Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Burlap - fabric of the people!





Texture is probably my favorite element of design.  In Asian cooking - it is always important to incorporate something soft, crunchy, chewy and firm in every dish.  When I came across a bolt of burlap at Joann's the other day when I was searching for fabric for some bedroom curtains I was thrilled.  Not only is it extremely affordable - this was on sale for $1.99 a yard - it would bring some much needed texture to my space.


Burlap is a plain-woven, coarse fabric of jute, hemp, or the like - also called gunny.  Remember Gunne Sax dresses in the late 70's?  They were named that because some of the early dresses that were trimmed in burlap.  It comes in several natural shades from pale linen to brown.

I added some detail to my curtains with a brown ball fringe.  I used a oil rubbed bronze curtain rod that tied it to the trim.  The filtered light is lovely.  It was a simple affordable solution for $35!


You can also find lots of accessories in burlap.  Here is a lampshade.  I love the way the light amplifies the texture:



  
I think rough 'homespun' fabrics like burlap are a reflection of our poor economy.  And I am all for it.  I wouldn't go to the expense or effort to use the 'fabric of the people' on a chair or even on a pillow - it is just too rough on the bum.  These French style chairs, seen on Apartment Therapy, were reportedly on sale for $1,400 for the pair at the Paris Boutique.  Tres folle!  But used judiciously - it is a great way to bring texture and light to a room.




And for heaven's sake - this is just plain silly!  Ouch.











1 comment:

Neven said...

trish i too love the look.just bought a fabric with french script to cover a back board on desk im redoing. it will be a tack board. love the old linen look too. great web site love ya girl.aunty chris