It's a cover-up

Design-It-Yourself weekend project: Blackboard

This is the fourth segment of our weekend project series: first we did wall stickers, then stencils and last week we had a look at updating those flea market chairs and tables. This week, I thought we'd have a look at blackboards. Not only for nostalgia purposes as they no longer use them in schools (gasp!) but they are useful on so many levels, and add that little bit of personal charm.

Blackboard paint does not have to be limited to boards. Use it on walls, doors, pieces of furniture - use your imagination!

If you want to make your new blackboard multi-purpose, paint a couple of coats of magnetic paint under the blackboard paint and you'll have a blackboard cum memo board in one.

Take blackboard paint one step further by creating a monthly calendar by mixing a little water-based white emulsion into blackboard paint to achieve different shades of grey.

Credit and photos: Livingetc

A very Sage Ekeskog

Maria of Sweden cashed in on a second hand sofa and turned it around with a new cover from Bemz. She kindly shared her before-and-after shots with us:

That's Maria's Ekeskog sofa when it was looking for a new home and a second chance.

And here is the very same sofa completely turned around with a Sage Brown slipcover along with an Ektorp Bromma footstool in the same fabric. It looks absolutely fantastic! Great choice Maria and thank you for sharing your success with us!

If you have a Bemz cover and want to share it with us, please send it along to me at blog [at] bemz [dot] com or upload it directly onto our Facebook page.

Top tips for kids' rooms, part IV: Teens

We've looked at decorating babies' rooms in part I, children's rooms in part II and tweenies rooms in part III of this series of top tips for decorating children's rooms. This fourth and final segment on decorating children's rooms is going to tackle teens' rooms, or young adults.

If asking tweenies for input in their room decor was a good idea, getting teenagers directly involved in planning their room is imperative. Teenagers tend to spend so much time in their rooms that they really need it to be a complete living space.

Together, you can make a project of it: develop a mood board together or use a virtual room planner online to create an ideal picture of what they are after.

Hobbies and favorite music can be the springboard from which to start when looking for ideas. If old rock tickles their fancy source vintage rock-inspired interiors for inspiration. If they are into fashion, chic image interiors such as Holly Golightly's apartment in Breakfast at Tiffany's may be just the ticket.

Create unique art by getting some of their favorite photos blown up.

Low-slung furnishings such as beds and chairs are ideal for lounging teens. And a hanging chair is a really cool addition.

A work area with good lighting is a must for doing homework; a fold-down desk means the space will be multifunctional.

Both boys and girls will want a full-length mirror with a socket next to it for hairdryers etc.

Finally, try to take the opportunity to have a good clear out of all the old stuff they a) don’t want and b) say they want but you know they won’t take with them. Space is a premium in today's modern family home!

Credit and photos: Livingetc, home designing and Channel4

Design-It-Yourself weekend project: Update furniture

We've covered wall stickers and stencils so far. If you feel ready to take on something a little more challenging for your weekend project, how about transforming a piece of furniture?

A while back I wrote a post on how to transform a chest of drawers, but the same approach can be taken for other pieces of less attractive furniture like an old wooden chair or table. With a bit of inspiration, a few changes and little investment, you can transform an unloved piece of flea market find into a unique, treasured possession. Yes, in a weekend and, yes, without any professional help.

Paint the table and once dry:

a) use spray mount to attach a piece of wallpaper cut to size to the table then top with a glass panel.

b) mask out different-width stripes before filling them in with your chosen color palette and matt varnish to strengthen the finish.

c) using a different bold color for the supports and then pull a patterned oilcloth taut over it and staple it neatly under the lip.

d) cut a rectangular panel from the table top using a jigsaw and screw a piece of moisture-proof MDF to the underside of the table under the hole, tile a thin piece of MDF, the same dimensions as the recess and grout it, then plumb in a basin.

Paint the chair then:

a) cut out chosen images using a scalpel and affix using wallpaper paste; highlight chair contours with a contrasting paint and finish with clear matt varnish.

b) highlight the seat edge and struts with an equally hot yet contrasting gloss, cover the seat pad with a fun, striped fabric, tacked on with oversized upholstery studs, and finish by hanging a bright faux-flower and tassel corsage on the chair back

c) Cut foam to fit the seat back and glue in place, cover the back and seat in leather (pull the leather tight to ensure a smooth finish) and staple to secure, and edge the chair back and seat pad with upholstery nails.

d) Recycle old shirts by wrapping narrow strips of different fabrics around the chair frame, securing discreetly using a staple gun and textile adhesive, and finish with a carefully placed cuff and some big, fun buttons on the chair back.

Voila! Goodbye garage-sale, hello designer-piece.

Credit and photos: Livingetc

Before-and-after Bemz for Karlanda

Rolst of Denmark sent in these great before-and-after pictures of his Karlanda sofas:

Above is what it looked like before, with its original (slightly faded) black cover from Ikea. Then Rolst met Bemz and watch what happened next...

He swapped the black Ikea cover for two new ones from Bemz in Soft White. Here's what Rolst had to say:

We are very satisfied with the result. You have made them very nicely and they fit perfectly.

I think you'll agree that's quite a transformation - just by changing the slipcovers the whole room has been brightened and brought up a notch on the sophistication chart. Well done Rolst! And thank you for sharing your home with us.

Do you have a Bemz cover you are proud of? Share it with us! Send it along to me at blog [at] bemz [dot] com or upload it directly onto our Facebook page.

Top tips for kids' rooms, part III: Tweenies

In this series of top tips for decorating children's rooms, we looked at decorating babies' rooms in part I and children's rooms in part II. This third segment on decorating children's rooms is going to tackle tweenies' rooms, aka pre-adolescents or not-quite-a-teenager yet!

Photos c/o Bemz

This is the perfect time to allow the bedroom to really reflect your child's personality. Ask them what they would like but put some thought into how they use their room too. Is that where they get their homework done? Read? Hang out with friends? Hideaway? Play? All of the above? Try and tick the right boxes when addressing the decor.

Color is crucial but it needs to be a soothing space too - it is after all where they sleep! If you child chooses a bright color choose a gentler shade or introduce their chosen color through accessories and accents with textiles.

Photos c/o notonthehighstreet.com

Give them room to grow: Tweenies tastes can change quickly so a big notice board gives them a creative space for everything from posters to photos and artwork.

Make room for friends: sleepovers are big with this age group. Make life easier by investing in bunk beds which also double as a den, or opt for a trundle bed that pulls neatly out from under their existing bed. A daybed (below) is also a fabulous solution that provides sitting space for day use ticking the reading, relaxing and socializing boxes, still allows for a trundle and can be personalized to no end.

Photo c/o Bemz

If you want to avoid too many pop star posters, affordable prints are a great way to decorate their room - let them help you choose and they'll be proud of their room.

And finally, be realistic and keep it flexible. You can loosely interpret their wants - they will after all change with each passing year (or more frequently) so don't get too hung up on a theme. Also, today's modern family requires a certain amount of flexibility: shared rooms, guest rooms, play rooms. Keeping these multi-purposes in mind may result in a few toned down decisions.

Credit and photos: Livingetc and Channel4

Summer special: 10% off Archipelago favorites!

During its best moments, summer inspires us to dream of salty seas and summerhouses by the waterfront. With the help of Bemz lifestyle “Archipelago“ and some new Bemz slipcovers you can recreate a nautical look in your own home and always have your own warm summer dreams! Psst, keep reading to check out our special Archipelago offer...  

For the classic navy look, combine fresh Stockholm Stripes in Real Red, Deep Navy Blue, Caffe Latte and Sand Beige with their matching solid color, or mix it up with another color hue and fabric texture, like Unbleached Linen.

To recreate the boho chic archipelago style of faded jeans, go for a base of Light Denim Blue and complement with pixel rose pattern True Rose or multi-striped Static Stripe in Light Denim Blue and Caffe Latte.

Feel like introducing a cool summer breeze into your living room or dining room? Shop now and get 10% off Real Red, Deep Navy Blue, Soft White and Absolute White (in our 100% panama cotton weave, stain protected and machine washable)! This offer is available until Sunday July 25th, and applies to all Bemz products (sofa, chair, and/or cushion covers, and fabric by the metre) in the above mentioned fabric choices. The price you see online is the discounted price, and this offer is only valid for orders placed and paid online.

Shop latest Sunday 25th to get your Archipelago discount!

Design-It-Yourself weekend project: Chic stencils

In this second installment in our series of Design-It-Yourself weekend projects we're tackling stenciling. If you are looking for something a little more permanent than wall stickers then this may be just the solution.

Stencils are no longer all about flowers and rustic motifs. Today you can achieve very sleek and modern looks with stencils from the ornate to minimalist chic.

As with the wall stickers, stencils are a cool, cutting edge way to introduce some personal design into an untouched space. Get inspired by these photos.

Some tips when stenciling:

- Use a light amount of an adhesive repositioning spray to stick you stencil to the wall.

- By using a dry brush with emulsion, acrylic and water-based stencil paint will ensure they dry instantly but make sure it is completely dry before you start and use a separate brush for each color.

- For successful shading and blending, start with the lightest color and finish with the darkest. This makes the order easy to remember and means you only need to be extra careful when painting the last color as any mistakes with paler colors get covered up.

Credit: Livingetc; Photos: Stencil Library

New seating for Nils

Petra of Germany sent in these pictures of her Nils chair with armrests with it's new cover from Bemz.

Petra chose a slipcover in lovely textured cotton Raffia Sand Beige and I think she was pleased with it as she's just placed an order for three more! Congratulations on an absolutely stunning home Petra - you have really achieved a beautiful mix of rustic chic and country romance. Well done! And thank you for sharing it with us.

If you have a Bemz cover you are proud of, why not send me a picture at blog [at] bemz [dot] com and let us all enjoy your achievement. Alternatively, upload it to the Bemz Facebook page.

Top tips for kids' rooms, part II: Toddlers / children

The second part of our top tips for decorating children's rooms is looking at toddlers rooms. They are no longer babies, moving and grooving, and gathering up toys and clothes at an alarming rate. How can we make their rooms safe, contain their ever growing mound of possessions and still not compromise on our own personal style?

If you are in the planning stages, decide how much storage you think you will need, then double it! As children grow, so does the size of the toys they play with.

Start as you mean to go on: Fix hooks and rails low so toddlers can learn to be tidy as early as possible. Hooks get things off the floor quickly. Hanging baskets and shelves can store everything from toys to books to games and puzzles.

Alcoves cry out for built-in cupboards and under bed storage maximizes every inch. 

Boxes and baskets are great for toys and games as they can easily be transported around the house and makes tidying a breeze. Label the outside for easy identification - photos are good for wee ones who can't yet read. If you keep a basket at the foot of the bed you've got a spot to toss those stragglers who still haven't found a home by bedtime. it's easier for toddlers to win down and relax for bed if toys are out of sight.

Safety is paramount, so make sure cupboards and shelves are screwed to the wall in case they are used as an impromptu climbing frame.

A lick of blackboard paint can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Try and get the most out of your child's room by giving furniture dual purpose like this closet that doubles as a place for drawings. Wall stickers are also a wonderfully easy way to introduce color and pattern. They are easy to apply and there are loads to choose from.

Photo c/o Designers Guild

Floorboards are ideal as they are easy to keep clean but as little ones spend a lot of time on the floor, a rug will help keep them warmer and their play area easier on their knees. Plus, a rug can easily be lifted and cleaned.

And finally, consider including dimmers to make it easy to check a sleeping toddler without having to switch on a bright light.

Credit and photos: Livingetc and Channel4