Use what you've got decorating.... reimagine, refurbish, repurpose!!

So many times we have something old that we love but it has either "seen better days" or just does not work anymore. Maybe the finish, fabric or color is not to your liking. Maybe it does not serve the same purpose as it used to or does not fit in a new space. Or maybe you find something at a tag sale or thrift shop that speaks to you but now that you have it home you can't figure out what to do with it.

So what if your coffee table has seen better days or does not compliment your new design style. Here is an idea to convert an old cocktail table into a cocktail ottoman.
Simply take foam rubber and attach it to the top of your table using a spray adhesive. Cover the foam rubber with a layer of dacron batting and then cover that with fabric. You can wrap the fabric around the edges of the table and staple it to the bottom side of the table top. For added detail you can trim the sides with decorative nailheads or cord or fringe or braid. If you are more ambitious try tufting using decorative tacks or buttons....you may have to drill through the table top and foam and fabric to do this.

You can also just start with a piece of masonite or plywood that is cut to the size and shape of your cocktail table. Cover that in the same way and then attach it to the top of the coffee table.

You can use any kind of fabric, leather or vinyl. An old rug or tapestry would be even more interesting. You have created a comfy place to rest your feet. To use as a coffee table you can use a large tray or mirror on which to place accessories or drinks.

If your table is long and narrow you can use it as a bench in a hall, at a dining table or at the foot of a bed. The possibilities are endless!

What "repurposing" projects have you tackled? How did they come out?

Check out one of my favorite blogs that have all kinds of creative repurposed things, http://www.designsponge.com/ I hope it will inspire you just as it has for me.
The photo of the above table/ottoman is from ACP Home

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Window Treatments....Windows with a challenge

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Architects have a way of designing homes with many styles and shapes of windows. Sometimes they use celestory windows (windows above windows or doors). Sometimes the windows echo the shape of the wall such as a bay window. Sometimes the size and shape of a window itself adds drama and interest such as a Palladian arched window. All this can create a challenge for interior designers. What the heck can we do to "dress" such windows?

Here is one solution for a tall Palladian window in a formal dining room that adds to the elegance and formality. First I hung the panels from the very top. We hung them from medallions but in order to hang them and not see the window in the dip between the medallions, I had an arched cornice made to blend with the wall behind and hung the medallions from the cornice. I trimmed the top with the same accent fabric we used in the living room and the same fringes. By tying the panels back higher up we allowed more view. If you want to minimize the light or view then tie panels back lower on the wall.

Finally for an elegant touch, puddle the panels on the floor. Of course that may not work so well in high traffic areas or with a family with kids and pets. One client said it was her cat's favorite place to take a nap!