Inspirations, Tips And Resources For Floor length Tablecloths

If you love floor length tablecloths as much as I do (and I do a lot!), then do read on. If you’ve never tried one, now’s a good time, especially for the oncoming holiday season. You can make it as formal or as casual as you like or even mix it up. Layer it with place mats and plate chargers.

A floor length tablecloth is easier to get than you think. There are at least three sources. I provide some links to resources and where to purchase at the end of this post.

You can purchase one.
You can make it yourself. Yes, that’s right. Purchase fabric or even use bedsheets.
You can have one custom made.

I’ve done all three. I made one for an oval table. Sorry, I didn’t take pictures and have since given it away along with the table. I do have a gorgeous silk embroidered floor length table cloth on my project board for Christmas. I promise to have pictures of that one.

I had a striped silk one custom made by Calico Corners several years go for the cocoa room where the tablecloth was used on a side table. It’s fully lined and has a gathered trim at the bottom. The table itself is actually a small outdoor glass top table that measures 30″ diameter. Now that I live in a downsized apartment, the table sits on the screened in porch and is now used for dining 1-3 people. But I only occasionally use the silk tablecloth. I will be making table tops and floor length tablecloths with summer themed fabric that can easily be machine washed–with or without ironing. The glass top you see here was purchased at Pier 1 Imports.

Even with a simple table topper, on this table, I’ve had and shared wonderful meals from breakfast to lunch to dinner.

For inspiration, let’s look at more floor length tablecloths:

Traditional Tablecloths by Stockbridge Window Treatments Country Curtains

So what are the advantages to a floor length tablecloth?

Punch color into your decor or tone down other colors and patterns in the room
Cover an unattractive or very old table
On the other hand, protect a beautiful table from scratches and stains during a meal
Keeps guests from putting their feet on the base of table legs that extend outward like a pair of feet. (Believe me, having polished the base of my pedestal table only to see someone’s shoes resting on it required a good deal of hospitable control!)
Give small children a place to hide and play while the grown ups sit around the table gossiping:):)
Whether for an elegant meal or casual dining, the whole experience is “kicked up a notch.” Your guest will love you with great admiration!

Bella's Rose Cottage — Bella’s Rose Cottage

The author and creator for this table cloth states that she used a “canvas drop cloth” which she had purchased for $20. The cloth is 9′ x 12′ but has visible seams. Her dilemma was to decide if she wanted to live with the seams or cut and restitch. Not how she “temporarily” decided to just let is puddle.

Here’s another canvas drop cloth but it’s painted. Yes, that’s right, painted. It was purchased cheaply. The author was pressed for time due to a fast approaching Christmas day diner and came up with this. As you can see, the edges are left to softly puddle on the floor.

Clearly the two above are more formal. The first image is a rich brocade fabric–always a great hit; the second image shows a beautifully beaded trimmed tablecloth. Gorgeous dining settings!

(NOTE: you can dress up a plain floor length tablecloth with almost any trim. You don’t even have to sew it on, use an iron on tape. I once did this to drapery side panels. Worked beautifully.)

I simply adore floor length table cloths that display a layered look as it does in this next one from Apartment Therapy. Matching seat cushions really brings it all together for a simple but casually elegant look.

What do you think of these next beauties found on Houzz.com

Transitional Dining Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Katie Lydon Interiors

Mediterranean Landscape by Malibu Interior Designers & Decorators UnCommon INteriors

Traditional Dining Room by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Candace Barnes

Traditional Dining Room by San Diego Furniture & Accessories MyDesignSource

And finally, here is a spot for dining to die for–bursting with color, playfulness and heart beating joy!

Transitional Kitchen by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Emily Ruddo

Ready to try out a floor length cloth–be it for dining or a side table? Here’s a few resource links (It just doesn’t make sense for me to repeat good stuff that’s already been written):

HGTV – Floor Length Tablecloth. Offers step-by-step instructions for sewing your own.
CV Linens. Excellent charts on tablecloth sizes based upon the size and shape of the table. Also carries a wide selection of linens and other fabric types for a tablecloth.
Total Table. Another excellent chart for desired tablecloth size.

In addition to the above, almost any good fabric store or online fabric distributor will have a wide selection of fabrics suitable for a tablecloth.

Yes, there are other options for dining at the table and I do plan to discuss those in future posts. But for now, I say if you’re looking for just the right final touch to a beautiful dining experience, add a floor length table cloth!

Are you convinced to give it a try? Or is this something you already include in your dining experience? Please, do tell!

Contest: Win An Annsliee Throw Pillow

It’s official! The contest starts today,
November 1 and runs for 14 days.

Design board by Debra Elizabeth Bailey on Polyvore

How to participate:

Join Polyvore.com (If you’re not already a member.)
Join this fun group Decor Du Jour
Create and submit a home decor design set using one or more of the listed required annsliee pillows
Two moderators will select a winner for first place
Entry details can be found at Pillow Talk With Annsliee

Contestants and the winner will select from this collection. Hope to see you there!

Of Course I love You . . . Every Drop

Have Fun . . . Be Safe!

Designs That Fascinate: Modern Chairs

“A chair is a piece of furniture with a raised surface used to sit on, commonly for use by one person. Chairs are most often supported by four legs and have a back;however, a chair can have three legs or could have a different shape.”

— Wikipedia

And so goes the opening lines in the Wikipedia that define what is a chair. To this I would add there is a category of modern chairs that are simply stunning pieces of art. Created by Laura Kishimoto, furniture designer, this tear drop shaped chair is made of ash veneer and mild steel.

Ms. Kishimoto describes her approach to creating the ash veneer and mild steel chair:

“The Saji chair began as a personal challenge to myself to create a three dimensional form from a single two-dimensional curve. Through bending layers of thin laminated strips I was able to retain some of the wood’s inherent flexibility and contort the curve into its compound shape. As the strips could not support weight individually, weaving provided a natural solution to bring rigidity to the structure as well as instilling a sense of movement in the overall composition.”

— Laura Kishimoto

I’m sorry but I do get dreamy eyed in awe when I see such exquisite creations like this WB chair by John Ford. The design almost mimics the natural curving and straight lines of a tree. It’s simple; yet, complex in how it reveals the wood grain, such as tree rings on the side panel. It’s clean and sophisticated. Speaking on his work, Mr. Ford approaches his “art” in

“. . . using the most advanced wood engineering and machining technology combined with traditional methods and joinery is the core of execution.

to discover and put into form the most efficient expression and gesture of a thought sometimes too fleeting to fully witness is my passion. I must admit I doubt I will ever design a toaster.

its a given that a chair must support comfortably the human form and weight. there are more than enough chairs that accomplish that goal and stop. to design usable objects that humbly serve their purpose as best as possible yet take on another dimension and move a person thru it’s lines and forms is endlessly challenging.”

— John Ford

A stunning and fun interpretation of a very old design: the rocking chair. I love it! The designer, an archetec and photographer, Mr. Carcedo, tells us that

“My big goal is to get functional forms equipped with their own beauty and distinctiveness.”

— Francisco Hoyos Carcedo

The chair frame is made of plywood with three bands fixed by means of a leather and steel plates bolted to the inner frame. The soft curvature of the frame of the chair and ottoman appear continuous and complemented by the leather bands, a very appealing and exciting composition.

From Kurt Mekki Jr in Switzerland, comes a chair designed to enhance your experience in listening or reading. The chair is called Rosa – Poltrona with acoustics:

“. . . [It] keeps one shielded with its acoustic absorbing foam and fabric.

The shape of the ROSA chair is inspired by the rose in a particular position. This natural position is clearly seen by roses or sunflowers that direct their head to the sun for their photosynthesis cycle. The strips represent the layers of the rose and contribute to the curves of the volume. The shape acts like a sound and visual protection which is fitted with sound absorbing foam. The Poltrona also turns in a 360° radius.”

— kurtmerkijr.com

This next chair definitely evokes a living in a space age feel. And reminds me a bit of the 1960’s cartoon The Jetsons. Frankly, I adore it for its whimsy and easy form. It would be so much fun to sit in it. It’s called the Cone Chair, made by Verner Panton and can be found on All Modern.com.

Okay, so this last chair is a novelty in every respect. But it’s fun, beautifully, artistically and masterly constructed: the Cello Chair. I discovered it on The Chair Blog. I never knew I needed a chair blog until I read this one. Do check it out if you love or are in search of that very special chair. The blog offers great resources. Back to the chair. It’s a creation of Thwart Design.

Once upon a time, I had a notion to only have chairs of different styles from traditional to modern, in different materials but in variations of the same neutral color. I wanted to thrill myself and guests with exploring experiences in sitting. Yes, well, I’ve had wild thoughts on decorating! Still, the thought left me with a passionate interest in chairs–okay, really the passion extends to all furniture.

That aside, I would love to have include so many more modern chairs, particularly by designers of fine craftsmanship (an adequate word to describe these artists). I love their visions and chairs.

Do you have a favorite modern chair in your home, on you wish list or just one that you admire? Please, do tell!

A Contest! You Could Win An Annsliee Throw Pillow!

Ready! Get Set! Design! And win an annsliee throw pillow!

When: Coming soon on November 1, 2014

Where: Polyvore.Com/Decor Du Jour Group

How to participate:

Join Polyvore.com
Join this fun group Decor Du Jour
Create and submit a home decor design set using one or more of the listed required annsliee pillows (list to be determined)
Two moderators will select a winner for first place (I’m not one of them!)

Next step: Follow annsliee for the official announcement and contest details.

How do you follow annsliee?

Better yet, subscribe to Annsliee Weekly Newsletter!

Ten Elements For A Cozy Wintry Bedroom

In the Northern Hemisphere, where I live, fall temperatures are gradually dropping and daylight hours are getting shorter. The combination makes it difficult to get out of bed, coupled with the joy of crawling into bed at the end of the day.

If you’re like me, you may be looking to how to make that bedroom cozier; that is more comfortable for a great weekend sleep-in–or any day of the week sleep-in! So what are key elements to a wintry cozy bedroom? I came up with ten.

Colors that elicit a feeling of warmth and caressing. See The Bold Side of Autumn Decor and Decorate With Brown? Afraid
Seating in a nook or small space and a table
Fireplace (built in, natural or stand alone)
No clutter. It’s so distracting, makes you want to run out of the room!
A well made bed. It doesn’t have to be luxuriously draped, it can be simple and with one or two comforters, quilts and throw. Pile on the pillows. See my post Decorative Pillows: Pile ‘Em On.
Window treatment that soften and give you the option to embrace or close off the outside world.
Side table(s) next to the bed for books and a warm drink. Even a chair can serve this function. (Note, I left out the cell phone and laptop!)
Decor accessories that warm your heart of photos of family and friend, wall plats, word sayings stenciled on the wall or art that you love.
Carpet and and rugs, especially a plush shag or flokati layered on a wall-to-wall carpet. If wood flooring is what you have or want, add a large area rug such as a vintage oriental.
Warm, caressing apparel. Just looking at plush slippers and a thick robe can mentally transport you to dream land.

Okay, so now let’s see how this list works in real life.

I love this bedroom by Stacey Costello Design. In soft neutrals and lots of different textures but with minimum patterns this cozy bedroom feels more like a dream one had blessedly fell into. The four-poster bed, of course, is the star: raised high for climbing up into it; classic white puffy comforter; a throw; and lots of pillows (for sleeping and a decorative accent pillow). The gorgeous window treatment allows you to easily shut off or open the light and the outside world into the room. Ah, did you notice that lighting is missing from my list? Flowers and the silver tray with tea candles and martini glasses lend an air of romance to this lovely setting. If that’s not in your fortune, well . . . add books and a pet. And chocolates!

For those of you with space, add a seating corner for reading, watching T.V. or just dreaming:

Traditional Bedroom by Pasadena General Contractors Reaume Construction & Design

I selected this next example because it appears to be a small bedroom. Yet, it has a fireplace which is always an element that adds warmth and coziness to a room, even a romantic element. And I want to point out that if you don’t have a built in fireplace, you can still add one.

Traditional Bedroom by New York Interior Designers & Decorators David Scott Interiors

Free standing fireplaces is worthy of a separate post. But I’ll show you just a couple here so you can see what I mean. They’re listed on All Modern.com. The two listed are gel fueled but you can also find stand alone and wall mounted fireplaces that are wall mounted.

Sparta gel fuel free standing fire place, All Modern.com for Wildon Home

Gel fueled wall mounted fireplace from Wildon home

All of the bedroom images above are in neutral colors, two have the coolness of blue. And the one above adds a little warmth from the reds found in the throw and carpet. These are relaxing colors and are suitable year round. In winter, if you want to warm up your cozy bedroom, you can add warm color accessories. So let’s look at a some cozy bedrooms with warm colors. I’ll tell you right now, I’m in love again and very definitely with this next one! It’s by Annie Hall Interiors.

For this next one, if you have an east facing bedroom where the morning sun stream through–and you love the feel–here’s a great example of enhancing the feel with warm colors. For privacy, add blinds or a fabric shade both of which can be rolled up, even under a simple valance in the same wall color. This will minimize an unwanted visual intrusion of window treatment, such as the one shown.

There is a comment on Pinterest for the image above that states “Books always warm up a room.” I couldn’t agree more as I’m sure you book lovers and readers! It’s easy too imagine oneself on a snowy, wintry day escaping to this cozy bedroom. Note the spot of tea, a biscuit on the tray–sitting on a side chair that doubles as a table.

If you don’t think of beige and sage as warm colors, think again. Here it comes together beautifully, matched and layered with rustic reds.

I dare not show you my down-sized apartment bedroom! I only have about four of the elements I’ve listed and have yet to even unpack some of them, including gorgeous draper panels enough to make covers for my head and foot boards. On my list of things to do as I plan the decor of my bedroom. Well, I’m inspired by the photos above. Hope you are too!

Are you making any changes this year for a cozy wintry bedroom? Can you think of another must have element to create such a room?, please do tell!

Eleven Inspiring Table Centerpieces For Halloween

Grab a coffee or tea and get inspired to create your own Happy Halloween table centerpiece.

I’ll start with what’s on my dining nook table. This year, I opted for a simple centerpiece to greet the oncoming fall days and a few Halloween accessories for the ‘faint of heart’–namely, myself!

Look closely at this wide-mouth hurricane lamp filled ornamental gourds, mini orange pumpkins and chartreuse reindeer moss. You’ll see a pair of blood shot eye balls peeking back at you. Look again (next photo) and you’ll see these eye lit up. The colors change from blue to green to red. Three blind mice guided by tea candles scurry around the lamp.

FOR A CLASSY HALLOWEEN DINING:

One of my favorite for a classy and sparkling centerpiece is this black pumpkin accented with glass jewels. Found it on Calligraphy by Jennifer.net. Do check her out for the many pumpkin ideas she has listed.

A gorgeous floral arrangement available at Olive and Cocoa.com

Fabulous centerpiece and table scape idea from Home is Where the boat is.net

From one of my most favorite blog sites for tablescapes, Between Naps On The Porch.com, comes this lovely centerpiece of poison portions.

CREEPY AND SCARY TABLE CENTERPIECES

This horror filled hurricane lamp found on Dancing Barefoot In Sand & Snow blogspot.com

This green Frankenstein centerpiece is definitely on my favorites list! Discovered it on Cheryl Style.com. You can learn how to make it and the mummy (next photo) on her site.

Or try this next spooky terrarium DIY project from Bear and Lion Mamma.com

By far these green skeleton heads served under the dome of a glass cake stand will bring lots of nervous screams from your guests!

I’ll be enjoying my Halloween with a, would-you-believe, pajama party for ladies over 60 years of age! The entry is ready to greet them with a planter filled with flashing eyes nestled in green moss. We opted for a romantic comedy movie on witches, lots of wine and great finger food.

So, to you I wish a Very Ghoulish Happy Halloween–scary or not, stay safe!

7 Steps To Create A Trendy Decor: NOT!

Someone once asked me what was trending in throw pillows. It was a really tough question for me to answer because I think in terms of style: modern, traditional, oriental, eclectic , Nordic and other styles defined by certain elements. I think in terms of design principles but love the idea of departing from those principles to capture a certain mood, an ambiance, an expression of who you are.

Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that their is something wrong with being “trendy.” But in an age when there are so many choices, why short circuit your brain and “your style” to just being “trendy.”

For example, for a while the chevron pattern has been all the rave, particularly the wide, two-color pattern. And it still is but almost to the point of being prosaic. The pattern is an ancient one and frankly deserves better homage.

Fortunately, there are designers who explore the complexity of the pattern and have given us not only more choices but choices that allow us to best express ourselves. Even the most transparent person has elements of complexity.

You could say the chevron patterns below are trendy. But I would say they offer enough complexity to not be trendy but are sophisticated and classic.

From left to right: classic chevron by Kravet; Kasari ikat terra cotta by Schumacher; dulcina meadow by Fabricut; Tangier frame print driftwood by Schumacher; and Spa by Greenhouse

So what’s trendy now in interior design? Oh dear, I may be getting into trouble here but I would say those over-sized chandeliers. If you love them, I’m so happy for you and hope you will not scream at me. But I just can’t help it. They always make me think of Alice In Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, the king has no clothes but never do I think “Oh, how gorgeous!” How long this trend will last will pronounce me a taste-less-master, old fashion or sagacious.

By now you may be asking how do you create a home and not be trendy? How do you create spaces that are dated before you’ve even finished paying for it. If your song is “I’m in with the in crowd, and I go where the in crowd goes,” well, the list below is probably not for you. But if your song is “I’ve got to be me,” think about the suggestions below. Whether you are redecorating, replacing old pieces or just accessorizing, this is your starting point:

Look around your home and find the things you really, really love and have loved over a long period of time. If possible, gather them in one room.
Identify what style you think these items represent, such as eclectic, traditional or modern.
Having identified your collected decor style, the question is do you want to continue with it or would you like to change it. Not worry. If your design taste changes, you can still find space for those items that do not fit by grouping them as a collection in a strategic spot. If it’s furniture, space them out as focal pieces. This very much depends upon size and number of items.
If you live alone, discuss with a friend your life style. If not, then discuss this with your spouse, roommate or partner. Talking about it, gets it out in the open where you can really examine your life style.
Spend a good deal of time looking through inspirational home decorated rooms–both trendy and traditional.
If the trendy really captures your taste and life style, opt for the more complex designs. Notice, a complex design can also be understated, simple–sublime. Think of an orchid. It is beautiful, complex and simple–and sublime.
Here’s the most critical and probably the most time consuming part: identify excellent resources from furniture stores (new or antique or garage sales) to fabric stores to home decor stores. Shop around is the old adage. Start with the most expensive places to buy. Can’t afford it? That’s okay. Work your way down to other places where you can find substitutions for the pieces you want and will fit your budget. In your haunts, include such places as auctions, flea markets and Craigslist. They offer great surprises and bargains for that special piece. You’ll have a fun story to tell over cheese and wine or a

Notice in steps 1 through 6, you had yet to spend or waste one penny! Being trendy saves you time by not having to think, just buy, add it to your decor and a year later tire of it. The art of home is not about just saving time or for that matter being trendy, but about creating something beautiful that stands up to time and that you, your family and friends can enjoy for years to come.

Is being trendy the way to go? Am I just not appreciating being trendy? Oh please, do tell!

The Bold Side Of An Autumn Decor

In my last post, Create An Autumn Color Decor, I introduced a Design Seed color palette and had created two decorating design boards using the subdued hues of autumn colors. But autumn also brings with it new bold and exciting colors of yellows, golds, reds, and oranges, such as those shown below in the leaf colors:

Now I must express my disappointment in finding very few interior designs that reflect the bold vibrant colors of fall. There are of course decors for other seasons of the year with these bold colors. What I did discover were examples of yellow and white decors and orange and yellow or white decors that could easily be translated into fall colors by adding accessories. There are many such examples under the heading fall decorations and are loaded with pumpkins and gourds.

Where fall decors were identified or referenced as such, lots and lots of wood elements were in the decors, flat dark browns and traces of dark reds and oranges. It was as if someone turned off the lights.

Here is my one marvelous example of a living room that beautifully shows off fall colors. Yet, it is a room fabulous for any season with just a little change in decorative items. (Yes, it is accessorized in autumn colors.) Everything about this room exudes comfort and warmth. It works well for these reasons:

Light, light and lots of it. Even a gray day would have a hard time dampening the lovely mood of this room with its white walls and slip-covered chair and sofa reflecting every bit of light. The absence of window treatment gives clarity to the room.
Orange painted wood work around the windows. The designer was quite daring to paint the window trims a happy orange. You do know that orange is a happy color. Right? I write about orange in my post titled Decorate With Orange.
Multicolor blanket and throw bring in the layers of colors we see in fall.
Natural elements found in nature are reflected in the wicker chair and what appears to be a sisal or jute rug. And then there is the dark wood chest. But notice too that the dark elements are used sparingly.
The stone mantle and surround, well, I just love it. It’s height suggest grandness without the pretense of grandeur. A fire in a fireplace is classic love, romance, coziness, intimacy and a home for the heart. But too, the yellow and red flames without a doubt reflect bold colors of autumn.
Contrast! Dark and light colors are paired to create interest, even drama.

Rustic Living Room by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Bosworth Hoedemaker

If your home decor is missing some or all of the glorious bold colors of autumn, you can definitely bring them in as accenting decorations.

Greet your guest with a collection of colorful gourds:

Traditional Spaces by Fishers Landscape Contractors The Windowbox Gardener

Traditional Entry by Lake Bluff Landscape Contractors Greenhaven Landscapes Inc

Wow your guest with a orange (or yellow or red) splash table setting–or why not just your family!

Traditional Dining Room by Detroit Interior Designers & Decorators The Yellow Cape Cod

You love your white room? I would too if it looked like this one. Imagine what a tiny bit of fall colors would do when strategically placed throughout the room!

Farmhouse Living Room by Atlanta Architects & Building Designers Historical Concepts

The living and dining room below is absolutely lovely. But how would you give it a more autumn appeal or would you leave it as is?

Tropical Family Room by Frisco Interior Designers & Decorators Kevin Twitty- IBB Designer

Or this one?

Modern Living Room by Vancouver Interior Designers & Decorators Treoma Design

What’s your take on decorating a room in bold fall colors? Would you want it all year? Or would you just prefer accessorizing with fall colors? Oh please, do tell!

Create An Autumn Color Decor

Well, autumn is creeping its way into the Northern Hemisphere! After sweltering summer days here in Wilmington N.C., autumn is a welcome relief from those hot humid days. Of course by December, we’ll probably sing a different tune gazing outside and breathlessly waiting for beach days. But for now, we’ve looking for orange pumpkins, silvery gourds, and yellow leaves. Bringing those lovely colors in doors is a wonderful treat.

If you know me, you know that one of my favorite places for color scheme inspiration is the Design Seeds. The one is called “autumn hues” where colors are beautifully drawn from a collection of pumpkins and fall gourds.

Design Seeds 'autumn hues' — Design Seeds ‘autumn hues’

The soft hues of autumn were chosen for this palette and they’re absolutely gorgeous: soft blue, silvery gray, beige, a very light orange paired with a darker, muted orange and then a beautiful deep gray. They invite you to just curl up on a sofa, read a good book, drink hot tea and take a nap. From my Polyvore site, I was inspired to create a couple of design boards to bring these lovely colors indoor.

Autumn Colors by annsliee featuring japanese home decor

The darker autumn hues from the color palette were chosen for the focal theme here. A dark gray sofa and angus leather ottoman contrast with a deep orange rug.

Autumn Colors II by annsliee featuring contemporary table lamps

Here, I reversed the selection for a color theme by choosing the lighter hues of autumn in the color palette. For drama, I chose a dark gray wall. Depending upon the size of the room and a desire to not darken it, one wall such as this would be the focal wall. Choose a lighter gray for the other walls.

You know of course you don’t have to change your whole decor just to bring in autumn colors. Right? Just select a few of the colors that fit your scheme, store some of your summer color decor items. You can bring them back in the spring or summer. They’ll feel like new by then.

I can see a few other autumn colors that can be added to your decor. Can you? Oh please . . . do tell!