oscar4jk's Profile

I guess I'm odd about this particular subject. I've always hated the idea of draperies that seem to visually jump off the wall, preferring instead for the visual focus of my room to be on the furniture pieces I've worked so hard to collect over time. The first photo is a perfect example of why I hate this trend - the first thing you look at are those banana yellow drapes on the wall, not the beautiful furniture or artwork. The second photo is better because the pattern draws your eye down to the sofa, but only because of the multiple patterns on the pillows. Photo 3 - too bad those bright green draperies pull focus away from that lovely chandelier. Don't get me started on the pink pattern drapes - yikes. Out of all of these, the one room that I view as really successful is the last photo where you have the drama with the drapes, but their neutral color doesn't make them a focal point because the color that draws your eye is in accessories and furniture.

So, that sums up my preference - neutral draperies that complement and add drama to a room without pulling focus away from the real stars of a room - the pieces you hand-select that represent you as an individual in a way that some long panels of fabric never will.

I just looked at the stuff being sold on eBay - this is so pathetic. This is TARGET people - the quality isn't even that great. Who in their right mind would pay the prices these people on eBay are asking for this stuff? $125.00 for a baby's footie pajama, $400 for a carry-n suitcase? People who pay these prices for Target quality have lost their minds.

Is there a specific type of fabric paint that works better for these types of projects? I've been wanting to do this, but don't want to end up with stiff, crusty fabric.

Also, has anyone ever tried using a fabric dye with a paint brush to create more free-form designs?

Storage. Storage. Storage!

I live in 680 square feet and with the exception of my bed (because I haven't found one I like) every piece of furniture provides additional storage. I have a Tansu step chest that's 8 feet long and stores all of my games, art supplies, office supplies, wrapping paper etc., an armoire that stores extra dishes, candles, serving pieces, a small tool box and also serves as a bar, bedside tables with drawers and storage, 2 dressers... even my ottoman stores extra linens for guests.

When you live in a small space, anything that serves double duty is a MUST!

Good thing it's highlighting bedrooms, that third bedroom is a snoozefest. (Pun intended) Boooooooring.

A much easier solution that requires very little effort - pour 1/2 cup bleach in the bowl, then use 2 strips of toilet paper and line the inside of the bowl, just above the water line. The toilet paper should mostly stick on it's own. Spray over the toilet paper with bleach or Clorox Clean-Up and let it sit for an hour. Flush and done.

If your toilet looks like something out of a horror movie - employ the other methods, but for those of us who clean once a week - this will do the trick in a jifffy.