Home >> Do-It-Yourself >> DIY Soft Furnishing Hot Tips

DIY Soft Furnishing Hot Tips

Embellishing soft furnishingsTrimmings can completely change thelook and personality of soft furnishings such as simple table cloths, napkins and fine muslin curtains. They need not be expensive and many can becreated using everyday things fromaround the home. Search cabinets and drawers for balls of string and lengths of twine; make use of shells and pebbles; take a fresh look at a skein of raffia: it could look marvellous tied into a tassel to hold a napkin. Wherepossible, use natural materials, such ascotton, linen, silk and hessian (burlap); they have a wonderful tactile qualityand look good in any situation.

The simplicity of the plain muslincheesecloth curtain and bamboo poles has beencomplemented by the natural tassel.The effectis understated yet very eye-catching. Have fun with a classic white linen tablecloth by adding seashells, pretty stones andsticks, tied with natural string, to its edges.

The corners and edges of throws andcushions (pillows) are good places forembellishments, especially when thecovering fabric is plain. These detailsmaintain and enhance the style of thecushions, particularly if they are madefrom natural materials in a range ofneutral colours. Make detaileddecorations with traditional sewing andembroidery techniques, too, butinterpret them in contemporarymaterials. The result is fully in keepingwith today's fashion for interior-designschemes based on natural materials.

Ribbons and tassels

Ribbons come in a wonderful variety ofcolours, textures and widths. By tying asimple loop or how, you can give a newcontrasting or complementary accent to soft furnishings. Soft, floppy,translucent organza ribbons create afrothy cloud when gathered in foldsand bows, but look simple and elegant hung against the light of a window,where they lend an element of privacyand shield the eye from an unwelcomeview without blocking the light at all.Rich silken and velvety ribbons, orrough linen and burlap, havecompletely different qualities.

Tassels, too, are flourishes: they bringa jaunty, nonchalant air to whateverthey embellish. They come in a widevariety of materials and colours. Thesimplest can be homemade fromhousehold materials such as string,which is perfectly in keeping withdecorated old terracotta pots. Madefrom natural materials, they bring atouch of style to design schemes basedon neutral colours and natural fabrics;in rich colours and silken threads theycan be opulent or restrained, dependingon how they are combined. Rich redcombined with a natural linen tablenapkin is a sunburst of bright colourthat brightens but doesn't disrupt theneutral scheme. A traditional whitetassel combined with a brick-red throwquilted in a simple, modem style is agraphic and modern interpretation of a classic upholstery trimming.

Instant embellishments

You can use just about any materialthat catches your eye for trimmings.Although notions and interiors shopswere always the traditional suppliers oftrimmings such as tassels and ribbons.

look beyond the expected sources forrich pickings. From garden centers toboating supply stores, the only rule inusing materials for trimmings is tocollect what appeals to you and letyour imagination take over.