More Splash than Cash Decorating» Donna Babylon’s sewing and decorating tips

101 Patchwork Projects & Quilts (2011 issue)

admin — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:19:05 +0000

Just received my copy of the 2011 101 Patchwork Projects & Quilts and want to share that I have two projects included. I am so excited!

A bedroom isn’t complete without a profusion of pillows. My first project (page 75), Serenity Sham, is so easy to make! My second project is a Pieced Shower Curtain on page 86. Brighten your morning with this pieced shower curtain topped with colorful grommets. Check it out!

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com

Shelved!

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:00:59 +0000

Transform an otherwise dull bookshelf into one of the most colorful pieces of furniture in our home. Simply paint the inside of each compartment a different color. To create cohesiveness, select colors of the same value and paint any exposed front edges with one color.

Color Unity

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:00:24 +0000

When selecting colors for adjoining rooms, blend colors from one area to another to create color unity. For example, if your living room is yellow with blue accents and the adjoining dining rom is blue, add some yellow accents to the dining room so the colors flow together.

Check out other helpful tips at http://moresplashthancash.com/blog/.

Color Clues

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:00:56 +0000

If you are having a hard time selecting a color scheme, turn to your closet. What colors do you like to wear? If you like wearing certain colors, you will certainly enjoy living with those same colors.

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.

Paint: Choose The Right Stuff

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:05:19 +0000

To select the proper paint finish, you first need to know the difference between them.

Flat finishes have no shine, which makes them perfect for hiding minor surface imperfections.
Eggshell or velvet finishes work in just about any room. They are easier to clean than flat finishes and provide a soft glow that warms up the room.
Satin or semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and are good for highlighting architectural details such as trim and moldings. They work well in kitchens and baths.
Gloss finishes are shiny and scrubs easily. This finish is the perfect choice for doors and trims.

Donna Babylon’s More Splash Than Cash decorating concept is designed to help everyone have a beautiful home. More Splash Than Cash doesn’t mean cheap. It means that the time and cash you invest–whatever the amount–are well spent and the results will be enjoyed for many years. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.

Bringing a Room to Life

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:29 +0000

Photo excerpted from Learn To Sew as You Decorate Your Home

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that can take a room from being so-so to becoming sensational. Consider these suggestions for creating an interesting room.

Determine what shapes dominate the room you are decorating. Look at the shapes of your sofa, television, tables, bed, dresser and so on. If the majority of the lines are squares or rectangles, add some interesting accessories that are circular in shape.
Do you have either (1) a lot of fabric-covered items in the room or (2) a lot of matching wood surfaces? This sameness can be boring to the eye. An easy solution is to introduce other surfaces or textures such as smooth glass, shiny metallics, or even baskets and rugs. Consider using opposite textures within the same room: rough and smooth, dark and light, shiny and dull.
Arrange the accessories in the room so they are different eye levels. For example, use two different-sized table lamps in the same room or group together some accessories that are of different heights on a shelf, mantel, or side table.
Make sure to include area rugs that are in proportion to your furnishing. They will tie the room together.
Include plenty of green plants in your decorating scheme for texture and a touch of nature. Make the plants part of the grouping-don’t place them off on their own.

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com .