Thursday, August 22, 2013

Dried Hydrangeas, and I Need Your Suggestions..

Hi, Everyone! 
I didn't get the secretary tweaked this week, because I got side tracked...LOL what else is new? 
I did move all the stuff off the chest of drawers in our bedroom, and made a little vignette, so I'll show you that. 

Plus, I have a project I've been putting off, and hope you'll give me some suggestions. Please, please. :)

My attempts at drying hydrangeas, have always been iffy. But, this year I actually got them to dry, instead of flop. 
The blooms aren't large, but they're dry, and considering all the rain we've had...that's a miracle.

I've had the picture above the chest for years. It's of our Georgia state bird, the Brown Thrasher, and Georgia state flower, the Cherokee rose. 

The chest looks small in this pic, but it's a regular size chest of drawers, that came with the mahogany bedroom suite my parents bought when they got married. 

Now, here's the project I've been putting off.


It's the window seat in the family room...we call it a window seat, even though the window is to the side. 
I've been wanting to make a new cover for it for a long time, but can't decide what color/type of fabric, and pillows. 

I'm ashamed to say, that the covers are just two curtain panels that I wrapped around the foam pieces, and they've been that way for several years. 

I kept thinking I'd have covers made, but for one reason or another, I never did.
Now, I've decided to try to make the covers myself. 


I'm really thinking maybe a solid color for the seat and back, and that way I can use a variety of pillows. 
What do you think?
Should I go with a dark color, or light? 

The colors in the cover now are pretty much the same colors in the rest of the room, except for the orange/rust pillow.

Thanks so much! Y'all always have the best ideas, and I'm looking forward to your suggestions.
Have a great weekend!

Hugs, 
Babs

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15 comments:

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

That is just what I was going to say, to do a solid color so you can change ut pillows. That is why I have a cream colored sofa, I can change the look for every season (or mood), LOL! XO, Pinky

Suzan said...

Love your dried hydrangeas. How do you do it? Does it take long and one last queston - how long do they last? Your window seat appears to be the perfect spot to read a good book on one of these many "Rainy nights in Georgia!"

Sarah said...

Babs, I'd do a solid in a neutral and then use seasonal pillows throughout the year. I'd love to have a bench or seat such as this to do just that. Love needlepoint pillows and the hooked rug pillows that are popular now. You can have lots of fun with this space.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love your vignette...so pretty. I think a solid neutral cover is perfect and then you can change out the pillows for seasonal and holidays! Fun! Thanks for sharing with TTF.

Judy Biggerstaff said...

I haven't had much luck drying hydrangeas. I tried last year and used them on a wreath but they didn't last long so I have no tips I could share with you. On the bench, I agree go solid and light so you can change the pillows. My daughter's couch is white and seasonal pillows look great on it. Keep us posted.

Debbie said...

I didn't have as much luck with my hydrangeas this year as last year so I'm impressed with yours!

Now, about the cushions, I'm with others who say go lighter and neutral so you can switch it up with pillow changes easier. I have dark red ones in one of our bedrooms, and I really want to go lighter there.

Ron said...

I'd go neutral for the cushions and use pillows for that extra pop!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I'd definitely go with a solid and something neutral so you can change the scene with the pillows. The chest looks great where you've put it and I like how you've decorated it.

Kelly said...

Your hydrangeas look really pretty in that Chinese jar. I've never dried my own hydrangeas before. I think the "window seat" area would look good in a khaki color material. That would be a good backdrop for your pretty pillows in the colors you have in the room.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Your window seat looks inviting! I'm not sure about the light fabric though--maybe it would just blend in with the wall. I think a small pattern (which hides little boo-boos much better) would be nice, but one that can still work with different pillows. Try spreading large towels or sheets or blankets in different colors over the bench and see what the effect is! I'm sure you will choose something wonderful! Linda

Unknown said...

I think covers made from drop cloths would be great. You wouldn't have to worry about them, and they would be a good heavy weight as well as neutral. Maybe stencil the back with one of the nice graphics from the Graphics Fairy???

Ivy and Elephants said...

I think solid is a good idea in a fabric that has a texture and matches your decor in the rest of the room.
Then the pillows can layer on even more texture and as much or as little color as you like!
Hugs,
Patti

Pat said...

Babs,
Appears we ( those who have commented above me)are of the same mind. Solid, neutral fabric with a variety of pillows!!!
I adore your vignette!!!
I love how you've pulled hues from the print and used them within the vignette! The height of the candlestick is stunning!!! The hydrangea are picture perfect, dear friend!!!
Amazing job! Now, be sure to post your photos of the new window seat make~over!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Up to the feel you want. If you do a nice lighter neutral then you can use pillows to add color and pattern.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I think I am with the majority of going with a lighter neutral and then pop it with colors and patterns with the pillows...Have a great week!