The Space Within

How To: Upholstered Bedhead

Donna Allen — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:51:00 GMT

Well, I took my own advice and got stuck into a couple of projects over the Easter long weekend. I finished an upholstered bedhead for our master bedroom and I love the result! We've never had a proper bedframe because Hubbin' doesn't like them, particularly anything with a footboard. So, rather than invest in a custom made bedhead that he may not like and which, for a king size bed, can run around $1100 plus fabric, I decided to give it a go myself.

This was a pretty straightforward project. The most difficult element was the piping on the front and rear edges however this isn't a necessary step - you could simply wrap the fabric around the frame without any piping. So, before getting into the nitty gritty, let's take a look at the project's vital statistics:

Time: 1 day (including purchase of all materials, except fabric)
Cost: $340
Difficulty: Easy
Bed Size: King

Okay, now let's take a look at the materials required:

1. Plywood sheet - based on other how-to's I chose a 7mm plywood but, in hindsight, I would recommend 9mm to provide additional structure and stability. The lovely team at Bunnings Hardware cut the ply to size however it's an easy enough to do if you have a circular saw at home. Ply is available in 1200 x 2400 mm sheets so I sized the bedhead at 1900 wide by 1200 high. This provided a little extra width beyond the width of the mattress and enough height to balance the overall size of the bed. It also meant that I didn't have to piece the ply together to get the required size. TIP: Make sure you're able to fit a sheet this size either into or on top of your car for transportation. If not, you may want to have smaller pieces cut and then join them in situ using timber battens. This is also useful if you have stairs or other narrow passage ways to navigate to get your bedhead in place.

2. Foam - I recommend high density foam for support and cushioning. Foam is available in a number of thicknesses. Originally, I was planning on using 75mm foam to provide a nice weight to the headboard. I think 50mm is too narrow for a king size bed but 100mm could work well. I ended up with a 70mm foam from Clark Rubber. I did this as I was able to save about $100 on the cost of the foam by purchasing a foam mattress and having it trimmed to size versus having to purchase a full sheet of foam and being left with large offcuts. You want the size of the foam to be exactly the same measurements as your ply. Again, the lovely folks at Clarke will cut your foam to size for a minimal fee.

3. Batting - also called wadding. This provides a soft layer to wrap your bedhead with and gives a nice loft to the fabric. I purchased mine at Lincraft. It came in a 150cm wide roll so all I needed was 2.5 meters to have enough to wrap around the ply and foam and be stapled to the back.

4. Fabric - any upholstery weight fabric or heavy drapery fabric will work well. If the fabric has a pattern, you'll need to consider pattern direction and, most likely, need to piece the fabric together to get the necessary width to warp around the foam and ply and be stapled to the back. I chose a striped fabric and, because I wanted the stripes to run horizontally, it didn't need to be pieced. The fabric was a bit wider than normal at 150cm wide so I only needed 2.5 meters for this project. TIP: iron your fabric to ensure it is crisp and ready to be applied to the bedhead.

5. Piping Cord - Select a slightly thicker piping cord to ensure it has enough visual weight when the headboard is finished. I chose a size 2 however a 3 would also work well. I purchased 10 meters to allow me to pipe 3 sides of the bedhead at both the front and rear edges.

6. Thread - Choose a heavy duty cotton thread to match your fabric. I used Gutterman.

TOOLS

1. Staple gun - the key tool to use!

2. Staples - You don't want to be stingy on staples so make sure you have a good supply. I used 8mm staples which easily penetrated all layers.

3. Spray Adhesive - Get the good stuff! In the photo, I show Lincraft spray adhesive but I found this wasn't providing sufficient "grab" so I used 3M Super 77 Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive instead which worked perfectly. TIP: the Lincraft spray is great for fabric covered light fittings!

4. Carpenters Square - for squaring the edges of fabric before sewing

5. Fabric pen or pencil - for marking & cutting fabric

6. Sewing Machine - to sew the piping, it's best to have a zipper foot for your machine

Not that you've got everything that you need, let's get started.

Step 1: Attach foam to ply using spray adhesive. Apply a thin, even coat of adhesive to your ply and place your foam on top, making sure all edges are aligned. Allow adhesive to cure for a few minutes. TIP: If possible, spray the adhesive outside. If not, make sure you have a drop cloth covering all surrounding furniture, flooring, etc as it's almost impossible to avoid overspray!

Step 2: Attach batting to ply/foam. Lay batting out on the floor, smoothing any wrinkles. Centre the ply on top of the batting, foam side down. Staple batting to ply. Trim off excess batting. TIP 1: Start with a staple in the centre of each side, lightly stretching the batting at each staple. This ensures the batting doesn't "slip" when stapling. Then staple around the rest of the ply. TIP 2: To create neat corners, pull the corner of the batting diagonally over the corner of the ply, so the corner is pointing to the centre of ply then staple. Fold one remaining corner flat and staple. Repeat with second corner.

Step 3: Preparing the fabric. This step will vary depending on whether you need to piece your fabric and if you've decided to pipe or not. TIP: Square the cut edge of your fabric using a Carpenters Square. Place the square along the selvage edge and mark a straight line along the edge of the fabric. Cut on marked line.

Piecing fabric:

If you need to piece the fabric together to get the required width to cover the bedhead as well as to wrap around the back for stapling, make sure you align patterns first. Here are two easy-to-follow tutorials on pattern matching here and here

Piping fabric:

For this, I'm going to refer you to a fabulous How To at Design*Sponge. Check it out here. Just a note, while most tutorials will recommend cutting the fabric on the bias, or 45 degree angle, to give the fabric a slight stretchiness, I cut mine straight to get a single colour for the piping using a stripe on my fabric.

Step 4: Attaching the fabric to the ply. You're almost done! The most important part of this step, particularly if you have a patterned fabric, is to ensure your fabric is aligned and centred on your headboard. Lay your fabric out on the floor, smoothing it to ensure there are no wrinkles. Centre ply on top of fabric, foam side down. Trim off any excess fabric. TIP: This is easier to do with a friend as the size of the bedhead can make it a bit unwieldy.

As with attaching the batting, start stapling the fabric at the centre of each side, lightly stretching it to get a tight fit but without distorting the pattern. Lift the bedhead to check alignment is correct before continuing to staple the rest of the fabric to the back of the ply. Staple the corners in the same way as the batting to get a neat finish.

Step 5: Placing the bedhead. You're done! Now, just place the headboard against the wall. The weight of your bed will hold the headboard in place. Voila'!

And, a before shot....it's definitely more sophisticated and inviting with an upholstered bedhead!

Hop to It!

Donna Allen — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:35:00 GMT

It's hard to believe that Easter is just a few days away! In the northern hemisphere, where I grew up, this heralded the start of Spring. Here in Sydney, it's the onset of Autumn. Either way, it's a good time to be like the Easter Bunny and Hop to It! I'm talking about all of those decorating projects that you have on the back burner. I have that list- it's long and distinguished! And, as they say, there's no time like the present.

Because, really, what are you waiting for? For guests to announce their visit? There are enough things to do to prepare for guests without a renovation project thrown in. Ask my Mom. Dad decided to do a few home reno projects just before my wedding. Guests were arriving and the new french doors to the back garden still weren't installed! That was an additional level of stress that Mom definitely did not need. Good thing the wedding was in July!

Maybe you're figuring you'll do it when you put your house on the market? Why make your home look it's best for someone else? Take a leaf out of Loreal Paris' book – you're worth it! I've heard more than a few clients say, once the house was prepped for sale, that they wished they weren't selling now that the house looked so good!

Budget? Well, this little thing keeps sticking it's nose in where it isn't wanted. We all know about budgetary constraints – regardless of the size of our budget. In most cases though, there are alternatives to get the result without breaking the bank.

So, what's on my list? Well, assuming the sun sticks around, there will be some painting of retaining walls and exterior door/window frames. And, if I'm stuck inside, I'm planning to create an an upholstered headboard for the master bedroom. I may throw in some gardening and closet organisation and then see how I'm feeling. There's nothing like crossing an item off your to-do list!

Of course, you could just kick back and relax like the Cheese who loves a good pillow....Happy Easter!

The Moody Hues or Heading to the Dark Side

Donna Allen — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:09:00 GMT

So many people seem reluctant to embrace the dark side...of painting, that is. We've been brainwashed into believing all of the cliches - it's too much colour, it will make the room feel tiny, it will be depressing. The excuses, sorry, the reasons, go on and on. But I, for one, love the way a room with dark walls looks and feels. I think a lot of other people would too if they could get those voices out of their head!

I've recently painted my office a beautiful, deep grey-blue called Polo by Porters Paints and I love it! It is by no means an overwhelming colour choice. In fact, I find it the quiet, steadfast supporter of the room - the foundation that makes the furniture, artwork and accessories all the more interesting and exciting because of it. It's like your favourite pair of jeans - everything you own looks great with them, you can dress them up or down and they're the most comfortable thing in the world.

I've offset my dark walls with a crisp white on the floor and architraves and accents of fire engine red, deep fuchsia, aqua and teal blues. But, pretty much any reasonably clear, bright accent colour would work just as well - imagine lime green, tangerine orange, vibrant yellow, hot pink or even gloss black. Which means you can change up the overall look of the room easily and quickly. And, is it depressing? Not a chance! It's calming, it's welcoming and it's beautiful.

So, are you ready for the Dark Side?

To Highlight or Not to Highlight...that is today's question

Donna Allen — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:10:00 GMT

There was once a time when it was common to highlight every architectural feature in a home. Every bit of cornice, every picture rail, every newel post. Then came the backlash. Stark white boxes with nothing highlighted...except maybe the leather sofa. So, the question is, what should be highlighted and what shouldn't?

As with most things design, it's not a "one size fits all" answer. The key is to consider the space as a whole and visualise how your decisions will effect other elements in the room before opening the paint can.

Without debating the choice of a kelly green feature wall, let's have a look at the room below (thank you to Ugly House Photos). I know, I know....where do you start! So, what is the impact of painting the stair wall a dark green? Well, the dark wall contrasts strongly against the white light fixture, so now, the light becomes one of the most noticeable elements of the space - not really what you want to highlight. Have a look at the pictures on the wall. The frames don't contrast with the wall at all and therefore just disappear. This has the added effect of the burgundy mats appearing to float on the wall. Now, how about that balustrade?! Again, the contrast of colour - a mid-toned, orange wood against a dark green wall, as well as against white carpeting, only serves to highlight the balustrade - the style and colour of which don't seem to go with anything else in the space.

So, how do you determine all of this before cracking open that can of paint? A good idea is to do a small sketch and colour it in. If you're not sure of your drawing capabilities, print out a photo of the space, trace over the key elements and then colour in using colour pencils, marker or other tool. If you're handy with Photoshop, use that to recolour elements in the space. And, if you really want that kelly green feature wall, then you'll need to also change a number of other elements in the space to make it work.

Should Art match your Interior?

Donna Allen — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:32:00 GMT

This is a common question and there isn't necessarily an straight answer. My first instinct is to say "no way, too contrived". I admit - I've always been a little dubious about artists offering to paint a canvas to "match your colour scheme". To me, this screams average hotel room or house styled for sale, not that these are bad approaches in and of themselves. I just don't think it's the right way to decorate your home.

Art is a hugely personal choice and it's often the key element that makes the room and gives it personality. It can add drama, whimsy, or just that accent colour that's missing from everything else. It complements or it contrasts - it doesn't have to match! And, without it, the room can feel dead. I love helping clients select art but I would never do so without their complete involvement. More often than not I advise on things like the size, framing, and hanging while the choice of the actual piece ends up wholly with them.

So, how do you know if the piece "will go"? Well, my philosophy is that if you buy what you love it will always work. Of course, the caveat to this is that the style of your home actually reflects who you are, not who your decorator or friend or mother is. And, if it doesn't, hire someone who will help you achieve that!

White...The Devil in Disguise

Donna Allen — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:58:00 GMT

White is one of the most difficult colours to get right when decorating a room yet, in the vast world of possible paint colours, almost 70% of the paint sold is a white. Many home owners think white is the right answer and/or the easy answer: using white will make a dark room feel brighter; using white will make a small room feel bigger; always paint the ceiling white. But, have a look around...these so-called "rules" don't always hold up. Using white in a dark room can end up looking grey and lifeless. A small room painted in white can look unfinished - as though the owner couldn't decide what colour to paint it so gave up at the undercoat! A stark white ceiling can seem harsh and look bland.

Creating beautiful white rooms requires two key ingredients plus a healthy dose of strong discipline. The key ingredients are great light and good bones. Take another look at all of those beautiful white rooms that you see in magazines. They are always full of wonderful light streaming in through large windows and giving the space a clean, bright, even ethereal feel. While the photos below offer a more country aesthetic the same principle holds true in a modern white space.

The other element that is necessary is good architecture and pleasing proportions. This is because white doesn't give you an opportunity to mask poor proportions through the use of tone and hue (more on this in a future post). The rooms in the images above have generous proportions, high ceilings and the final key ingredient - restraint.

The furniture and accessories in these rooms are carefully edited, the use of colour is tightly controlled and the finishes provide an intoxicating mix of textures. These elements are important in all spaces but so much more critical for creating a successful white room. And, when decorated properly, there is a no more beautiful space than wonderful white!

And, on a final note, from Coffee With an Architect:

Tango-ing with Orange

Donna Allen — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:23:00 GMT

Pantone has recently announced their colour of the year and (drum roll, please) it is...Tangerine Tango! Pantone is continuing with their choice of high chroma, strong colours that have been evident in their colour of the year selections from the past few years. Tangerine Tango sits to the red side of orange and is a great alternative to red as an accent or base colour.

Orange is considered to be the colour of conversation and socialisation. It's a lively, stimulating colour and is therefore easier to use in living spaces (lounge, dining, play) then quiet spaces (office, bedroom) but, in any room, it can be used as a fabulous accent. Consider using it on walls to create an intriguing, inviting dining space or as an accent against deep blues or in conjunction with jade greens. Have a look at these fabulous inspiration shots...(if any one is able to identify the sources, please do let me know. I downloaded these prior to blogging so don't have the source listed.)

Show Me the Way

Donna Allen — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:40:00 GMT

One of the best ways to liven up any space is by hanging art on your walls. And, no, it doesn't need to be an expensive exercise. Art can take many forms including textiles, ceramics, prints, etc. A growing arena for inexpensive art is through graphic artists and one of my favourite subjects is travel/maps. Have a look at some of the fantastic prints available to decorate your space. The colours are bright and beautiful, the typography somewhat retro and the price spot-on.

These Are Things

Heads of State Fine Artichoke

Vassi Slavova - Etsy

Welcome to the World(ww) of Blogging

Donna Allen — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMT

With the launch of the new website design (thank you Online Consulting and Pixel Jam Design!) I couldn't think of a better time to enter the wonderful world of blogging. It's certainly something that I've been thinking about for ages and, well, here I am! There are so many wonderful design blogs already on the web with some absolutely amazing writers. It makes it all quite daunting. Not that I imagine that I can live up to their example, by any means. But, I do think I can use this opportunity to share what I find wonderful about design and decorating. I think it will help me continue to refine my style and aesthetic and, if others would like to join me on the journey, that will be fantastic!