Name: Amanda S.
Location: Cambridge, MA
Why I use color:
"I use color as a mood enhancer. Cooking is my hobby, so when I moved
into my apartment the first project was revamping the large, but
dreary kitchen. It's a rental, so I couldn't paint the grey-white
walls. The sun streams through the two south-facing windows and I knew I wanted something bright and cheery to hold onto the light.
My solution: vintage fabric adhered to the walls with liquid laundry
starch. Now I love to spend time in the kitchen. And when I move, I'll peel the fabric off without damaging the paint underneath."
Color Tips (from a non-designer):
"1. Maintain the color intensity. If you go for primaries, don't wimp
out. Try it.
2. Designate one room as an experimental space (In my case, the "test
kitchen"). I think you have more color leeway in kitchens and
bathrooms, especially since you can readily find color accessories for these rooms.
3. I can't say enough about colorful fabric. When I find something I
like, I buy it and find a use for it i.e. pillow cases, stretched
across artist frames for a wall hanging. Instant color and texture,
and if you don't like it, you can get rid of it fast."
Color Resources:
"2 budget-conscious color resources:
1. eBay is an awesome resource for accessories and gadgets. Pick a
category and search by color. A purple cake stand? A bright red
juicer? Yes, please! I snatched up more than enough Marimekko fabric
(two patterns, many colors) to cover the kitchen for about $50.
2. Check out the "oops" paint shelf at Home Depot if you want to
refinish a single piece of furniture or paint a piece of canvas for a
floor or wall covering. And if the color doesn't work out, you only
spent a couple bucks."
Wow! I love that idea that's really Ingenious! tell me more about the application process. and what happens when you take it off. do you have to wash the walls? I would imagine it would need to be applied to a high gloss paint?
it's really impressive...and i'm not impressed very often:)
I LOVE the layering of color on color! The blue and green bowls and cups atop the cabinets are a nice touch. I especially love the window shelves. How did you mount them? Did you buy the shelves or make them yourself?
It's nice to see another Bostonian out here. Amanda, great great job.
Yes, please, tell us about the starch thing! I have a lightless, dank foyer that nothing improves... and the classic renter "can't repaint" problem.
I considered doing the starched fabric treatment to my walls earlier this year- but gave up when i couldn't figure where to get the starch from! Does anyone know where to get a bucket of craft starch in new york??
btw, i googled for application directions: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_fabrics_other/article/0,,HGTV_3390_1373839,00.html
Very clever solution to the "no-paint" dilemna faced by many renters! The end result looks to be well worth the effort. Plus, the use of fabric seems to add some warmth to the end result.
wende--
I just recently saw liquid starch at my closest D'Agostinos on 57th between 8th and 9th... or was it the Associated on 9th and 59th? It was definitely one of those two! :)
(and sure, everybody pokes fun at Matt and Shari on Room by Room, but she's been doing this same fabric-application technique for years!!)
oops, I meant that for Miss...
Love it! I have a marimekko duvet on my bed that someone called "trippy" but I love it! Hmm, since we have until Tuesday to submit, maybe I'll submit my colorful bedroom...
I have a white version of that Marimekko pattern with larger dots as my shower curtain, and I liked it so much that I bought the last 6 of them they had at the Crate and Barrlen outlet. OK, I also bought that last 6 they had in black. Hey! Maybe I don't want to ever have to re-make that particular design decision again before I die!
rs, wende, Miss --
Initially had a tough time finding liquid laundry starch. I finally found half-gallon jugs of it at Market Basket, in the laundry section (I've since seen it at Shaws).
I used the directions on the HGTV website, as a guide. Instead of soaking the fabric first, I applied a coat of starch with a big paint brush at the top of the wall, stuck the fabric on and brushed on more starch from the top to bottom. Then I took a big sponge, soaked with starch, and smoothed out the fabric, eliminating bubbles and making sure all the fabric got wet. It can get messy, but it's a safe messy -- the starch cleans up with warm water.
I trimmed with a utility knife, *after* the fabric dried (I tried wet, but the fabric just shredded).
Anyway, I definitely recommend trying this technique. It's a lot of fun!
Cindy -- Thanks! The shelves (and brackets) are standard-issue Home Depot. I moved the curtian brackets down with the idea of putting up some cafe length curtains, but I guess I like the light more than privacy.
A creative way to deal with the "no painting" rules. The colors, accessories and kitchen appliances give off a nice, vibrant energy.
Thanks for sharing and good luck.
Cooking Cajun (a studio in paradise)
Wow Curtis, how often do you change your shower curtains out? If you're using a liner, they'll last ages.
Valerie - I moved in almost exactly 2 years ago, and I'm 43 years old now, and I've kept that first one in place this whole time, and let's say they carry me out of here in a box at the age of, 83 or so, that gives me about 3-and-a-half years on each one, right? I love the pattern.
Hi Amanda,
We absolutely love what you did. We are a family run fabric store in South Jersey and we would love to showcase your work and post your pictures on our website. You should check out our website at http://www.jandofabrics.com and if you're interested in letting us show your design, please email us. Our email address is on our website. We have hundreds of fabrics and are always looking for something new to show people what they can do. Again, your design looks great.
color bombs!
color bombs!
color bombs!
I really like the contrast with the walls. Very nice planning. I also like the shots that included very colorful appliances.
Wow! I am a big vintage fabric fan. You did great scoring that for such a low price - and so much yardage! Thanks for showing your space. I've wanted to attempt the starch thing for years but just assumed it would be too difficult especially if using fabric with a bold geometric pattern. You've inspired me!
I'm looking to do wainscoting in my rental unit with fabric. I'm planning on using quilt batting beneath the fabric to get a padded feel. My one concern is how to deal with the the electric outlets. I don't want obvious indentations around each outlet. Any ideas how I can raise the outlets to be flush with the padded fabric.
This entry should be called, "I've got wallpaper!"
"My one concern is how to deal with the the electric outlets. I don't want obvious indentations around each outlet. Any ideas how I can raise the outlets to be flush with the padded fabric."
Go to your local home improvement store & they have these spacer things that are made for when idiot electricians mount the electrical boxes & outlets too far back on the studs to clear the drywall and need to be pushed out a bit. They're just little square plastic washers as I recall and very cheap but would work for you.