Ikat is a unique dyeing technique originating from Indonesia and used to pattern textiles that employ resist dyeing on the yarns prior to dyeing and weaving the fabric. Once used to symbolize wealth and prestige, the textile is now a popular textile fashion trend with celebrities and hipsters alike thanks to the work of traditional Indian artisans and inspired textile designers like Vision Textiles.
courtesy andrea piacquadio
From struggling millenniums and independent ladies, to seasoned craftsmen and ambitious weekend warriors, over the last several years ‘Do It Yourselfer’s have been growing in numbers. In fact, the once labeled DIY ‘trend’ has become less of a simple money saving notion, and more of an empowering, value-driven movement. A movement inspired by the mindset of self-sufficiency and sustainability. A movement that according to Venveo DIY marketing trend reports, is here to stay for awhile. With this in mind, we want to share our list of five things novice DIYers need to succeed as they research, start, work through, and complete their DIY projects… no matter how big or small.
From foundational solids from which to build upon, to inspiring patterns that enhance a room, Ennis Fabrics (aka Vision Fabrics) offers a heritage built on an extensive variety of qualities and color options.
Perfect for today’s professional and DIY home décor stylist, the Vision/ Ennis Fabrics design team constantly evaluate new furniture influences to cater to an ever-changing consumer. Their fashion forward, high-value fabrics feature the latest in global trends and innovative fabric design to suite the fluctuating desires of today’s creative consumer.
I remember holidays full of turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Generations around the table partaking in good food, tasty sweets and infectious laughter. Handmade napkins printed in holly dressed grandmama’s table that was draped in green poly crepe. In the room surrounding us, lights bounced off inanimate objects casting golden shadows on beige striped and cran-apple suede cushioned wing chairs while tie-backs in holiday splendor dangled on vanilla drapes. Assorted prints and textures added warmth and richness. And under the tree, Christmas gifts wrapped in traditional furoshiki styled fabrics of red tissue lame and festive plaid check.
With a fast-furnishing trend influencing consumer purchase of cheaply made and inexpensively priced home fittings, a demand for a more eco-sustainable, value-driven way of decorating our homes simmers on the back burner, awaiting its (re)turn to the forefront again. Enter the scrappers, grassroots DIY’ers, experienced artisans, seasoned wood-crafters, and novices of slow-furnishing in the making.
Like fast-fashion, fast-furnishing offers seemingly fashionable furniture that is quickly produced using cheap materials. Often times it is manufactured overseas where exploited workers from underprivileged countries are paid pennies to produce, and the price tags left hanging once stateside offer a great look at a great price, along with a guilt-free disposable mentality. What more could a style conscious consumer on a budget want, right?
Al Bundy had one in his garage where ‘No Ma’am’ meetings were held on the sitcom Married With Children. Doug Heffernan had one in his garage equipped with a big screen TV, beer fridge, and a couch where Doug and his friends watched football, baseball, boxing, and drank beer in peace away from his wife and father-in-law on the TV show The King of Queens. The ‘Man Cave’...a metaphor used to describe a male retreat space or sanctuary usually in the basement or attic of a house or in a specially equipped garage where women are banned and the fella’s call ‘home’. A space designated for guys to do as they please without fear of upsetting any female sensibilities of home decor. ‘The last bastion of masculinity,’ as described by Tufts University’s Paula Aymer where “No one is going to make you watch your p’s and q’s, ” according to writer Sam Martin. Whether all the above or just a room where a man can simply go and unwind from the day in his own undisturbed way, indulge in hobbies, play video games or watch tv with the ‘boys’, the ever cherished man cave varies in design and purpose revealing the most valued parts of each man and more. In Ode to man’s little piece of heaven here on Earth, the staff at J&O fabrics are sharing a few ‘man cave’ ideas and tips to help recreate them for yourself.
From Genevieve Gorder and Tommy Bahama to Premiere Prints and Rich Loom, home decor fabric is always changing with the latest styles offering a level of creativity and versatility that is as wide as one’s imagination. Decorative items such as curtains and valances look much fresher with a touch of designer home decor fabrics. Making garments from these fabrics will add a little designer flair to your wardrobe. Pillows, bed sheets and other items also look nicer when made from home decor fabric. And if you are in the market for some, here are a few reasons why home decor fabric is the best choice for stylizing your home.
The color wheel is an invaluable tool that teaches us how hues relate to each other and how they can be combined to create harmonious, cohesive color schemes. Featuring an illustrative organization of colors around a circle, it has become a favorite of designers, artists and do-it-yourselfers looking to revitalize their living spaces. The wheel makes color relationships easy to see by dividing the spectrum into 12 basic hues: three primary colors, three secondaries, and six tertiaries.
