Designer Questions, Looking for Answers
Filed under: Seagrass, slipcovers, designing with what you have –
I got three questions today from people here in DC looking for good local resources. I thought I would throw it out to all of you for help.
The first comes from a designer herself, who is looking for a a local supplier of custom-fitted natural-fiber carpets, such as seagrass, for her own home.
And while we’re at it, she asks, “maybe you could do a post on the best sources for slipcovers, too. They really are an art form. The French, Belgian, Swedish look is still really hot … I don’t think that the best sources for these items are as well known here as in some other cities,” she writes.
I would personally LOVE to see a source for slipcovers, because so many of them always look so sloppy. Any ideas for local sources, dear readers? Here’s a nice slipcovered wing chair in Designer Jill Sorensen’s TV room, which she just wrote about on her great blog, Live.Like.You.
I also got a message on Facebook from a friend I grew up with — she and her family just moved into a new house, and the place is, to put it mildly, a blank slate.
“We don’t have the money to buy furniture right now – or spend for a decorator – we will ease into purchases. Any ideas on a design type who can do a quick ‘work with what you have’ furniture tour? And maybe some color consultation? It’s looking a little antiseptic in here!” She writes.
Please write to me if you have answers to any of these reader questions, and I will dutifully pass them along in another post. Thank you all in advance.
Jennifer Sergent. Native Washingtonian. Former editor at Washington Spaces magazine and HGTV. Currently searching for – and writing about – DC’s design voices. Write to me @
Even though the shabby chic look is officially “over”, slipcovers still serve a great purpose. It’s quick effective way to work with what until you can buy a new piece, or protect what you have from kids, pets etc. They have to be custom fit to do the job right. I have a list of sources of people who do it quite well here in DC for anyone who wants it –contact@marmaladeinteriors.com
I like Prosource for custom rugs… It’s trade-only but since she’s a designer she should be able to head on over. (I go to the Dulles Prosource)
I second the Pro Source Dulles recommendation. I work with Lauren over there. They are pretty flexible about allowing non-designers to come in and shop around (alone) as long as a designer gives them a referral.
Stark Carpet and Foundation, both down at the design center, are good options as well for designers.
On working with a tight budget and existing furniture, we are currently working with a client who is in the exact same predicament. We switched out her living, family, and dining rooms using only what she had in her home. She was thrilled with the outcome and we are now working with her on choosing paint colors. For all of these services, we charge our usual hourly rates. We’d be happy to talk to anyone interested in hearing more. http://www.biquintiledesigns.com (soon to be Sanctuary on Church, a home accessories and interior design boutique in Vienna, VA)
Hello, I would gladly help the individual who needs help with color and furniture layout. I would charge a reasonable hourly fee. You may contact me at mmkrause@gmail.com
Giving ideas using the things people have is my specialty and I give e-mail advice if she wants to send me pics. I also have a blog with tips and ideas using thrift shop,estate sale items!!
Love your blog!
Ruthie