keep it just the same, Benjamin Moore "St. Anne".

2. New curtains are a must! I would get something clean and classic, like Ikea's Aina curtains in bleached linen. These curtains are a steal at just $49.99 for the pair!

3. I would add some detail to the curtains by adding some beautiful trim along the edges. This "Honeycomb" trim is from Kelly Wearstler's collection for Lee Jofa.

4. My existing Ikea Hemnes Dresser is still in good condition and looks good in the room, so I would keep this so that I could splurge on other pieces for the room!

5. I love my existing lamp, so this would be re-used in the room.

6. I would get a new dresser for my husband. The poor man has been using a dresser that we found on the side of the road... no joke! Hey, it looked good, worked well, and the free price tag was just right! Time to upgrade... But since I still love a bargain, I'd buy Ikea's Trondheim 6-Drawer Dresser. I love the modern look and finish of this dresser and I think it would look good with my existing pieces.

7. My beloved chair! Every bedroom needs one and I bought my beautiful chair off the Lee Jofa showroom floor awhile ago. Its upholstered in a fabric by Kelly Wearstler, and it became the single inspiration piece for this great bedroom re-do! I just love the color combination of pinks and blues.

8. Currently my pup's kennel sticks out pretty far into the floor space because the only opening is on the end. But if I got a kennel that opened up from the side, like this one from Amazon, it would not only take up less floor space it could double as a side table next to my chair! I'll just place a pretty tray on top to keep things from falling through.

9. Of course my pup will need to sleep on something comfy in his new kennel, and why not something stylish too?! I love this dog bed from Kissmymut Shop on Etsy.com.

10. I need some add some additional light to the room and so I would add a plug-in wall sconce over the full length mirror. I love the look of the Industrial Wall Sconce from West Elm. The adjustable arm on this sconce will allow me to put the light where I need it when I need it!

11. My existing full length mirror has a white lacquer frame. It's a little modern looking and I love it!

12a. New sheets is a must! I love the combination of the Maroc Embroidered Euro Shams and Duvet Cover with the Stripe Sheet Set, both from West Elm. I think this is the perfect combination of modern masculine stripes and soft feminine embroidery.

12b. And since you always need a back up set of bed linens, I would use the Stripe Edge Sheet Set with the Stripe Duvet Cover, again both from West Elm.

13. One thing that I absolutely love about my current bedroom is my upholstered headboard! I don't imagine that I'll ever change this!

14. I also really love my existing bedside lamp, and so this would make it through the re-do.

15. A new bedside table would be great! I love this industrial modern side table from CB2, the Harvey Nightstand in Carbon.

16. Lastly, the other bedside table would remain as is. It matches my Ikea dresser and so everything is tied in. I like having mis-matched bedside tables, it keeps things interesting.

Now, time to put my piggy bank to goo use!

xo,

Loralie

Flower-less Wedding Bouquets

Alternative wedding decor has become increasingly popular in the past few years. One noticeable trend is the flower-less wedding bouquet. These bouquets can be a lot of fun, are perfect for the environmentally friendly event, and will keep much longer than your traditional cut arrangement. This bouquet also provides additional opportunities to add personal, family touches to the wedding. In the vintage brooch bouquet one could easily include an heirloom family pendant. You could also make some of the fabric flowers out significant family pieces like your grandmothers left over quilting patches or old family clothes. To commission a flower-less bouquet one of the best resources is etsy.com. Otherwise, you can rely on your wedding planner or a crafty friend to help construct your vision! Below are a few inspirational images.






























































From top to bottom these arrangements can be found at Marthastewart.com, ruffledblog.com, onehappygirl and Milkpodstudios.

Best,

Ellenor

The Best of Valentines Day: Decor and Crafts!

So we’ve finally got you in the spirit, huh? Now, let’s get your home in the spirit! Here are some simple crafts that you can make and a few simple design tricks that will instantly give you a Love Shack!

Make your own Heart Garland or Heart Wreath to hang in your home. These are simple and fun crafts for you to do with your kids, your friends, or even by yourself!

This year, buy yourself some flowers! They don’t have to be a splurge, even the classic and inexpensive carnations will do. But this time skip the pre-made arrangements and buy one or two of the types of flowers all in one color. Make your own bunches by varying the textures of similar colored flowers like the images below.

These main bunches should be placed at your most seen area of the home, like your entry table, your main eating table (kitchen or dining room), or family/living room coffee table.

Leave a few steams out and place those in smaller vases throughout your home. A few on the bedside table, in the bathroom, or at the family/living room side table will instantly give your space face lift.

Make red or pink a bit more prominent in your space. Do you have any red-binded books? Group them together on a shelf or give them a more visual location to sit this month. A red bowl, platter, or mug? Put it out on the table with some candy or snacks, or place it by the front door to throw your keys and wallet in, or use these as a temporary vase for a flower or two. A red or pink blanket? Throw it over the side of the sofa or the back of the chair. The more visual you make the holiday colors in your home, the more decorated and put together it will seem. And since these colors are eye catchers, a little will go a long way!

Happy decorating!

Ellenor

Best of Valentine's Day: Treats!

No matter how anyone feels about Valentine’s Day, we can’t imagine that anyone can argue with the delicious treats that go along with it. There are pink and red heart-shaped treats galore this time of year, but why not try your hand at making something rather than buying. After all, it does come from the heart.

Lucky for you a heart is a simple enough shape to make and so can be incorporated into the easiest of baked goods, some of which you probably already know how to make! The pancakes shown above were made with a quick swoosh while the batter was still in the pan. Martha Stewart shows this and more in her Valentines gallery. Here are a few easy tools and ideas for you try out this year:

A set of Heart-shaped cookie cutters can be used to make anything you desire into a heart felt treat! This set includes 6 sizes and is a steal from Amazon! Just imagine all of your possibilities!

Jazz up a plain ol’ cupcake with these festive Cupcake Holders. The Bakers Confections shop on Etsy has a great variety of different liners that can match any occasion! But these liners don't have to just hold cupcakes... get creative and use these to hold candy, a scoop of ice cream, or a morning muffin!

Add simple decoration to a basic treat and they'll be delicious, thoughtful, and festive! The edges of these heart shaped cookies were decorated with sugar which make them look so much more special! The same idea can be used with sprinkles or frosting.

Happy baking!

Ellenor

Best of Valentine's Day: Gifts!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, you might find yourself scrambling to get that special gift for that special someone. Lucky for you, Ellenor has put together some great gift ideas for your loved ones.

Best Gift to Buy:
Why not give a gift that gives back this year? The Lu Parker Project has teamed up with a local Los Angeles florist, Colors in Bloom, and Kuranda Dog Beds to do just that for this heart-felt holiday... When you buy a bouquet of beautiful flowers through The Lu Parker Project, you are also providing a dog bed to the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter.
The beds are needed in all of the dog kennels to keep these homeless pups from sleeping on the hard and cold concrete ground. These dog beds are specially designed to elevate the dog off of the ground and are made from highly durable products so the pups can't destroy them. The materials also allow for them to be easily cleaned by the staff. The elevated beds not only keep the dogs off the ground (where they often relieve themselves), but they are also easier for older dogs as they provide more joint support and make it easier for them to get up from laying down.
Simply purchase your bouquet through The Lu Parker Project, and then pick up your bouquet and adorable card on Sunday, February 13th, or Monday (V-DAY!) at one of the two convenient locations in Los Angeles. For all of the information, to purchase the beds, make a donation, and to track the progress of the donations click here!
Spread the love this Valentines Day with the Have a Heart, Donate a Bed program! While these dogs may not have a warm home to belong to, at least you’ll give them a warm and comfortable bed to sleep in!


Best Gift to Make:
Money is tight for everyone right now, and Valentine's Day is about showing someone how much you care, not how much you spend! Here are some easy to make ideas to show your loved one you're thinking of them...

Marvelous Mustache Valentine Cards! These simple cards from Paper Source are sure to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to receive them!

Tea for Two? Do you have a tea (or coffee) lover in your life? Buy them their favorite type or a specialty brew and put your own little label on the package with a sweet note. They'll think of you whenever they drink it knowing that you were thinking of them. Easy and thoughtful!

More "Best of Valentine's Day" tomorrow!
xoxo,
Ellenor

The Best of Valentines Day!

Most men hate it. Women either love to hate it or hate to love it. And kids love it, mostly because of the relaxed school day and excess candy. No matter how you feel about it, Valentine's Day comes every year. And this year's is just around the corner.

But don't fret, Ellenor has put together a “Best of Valentines Day” to help you through it this year. Stay tuned this week for our best gift ideas, treats, crafts, and ideas on what to do with your sweetheart.

Tomorrow's post, the best Valentine's Day gift ideas!

xoxo,
Ellenor