Do We REALLY Love Burlap?!!

I remember the first time I saw burlap being used on a decorative element for the home. I’m not sure how long ago it actually was, but it has probably been close to seven years.  I was ordering a full length table skirt for my dining room table from Ballard designs. Ballard had a burlap table skirt and I remember saying to myself, “Who would want a burlap table skirt? It is so scratchy!”

The rest is history! Over the years burlap has become quite in vogue! It is not only being used for table skirts, but you name it, and you will find something that is made in burlap. My friend Stacy at Conspicuous Style Blog has an amazing line-up of images of anything, and everything you  can find using burlap. If you love burlap you are going to love this post on her blog.

Now, back to my question, “Do we really love burlap?” Do we love it enough to make a commitment in using it on a piece of furniture?  Or do we truly see it as a trend and will only make an investment in smaller accessory type pieces for our home? Will burlap always be in your life or do you see it as a passing phase?

I will have to be honest in stating that I am not a huge fan. I am not saying this to offend anyone because I love the freedom in design to express one’s self. 

 

Since burlap has been used so much over the past few years, it made me question my own opinion. Am I missing something? What are others seeing in it that I am not?

I find burlap to be scratchy!! It looks scratchy and it feels scratchy!! So what is it that appeals to so many in the design world?

 

Obviously burlap adds warmth in its color, and if you want texture, you are really going to get texture by using burlap. It is also very inexpensive too!!

 
Those are all good and valid reasons to use burlap, if you truly love it. I, on the other hand would prefer a lovely, textured linen over burlap.

 

Burlap has been on what I call, “ The Trend Train!” for quite some time. Is it going to become a classic? I personally don’t think so! What do you all think? Do you think burlap has been over used, or do you think it is here to stay and destined to become a classic?

 

Whether you love burlap or not, remember, always……….

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Expressing yourself in the design of your home!

Kathysue

Tina From The Enchanted Home blog has a series of post where she does a wonderful interview with other bloggers. Today she interviewed me!!

I felt so honored to be asked to participate in this series. If you would like to get to know a little bit more about me, be sure and visit..........

The Enchanted Home

I Am So Excited!!

I am so excited because the second issue of, “House of Fifty,” E-zine is on line today!!! This magazine was founded by blogger extraordinaire, Janell Beals of Isabella and Max blog.

I love her blog! It is always full of inspiration, and DIY projects that make me want to try my hand at becoming a DIYer!! The House Of Fifty is equally as inspiring and full of information that we can all relate too.

The other reason I am so excited about this particular issue is………

I was asked by Janell to be a contributor!!!  I am so honored to be in such a wonderful line-up of contributors in this issue.  I wrote an article on,”How to Make A House A Home!” I talk about some of the things you should think about before making a purchase for your home in the article. I talk about how, "You can purchase a look, but you have to create a feeling". You can find my article on page 84!! The whole E-zine is chock full of wonderful ideas on ways you can make your house the home you have always wanted.



Be sure and subscribe to, “The House Of Fifty” so you don’t miss out on any of the upcoming issues!!

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Finding inspiration in the Fall issue of,

“The House of Fifty!”

Kathysue

A great big,"Thank You" to all of you who have taken the time to read my article and have come all the way back here to let me know what you think. I appreciate  your  Web-hopping!!! xo Kathysue

The Round up!!

This week’s Friday “Question of The Day!” was quite thought provoking. We got so many great comments that will be helpful to the reader that asked the question.

I took bits and pieces from different comments that summed up the general overall feeling of my readers. They are in no particular order. I just copy and paste from the comments……….

One suggestion is that we need to manage our desires better and make 'a plan' for purchases and projects. Maybe that 'delay' will help us manage our choices better and discover that we really don't need x and y and could probably make-do with z

I think we get tired of 'things' when we've accumulated too much or spent too much time thinking about "things.

The reader shouldn't feel too bad about her desire to always be improving her home. It is an occupational hazard!
She just needs to learn to sew, or paint her own walls and generally become a DIY-er in order to not end up in the poorhouse!

The trick of course is to only spend what you can afford. It's a different thresh hold for everyone

I love to change things out each season. I find that is often enough without breaking the bank. I stay away from fads and trends, so I don't get tempted there.Only buy what you really love and you will not tire of it!

NOW FOR AN ANSWER...well, teeeheeee.....to me, the answer is quite simple. Be happy with what you have! MWAHHHHHH....I know that may not be what this person wants to hear! But be happy with whatcha got, take your time to figure out what you really want and then slowly take the steps towards the goal. That is what we did.....

fantastic question! I love traditional design, and usually go for neutral colors on larger surfaces like walls, rugs and upholstered furniture. I change the smaller decor elements like pillows, votives and even the "art" on my walls, regularly. Most of which I buy from flea markets. All investment pieces MUST be traditional

I change things up approximately every 5 years. I live in a townhouse and my mother told me my rooms must be smaller than everybody else's because there are so many layers of paint on them! I keep almost all of my furniture fabrics white and then just change out the paint color, pillows and window treatments.

Basically my readers feel we should all have a real plan in place before making a purchase for our homes. Once we have a plan in place then and only then should we buy what we truly love, not fad pieces. 

Sticking with classic, neutral pieces for our larger purchases such as sofas, chairs, carpets is a wise choice. Add color and trend pieces in pillows, mirrors, lamps etc.

A good way to save money is to re-purpose items with paint. Try learning some DIY skills to off-set the budget. These were all great suggestions and very practical.

I agree with every single suggestion. I never start a project without a plan of attack. I feel this is one of the most important aspects of designing a home that you will love.

Thank you to all of you that participated this week by leaving a comment. If any of you have any questions please email them to me and I will use them in one of my Friday’s post!! 

This is great fun! It is also a way of helping, and supporting each other.

I am looking forward to reading all of your helpful comments for next weeks, “ Question Of The Day!”

Kathysue

Email your questions to:

Goodlifeofdesign@yahoo.com

Subject: Question of the Day!