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DIY Design — Create a Design Palette for YOU
November 30, 2009
This is a simple Step-by-Step Guide to creating your own design palette.
Step I
- First establish your Cornerstone item. This can be a fabric, vase or piece of art. The first requirement is that you absolutely love it! The second is that it contain at least 3 colors.
- In this example, the “Cornerstone” fabric by Jim Thomson uses 4 colors; white, blue-green, yellow-gold and olive and it printed on a medium weight linen (great for drapes or pillows).
Step II
• Introduce your Main Fabrics. Main fabrics are usually the ones you’ll see most. In this case we’re upholstering a sofa and large accent chair.
o Fabric “B” introduces softness and texture, we’ve decided to use this on the sofa, as it’s deeper color and will ground the space. We especially like this fabric as it matches the olive accents in the Cornerstone Fabric.
o Fabric “C” introduces a woven texture similar the Cornerstone Fabric, which is printed on a linen weave.
Step III
- Introduce your Accent Fabrics. These fabrics are ones that will more than likely be used in smaller doses. For example; dining seat cushions, accent pillows, benches, ottomans, trimming etc. However, they are very important as they assist you in creating layers to your palette. If you consider just using Fabrics “A, B & C” you will not feel the full impact of your Cornerstone Item and the space can feel unfinished.
- Fabrics “D” pulls the blue-green out of the Cornerstone Fabric, as its base is blue-green, but contains a strie of gold. In addition, Leather “E” is an ostrich print that adds interest in texture as well as a greater degree of durability
- Alternatively, Leather “F” reads olive in this palette. Since the Cornerstone Fabrics has a small accent of olive this is a nice color to use as a small accent as well.
Layer your upholstered goods and draperies with varied finishes like burnished bronze or antique mirror. Add books (lots and lots of great books), objets, art, an off-beat area rug on the diaginal and fresh flowers. As John Wheatman always says, “A good house if never done.” Allow your Home to be the organic, living breathing space that it is and you’ll find many moments of joy and comfort await you.
Happy Nesting!
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