A Designer At Home

Designing Beautiful Spaces. Inspiring Authentic Living. Spreading Good Vibes.

Bohemian Textiles For A Global Boho Look

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How To Get The Global Look: 4 weeks to a global style home

It’s week 2 of the 4 weeks to a global boho home. And this week we want to share all of the textiles advice for you. Because in reality, a global boho look is less about the furniture and more about the textiles. Patterned, over saturated rugs, faux fur throws, and pillows from turkey, morocco and other areas of the world are the basis for a global space.

So… What is a textile?

textile

[teks-tahyl, -til]
noun
1. any cloth or goods produced by weaving, knitting, or felting.

2. a material, as a fiber or yarn, used in or suitable for weaving:

Glass can be used as a textile.
textile. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved July 18, 2016 from Dictionary.com website http://www.dictionary.com/browse/textile

Basically, the pillows, blankets, rugs, tapestries, curtains, upholstery, and any other fabric in a space.

If you’re starting with scratch and are just starting to explore bringing in a global, well-traveled look, what do you want to look for?

Staples: A collection of pillows, rugs to layer, at least 1 tapestry and curtains/blankets to suite your space.

Authentic Made Goods: Look for descriptions like kilim, beni ourain, serape, shibori. While some particularly popular patterns are mass produced with print versus the original methods of creating the patterns, you’ll get a better textured and longer lasting product if you go with the authentically made goods.

Fair Trade: It’s important to remember that these textiles came about because of artisans and their incredible skill. I think it’s part of a textile junkies responsibility to make sure the artisans making textiles are paid fair wages for what they do.

So, what kinds of textiles are there to choose from?

(get ready for a blast of wildly beautiful fabrics!)

African textiles

Bògòlanfini aka Mud Cloth

Ségou (8).JPG
By OBERSON – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44206106

Kente cloth

KenteCloth.jpg
CC BY-SA 3.0,

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31093421

 Kitenge

Kitenge.jpg
By I, Inisheer, CC BY-SA 3.0,

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2330643

Moroccan Rugs

Vintage Moroccan Rug 45837 Nazmiyal.jpg
By Nazmiyal Collection – nazmiyalantiquerugs.com, CC BY-SA 3.0,https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28502961		  Vintage Moroccan Rug 45830 Nazmiyal.jpg
By Nazmiyal Collection – nazmiyalantiquerugs.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28502958

 Shibori

Indigo Dyed Shibori Quilt.JPG
By Saimon2000bd – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31187825

Ikat

Ikat 2006.10.jpg
By Artisans in Bukhara or Samarqand, – http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/singleObject.cfm?ObjectId=47076 Smithsonian, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5737144

 

Batik

Batik Lasem Tulis.jpg
By Gandrasta Bangko – Wikipedia Indonesia, CC BY-SA 3.0,

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12202694

 Suzani

19th century Suzani rug.jpg
By Source is from www.persiancarpetguide.com where it is the purpose to promote Asian textiles and rugs in the media., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20135735

Kilim

Turkish carpet.jpg
By Hans Bernhard (Schnobby) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9459397

As you can see, there are a wide variety of textiles to choose from even in this small sampling of what’s out there! If I had more hours in the day, I’d compile hundreds of them here for you to browse. Alas, I don’t, so please do some internet browsing and take the time to appreciate these art forms.

Once you’ve collected some textiles, what do you do with them?

Layers.

You’ve already covered adding the well-traveled, gathered look by bringing in pillows, rugs, and other cloth accessories to your space from around the world. To take this in the global boho direction, you’ll need to layer them.

As we extablished last week, your furniture is the foundation- but it’s not the most important element of the space. Honestly, I’d say this week is going to be the most important of the 4 weeks to master but it can also be difficult.

With so many colors, patterns and textures to choose from, it’s easy to get the wrong mix. And the wrong mix isn’t the same for everyone, so I’m going to be speaking about my preferences, mkay?

Every room needs two rugs. Either one on top of the other or slightly overlapping. Easiest way to do this? Pick up an inexpensive, but big, jute-like material rug. Then put a smaller (and more affordable than than a larger size) rug atop it to fill out your space better.

Overlap Pillows. Bohemian interiors are comfortable. They’re meant to be a place of relaxation. What better way than having a pile of pillows to sink into wherever you sit.

Drape Fabric over tables and chairs. Remember how I told you the furniture wasn’t important? Well, that’s because you can simply cover anything that doesn’t fit your desired aesthetic with fabric. Because it’s so boho to do it anyways.

Go Vertical. Tack a pretty piece of fabric to the wall, pick up a tapestry, use a kantha quilt as a curtain- the possibilities are limitless.

Some Visuals:

bohemian alternative nightstands bedding and art

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13269354_593943940773607_1772219717_n

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These images are all from my Instagram (@adesignerathome). Follow along for more inspiration.

This week’s Challenge:

Did you complete your homework from last week? If you’re getting caught up, check out the foundation for a global boho room here.

Explore & Play With Patterns. Hit up a flea market, thrift store or get online and look for a new print to play with. Choose one of the ones referenced above or find other ones. Whether you want to go as small as finding a pillow (or lots) to add to your sofa or you want to makeover your entire bedding- the scale of this challenge is up to you and your budget.

I hope you have fun with your homework! Textiles truly do make or break a global boho space so don’t be afraid. Getting inspiration will be your best friend. In addition to my Instagram, Katie (@katiegavigan) and Stephanie (@casawatkinsblog) are also valuable bloggers and Instagrammers to follow. As well as Justina Blakeney’s @TheJungalow, @FleaMarketFab, and @CarlayPage. Check ’em out and make sure you stay tuned for the nest week of Get The Global Look.

Check Out:

Casa Watkins Living

Katie Gavigan Interiors

Details On Our Bathroom Lighting

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lampsplus lighting collab disclosure

I don’t remember dedicating a whole lot of time chatting about our bathroom lighting situation so today I’m going to make sure I’ve covered all my bases. A lot of designers like to make a statement with their lighting choices. And while I may be the person who chose to stick a sputnik in a small hallway, I actually prefer to choose lighting that understated but still pretty. Because I like to have a lot going on in a space, I like to leave visual space for the eye to wander on all the pieces I’ve painstakingly pulled together.

So in the bathroom, that’s just what I did. I chose lighting that was pretty, affordable and that would blend in with the space. Because after spending $300 on the mirror, I wanted to ensure it got the spotlight that budget deserved.

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Seeded glass, old world bronze sconce in bathroom

When I was debating which lighting to put into this space, I was torn between using a bronze finish and an oil rubbed bronze finish. In the end, they both would have worked beautifully in the space, but I went with the oil rubbed bronze because the mirror is gold. And I didn’t want too much gold on gold. In retrospect, if the light I wanted was available in gold, I probably would have preferred that at this point. Not that I don’t love the current choices, I just theorize the lighter color may have looked slightly better.

So, which sconce did I choose?

Kichler Braelyn 9 1/2″ High Olde Bronze Wall Sconce

There is one on either side of the mirror.

And why?

I’m a fan of things that hang and/or have the appearance of hanging. I don’t know the specific reasoning behind it, but I gravitate towards it. I also really like the look of the seeded glass. I feel like these particular lights have both a vintage and modern feel to them.

They’re also not very big. At 9 and a half inches tall, they don’t overwhelm the space.

I did end up using LED bulbs instead of the edison bulbs they came with because the edison bulbs are very yellow and I couldn’t find any that weren’t yellow. Since I do my makeup at this mirror frequently, I needed something that didn’t alter the colors on my face (that foundation match struggle is real).

Is there any other lighting in the space?

Yes. We decided to keep the ceiling light/fan combo to help keep the space within budget. It works perfectly. And it wasn’t within our budget to have our contractor install a new one. Installing lighting I’m comfortable with, but the fan part took this out of my comfort zone.

Between the sconces, ceiling light and the bright window, we have plenty of lighting in this space. If the time ever comes to add an additional bathroom to the house, I wouldn’t hesitate the consider these lights or similar for that space.

Here are more posts from the bathroom in case you need to catch up on this process:

The High End and Low End Bathroom Sconces

bathroom-lighting-sconces-for-the-vanity-high-and-low-prices

Design Dilemma: Faucet & Bath Fixture Plans Foiled

Design Dilemma- how we handled out faucet design plans being foiled by SCALD GUARD

Where To Buy Globally Inspired Bathroom Accessories

where to buy global inspired and sourced bathroom accessories

The Newest Addition To Our House

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I said goodbye to  good ol’ brown couch last night. It may seem silly, and so many of you guys loved that sofa, but I was worried it wouldn’t fair well much longer with my destructive 4 year old.

So, a short moment of silence, shall we?

And now I’d love to introduce you to its replacement:

00i0i_ehmRNPm3QOY_600x450

It’s bigger and the most comfortable sofa I’ve ever owned (and I have actually owned one of those 3 piece sets brand new from a furniture store).

The previous owner had it custom reupholstered about 6/7 years ago in this fabulously whimsical fabric. She even used the word whimsical, and I love whimsical. Perfect, no?

Whimsical elephant sofa fabeic

I wish I’d had a chance to take a styled pic of it. But since the other sofa didn’t sell until yesterday evening, the living was quite a mess beforehand. Keep an eye on my Instagram since that’s likely where I’ll get the first styled pic up ?

And now…

My Favorites from #ThriftScoreThursday

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH0Nwp8jn1-/

Wanna Play? Here’s The Rules!

  • We want you to participate! Hit up your local thrift stores, craigslist, yard sales, estate sales, side of the road, anything! Thrifty doesn’t necessarily mean from a thrift store. We want to see your good deals, wacky finds and treasures.
  • Don’t feel like you need to save those finds for Thursdays! Yes, features are shared on our blogs and Instagram on Thursdays, but we’re all checking in on (and using!) the hashtag all week long. So, when you see/find it, feel free to share it!
  • Want to get featured? Add the #thriftscorethursdsay hashtag, Follow the hosts (@the_gathered_home, @primitiveandproper, @adesignerathome and @maggieoverbystudios) and tag a friend to play along, too!
  • Each week, Cassie from Primitive and Proper, Brynne from The Gathered Home, Maggie fromMaggie Overby Studios and  Myself (A Designer At Home) will pick a favorite thrift score or two to feature! So please note that by linking up with #thriftscorethursday, you are giving us permission to share your finds via social media or on our blogs.

The best part? There are 4 regular posts to check out every Thursday! Yup, you’ve got more thrift scores to look at. I know you’re not disappointed. Ha. Click on my beautiful cohost’s faces below to check out what they’ve scored and featured.

Thrift Score Thursday Brynne color

Thrift Score Thursday Cassie
Thrift Score Thursday Maggie

Built In Recessed Shower Shelf

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A white and blue bathroom with global influence and bohemian style

I have a random post for you today. I haven’t talked about our bathroom remodel in forever. There were still so many things I wanted to chat about the last time we left off on the space so I’m going to just dive into those topics these next couple of weeks while I’m in between other projects. Today, let’s start with the Recessed Shower Shelf.

The Backstory Of The Built In Recessed Shower Shelf

It was really important for me that we jam pack this bathroom full of more storage than we could ever possibly need. I’m a recovering product hoarder. At least, I’m on the tail end of recovery. I still have more than 1 set of every personal care item, but it’s better than it used to be. I digress. I wanted to make sure there was room for extras should I want to take the linen closet to use as something else or if I buy a larger bulk package than usual, it would easily fit in the logical storage space (mine end up in the garage a lot :/)

So one of the many solutions I’ll have to share with you if the recessed shower shelf. In the design for the space, I requested our contractor make room for a built in shelf in the wall between the toilet and tub. He pointed out that we’d get a much deeper shelf if we went into the wall on the side of the tub. It’s a thicker wall separating the bathroom from the kitchen pantry.

during-a-bathroom-bath-remodel-renovation-built-in-tiled-shower-shelves

So we went with the right side of the wall to keep it out of the spray path of the shower head. He surprised me and told us that he’d be able to make it approximately 32 inches wide because he could take out one of the studs since it isn’t a load bearing wall. And just because I’m a little extra sometimes, I went with 2 shelves. The taller shelf is good for shampoo bottles. The bottom shelf is good for bars of soap and razors.

Moroccan inspired bathroom shower tile

About The Grout:

I think in the near future I’m going to change the grey grout color. There’s some imperfections in the Jeffrey Court tile placement and the darker color grout amplifies them. I’m thinking either the same blue grout as the shelf, White/very light grey or a matching tan grout as the brown in the tile. I imagine the tan would be just as bad as the grey at showing imperfections with the placement of tile. And I did really enjoy working with the Glamour grout from STAINMASTER. It was so easy to use that even it may justify removing all the existing grout. If I went white I could probably just use a grout colorant. And another worry is that it may then make the color in the alcove look out of place :/

About The Tile:

The main tile for the surround is the Jeffrey Court Marrakech tile. I freaking love this tile. It’s white to keep things airy, but the shape is the strong nod to moroccan that I wanted for the space. Unfortunately my contractor said that this tile would be very difficult to use in the alcove. So  I chose to use Archivo Fleur De Lis from Merola Tile. I absolutely love this tile. But because of a mix up with my contractor, we only had enough blue grout left to do the shelf. And I don’t think it looks good because the grey grout clashes with the brown in these tiles. The brown is much more intense than what it looks like in the picture online and it wasn’t available in store.

Earth, animal and skin friendly bath products

Functionality:

Despite that, I have really loved this decision. It’s been functioning wonderfully for us. I like that my child can’t waste my products when I’m not looking, I like not having gross tub corners when I go to take a bath, I like looking at it, I like being able to space out my products.

Anyways, the recessed shelf has been wonderful to have and look at. I really enjoy the tile we chose and the decision to go big has been so helpful. I wish I had been able to see some of it get put together so I could give you an idea of the process, but I was working a lot at the job I recently quit at the time. I think it’s also unique that we did it in the side wall. At the time when I was looking up ideas for the bathroom, all the alcoves were in the wall with the plumbing of the wall at the other end of the tub. So here’s another idea for you if it’s something you’ve considered!

Global inspired bohemian bathroom white tile copper border

Bohemian bathroom inspiration. White tike, blue, green, copper and bronze. Moroccan inspired tile floor to ceiling.

More From The Shower:

My biggest full bathroom remodel regret

Shower & Tub Surround Tile and Grout

How To Decorate Global Boho

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Hello there! Today is the start of a fun 4 weeks. Stephanie from Casa Watkins Living, Katie from Katie Gavigan Interiors and myself are bringing you everything we know about the Global Boho style. If you’ve ever wanted to explore adding a well-traveled look to your home or already do have one and want to refine your style a bit, these next 4 weeks are all about you.

How To Get The Global Look: 4 weeks to a global style home

This first week, let’s go over the bones of a space. The Global boho look is for people of all budgets. In fact, it’s a look that works most easily with a thrifted, mix matched, gathered over time collection of furniture. But we can make this work and look fabulous with a big box basic sofa set.

I am continuously buying and reselling the furniture in my home because my preference changes often. But it’s also because I’m always on the hunt for the perfect mix of different furniture. The perfect mix of different furniture is a great basis for building a space that is comfortable, homey, and is inspired by other cultures of the world.

Get The Global Boho Look:

There are two aspects of Global Boho. 1. The inclusion of pieces that originate from other countries and cultures and pieces that are made with details that originate from other countries and cultures. 2. A mix match of furniture from different periods of time.

The Foundation For A Global Room Design:

For the global part, you’ll want to look for pieces that have ornate weave or carvings. Inlays are also a furniture detail that originates from another culture: specifically, the Udaipur region of India. You could have your sofa reupholstered in a textile from Turkey. Or buy a hand painted cabinet made in Asia. It’ll help if you take some time to sit down and explore the furniture that comes out of various different cultures. But here’s a few of my favorites:

  • Morrocan Pouf
  • Turkish Daybed
  • Mexico hand carved tables
  • Chinese Hand Painted Cabinets
  • Phillipines woven chairs
  • African Mud Cloth upholstered sofa

The Foundation For A Boho Room Design:

Boho itself does not have to have a collection of furnishings from other cultures. In fact, there are lots of boho interiors that have little to no influence from other cultures. They have more of a gypsy vibe to them and they’re still fabulous. What boho lends itself well to in a Global Boho room is that boho is all about mixing, collecting and layering.

Give free furniture a chance knowing having a bit of fun with paint, new knobs or a new purpose can give an interesting look to your space. We’ll get into more specifics of the space. Having furniture in space is important, but it’s what we’re going to do around and on those pieces that will really bring the global and boho out in the space.

My Picks:

In order to give you an idea of the furniture you can collect to build the foundation for your own boho global spaces, I’m going to share the pieces from my own Living Room, Dining Room and Bedroom. There isn’t a direct source for a lot of pieces but I’ve done my best to find a similar one just in case you want to buy one.

My Living Room: (tour the most recent reveal of this space)

bohemian eclectic blogger's living room home tour
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My Dining Room: (tour the most recent reveal of this space)

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My Bedroom: (tour the most recent tour of this space here)

bohemian bedroom with tapestry curtain and headboard, hand dyed bedding, multi textures

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The Challenge:

I promise we’re really lovely ladies with best intentions. But yes, you have homework! The best way possible we could think to help you create a beautifully global space is by giving you an exercise to work on while waiting for the next weeks information.

Revamp A Piece Of Furniture. Here’s a couple of ideas to get you started. But don’t let these limit you. Grab a piece of furniture in your house you just aren’t happy with, or pick up an inexpensive piece from the thrift store. And give it global flavor.

Add bone inlaid inspired knobs. It’s not exactly the easiest thing to hand paint or better yet actually hand carved and inlay bone or mother of pearl so the next best way to get that look is by adding knobs that nod to the style.

boho-bohemian-bedroom-style-rattan-vanity-furniture-shibori-dyed-indigo-fabric-textile-makeover-makeup

Reupholster a bench in a shibori fabric. Or a turkish kilim fabric, or african mudcloth or mexican serape. There are so, so many good textiles to choose from right now.

IKEA RAST Hack to a West Elm Stria Dresser KNOCK OFFAdd Dimensional Wood Detail. An especially boring piece can get a new lease on life with a little dimensional treatment.

Get the look of global decor for cheap with this instant embellishment how to - leather tassels made with suede string, a video tutorial!

Make and add tassels to a piece. Tassels have a long history that spreads throughout the entire globe but still brings an unusual and exciting detail.

indian ikat stencil with copper paint in a bathroom

Add an Indian inspired stencil. Stencils in a pattern from your favorite culture (here’s a tutorial using an inidan ikat inspired stencil) is an inexpensive way to add big or little impact.

 bohemian bedroom with tapestry curtain and headboard, hand dyed bedding, multi texturesAdd a little Mid Century inspired detail to piece of furniture. Like this headboard treatment inspired by vintage wood slat benches.

And that’s going to wrap up today’s basis for a global boho look. I hope you have fun working on revamping a piece to have a bit of global flair. Maybe you’ll even get lucky and come across a truly unique and ornate piece. Having a global boho look is a lot of fun. It’s carefree because it lends itself well to any budget, so pinch those pennies and explore craigslist and thrift stores and estate sales.

Check Out Katie Gavigan Interiors & Casa Watkins Living Next. They’re the real pros when it comes to getting a global look!

Here’s More Furniture Help From A Designer At Home:

How To Save Buying Furniture Online

How To Save Buying Furniture Online- how to save even more money buying furniture online

All About Used Living Room Furniture

Guidelines: Budgeting for Home Decor and DIY

5 Guidelines for budgeting HomeDecor & DIY projects - the tough and honest self talk - a designer at home

Design Dilemma: Lighting and Furniture Just Barely Don’t Fit

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I complained recently on Instagram that I had just nearly, just barely found the perfect piece to fill in the gap of space between our bathroom vanity and the wall. Why yes, holy crap I’m finally talking about the bathroom again. Haha.

But yes, I had that useless gap of space and I had been planning on up shelves but I’ve been lazy. I’ve been using up my energy reserves for other projects I’ve been more inspired to work on or that have needed to get worked on first.

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The more the gap sat, the more it bothered me. Until I was staring at the wicker cabinet that I was no longer sure I wanted. As soon as the idea popped into my head, I grabbed a quick measurement and saw that it would fit perfectly between the vanity counter and the baseboard.

So I dragged it outside, hooked up my paint sprayer, grabbed some leftover white paint and went to town. Once it was dried, I pulled it back inside. I tried to coax it into it’s new home but I kept getting hooked on the toilet paper holder. I eventually worked my way around it, but then I ran into another problem.

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The sconce on this side of the vanity was literally less than an inch too close. The cabinet was pushing the light crooked. Gahhhhh!

Literally everything else about the fit was absolutely perfect. Even where it goes from the bottom shelf up to the upper shelves bends exactly at the window sill.

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At this point, I was too determined to make this work to move it back out. So it sat, crooked sconce and all.

Lightbulb moment: I could cut away the wicker between the two horizontal supports and that would allow for the sconce to hang.

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How To Cut Out A Section Of Wicker

  1. determine which pieces can be removed without cutting within he window of supports.
  2. remove those pieces
  3. the remaining pieces that run through both this section but also into the other sections will need to be cut.
  4. hold the pieces taught and cut with a pair of ultra sharp scissors
  5. glue the ends down onto the horizontal supports to prevent them from shifting out of place and falling out.

This little peekaboo window on the side allows for plant growth overflow and adds and really good vibe to the piece. I find it much more interesting now and my sconce hangs straight. I have a few more projects coming up for the bathroom so make sure you stay tuned. The reveal is finally coming!