15-5519

15-5519. That's the color code for PANTONE® color of the year, Turquoise.

I have been waffling back and forth on whether to post about "the color of the year". It has been discussed on every design blog out there and most are probably sick of it by now. I also get the impression that most don't like it used in decorating. Some are saying it's too "trendy". What?

If it weren't in fashion, would it be "color of the year" Is it color of the year because it's in fashion or is it in fashion because it's color of the year? Do they just flip a coin to pick color of the year? Maybe they do? I don't know? I think it involves a little more research than that. But moving on...

I like turquoise. I liked it before it was color of the year. Turquoise pairs well with many other colors. It's really rather versatile. It pairs well with neutrals like black and brown, as well as brights like red, pink or orange.

I love turquoise and I love these bowls. Crate and Barrel.

DIY Magazine used it on it's Spring cover.

Image courtesy of Southern Accents.

Image courtesy of A Turquoise Wedding.

Image courtesy of The Haystack Needle and a great post on a DIY upholstery project.

What do you think? Do you like the color of the year or meh?

Visual Interest

Add visual interest to upholstered chairs by using two different fabrics.


Do you like bold prints, but are afraid they will be too much..?
Image credit Point Click Home.


...just use your patterned fabric on the back.
Image credit BHG.


Can't decide on a pattern? Use both....


...just make sure your patterns coordinate.
Image credit Veranda.

Is There A Book?

As we were rifling through stacks of upholstery fabric the other day my friend Karen asks "Isn't there a book?"

"A book?" I ask (lights go on, bells and whistles go off, antenna comes up).

"Yeah, a book on how to re-upholster stuff"? says my friend, not noticing the sweat on my brow and the frantic search for the SuperPhone so I can immediately search Amazon.

"Yes, and I happen to have one" I say, now having recovered from my OCD behavior regarding the book search.

But alas, one is not enough. So after a pre-dawn Amazon perusing, I have secured a few more books.

There is this one:

New Upholstery

wait here's another, this one...


hold on, just one more, and this one.


We will be able to re-upholster anything my friend.

So open the garage, dig out the chairs and let the work begin.