Use accents, fabric to add room color

  • By Debbie Travis
  • Posted: Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:01 a.m.
    UPDATED: Friday, March 23, 2012 12:24 p.m.
  • Text size: A A A
Animal prints from Waverly are a hot trend for those who enjoy an adventurous spirit. Dress a bed with layers of pattern, introduce a variety of fabrics or pick one piece to upholster in a new design.
/King FeaturesAnimal prints from Waverly are a hot trend for those who enjoy an adventurous spirit. Dress a bed with layers of pattern, introduce a variety of fabrics or pick one piece to upholster in a new design.

Q: I am hooked on my pure-white super-soft bed sheets, expensive but worth every penny. How can I get some pattern and color without replacing the sheets? My budget is limited.

A: The biggest investment in your bedroom should be your mattress, and then your sheets. Go for the best quality you can afford, and you will enjoy the nightly benefits of a restful and rejuvenating sleep. You can bring style to the room in many ways, starting with the accent pillows and blankets. Fabric designs and colors change annually, showing off what's new for the season. You can shop at your local bedding and home stores for ready-made products. Another option is to check out fabric stores in your area or online. I guarantee the selection will inspire you!

Animal prints continue to be a hot design choice, with a variety of faux patterns available. Waverly shows you how to produce a rich safari style with its Couture Kingdom collection shown here.

Decide on a mood you would like to create. Work with what you have and build from there. You can mix prints, introduce solid colors and layer as much as you please. Buy the fabric and make your own accessories. Pillow shams and cushion covers are easy to sew. Have a chair upholstered, or fashion a lampshade for the bedside table. It doesn't take much to set the scene. Once you have the fabrics selected, finish the transformation with a fresh coat of paint on the walls.

Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. E-mail questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Travis on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis.