Home Décor

History

Homes are arguably our most important fashion statement. Home décor, or window treatments, pillows, slipcovers, throw rugs, wall displays, and other accessories that complement furniture, provide much of the color and unity of the home.

Although mass-produced items allow for quick, easy, and often inexpensive decorating, one can reap many benefits by sewing or otherwise crafting these items instead. In addition to enjoying a rewarding activity, one can simultaneously personalize their home and save the expense of professional decorators or interior designers.

For those just starting out with a first apartment, home décor items can color a blank canvas and divert attention from modest furnishings. A few oversized pillows add both color and seating space. Pillow fabric can be coordinated with simple tieback curtains and dining room chair pads. A basket of dried flowers in complementary colors can complete the look.

For seasoned homeowners, a few well-chosen accessories can brighten a dull room, update an environment, or harmonize an otherwise eclectic mix of furnishings.

Many home décor items serve both a functional and decorative use that reflects an inherent need for humans to surround themselves with beauty. The Egyptians not only decorated their palaces, but also their tombs. Among the first window coverings were marble Greek shutters. Stained glass windows, a decorative idea borrowed from Gothic cathedral architecture, serve as both dazzling paintings and protection from weather.

While the aristocracy has historically enjoyed lavishly decorated palaces and mansions, the recent history of home décor is closely tied with middle class single-family homes. The affordability of mass-produced lace curtains, woven rugs, and many other goods allowed nineteenth century Victorian homeowners to personalize and embellish their homes.

The simplicity of colonial American homes reflects the dependence on homemade furnishings crafted by family members or village tradesmen and women. The contemporary trend toward an uncluttered look and the high value placed on handmade quilts, weavings, shutters, and other home décor accessories emulate the values of this era.

These décor styles, along with English cottage, Southwest pueblo, and "urban chic" interior decorating styles, form a palette of some of the possible looks available today.

Home décor can be considered a balance of decorating style, budget, artistic know-how, and the ability to decide when to personally undertake a particular project and when to hire a professional. Most homes are not furnished overnight, but represent a long-term process that will typically include many significant changes.

General Household Tools:

• Hammer
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Nails, screws
• Glue gun
• Ruler, measuring tape
• Level
• Painting and/or refinishing supplies

Techniques

Homes often present challenges that are usually best solved individually. Savvy decorating often means accenting the positive and downplaying the less desirable qualities of a home. Each room should have a focus, whether it is a mantel or a wall filled with photographs.

While one should never feel locked into decorating principles, a small room can gain a larger feel with a monochromatic scheme in white or light colors, while a large room can feel warmer with a profusion of color. Color schemes can be obtained from paint sample charts or fabric designs.

A room divider can be used to hide exercise equipment, form a yoga nook, or to create an office retreat; there are a number of options. A divider frame can be made from wood using basic woodworking skills, and then finished with fabric, beads, quilts, or even paper.

Window treatments can make a bold statement or remain in the background, but usually transform the tone of a room by letting in more or less light. For a natural contemporary look, one might consider unlined, wispy curtains that blow in a breeze or, if privacy is not an issue, just valences. Curtain linings will provide more privacy and help protect fabric from fading. Patterns or books with detailed instructions for sewing window treatments make it easy for those who prefer to do it themselves. A rule of thumb is that the width of curtains should be approximately three times the width of the window. Faux stained glass or wooden shutters are non-fabric possibilities.

New slipcovers can give a room a completely different look. Sewing patterns are available for common styles and sizes, or couch covers can be used as a pattern. Include a 5/8-inch seam allowance, with additional room for zippers. Tailored covers tend to look traditional, while a more relaxed fit may work better with a cottage décor. Floral patterns and vivid colors will brighten a room, while plaids or neutral colors are more formal and calming.

To coordinate accessories, walls, or furniture with matching designs, one can photocopy a design from fabric or wallpaper and use the paper copy for appliqué, or trace the design onto acetate to use for a stencil. Designs can be also obtained from cookie cutters or gift-wrapping paper.

A quick and easy way to personalize home décor items is to purchase ready-made curtains or placemats and embellish them with appliqués, ribbons, beads, or other items.

Trends

It could be said that the biggest trend in home décor is to make a statement with a particular decorating style, regardless of whether the style is contemporary, rustic, Victorian, or retro. A polished look matters more than individual furnishings. Contemporary color choices include black and white, neutrals, and earthy tones. Shadowboxes continue to gain popularity for their ability to personalize a home. Trendy window fashions range from ballooned valences to shades made from bamboo and other natural fibers.

Home Décor for Fun vs. Profit

For skilled and talented craftspeople, home décor offers many possible career choices. Craft fairs, galleries, and retail stores are some of the markets available for selling finished products, while working with interior designers or homebuilders can offer possibilities for custom work. The Windows Coverings Association of America offers certification for Window Treatment Consultants or Workroom Professionals. Many home décor experts have opened their own businesses as well.

Learning More

Organizations

American Society of Interior Designers <https://www.asid.org/>

Window Coverings Association of America <https://www.wcaa.org/>

Books

Hastings, Pamela J. No-Sew Fabric Décor: Transform Your Home without Sewing a Stitch. Chanhassen, MN: Creative Publishing, 2004.

Jeffreys, Chris. More Sew-It-Yourself Home Decor: Over 50 Easy-To-Make Designs for Beds, Chairs, Tables and Windows. Iola, WI: Krause, 2005.

McEvoy, Marian. Glue Gun Decor: How to Dress Up Your Home, from Pillows and Curtains to Sofas and Lampshades. New York: Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2005.

Nejman, Christopher. Nejman's Pillows: Designer Sewing Techniques. Iola, WI: Krause, 2007.

Peritts, Vivian. The Cutting Edge: Home Dec Accents. Iola, WI: Krause, 2002.

Sampson, Sue, and Ellen Delucia. Window Treatments Idea Book. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 2006.

Tincher-Durik, Amy, ed. Waverly Decorating Projects You Can Make. New York: Meredith Books, 2003.