Lauren Decor: 2010

Stunning designs of Lucy Berridge

Images from www.desiretoinspire.net/blog

How to Make a Faux Zebra Hide Rug

From Bromeliad Living

"Like a lot of people, I'm fond of graphic zebra stripes, especially when they are on the irregular shape of a hide rug. But $2,000 for the real deal is out of the question (or even $250-$700 for a nice knockoff made from Bessie the cow like the one above fromHorchow.)

Another "You know you are cheap when . . . " You know you are cheap when you could buy a faux zebra hide rug on clearance at Target for $50 but instead you make your own for 50 cents.I made my rug using white vinyl fabric that I already had on hand and a 50 cent permanent marker.

A small rug like mine (3 x5) will require about 1 yard of fabric, and a larger one (5 x7) will require about two yards. Microsuede and fabric paint or a fabric marker would probably give a more "hide" like effect, but the vinyl will wipe clean with a damp rag (and it was free).

1. Find an image of a zebra hide and project it onto your fabric. Trace the outline of the hide and the stripes using a washable pen or marker.

2. Color in the stripes using a permanent marker or fabric paint. Allow the marker to dry completely before cutting the fabric.

3. You're done. If the edges roll up a bit, try rolling the rug the other direction and letting it sit overnight."

Great idea and pictures from the awesome blogger at:

http://bromeliadliving.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-make-faux-zebra-hide-rug.html

Decor for Next Year

Next year my roommates and I will be living in a house. My tiny apartment bedroom will be upgraded to a room twice its size with rich hardwood floors and an antique fireplace mantle. Oh, Athens. I am already dreaming of how I am going to decorate my new space, although I do not yet know which of the 3 front bedrooms I will have (roomies and I have yet to haggle/negotiate seeing as move-in is over 6 months away).

Here are some of my decor must-haves for the new space:

A new, bigger desk for my sewing and crafts.

A reading and study area with couch or chaise seating (or both!).

My dreamy bed. I need some sort of headboard.

A zebra or similarly bold-printed rug for my reading/lounge area.