They say, that there should be one pattern in a room or area,
repeated 3 times.
They, as being the designers of classes that I took way back when.
I try to follow that rule, but it has lately gotten away from my decor.
A couple of weeks ago I was fabric shopping
with my friends Linda and Kristen.
I was searching for fabric to replace the fabric on the bar stools.
The kitchen is open to the great room, dining and sunroom.
Therefore, the fabric had to coordinate with the entire area.
I brought some pretty samples home from the fabric store to try them out.
Although they were pretty and would blend, they just weren’t right.
Then all of a sudden I had an epiphany! (Love that word and love when it happens)
I remembered that I had some leftover fabric from the valances in the dining room
which are the buffalo check pattern
and fabric from the window treatments in the sunroom.
The two fabrics that were in the running are seen here in the sunroom.
I also had these cushions made for the barstools
at the island in the kitchen about 10 years ago.
So after placing both fabrics on the bar stool, it was evident
that the best choice was the Asian toile (or chinoiserie) fabric.
The colors just went well with the color of the paint in the stool.
I took the two pillows that were in the “pillow closet”
that were made at the same time the window treatments and cushions were made
and placed them in the chairs at each end of the dining room table.
I love it when I can do a little makeover, changing things up,
by shopping the house . . . that no-cost makeover. Don’t you?!!
Have a great weekend! It will be a very busy one for me but a great one!
Shirley, I ask this question with a smile on my face, how long do you think we should keep certain fabrics? I’m laughing because we’ve lived here almost 4 years and I’m ready to replace everything in the main living area. I’d love to switch to all lighter color fabrics. There are so many beautiful choices and I love what you chose!
Stacey…good question!….Gosh, I guess I have to start off by saying it depends on how much you love it and if the fabric still fits within your current design needs or future vision. I was lucky to find a fabric for the sunroom that tied into my design vision over 10 years ago….I knew then I wanted a classic design and went with my love for toile. After 10 years+, I am ready for a change, but will not make any decisions until we decide on whether we are downsizing in the near future. What i can suggest is to stay with very neutral patterns and colors for your main fabric choices such as drapes, upholstery. Then you can always have fun with new patterns and trends in the smaller less expensive investment items such as pillows, accessories, etc. I do not think it is a question of “how long” we should keep fabrics…I think it is up to you and what direction you want to go with. With so many gorgeous fabrics and patterns available today, they are a great way to refresh your home without the enormous investment….I think change is good…to refresh…as it just makes us happy…right?!!!
On another note Stacey….We all seem to (or at least me) change our styles through the years..I have gone from the very early days of what they called “Early American” to Country (complete with bunnies and such) to a more formal traditional to now a classic casual feel/French Country. Our tastes evolve over time which is a good thing…keeps it more interesting and fresh!
Gorgeous, just gorgeous! But I do love me some buffalo checks, have for years! I love that you can mix it with patterns and it always looks so…classy classic! That’s my new phrase “classy classic”. Yeah.
I so agree Denise!…Classic is always the best! Have a great weekend!
I love it!!!! Isn’t it wonderful when things go “just right”?
Yes, I love it when a plan comes together!….Thanks and have a great weekend Bobbi!
Love that fabric! Have a great weekend, Shirley!
xo Heidi
Thanks and you too Heidi!!!
The fabrics are beautiful. And to think you already had everything you needed for an update. Don’t you love it when that happens?
Oh yes I do Debra!….Have a fabulous weekend!
Love how they look! That fabric is gorgeous and so great that you didn’t have to buy anything. I think my husband would be happy if I shopped my home more often! Have a great weekend!
Shelley
omigosh I love your furniture! Sigh… that is a gorgeous space. Happy Friday!
Thanks dear Anne…happy Friday and have a great weekend….Regards to your fur babies!
A beautiful makeover indeed!
Thanks Linda..have a great weekend!
Good job. Some rules are worth following. I bet Tom was pleased with this ” no cost ” update.
You are so right Linda!!!
So glad I found your blog – the fabrics are lovely and No Cost Decorating…perfect! Thanks!
Thanks so much Jeanne!….Have a great weekend!
LOVE it!!!! Have a great weekend……
~Des
Shirley–great choices! I love the chinoiserie and the fabric on your bar stools. And I absolutely love that you have a pillow closet!
Love this fabric…looks great! Great advice to Stacey. You can’t go wrong with a Classic look in my opinion. You can always change things up with Classic. Love your décor!!!
Great job, love that fabric choice! You gave your barstools new life!
It is a beautiful fabric and it looks great on the stools!
The pattern and colors on this fabric are simply gorgeous. Just enough color but it doesn’t overwhelm.
Have a fun weekend,
Mary Alice
I like the change – it looks really good. It’s so good when we can shop the house.
Have a fun weekend
Mary
Since the first time I saw this fabric on your blog I FELL IN LOVE!!! It is gorgeous and beautiful on the bar stools! I never knew the rule of using a fabric in 3 places! Thanks for that tip! I am old, but still learning!!! Have a beautiful if busy weekend.
I will have to go and get that magazine. Her home looks so pretty. Thanks for sharing.
Mary
So, so beautiful Shirley, you are such an inspiration to me. Serine and lovely spaces.
Oh, Shirley, this is so pretty! I adore that fabric and your stools look so pretty! You’re the best decorator around. Hope you’re doing well.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
So pretty Shirley! I’ve always admired that fabric in your sunroom!
The fabric is so pretty… I love it… You have such wonderful taste…
Shirley, I have never tired of toile, been loving if for more than 25 years! Yet, I have never done a room in my house with it! I am going to be doing a major overhaul on a couple of bedrooms and I am thinking toile in one! Love your rooms and how they flow!
Three times eh? Thanks for sharing that tip!!! I love that print, and it really does allow other colors in the room to shine as well. I’ve always loved toile, so hopefully I’ll figure out how to use it in our home. Looks beautiful, Shirley:)