It's a cover-up

House tour: Pink, orange and blue in Texas

The talented designers from Martha O´Hara interiors are the team behind the stunning décor in this beautiful house located in Texas, USA. They managed to create a glamorous, classic, modern and personal look all at the same time, as they have mixed textiles in modern patterns and bold colours with classic and antique furniture. 

The colour palette consist of pink, blue and  orange and create playful colour splashes and contrasts with natural hues like white, grey, black and beige.

Anyone else besides us that feel like moving in? 

You can easily create a similar look using cushion covers, curtains, chair covers or even sofa covers from Bemz. To remake you antique chairs, choose your favourite fabric per meter from Bemz.

If you want to create a colour theme for a room, like the room in the below picture, you can either use the same pattern and colour tone on all fabrics, or mix different patterns and shades.

Beautiful living room with a pink theme mixed with grey, black and white..

Blue and orange theme mixed with grey, white and black.

Create the look with Bemz wide range of fabrics and slip covers. In the below picture are just a few examples of our pink, orange and blue fabrics. Choose you favourites to create the home of your dreams, and don´t forget that you can order free fabric samples from us!

Pink fabrics from the top left: Rose Tegnér Melange Textured Cotton, Candy Pink, both by Bemz, and Dusty Rose Gustavian Flowers by Katarina Wiklund for Bemz.

Blue fabrics from the left: Duck Egg Brera Lino by Designers Guild for Bemz, Light Denim Blue True Rose by Katarina Wiklund for Bemz and Cobolt Espanola Way Printed Cotton by Designers Guild for Bemz.

Orange fabrics from the left: Mandarin Orange/Soft White Gotland Stripe by Katarina Wiklund for Bemz, Mandarine Orange and Dijon Yellow Belgian Linen Blend, both by Bemz.

Photos of house interior via Martha O'Hara Interiors

Top tips: Hottest interior design trends in 2014

Let’s start the New Year by taking a look at the hottest interior design trends that will define 2014, with a focus on colours and textiles. 

The biggest trends are undoubtedly lots of fabrics in cool pastels, bright yellow and strong patterns, especially graphic and floral patterns, which when combined create a fresh, modern yet highly personal look.

Update your home by mixing these trends with your current interior. Whether you want to make big or small changes you can easily change the expression of any room with Bemz products. We picked out some inspiring photos with examples of how you can use these trends in your own home.

LITTLEPHANT FABRICS AVAILABLE FROM MARCH
Söderhamn sofa cover in Big Waves White/Aqua. Klippan footstool in Waves Gray/Gray. Cushion cover in Saga Forest Black/Multi. All by Littlephant. Mattress covers in Sun Yellow and Peach. Curtains in Blossom Brera Quadretto by Bemz. 

The vibrant and graphic patterns mixed in this room complement rather than clash with each other thanks to a restricted colour palette of pink and green that is repeated throughout. Pops of bright yellow ground the look and ensure it stays spot on trend for 2014.  

 

Bemz bed skirt with frills, Loose Fit Country style in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen.

A bed skirt and cushion covers in lavender and green pastel colours adds warmth to a bright bedroom and help it maintain a sense of peace. Combine them with wood furniture in honey tones, which is also big for 2014, for a trendy yet classic look. 

 

Bemz cover for Karlanda in Mineral Blue Tegnér Melange. Bemz cushion covers in Dusty Rose, Straw Yellow, Soft White Belgian Linen Blend, Sand Beige Raffia.

Create the perfect balance in a room by mixing warm and cold pastels. In this room blue and pink dominate. The trendy brass table lamp and patterned shade makes the look complete. 

Stockholm sofa in Rose Tegnér Melange. Henriksdal chair in Silver Grey Tegnér Melange. Nils footstool in Sun Yellow. Nils chair in Dusty Rose. All from Bemz. 

Create a dining room that gives you a sense of joy by adding beautiful colours and patterns. Because pastels are bright and calm, they are easily paired with a broad range of colours range and mix equally well with a variety different patterns. 

 

Beanbag covers in Gotland Stripe Silver Grey and Sun Yellow.

Bright, joyful yellow brings your home life and colour without being intrusive. Use it in details or let it be the colour theme for a room or why not your entire home? 

 

Bemz cover for Klippan in Fuchsia Flamingo Park. Cushion covers in Stockholm Stripe Jet Black, Paler Shade of Grey and Fuchsia. 

Floral patterns are not only stylish, but give you a home to thrive in. Do you prefer cooler colours, choose floral patterns in blues, grays or black/white. If warmer, more feminine colours are what you are after, then pinks, purples, reds, yellow or green will get you there. Alternatively, mix warm and cool shades exactly as you want if you want something in between. 

 

Bemz Artist Series Cushion covers; Orange Fiskis, Pink Fiskis and Orange Kvarter.

Yellow, pink and purple are a wonderful combination of colours. Add interesting and modern patterns to this combination and you´ll have a match made in heaven. 

 

Bemz cover for Karlanda in Trianglar by Viola Gråsten for Bemz. 

Graphic patterns in black/grey and white create a home that feels sophisticated, contemporary and adds interest. If you want to soften the expression but like the colour concept, use floral patterns in black, grey and white instead. 

One room: many looks

Want to give your room a lift without the headache of full-on renos or cracking open a can of paint? New slipcovers, cushions and other textile products for the home can transform your room in no time.

Here are some good examples from Samantha Pynn at Styleathome. 

As you can see the look and feel of the room is very different, thanks to a change of slipcovers on the dining room chairs. Impressive what an impact such a simple change can make!

Spring fresh

Here, a quick change of cushion covers takes you from one season to the next.

Summer fun

For some stylish seasonal options check out Bemz 3-pack cushion covers...

Bemz 3-pack cushion covers in Crimson Red Raffia, Real Red Tegnér Melange, Real Red Urban Tapestry

...to get the look!

Bemz sofa cover in Absolute White, armchair cover in Gotland Stripe Silver Grey, cushion covers in Candy Pink and Absolute White

Here is another example put together by Bemz's in-house designer Katarina Wiklund.

Bemz sofa cover in Tégner Melange Ink Blue, armchair cover in Tégner Melange Zinc Grey, with Tégner Melange Zinc Grey and Tégner Melange Sage Brown cushion covers

Once again, take a good look at these three rooms - they look very different yet none of the accessories around the room nor the layout have been changed.

Bemz sofa cover in Bubble Brown, armchair cover in Fuchsia Tégner Melange, paired with cushion covers in Bamboo Green, New Baroque - Chocolate Brown, Vanilla Yellow in linen, Lavender in linen and Burnt Orange Tégner Melange.

The only adjustments are new sofa and chair slipcovers, and different cushion covers. Pretty amazing what a difference such simple adjustments can make!

Here's another example we found in the French mag Têtu.

And although the stylists have changed furniture and props in the room, you can still see how the change of slipcover on the sofa makes a major impact on the feel and ambiance of the space.

So the short and sweet  of this story is: one room - many looks. All you have to do is change slipcovers.

At Bemz, you will find slipcovers for a wide variety of Ikea furniture, as well as Multi Fit covers, available in over 200 different fabrics, including designs by famous brands and designers, all machine washable.

Order free swatches of your favourites today!

Credits:
Photos: Styleathome.com, Têtu magazine and Bemz

Bemz loves DIY: Créations & Savoir-Faire in Paris

Bemz recently participated in the annual Créations & Savoir-Faire trade show in Paris - a must for DIY addicts - which took place in mid-November this year. And our textile products were selected to be part of a central animation called The Loft, where we collaborated with the French company Lilibricole hosting popular DIY workshops for fair goers.

Stylish bedding from Bemz

In case you couldn’t make it, here are a few photos from our exhibit (can you spot the cat?), demonstrating how easy it is to personalise your home and create a space is a reflection of you using designer slipcovers from Bemz.

The themes this year were: Trends, Sewing and customising; Paper, scrapbooking and Colours; Creative Home and Tasty ideas: Needles and tradition.

As in past, the 2013 show was both a trendsetter and showcase for exceptional crafting.

Over 60,000 passionate DIYers got together to discover the latest crafting innovations and find everything they need to hone their creative skills.

Visit us next week for a DIY special based on The Loft workshops held at Créations & Savoir-Faire, including how to make a designer headboard in 45 minutes!

Credits: Photos: Créations & savoir faire, Slipcovers:Bemz, Sofa Legs: Prettypegs

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Übercool Klippan sofas in Switzerland

Top tips: Compact living done right

It's back-to-school time and many of us are looking for easy, creative ways to make our small spaces seem larger and more livable.

This tiny Upper West Side apartment of graphic designer and Etsy shop owner Michelle Konar is a great example of how cramped quarters can be transformed into open, airy spaces, using accent colours, decorative cushions and savvy storage.

At just 30 square meters, Michelle’s space may be small, but her creative eye has made her home the envy of her friends!

The apartment’s light blue aqua wall brings warmth to the space, and is picked up in the kitchen area with faux aqua-colored bricks that Michelle made from pieces of cork. Adding a vintage buffet separates the kitchen area from the dining table, and also doubles as the work space for slicing and dicing up meals and garnishes for drinks.

Michelle made the space her own by hanging a painting series that she designed herself while in college over the dining table.The paintings and table sit adjacent from the comfy sofa, which is strewn with boldly patterned decorative cushions, adding flair to their comfort.

The sofa is also where Michelle sets up her work station to put together her hand-bound books.

She salvaged a used hospital bed from a thrift store, and refinished it in a deep blue. Adorned with more graphic decorative cushions, the bed ties in with the pattern of the rest of the apartment.

Just next to the bed, the sliding glass doors open onto a beautiful private balcony. Michelle's tiny studio feels larger with the precious outdoor space, which is just enough for a few lounge chairs and a garden of lush plants.

For more inspiration on how to stretch your space visit the Bemz website. You'll also find tons of smart tips on how to get the most out of your space right here on It's a Cover Up.

Credits: Text and images via Stumbleupon.com and Apartment Therapy

Books to inspire: Paul Smith A to Z

Interested in finding out what inspires British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, one of the most influential designers of our times? Then his latest book Paul Smith A to Z is a must-have. Available on Amazon, this is also a great book to browse through when you need some inspiration or something to smile about.

Paul Smith A to Z draws on a personal collection of photographs, sketches and documents, all arranged alphabetically, offering rare insight into his unique way of working. A for Abbey Road, E for Eccentricity, P for Post-Its and R for Rabbits and so on.

"I was being filmed for a documentary by the French company Arte and they originally wanted to make a small booklet to go in with the DVD," said Smith to Vogue. "When they started talking and visited my London studio they realised they could make it into a simple book instead - a little story about each letter along with my photographs taken over various years and in different locations."

Paul Smith has a very unique yet relatable outlook on life and every ounce of it is translated in his brand. He reckons that being dyslexic hones his way of working and his creative chaos. The book, as you would expect, is beautifully put together.

What is amazing is the simplicity and diversity of the images – a cross section of Paul Smith’s creativity. It also clearly shows the importance of keeping sketchbooks or visual diaries, such as an Instagram account.

Paul Smith A to Z gives us a peek into the personal collections of the designer, what he loves and how he relates to things as a designer, businessman and inquisitive gentleman.

Credits: Vogue
Photos: Amazon, Zimbio

Top tips for a super family summer with lovely linens

Nothing says summer quite like linen. It is light, airy and perfect for hot, humid days.

Bemz cover for Nils stool in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

Just as a linen shirt can put you at ease in the heat of summer, linen touches in the home have the same cool, calming effect on your family.

Bemz cover for Ektorp sofa, Loose Fit Country style, in Cobalt Brera Quadretto, design Designers Guild

According to Bemz in-house designer Katarina Wiklund, Summer 2013 is all about relaxed linen in timeless stripes and checks, which sit beautifully alongside muted solids like Soft White, Sand Beige and Deep Navy Blue.

Bemz cover for Nikkala sofa in Sand Beige Belgian Linen Blend

"Don’t be put off bright and breezy colours because you have little fingers around," Katarina stresses. "One of the best things about linen covers from Bemz is that they are stain resistant and machine-washable. Twice as strong and durable as cotton, linen covers from Bemz get more beautiful and softer over time. And perhaps even more important to families, this fresh summer-friendly fabric is eco-friendly, non-allergenic and a natural insect-repellent!”

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa, Loose Fit Urban style, in Lapis Brera Largo and Bemz cushion covers in assorted Designers Guild linen fabrics

Katarina’s top five tips for keeping the family cool and comfy this summer - inside and out - without sacrificing on style are to:

1. Treat your sofa to a Bemz cover in chic, laidback Brera linen by Designers Guild, so you can enjoy yourself without having to fret over melted ice-cream or paw stains as your children and furry friends romp around.

Bemz Multi Fit armchair cover Tie Arm Classic and Bemz cover for Karlstad sofa in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz cover for Ektorp sofa, Loose Fit Country style, in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

2. Move your favourite old armchair in a Bemz Multi Fit cover in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen outside to watch your children play.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair medium long, Loose Fit, in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Via Country Living

3. Host a dreamy summer al fresco dinner party for family and friends around a long wooden table surrounded by Henriksdal chairs in crisp linen covers from Bemz.

Bemz cover for Tomelilla armchair, Loose Fit Country style, in Soft White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Bemz curtains in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

4. Add flowing linen curtains that billow in the breeze. Although whites and creams are obvious choices, muted pastels are also great for that chilled summer look. For extra drama, keep the curtains longer than the length of the window so excess fabric can bunch on the floor. In August, Bemz will be launching a brand new line of curtains, offering made-to-measure up to six metres long!

Florö bed frame in Soft White Belgian Linen from Bemz

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

5. Swap winter for summer bedding in Absolute White linen from Bemz to help you and your loved ones sleep comfortably on hot summer nights. And while you are at it, add a matching linen bed skirt and headboard cover from Bemz, to create a versatile, coordinated look for tiny tots, teens and up.

Bemz daybed cover in Deep Navy Blue Belgian Linen Blend, Bemz cushion covers in Zinc Grey, Charcoal Grey, Black Classic Ruta and Graphite Grey Belgian Linen Blend

For more inspiration on how to get your home ready for summer using lovely linens visit Bemz.com

All photos from Bemz with exception of one from Country Living. See captions for more information.

Colourful ways to lift the spirits

Colours can affect mood in many ways, so why not take this into account when decorating your home? Here are some easy and cost-effective tips for adding colour - using textiles - from the Bemz design team.

Bemz covers for Nikkala sofa in Sun Yellow Panama Cotton and Karlstad armchair in Candy Pink/Absolute White Stockholm Stripe

Identify the purpose of the room and choose the colour that will enhance the desired result: reds and yellows to activate and energise, greens and blues to relax and soothe.

Bemz covers for Henriksdal chairs, medium long skirt, in Rose Tegnér Melange. and for Nils chair in Black Classic Ruta, for Klappsta armchairs in Silver Grey Tegnér Melange, Rose Tegnér Melange

Bemz Daybed covers in Candy Pink & Absolute White Stockholm Stripe and Candy Pink Panama Cotton, with a mix of Bemz cushion covers and a Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair long in Sun Yellow

Ensure each day starts on a positive note by injecting a little year round sunshine into your kitchen with energising and warm Mandarin Orange or Sun Yellow chair covers from Bemz.

Bemz cover for Nils chair in Burnt Orange Tegnér Melange and Real Red Tegnér Melange

Or turn up the heat using textured fabrics, like Tegnér Melange. They’ll boost well-being, without sacrificing on style and sophistication.

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen from Bemz

Always opt for tranquil, soothing colours for the bedroom. Combine medium blues with lavenders and greens for optimum effect.

A bedskirt in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen paired with a Loose Fit bedspread in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen will create the perfect oasis required to keep your spirits up while mind and body are rested.

Contrasting pillow covers in Dusty Rose Gustavian Flowers, Chocolate Brown New Baroque and Tea Green Belgian Linen blend will strike the right balance and give the room a personal note.

Bemz bedspread. Loose Fit, in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Neutrals are synonymous with tranquillity. Vary textures as well as light and dark tones to optimise impact.

A Sand Beige sofa cover from Bemz combines comfort and class in one effortless brushstroke. Pair it with a plush rug, plenty of natural wood and cushion covers in True Blue and Dark Denim Blue and Cobalt Brera Rigato from Bemz for the requisite pop of colour to chase those dark clouds from your mind.

For more inspiration on how to use colour in your home, visit www.bemz.com.

Trend Alert: New Nordic Pastels + new colours & 10% off

Update your interior décor with the latest colour trend: New Nordic Pastels - a modern take on summer's favourite hues. To help you get this look, Bemz is launching two new colours in our popular Panama Cotton fabric; Peach and Aqua, both essential for creating this unique style, and available for all Bemz covers. Starting today, April 25, you can get 10% off the New Nordic Pastels palette until May 2, 2013. So kick start summer by adding some easy Nordic elegance to your home with this bright, cool palette!

Bemz covers for Söderhamn sofa and armchair in Peach and PS chair in Sand Beige

The modern New Nordic palette is a move away from sugary pastels, focusing instead on sublime bright shades, colour-blocked with stark white, neutral beige and refreshing hints of neon.

Bemz covers for Nils chairs in Peach and Aqua

Colour-blocking, combining two or more larger blocks of solid colour, is the key to this look. Think serene Vanilla Yellow, Peach and Aqua colour-blocked with neutral Absolute White, Sand Beige and Silver Grey. Accents of primary colours True Blue and Grass Green, as well as refreshing hints of neon give the necessary playful touch.

Bemz cover for Skruvsta chair in Grass Green

A few examples of typical combinations are Vanilla Yellow with Silver Grey, Peach with Sand Beige and Aqua, and Peach with Vanilla Yellow, all set against a cool white base. Dashes of bright colour adds visual depth and interest to the otherwise minimalist interior.

Bemz covers for Tylösand sofa in Absolute White and for PS armchairs in Sand Beige and Vanilla Yellow Belgian Linen Blend

New Nordic interiors are free from clutter. The living room’s clean lines are cool to the eye, with textiles adding warmth and comfort.

Bemz covers Söderhamn sofa in Peach and Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Silver Grey Vallsta and Yellow Fiskis

Furniture is simple and stylish, in materials like natural, unfinished wood. A sleek Söderhamn sofa with a Bemz cover in new Peach paired with accent cushion covers from the Bemz Artist Series collection to add a pop of colour.

Bemz bedspread in Absolute White and Bemz cover for Klippan footstool in Aqua, with Bemz Artist Series cushion covers.

Textiles are where the New Nordic look really comes into its own, making colour-blocking easy and affordable. Use Bemz sofa covers and chair covers in modern New Nordic Pastels as a base, while bringing the look together with cushion covers in neon digital print or trendy dip dye or ombré accents.

For more information on New Nordic Pastels visit Bemz.com.

Top Tips: South American dinner party with pizazz

With spring here and the weather warming up, it's time to spice up your home entertaining with a South American dinner party. Follow these five easy tips from the Bemz design team for an unforgettable fiesta - beyond the food.

Bemz cover for Nils stools in Jet Black Stockholm Stripe, Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz fabric per metre in Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe, Deep Navy Blue Herbarium, design Stig Lindberg for the Bemz Desginer Collection

1) Try new recipes: According to food trends for 2013, sustainability and local ingredients have not lost their mojo. Menus are venturing to South America to include feisty flavours from Brazil, Argentina and Peru. With its roots in simple home cooking, South American cuisine is the perfect choice to serve at a dinner party. Don’t be scared to try a trendy variations on the popular seafood dish, ceviche, or to organise an Argentine asado (an Argentinian BBQ).

Bemz fabric per metre in Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe and Fuchsia Panama Cotton (placemats)

2) Staging your entertaining is just as important as getting the food right – as well as great fun. Decorate with colours and patterns that are a feast for the eye.

Bemz covers for Nils armchair in Lemongrass Flamingo Park, Nils chair in Black/White Coconut Grove, Henriksdal chair in Fuchsia Flamingo Park, all designed by Designers Guild, and Henriksdal chair in Fuchsia Panama Cotton

Use festive, colourful streamers wherever you can, and a tablecloth in bold strong colours and patterns for extra pizazz. If you have potted plants around the house, collect them in your entertaining area to get a (however slight) feeling of tropical beauty.

Daybed in Black/White Coconut Grove by Designers Guild. Cushions in Sun Yellow and Soft White also from Bemz

3) Set the mood. Play the sultry tones of Brazilian Seu Jorge or some salsa by the Latin Brothers. And don't forget the flowers and candles.

Bemz Daybed covers in Candy Pink & Absolute White Stockholm Stripe and Candy Pink Panama Cotton, with a mix of Bemz cushion covers and a Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair long in Sun Yellow

4) Chill out. While cooking and serving your meal, stay relaxed: South American food is hearty, flavoursome and doesn't call for perfectionism. Focus on enjoying your guests instead.

Bemz cover for Kramfors sofa in Cobalt Espanola Way, design Designers Guild and Klippan footstool in True Blue

5) The clean up: Since all Bemz covers are durable, stain-protected and machine washable, you don’t have to worry if you splash a bit of Chilean wine or spill chimichurri sauce on them.

Bemz covers in a variety of Designers Guild fabrics

Visit our website for more ideas about how Bemz can help you style your next dinner party.¡Salud!