Linens Make a Comeback
Signature Ideas from Frank Bielec

Excerpts from the March 2008 issue of Signature HomeStyles HeartBeat, Issue 3 Vol. 8
- Courtesy of Rhonda LoSchiavo and SHStoday.com.
 

      
Decorative linens have been with us for a long, long time. I can remember perky white doilies that graced every exposed area of my grandma's beautifully upholstered furniture. Some were gifts, but she made most of them. Grandma would have loved the fact that linens are making a huge comeback. They herald a new look in home decor, and Signature HomeStyles has them. They are not the stale ordinary doilies of the past. They are fresh, inventive and work beautifully in today's home trends. For instance, take a look at the Regal Paisley Runner. How perfect to dress up the table! It makes even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich an event. It goes from casual to a romantic dinner for two. But why stop there? Purchase a decorative drapery rod and drape one end over it, securing the back with a pin. Use the runner as a wallhanging or line up three and use as a headboard. Talk about more bang for your buck!
 
 

The Bedroom Scarf
The Golden Elegance Mantel Scarf looks good on the mantel or the window because of its imaginative blend of patterns. But hey, suppose you have a ho-hum dust ruffle on the bed. Plain, white and boring. Line up three of these scarves and pin them to the existing box springs. Tuck what is left of the scarves behind the bed. You can cut off the tassels and save them when you do something new with your scarves. Be sure that the tips tickle the floor.

All-Occasion Trunners
I really feel that the Sheer Scalloped Trunner® is a decorating winner. It is a generous 108-inches long so if you combine it with drapery clip rings, you can make great sheers for your window. The Trunner also works as sheers when you want to divide a small area from a larger one. It forms a wall and yet does not give that confined feeling.
 

 
The Trunner would fit so well into wedding decorations. Drape the fabric to mark special family member's seats. Combined with flowers, it would be stunning. Bows in the candelabra with flowering streamers would give a soft romantic look. Use the Trunner at the reception on top of small white Christmas lights. The fabric diffuses the light and creates a magical effect.

I love the Bamboo Trunners®. They make a simple table appear as if you took a trip to the Orient. With a change of accessories, it goes right to a beach cottage. Add some clip drapery rings and you have some very hip shades. Take our Chenille Trunner to the bedroom and use it to enhance a dull set of bed linens. Use a Trunner in the entry to form a unifying base for your welcoming accessories. You just thought it was for the table! Silly you.

 

All-Season Linens
The Down Home Plaid could turn a winter meal into a summer picnic. Take a set of hinged doors you can buy at a home improvement center, paint them a color you respond to in the plaid and let dry. When dry, cut some batting a quarter of an inch smaller than the PlatePads®. Sandwich the batting and the pads where desired on the doors. Secure with decorative upholstery tacks. Perfect to hide an unsightly corner or just to add a nice visual surprise to a room. There are linens for everyone! Each linen springs off the page and begs you to enhance your home with it!

Signature HomeStyles has brought its style to rugs, throws and linens. What makes this move so amazing is that they considered the entire look and how each piece in the collection relates to everything else. You have all styles that can fit into any decor, from traditional to antique.

I started with my grandparents and I will end with them. I love all the linens that have that antique, old-world look. They hark back to times that were easy and carefree. The quilts and embroidered pieces add that homey cottage feel to any home. The sky becomes clearer and the air fresher when you are around these beautiful objects. If you live in an apartment, condo or house, you can achieve the look of being in a small town. My grandparents would approve.

Until I see you again, be safe and be happy, and Live Your Dreams!

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Frank Bielec is a designer on The Learning Channel’s popular “Trading Spaces” show, and he is also a frequent guest speaker at Signature HomeStyles company meetings. Frank often shares his decorating advice and Ideas for Everyday Living with Signature HomeStyles representatives. To learn more about Signature HomeStyles and to view our catalog, visit my Web site at SHStoday.com.

   

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