When the leaves fall from the trees and the weather turns chilly, it’s time to “cozy up” your family room for winter.  It doesn’t take a big decorating budget or weeks of remodeling to turn your room into a welcoming winter retreat. 

Design Tip 1: The key to a successful fall redecorating project is layering fabrics, textures and colors. Think wool, tweed, quilts, warm and fuzzy.

The loveseat in this little nook has great bones, but the fabric is a bit worn and dated.  Expensive reupholstery is not the only solution, and I am not a big fan of slipcovers unless they are made specifically for the piece of furniture. I would rather see worn fabric than an ugly cover that doesn’t fit!  Instead, I suggest you look for a pretty blanket, fabric or a quilt to update the look of your sofa or chair.

This vintage quilt is soft and comfy from years of wear and washing.
You cannot live in the Midwest without a throw to snuggle under on cold winter nights. A traditional wool plaid blanket is not only warm, it is a nice contrast against the quilt.

Design Tip 2: You can never have too many pillows. I look for feather and down pillows each time I shop.  I found these for as little as $2.99. Who cares what the cover looks like, because that can be changed.  Feathers are softer than foam or other fill.

Design Tip 3: Instead of buying expensive fabric for pillow covers, look for interesting shirts and tops at Goodwill.

Design Tip 4: Animal prints are not only big in fashion, but also in home interiors as well.  The key is to use them sparingly. A little faux leopard can make a big impact.

Easy Design Ideas

Cut out the shirt to fit your pillow form, leaving an inch all the way around for a seam allowance.  Sew up three sides, insert form and close up the opening with a few hand stitches.

Even easier is to add a band of zebra fabric to an existing pillow.  This one doesn’t require any sewing.  Hold the band in place with a hidden safety pin.

I replaced the rug with a wool runner and added a small table (they were both in another part of the house).

Design Tip 5: Shop in your own house! Borrow items from other rooms. You can get a whole new look without spending any money.

I kept the pictures on the wall, arranged a few items on the table and swapped out the lamp shade.  The room has a completely different look and feel.  It’s so cozy, you’ll want to sit down and stay awhile.

Email me at askmerri@goodwillsew.com or post a comment on our Facebook page.

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