Familyrooms Slip Into Comfort
Can a family with children and a sense of style have a home that is comfortably chic? It takes a combination of oversized, "sink-into" furniture, slipcovers made from wonderful fabrics and the absence of unnecessary accessories.
Ill-fitting Slipcovers
Slipcovers that don't quite fit slouchy, comfortable sofas and easy chairs is a look that is especially appealing. The more the children jump on it the better it will look. Whether or not you have oversized furniture, slipcovers that seem slightly big, even fabric simply tucked in place, gives a room a certain quirky elegance. It's a departure from the perfect fit which can be stiff and formal.
Fabrics Are Key To Success
The key to making this style work comes from the choice of fabrics used for the slipcovers. Textured, creamy white, linen-like, durable fabrics express a sense of quality. They are heavy but soft the way they might be from many washings.
If White Is Too Radical
Floral patterned slipcovers often get better looking with wear. When slightly faded the furniture begins to look like family heirlooms. One conjures up an English drawing room with slipcovers in bold, but faded floral prints, a roaring fire in the fireplace, books piled here and there, fresh flowers perhaps but not much more on the tables than a cup of tea. Everyone feels comfortable in such a home. Those who can pull it off know it requires the right window treatments and other accouterments like good lamps, announcing that this is a stylish home as well as a comfortable one.
Dressing Down
Removing unnecessary clutter is essential. Less adornment leaves room for everyday clutter. A barren table is not necessarily stark. One great piece is better than a collection of mediocre items chosen just to fill space.
Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.