| Tassels and Trims |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-207 |
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Q: I really like all the decorative trims and tassels, but I'm not sure how to use them in my decor. Can you give me any designer advice?
A: (Nate Berkus, Ask DIY Decorating & Design Expert) Decorative trims and tassels make your interior look so expensive -- but they're not expensive at all! There are lots of varieties available, from ropes and gimp (figure A, top) to brush fringe (figure A, third row) to pompon fringe. Some "loop fringe" will have a thread holding the fringes together at the bottom. Make sure you take the string off to let the fringes hang loose after you buy. Use brush fringe to enhance an inexpensive, plain valance. You can add a row of fringe to the bottom, top, or middle of the valance, or any combination thereof. Use a low-heat glue gun on low setting to attach it. Dot beads of fabric glue every few inches along the row (don't run a thin line of glue across the edge or you'll just make a mess). Then press the fringe on top and hold it down with your fingers until the glue dries.
Consider a line of pompon trim or gimp along the bottom of a plain lampshade ( figure B). Attach it with a thin line of hot fabric glue. Or consider spacing two cup hooks about a yard apart on a wall. Tie a length of decorative rope with tasseled ends to the cup hooks, and you have an instant towel rack. More Questions for Nate:
Q: I am remodeling the decor in my bathroom. Where is the best place to start when choosing a color for the walls, floors and accent pieces?
A: Keep everything permanent in the bathroom white, or you'll be sick of it in a few years. Use colors for the accessories.
Q: I want to paint some walls and cabinets to look like old barn wood. How should I go about doing this, and what colors should I use?
A: Take your cabinet doors off. Paint them white or barn red or any color you like. Then go to the hardware store and rent a pressure washer. Spray the painted doors. That will chip the paint and raise the grain of the wood and make the doors look authentic.
Q: I have started to decorate my family room in a Southwestern theme. Can I mix a country look with the Southwestern theme and make it work? Where do I begin?
A: Those two styles are so complementary, you can just go for it -- mix and match as you please. Web site resources Trims and Tassels: Decorating with Tassels from HGTV.com Trims and Tassels from HGTV.com Beaded Fringes from HGTV.com Books: Terrific Tassels and Fabulous Fringe
By Cari Clement
ISBN: 0873418190
Krause Publications
700 E. State St.
Iola, WI 54990
Phone: 715-445-2214 or 800-258-0929
Fax: 715-445-4087
Web site: www.krause.com Tassels, Tiebacks and Trimmings and How to Use Them
By Elizabeth Valenti
ISBN: 0801988937X
Chilton Book Company (1997) Krause Publications
700 E. State St.
Iola, WI 54990
Phone: 715-445-2214 or 800-258-0929
Fax: 715-445-4087
Web site: www.krause.com
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