From The Barn To The Manor.....Decorating With Burlap

Burlap has been used in interior design for several years now and this trend shows no evidence of slacking off anytime soon. It can be "down home" or elegant depending on how it is used. Decorating with burlap fabric is limited only by your (or someone else’s) ideas. From slipcovers to wreaths, burlap is multi-functional. 

To easily incorporate the material into your interiors consider starting small with only a few accessories; for example throw pillows, a small ottoman, or even a table runner. Another small way is to revamp lamps with burlap shades. And if you find yourself admiring the look you can always go bigger, you can opt to reupholster a love seat or a few chairs in your dining space. Burlap can add a fresh twist to a classic chair.

Below you can see some wonderful ways burlap has been used in decorating, and entertaining. It can be fun to work with and can be incorporated into a variety of design styles. Whether you have been admiring this trend for a couple of years or have just been introduced to it, consider refreshing YOUR interior with burlap.

Use it plain or painted (my personal favorite).

It is wonderful when used as upholstery fabric, especially if you love French County.

Burlap is a wonder fabric for craft ideas. There are so many fun home accessories you can make. Just be creative.

It is also lovely as a wall covering and is perfect with nail head trim!

Burlap is also the perfect choice for a "down home" themed wedding.

Burlap can be found in a variety of colors and designs. I love this polka dot piece!  Runners are a great starting point to bring burlap into your decor.

Pillows are another way to accessorize if you only want a small amount of burlap in your decor.

Burlap is a good choice of fabric for the kitchen.

And don't forget how lovely it can be in your Christmas decorations!!!

I love this burlap canopy!

Bling is fabulous with burlap. The contrast is so fun and interesting.

Use burlap to create elegantly shabby table settings.

I adore antique French furniture upholstered in burlap, but if your style is vintage, transitional, or modern, a touch of burlap is a fun alternative.

Moroccan Dining Room By Lisa Farmer Designs

One of my own designs

I designed this dining room with a slightly Moroccan/exotic style. In order to provide more flexibility there are two antique tables that can be put together for length when needed or they can be separated for more restaurant style dining. The unique old mirror works great with the exotic feel of the room.

It is difficult to see in this photo but the old mirror is decoupaged in leopard.  I also do custom real and silk floral design. The border is made of 2' X 7' fabric panels.

Antique Moroccan themed tapestry hangs on one wall.

All furniture and accessories were purchased by Lisa Farmer Designs

Marble topped English wash stand with inlaid door.

I also do seasonal design work. This was for Christmas last year. It is hard to see but monkeys and elephants are worked into this garland.

The same room with with seasonal decorations by Lisa Farmer Designs. 

Decorating With Bird Cages, and Other Bird Inspired Accessories.

For several years now birdcages have been used as accessories for interiors. It's really nothing new. History shows that birds were first caged for their beauty more than 4,000 years ago. Egyptian hieroglyphics depict what appear to be the first pet birds, including doves and parrots. When Western traders brought back spices and textiles from the Far East, they also brought the exotic birds as pets which were much beloved in the American Colonies. Bamboo and wooden cages were seen hung near open windows in many kitchens in the New World. They were particularly popular as household decor during the 18th and 19th centuries in France and England. The late Victorian era homes would not have been considered in vogue if they did not contain at least one gilded birdcage.

Now with the returned popularity of bird inspired accessories, it is easy to find many different varieties at home decor stores everywhere. Or you can collect the gorgeous antique ones. Just be aware...they can be expensive, with prices running from $200 to $2,000 depending more on decorative appeal than age or rarity.

This antique bird door knocker is a lovely welcoming addition to your home's entrance. One of the most stunning cages I have seen.

There is a wide variety of avian art to choose from.

The wallpaper behind this pretty antique cage is also bird inspired with swans and peacocks. 

These mirrors would definitely make a statement in your home.

This is a beautiful room and the cages give it a fun atmosphere.

Birdcages housing candles...very pretty.

Since wallpaper is making a comeback, why not use a colorful bird print to brighten up an area in your home

Artist Lori McNee's fabulous artwork.  http://lorimcnee.com/

Whimsical light fixtures!

Blaise Bontems was a noted Parisian specialist in the manufacture of automaton singing birds. His birds were considered the finest around and were famous for the realism of their songs. 

More Bontems birds. He was known for these beautiful wind up birds as well as caged birds.

This lamp is a really cute accessory.

Beautiful  as chandeliers!!

There is something here for bird lovers from the adorable little earrings to the antique automated caged bird which is more than likely a Bontems.

This mechanical bird might well have been a child's toy.

A nice little avian vignette. Bird's nests are also popular in decor today. Please just make sure  it has been abandoned!!!

What a treat it would be to own this extraordinarily

 beautiful antique birdcage. Probably French, it stands on legs and is entwined with porcelain flowers.

I love this as storage for the stemware. It would be cute to use in a kitchen or for storage of soaps and hand towels in a bathroom.

This is a lovely vintage piece encrusted with porcelain flowers.

These are reproduction cages but are lovely and can be displayed in a number of ways.

A birdcage turned upside down and used as a light fixture....clever!

Painted cages are especially beautiful when used in country or vintage interiors.

Birdcages make wonderful additions to you outdoor entertaining area.....and don't forget centerpieces and weddings.

What a great way to make an outside wall entertaining. 

Hope you had as much fun as our bird friend here!!!