'Gingham Who?'

A stack of crisp, folded men’s dress shirts sat on a shelf in front of boyfriend, who stared back at the mishmash of patterns with one eyebrow raised.

He pulled out a men’s shirt in black and white gingham, and looked over at me. “I like this one.” he said.

“The gingham?” I asked. It was impossible to hide the disappointment in my voice – not only does my boyfriend always wear black, but he was going to look like a black picnic table at my girlfriend’s Miami wedding.

“What’s gingham?” he asked. “You know I don’t know anything about fabrics. You’re the one who works in fashion.”

True.

Black Gingham Shirt

The Saturday shopping experience – I managed to have my boyfriend surrender and purchase a light blue shirt with tie – made me realize that there might be others in need of a fashion tutorial.

Whether it’s dressing for a gala or redecorating your house, knowing which fabrics work for the occasion is essential. Here’s a list of some common fabrics found in home & fashion:

Lavish and luxe

Damask is known best for its rich and sumptuous appearance. Originating from Damascus, damask is a flat and reversible pattern made from fibers like silk, wool, linen, cotton or synthetic. Weavers will often add gold and silk thread to the weave to give the pattern its metallic luster.

It is a fabric that typically resonates with the aristocracy of centuries past, of lush parlors with tufted chairs upholstered in damask, velvet drapes and gold trim. For an Old World inspired look, this contemporary set of damask curtains has blue-blood written all over it.

Burgundy damask curtains

Light and care-free

This weightless and fresh fabric dates back to 3,500 years ago when linen was discovered on mummies in Egyptian tombs – a symbol of purity, light and luxury. It’s popularity eventually led to its introduction to Europe, where it was the chief textile of the Middle Ages.

Linen is often worn in the balmy summer months to keep cool. Linen pants, shirts, dresses and shorts are often a staple in coastal regions. In home furnishings, you might find linen in the following places: window treatments, tablecloths, bed sheets, upholstery and handkerchiefs. If you’re looking for a stiff fabric that is highly absorbent and resistant to high temperatures, then linen is the fabric for you.

Linen tablecloths

So what’s gingham, you’re asking? I’ll get to that later.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of tmlwin.images,nowvalley.com; decorinnovation.com; oldcolonial.biz

'How To Make Your Own Headboard'

Give your bed a facelift by creating a headboard out of a favorite fabric, print or paint color. The move not only adds instant style to a bedroom, but diverts focus to the bed. For smaller rooms, a headboard gives the illusion of depth. Read on to see how to accomplish this quick and easy project:

Option 1

Frame your bed by tacking molding that measures 12 inches from the width of the mattress and extends 3 feet above the mattress. Before attaching, paint the molding pieces and the wall. To give the impression that the bed is resting in a cozy alcove, opt for paint colors in the molding that contrast with the bedroom décor. Try neutrals like beige or taupe inside the frame for a touch of warmth. Make sure to use finishing nails.

Option 2

You’ve seen mosquito netting. How about using a luxurious silk or chiffon fabric in a rich purple or crimson hue? The backdrop especially adds height to a room with low ceilings.

Mount hooks to your wall, measuring about 4 feet above your bed and 3 feet apart. Loop a cord around each hook, letting at least 6 inches hangs on each side. Drape 2 yards of fabric over the cord. If buying unfinished fabric and are a novice at sewing, not to worry. Sewing tape (also known as stitch witchery) finishes the edges with the help of an iron. Loop a decorative tassel around both hooks to complete the look.

Option 3

You don’t need to be an artist to create your own wall art. Pick a print fabric that lights up the room, try anything from a paisley to a geometric pattern. Then, secure the fabric onto two canvases by using a staple gun. To give the impression of a headboard, hang the canvasses vertically about 4 feet above the mattress and with at least 3 inches of space between them. The result is an eye-catching, 3-dimensional look to an area that was one flat and uninspiring.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of roomdecoratingideas.net