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 Celebrating 15 Years
August 2016 


  
 

Margaret Blunt, Owner,
Sew Beautiful
While the black-eyed-susans outside our studio are still in glorious bloom and we're still immersed in the summer Olympics, school starts back up next week and before you know it,  fall will be upon us. I don't know about you, but I look forward to the change of seasons. The cool, crisp air of fall brings a welcome break from the oppressive heat of the late summer months.  

Fall is also a great time of year to enjoy the many outdoor festivals. One I look forward to this year is the second Annual Art in Action Street Festival, held by the Annapolis Design District 
on September 17. With live music, a beer garden, food, kids' activities, and more, it promises to be a great time! Consider attending (admission is free) and you will be helping bring more art to Annapolis.
 
We welcome change because it's good for the soul. In our Feature Article we will help you answer our most commonly asked question about change: "Should I reupholster, slip-cover or buy new?" Or in other words, "refresh, repurpose or replace."

If you're looking for the perfect window treatment to meet your light control and privacy needs, there is still time to take advantage of the Hunter Douglas' Smart Shades Savings Event, going on now through September 12.

Enjoy the last of the dog days of summer, and we wish all students a successful start to the new school year!

All the best -
 
 
Margaret
Sew Beautiful
In This Issue
Breathe New Life Into Cherished Heirlooms
Did You Know...
Re-Cover, Re-purpose or Replace?
Hunter Douglas Rebate
 Services We Offer
Designer Fabrics
Like us on Facebook 

 

Breathe New Life Into Cherished Heirlooms


When Nancy moved into her coastal-themed home, she brought with her several sentimental pieces that belonged to her mother. This uniquely styled channel-back chair, shown on the left below, was the perfect piece for her foyer, she decided. While overall the chair was in good condition, the fabric just needed updating. Because of the channel detail along the inside back, we chose a fabric with a small-scale circle pattern in a beautiful spa blue to complement the entryway rug. A contrast welt in cream outlines the chair's outer back and legs. A new down/feather blend cushion not only completes the look, but also makes this chair comfortable to sit in. This special chair, full of character, charm and history, now takes center stage at the entrance of her home, combining a winning look with a sentimental memory.


BEFORE		     
AFTER

Did You Know...

...Colors are a critical component of the magic that is the Olympics. 

From the uniforms, to the facilities, to the logo, the use of color throughout Olympic history inspires a winning atmosphere.

Color is an important factor in training facilities. Experts have found that bright colors increase heart rate and breathing, which is why red and orange make great colors for cardio-heavy rooms. Blue has been found to increase productivity, and is used in weight-lifting rooms.

Red wins gold. When two opponents are equally matched, the one dressed in red is more likely to prevail, according to studies. Luckily red is one of the colors of the US flag! 

Colors also play a role in your home. Your choice of paint or fabric color can create a mood of warmth, relaxation, energy or creativity. Ask a design professional for help with color choice if you have a tough time deciding.

Simone Biles is all smiles in her winning red leo.

Refresh, Repurpose or Replace?

When it comes to updating a room, we are often asked whether a piece of furniture should be reupholstered, slip-covered or just replaced. One should not assume that the only way to update their spaces is to buy new furniture. It's often possible to create an entirely brand-new look by reupholstering or slip-covering those favorite pieces that you already love! So when considering your next furniture update, ask yourself: 
  • Does the piece in question simply need a new look?
  • Is the frame of the piece still in good shape?
  • Is this a favorite piece of furniture, an heirloom, or is it just the perfect size and shape for a particular spot in your home?
Taking these factors into consideration, let's examine your options:  

Slipcovers (Refresh):
Slipcovers are an easy way to get a whole new look and feel for a room, and just about anything can be slip-covered. A slipcover can increase furniture's longevity by protecting it from every day wear and tear. With many of today's durable fabrics, like Sunbrella, a slipcover is easily cleanable, making this a great option for young families. When our client, Leslie, was ready to update the look of her family room, rather than replace the furniture that fit so perfectly, she chose to slip-cover instead. Choosing a sea-inspired theme, new cushion covers were made out of this fun, light-blue coral fabric, while a cream-colored herringbone was used to slip-cover the sectional sofa. All coordinates well and fits the space beautifully!


Slipcovers also offer versatility when you're trying to achieve a certain look - fun and flirty, 
tailored and sophisticated, or seasonally elegant. By 
adding dressmaker details such as pleats, ruffles, gathers, bows, covered buttons, or tassels, you can easily express your personality and style in your room.  
One of our clients, Karen, used slipcovers custom-fit to two dining chairs that are the perfect size and scale for her home office. Since Karen loves to entertain, she didn't want to lose any dining room seating, yet when she wasn't entertaining, her dining room chairs weren't in use. By adding a slipcover in a luxurious pink velvet, the two chairs match the décor of her home office beautifully, yet when her entertaining requires more seating she can easily remove the slipcovers and the chairs are ready to be used in the dining room again.


Reupholstery (Repurpose): 
If you love your piece of furniture and the frame is in good shape, reupholstery might be the ideal solution if the fabric is worn or outdated. Consider updating your piece by eliminating
the skirt or adding a new leg style to your chair or sofa. For example, adding a skirt to a traditional Queen Anne chair will make it less formal. Have fun mixing fabrics, or add a contrast welt. Even if the cushions are a bit worn, they too can be easily replaced with a down/blend or one of many other comfy options. This chair, with its unique style, is comfortable and (once again) the perfect size and scale in this family room. The wavy geometric pattern in blues, tans and browns really pops on this chair!


Buy New (Replace): As hard as it may be to part with your favorite upholstered pieces, sometimes it's just time to let go. Often when renovating a room, the space is used differently, meaning a different furniture configuration is called for. Before you begin shopping for your new pieces, consider how your space will be utilized - TV viewing, family gatherings or a quiet reading place. Take measurements of your space and also of the pieces you are considering. Using masking or painters' tape to mark out the pieces in the room will help you visualize how the new furniture will fit. If you're having trouble saying goodbye to a favorite piece, take a photo of it for a keepsake and see if a family member can give it a new home. 
 
Once you consider the true function of the pieces in question, the best option - slipcover, reupholster or buy new - will become crystal clear. If you feel unsure, ask a design professional to help you with your decision.

If you, or someone you know, are looking for help with a decorating project please contact us for an in-home consultation. We help homeowners dress their windows and complete their rooms with well designed and beautifully made custom window treatments, pillows, cushions, bedding, upholstery, area rugs and more. To schedule an in-home consultation, call (410) 544-3300 or email 

Hunter Douglas Rebate through Sept. 12