Pepper Design Blog

Favorite Trend: Grasscloth, Linen & Burlap

I’m very much a fan of these three materials year round, but they’re even more appropriate now that it’s fall (a simple burlap runner or squares makes the perfect base for a fall tablescape!).

There’s something about the natural texture of grasscloth that is both warm and inviting – and very modern. And linen is a great material for lampshades, covering a corkboard or a few extra throw pillows, it brings in that country/autumn feel that helps keep a room cozy. There are so many diy projects to be found using any one of the above ideas, here is a bit of my favorite inspiration and I’m thinking a single wall in our soon-to-be new office would be the perfect place to try these out.

The entire inspiration board above is amazing – each room showcases an eclectic mix of design that when pulled together appears polished and well-thoughtout. Mixing chinoiserie, bamboo and grasscloth? No problem. Throw in a modern trellis print? Why not.

Camila over at High-Heeled Foot in the Door shared this great grasscloth source (that beat out even Lowes!) when she covered the ceilings in her kitchen.

Or, for a more do-it-yourself approach, here’s a tutorial on creating a linen look for less with paint by Janell of Isabella & Max Rooms. She covered an accent wall in the bedroom and it turned out beautifully!

Why stop with rooms when linen makes such a neat fashion statement! Still Dottie created these brooches (just below) to be worn in the hair, on a belt or pinned to a sweater and I love the look. A recovered set of French chairs in a rugged burlap makes a great statement piece as well.

Grasscloth, linen and burlap are year-round materials, but I think that this is the perfect time of year to make some room in the home for the new textures. More ‘Favorite Trends’ found here .

Sources, starting from top: Linen Bouquet, Odi et Amo, Ashley Whittaker, Marshall Watson on House Beautiful, Angie Hranowsky, Waterleaf Interiors, Canadian House & Home, Jeffrey Bilhuber, The Yellow House, Willey Design, Remodelista, Apartment Therapy

Home Inspiration: House Doctor

I would very much like to find a store like House Doctor here in the States. These rich jewel tones bring a nice contrast to the usual warm fall colors and I love how they look against a white background and with colorful fabrics.

More often than not I shy away from blues and cool tones in favor of earthy, warm colors. But I’m inspired to mix in some contrast this fall in the form of tinted glass vases, saturated table centerpieces and Mediterranean-inspired fabrics after a quick browse through the collection.

Beautiful.

The little details in the above photo are some of my favorites – handmade box shelves in the background lined in beautiful papers, colorful dishware stacked along side pantry items in this open kitchen setting, a recovered black stool in a bright fabric that pops, hand grown herbs at the ready are both practical and pretty.

No, it’s not spring yet. In fact I’m embracing fall to the fullest over here but I couldn’t help but share a bit of inspiration to mix up your usual palette. Thanks, Decor8 for sharing this great find! While you’re over there, don’t miss House Doctor’s creative blog, too.

Before & After: Antique Sideboards

I love a good before & after… especially one that involves chic restyling of antique/vintage pieces that are usually lost in the bustle of an over-crowded thrift shop.

Anyone might dismiss these original sideboards as too dated, too much work, too time consuming… but a careful eye might spot the beautiful curves in those legs, the ornate detail of the carved doors or the solid wood core of a well-made vintage find.

I fell in love with antique-buffets-turned-new after we spotted this one in a local shop:

For photos sake, I wish I could say I knew her before that brilliant coat of turquoise! With the remodel well under way I borrowed these picture from a previous “Favorite Spot” guest post a while back – the dining room now resembles a bit of a stack and pile area.

We love our antique buffet and have slowly added restoration fixes ourselves – new handles, lined cabinets and next on the list is reinforcing those fragile legs.

Here’s a bit more inspiration for a weekend DIY project, each of these thrift finds have been beautifully restored to their former {or improved} life:

Sources: Country Living, House in Progress & Harpers Bazaar.

And a few DIY before & after photos that look incredible!

Navy blue sideboard by LivingEtc via CasaSugar and white dresser-turned-buffet by Holly of Life in the Fun Lane via Simply Elegance.

A bold coat of paint and new handles over at Live, Lush & Laugh:

And a white credenza makeover by Verity and a new yellow buffet by Michelle of Three Men & a Lady {both via design*sponge}.

Top amazing red sideboard before & after image by Jenny of Little Green Notebook.

Happy Goodwill hunting!