Green With Fabric Envy

After the recent rise in temperature; you would think it was already summer, but hold on; it's still spring. And after the long cold winter, I'm glad to see the nice weather surrounding us.

This warm weather brings lush gardens, and parks that our open again for plenty to enjoy. Trees, flowers and lawns begin to grow and blossom. Experiencing the great outdoors is much more enjoyable for me, and many others, during the spring than during the bitter, cold weather that winter brings us.

When I think of spring; I think of green; like nature; not money (but money never hurts) and how all of the barren branches become fresh with new life.

I might even admit that a particular green might be my favorite color; but that's for another time. Right now, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite green, nature-inspired fabrics to spark your minds with ideas for spring design!

You can use the textiles below to create a new pillow, sew some new drapery panels or even reupholster a beloved chair. You will be bringing spring into your home.

Enjoy!

Green Colored Nature Inspired Fabrics - Part I

Fabrics clockwise from top left...

Hidden Temple/Emerald

Fenway Garden/Billiard Green

Fleur Raffia/Mint

Island Flower/Marine

Green Colored Nature Inspired Fabrics - Part II

Fabrics clockwise from top left...

Enchanted Vine/Emerald

Bloom City/Billiard Green

Elizas Garden/Blossom

Moon Blossom/Orchid

photos and fabrics from Robert Allen

The Homey Effect...Model-see, Model-do

Last weekend I had the pleasure of touring a new construction neighborhood in South Jersey. Seeing new and pristine houses without the effects of day-to-day wear and tear is fabulous!

The house that I walked through was not necessarily my taste but I could definitely appreciate the vibe that it was trying to obtain. And by seeing a model house instead of just a blank slab; potential new homeowners are able to be more at ease before they end up purchasing a new home.

But no one ever calls that home; that's a model.

Settling into a new home is always hard. Whether it be to downsize to a condo, upgrade to a mansion; relocate to a new neighborhood or even just a spur of the moment pick up and move someplace on your bucket list; it's going to be a journey. But by choosing a wonderful layout that is in tune to your style of living; you can easily be on your way to an exciting new space.

That's also where design comes into play. Using design as a way to express yourself is wonderful. It allows you to turn a brand new home into your own. Chances are the new place has a brand new roof; amazing stainless steel appliances and a wonderfully manicured front lawn; but it also needs to include memorabilia and furnishings from your old home to make it your own lovely retreat.

Great pieces to add to your new home include artwork from a favorite painter, accessories from cherished travels, fabric from a local artisan and most importantly sacred family heirlooms. These items are what turn a slab into your new and approved abode. It's a scary and exciting adventure that I know you will enjoy!

And for some visual stigma here are some photos from the community I visited...