More specifically I’ve had window panels on the brain that give off that great world traveler/ethnic /earthy vibe.
One of my favorite textile designers for that look is anything from John Robshaw:
The man just hits it on the nail every single time. I just want to wrap myself in all of those fabrics!
Another favorite has to be Madeline Weinrib. Not only are her rugs, “I die” beautiful, but her great use of pattern continue on in her fabrics as well.
Here is one of my favorites:
While both of the above options are rather high in price they are not the only ones available to get a similar look and feel.
But my favorite chic and cheap solution is to go the DIY route. If was going to do this I would make my own panels with drop cloths. One package for $10 could easily make two panels.
Then to get the pattern on instead of the block printing technique the lovely designers above used I would make my own foam stamp.
All you need is craft foam make sure to get it half inch thick:
Then either draw the design free hand, print out an image from the web to copy or use a cookie cutter.
Cut it out and glue to a small piece of wood and voila a custom stamp. Make sure you use fabric paint so that they can be washed.
The stamp technique would work best with a simple pattern such as the medallion print from West Elm.
If you wanted to do a much busier pattern I would make a custom stencil instead.
This site has free printable stencils that you can copy onto stencil paper or free hand the design yourself on stencil paper and use an exacto knife to cut it out..
I've been thinking of making my own stencils – how fun would that be to be able to say that I made that wall (or whatever) look awesome?!? Thanks for reminding me that I need to do that. 🙂
That's funny, I was just thinking about stenciling my curtains yesterday! I also love those pricier curtains and was thinking of a cheaper alternative. I'll let you know if I go through with it.
I love everything John Robshaw does. Great idea about using the craft foam to make the stencil. I saw these great panels at Anthro but now I think I can make them.
I'm glad you liked my photo. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Great idea! I love the ethnic vibe of the west elm window treatments. I am also shopping for window treatments and will most likely get those for the bedrooms. Have a great day!
Camila…eeeek! dying over here…such a great idea! I love those westelm curtains and have been eyeing them up for awhile now! also love weinrab's designs too, if only she'd come out with budget friendly options!
Camila: Do you know of a good, online site for fabric paint? There's NO hope of finding any in stores down here – and I am truly inspired by your stripes!!
P.S. – I apologize if you've already noted this – I'm a little behind on my blog reading 🙁
what great ideas!!! i've been trying to think of something cheap & pretty for the new baby's room so maybe this will work??!!!! if i get off my behind??!! hahah xoxoxoxo
oooooooo i want to try this badly!! what a simple & inexpensive diy. if you do follow through with it please let us know how it goes & what {if any} tips you have on making it turn out well!
such a fun idea. I am trying to find drapes in a perfect shade for my bedroom. much harder than expected. although this may be an idea that could work.
I'm always torn with pattern in a room…where to place it. I am really wanting this chinoiserrie print in brown cotton for drapes right now…I may do it.
I know, almost four months later i'm commenting:) Just wanted to let you know I mentioned this post one my blog. I love your idea and can't wait to try it! http://afabulousfete.blogspot.com/
I'm Camila, A SELF APPOINTED STRIPE AFICIONADO WHO HAS A soft spot IN HER HEART FOR BLUE AND WHITE GINGER JARS, THE COLOR ORANGE, AND ELEPHANTS.
welcome, friend
get my no fail formula on how to style your console for free.
get weekly design tips & Inspirations for a colorful life in your inbox
get inspired with our own home tour
ON THE BLOG
My living room is one of the rooms that evolved drastically from when we first moved one. Originally I painted the walls chocolate brown and did accents of white, blue and orange. That lasted maybe 2 years.
Our dining room sat empty for months. Okay maybe it was empty for just a handful of weeks and then we couldn’t take it anymore and put in a folding table and plastic outdoor chairs, but in my mind that was still empty.
On the main floor of our house we have a Florida room. Being that it’s a Florida room it is a considered a 3 season room, because there is no heat in the room. The previous owners used it as an indoor patio with outdoor furniture and it looked like this when we moved in.
Fall is the perfect season to host an outdoor movie night in your backyard! It’s that time of year when outdoor furniture is still outside and it gets dark earlier than the summer which means your little kiddos can enjoy the movie night as well. It’s so nice to transform your backyard with cozy blankets, […]
Can you believe it’s already November? Before we know it Thanks No. 1 Modern bar cart with patterned sides that looks great as is, but would also look amazing painted a pop of color! Plus it’s only $157. No. 2 This lucite bar cart is a personal favorite of mine. Look at those chic lines! […]
For the longest time our backyard was mainly just grass and a little small area where we laid down some pavers so that we could set out a little plastic table/chairs during the summer. Not exactly ideal for entertaining. For the past couple of years we have wanted to build a deck and enjoy the […]
I want someone else to try it first and teach me everything that could go wrong. Is that asking too much?
I've been thinking of making my own stencils – how fun would that be to be able to say that I made that wall (or whatever) look awesome?!? Thanks for reminding me that I need to do that. 🙂
~ Liz
http://www.itsgreattobehome.net
I've never tried anything like this, but I'm thinking I just might!
That's funny, I was just thinking about stenciling my curtains yesterday! I also love those pricier curtains and was thinking of a cheaper alternative. I'll let you know if I go through with it.
I like how you make it your own!
great ideas!! which drop cloths are you referring to? everytime i go to HOME D there are like 6 different kinds.
thanks.
I love everything John Robshaw does. Great idea about using the craft foam to make the stencil. I saw these great panels at Anthro but now I think I can make them.
I'm glad you liked my photo. Thanks for visiting my blog.
What a great idea- you have to try it and let us all know how it turns out for sure!
Great idea! I love the ethnic vibe of the west elm window treatments. I am also shopping for window treatments and will most likely get those for the bedrooms.
Have a great day!
Camila…eeeek! dying over here…such a great idea! I love those westelm curtains and have been eyeing them up for awhile now! also love weinrab's designs too, if only she'd come out with budget friendly options!
Camila:
Do you know of a good, online site for fabric paint? There's NO hope of finding any in stores down here – and I am truly inspired by your stripes!!
P.S. – I apologize if you've already noted this – I'm a little behind on my blog reading 🙁
What a wonderful idea! I even think doing it yourself would yield a more "authentic"/handmade feel than you'd get with anything screen printed.
Another great idea! You should try the foam stamp and let us know how it goes.
Great idea… I can't wait for someone to try this so I can see!
I love this idea, I might end up trying it myself.
I haven't stenciled fabric but I have stenciled floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, furniture in my house in Marrakech. *love* it!
what great ideas!!! i've been trying to think of something cheap & pretty for the new baby's room so maybe this will work??!!!! if i get off my behind??!! hahah
xoxoxoxo
oooooooo i want to try this badly!! what a simple & inexpensive diy. if you do follow through with it please let us know how it goes & what {if any} tips you have on making it turn out well!
YAY!
Jen
such a fun idea. I am trying to find drapes in a perfect shade for my bedroom. much harder than expected. although this may be an idea that could work.
I'm always torn with pattern in a room…where to place it. I am really wanting this chinoiserrie print in brown cotton for drapes right now…I may do it.
Best,
Michelle
love these finds – curtains and window treatments seem really difficult to find pre-made. these are really great.
I know, almost four months later i'm commenting:) Just wanted to let you know I mentioned this post one my blog. I love your idea and can't wait to try it!
http://afabulousfete.blogspot.com/