Owens Corning

Spring Spruce-Ups

When spring arrives we all want to clean out the cobwebs, take down the heavy drapes, roll up the carpets and lighten up every room in the house.

Fabrics
Nothing changes the look of a room as quickly and easily as fabric. For do-it-yourself home decorators, McCall's Pattern Company offers patterns for pillows, whimsical swags with rosettes, bed, table, and chair coverings. Every spring the fabric houses bring out an entirely new line so it's worth a trip to the fabric shop.

Window Treatments
Romantic swag valances replace heavy cornices. Sheers replace draperies.

Bedrooms
Bed treatments are taking a romantic turn with pillows piled on top of each other. There are ruffled shams; heart shaped, round and square pillows of all sizes adorned with ruffles, shirred corded edges or tassels. All the pattern books now have extensive home decorating sections so even the novice sewer can make lavish accessories inexpensively.

Cheer Up With Paint
Did you ever think of painting the inside of a closet pale yellow for a quick lift? The yellow interior will brighten the closet and your spirits. Reline closet shelves with a fresh springtime pattern. It's amazing how much mileage you'll get from this simple act.

Slip Into Summer
Summertime usually dictates a more casual decorating style for easy and relaxed living. Parts of the country where it's warm most of the year, often influence trends that are introduced to areas with only a short summer season. Here are some ideas for casual, summer decorating culled from designer friends in various parts of the country.

From California
Slipcovers in heavy cotton, duck or linen are best in white or beige. Set the table with textured damask tablecloths and napkins.

From A Southern Prospective
Big, tropical floral prints in faded colors that look like the l920s or 30s. Use it on everything from sofas to tables.

From Designers Everywhere
White chinaware is still more attractive than any other as a background for serving a meal. Set the table with white tablecloths and lace trimmed napkins (very large). This is a look that never looks tired. It's always perfectly right for summer. Add one color, such as green or bright orange poppies in the center of the table.

The Greening Of Summer
Large green place mats with white or green and white napkins are terrific on top of a pine table or outdoors on a white patio table, or on top of white linen. Green and white checked fabric, that we're so used to seeing in blue and white is a change of pace and still a classic pattern. It's bold and bright for seat cushions and throw pillows on the patio or deck.

When Old Looks New
Big florals on a green and white stripe background is an interesting look from a past decade. It resembles fabric used for house dresses in the 30's and 40's and seems antique and new at the same time.

Waterside
If you live by the beach or have a pool, cover outdoor cushions with bright colored or brightly striped terry cloth towels. It's practical and pretty, if only used temporarily.

Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.

Back to Home Improvement Preview Lawn And Garden Home Decorating Preview Shopping Center