Whether we own our own home or rent, it’s where we spend the vast majority of our time. Using fabrics creatively can be an affordable way of decorating our personal space – whatever our budget. With a few key items and prints, a room can be transformed from a generic living space to a home – YOUR home.
What’s important about interior design is its significance to you. Have Scottish ancestry? Pastel tartan carpets give a whole new spin to an ancient design. Have a particular affinity to zebras? Get a zebra print carpet if you so please (although please don’t). Wish you’d been around in the seventies? A fan of sinking your toes into sand? Try a luxurious shagpile rug.
If you’re happier with simple flooring but want to warm up a room, consider decorating a single statement wall. Someone who knows their art history can opt for a William Morris reproduction, whereas if you’re sorry you missed out on the seventies, go all-out with an obnoxious design in varying shades of sunset.
Fabrics and textiles needn’t to be the domain of those with cash to spare, either. Sentimental? Upcycle a loved one’s old shirt to make a pillow case. On our grandfather’s passing, we cut up an old Hessian sack from his garage to cover Mason jars. With a couple of decorations and finished off with a tea light, the sack was given a new lease of life and the jars proudly sit on our mantelpiece in memory of Grandad.
Brighten up an old sofa with a Marina Ignarski Designs cushion which are created from hand drawn images and digitally printed onto cotton. Designs include a splashing emerald frog, vintage yellow floral, lace and shells collage and black velvet rose cushion.
Photography ©Mike Osborne
We spend so much of our lives subconsciously surveying our surroundings, touching them.
A fabric’s price is irrelevant to how it makes us feel. Egyptian cotton bed sheets may give one person the best night’s sleep of their lives, but slipping on an ancient pair of slippers after a tough day may be equally as comforting to someone else. And that’s how our houses should feel – like coming home.
About the author
This post was written by Matt Wilson on behalf of Walton Flooring Centre, a carpet and laminate floor specialist delivering high quality and exceptional service.
I am excited to let you know that my new exclusive Summer 2016 collection is now available to bpurchase from me personally and via the online shop. The theme of my collection came from fighting pheasants and adorable rabbits which I see on a daily basis where I live and always intrigue me. I have also been inspired by soft nude water colour floral which would set off a pretty dress.
The collection is a fusion of elegant country wear and whimsy. The 45cm by 120cm scarves are printed onto silk/cotton scarves which make them cool enough to wear in the summer evenings. Think ‘at the races’ or complimenting an outfit, drinking a refreshing Pimms.
© Mike Osborne Photograghy
Written by marina
I recently went to Helsinki for a friends wedding and simply adored her wedding dress which was made by a Theatre company she works for and custom made with a contrasting print ruffle and fairy tale bow. Beautiful.
©Marina Ignarski
Written by Marina
It is now summer and we have some beautiful weather in sight. This means its time to start creating!
I am looking for clients for makeup, wedding invitation stationery or clients who would like a story illustrated in a book they have written. I have recently illustrated an E book, Linda McCartney Interview and would like to continue on my venture of illustrations for budding writers. Calling all writers: If you have a book you are proud of that is in desperate need of some charming doodle sketches please get in touch!
Post written by Marina
I am excited to announce that from the 29th of July I will be a qualified makeup artist as well as an artist. I feel really passionate about offering a branch of skills within the creative industries. The course I am attending is being run by Sharon Cronnelly at Amethyst Holistic Training on the Isle of Wight and is a certified by the City of Guild. On this course l will gain valuable skills in highlighting areas of clients faces through contouring. This is popular makeup technique utilised by makeup artists all over the globe on celebrities such as Kylie Minogue. I am very much looking forward to offering bridal makeup, special occasion makeup and day time makeup. I am also available to be hired for group bookings such as hen parties.
Please stay tuned for details of my website. COMING SOON! Please get in touch via the contact section on the site or visit my Facebook page.
Post written by Marina