Burlap Coffee Bags

This is not a "how-to" post but rather a "Look what you can do!" post. What is more southern than some rugged burlap? But this blog is about being southern & chic. Here are some ideas to make boring burlap chic. 


First it is important to know what kind of burlap to get and use. Personally, I suggest finding REAL coffee bags - they have an obvious real look. You can get coffee bags for only $10 here. 

Coffee bags come in so many different colors, words, and sizes. It is important to look through details and choose the one you like best. You never know, your guest may read it and if it says something awkward, well, that could be awkward.

The texture is also something to consider when picking your burlap. If you are making something that people skin may touch (i.e. pillow, seat cover) you want to make sure not to choose an itchy burlap. An itchy burlap will not make your guest want to stay and get cozy - ouch!

Here is an example of newer, unused burlap. This is pretty and crisp. It all depends on personal taste and what matches your decor.

This bag was turned into an ottoman cover. It is simply the top square and a beige cloth was used for the sides. I like the beige being used because it lightens it up - the entire ottoman burlap may be a bit much.

These are two examples of how burlap can be used on a chair:

This photo was used as a backing for a recovered chair and it adds so much to any table setting. If you found a scratchy/itchy burlap that you just love, this is the best place to use it. This picture is an example of  Notice the green color and pattern on it. This is what I was mentioning before about looking and choosing a burlap that fits what you want - believe me, it matters!

The second photo is perhaps the simplest thing one can do with a simple burlap. Just recover a seat! This is where it is really important not to use a scratchy burlap. People will be fighting NOT to sit in it.

And lastly, make a pillow! These burlap pillows can add a little something to any room. Imagine this on a crisp, white couch - How lovely that would be. Here, again, do not use an itchy burlap for a pillow.

And another example of a pillow. They can really give some character to a character-less room.

If you don't feel like searching for burlap and making your own, you can purchase each of these items here.

The main thing here is to have fun with your burlap searching and creating!

And as always, let me know if you have questions or comments!

For the college student

So you or your college student has lived in the dreadful dorms for a year and it is now time to pick a place and make it your own. If you are like me, and want to keep your bedroom at your parent's house just how it was when you left, then you have a task a head - find/buy things for the new place.

This can be expensive ($$$) and overwhelming. You want to choose a color palate or fabric or piece of furniture to design your room around and I do not have many suggestions on the best way to do that, [just choose something you love and make it work] but I wanted to share a unique and creative idea with you.

Mantel/headboard purchased here.

Instead of an expensive, brand new, cherry wood (out of style) bed, create your own! Shop your local antique or thrift stores for a mantle to use as a headboard! If you don't like the color, simply change it to fit your style. The key here is to find one a decent price, do not pay a fortune or you might as well have gotten a brand new Haverty's bed. 

Trust me, your roommates will love your room and think it is just the coolest. The next thing you know, they will be hunting for similar things to change up their boring rooms!

I hope this sends a little inspiration your way. Just because you have a low budget doesn't mean your college bedroom can't be adorable and a room you LOVE! 

If you have any questions or comments, leave them below! I would love to hear from you!

Dani

Interior Design Links

My criteria for choosing interior design sites was the aesthetics of the furnishings, decor, etc. If the site contained items that were not of my liking, I generally did not choose the site to post. If the items were something that I would like to use in my own home was a large part in the decision to post.

I really like Decor Happy because it has a variety but still all in my aesthetic liking. Too much of a variety makes me lose a sense of focus.

Items for Room

Living Room:
Sofa
Coffee table
Window coverings
Media Console



Dining Room:
Lighting
Table

Design Ideas

I like this chair because it looks comfortable.

An inviting white couch is what I've always wanted.

I love everything about this couch and wall decor!

This one is more simple but is smaller which may work better in my space.

I love the mix from crisp and crackle.

I like the color wood here.

LOVE this linen chair.

A neutral decor for either room.

This would be a great room divider! Would like it in a light wood.

This would be a nice accent for room decor/media.

Color Ideas

Living room:

Dining room:

The Last Principles of Design

PROPORTION

1. Items found nature are always proportional.
2. The stairs are proportional to the room and create balance.
3. The chairs are proportional to the table. If they weren't the chairs would be too small.
4. The pillows create balance on the sofa.

UNITY

1. The repetition in color helps to create unity here.
2. The repetition of the the texture creates unity throughout this wall.
3. The repeated triangular shape represents a sense of unity.
4. The repeated columns make a unity in the fasade of the building.

VARIETY

1. The variety of color, form, shapes and textures shows variety.
2. The pop of color, different textures, and unique forms and shapes provides unity.
3. This room moves the eye throughout with the many different elements.
4. This last photo also has the eye moving throughout with the different elements of design.

--dm