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Hearth-warming Style * For a three-dimensional display idea, hang a hooked rug over the fireplace instead of a piece of framed art. * Add a burst of colorful character to a white mantel with a pair of small rugs or appliquéd place mats. * Arrange a pair of dining chairs by the hearth and add intricately patterned chair pads for more graphic appeal. This room was featured in the September 2005 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.

It's All Material

Learn how you can use textiles to bring warmth and texture to everyday decor.
updated 09.28.11

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  • Hearth-warming Style * For a three-dimensional display idea, hang a hooked rug over the fireplace instead of a piece of framed art. * Add a burst of colorful character to a white mantel with a pair of small rugs or appliquéd place mats. * Arrange a pair of dining chairs by the hearth and add intricately patterned chair pads for more graphic appeal. This room was featured in the September 2005 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.
  • Material Mix * Combine a variety of patterns—ticking, gingham, buffalo check, bowtie—in the same hues, such as navy and cream. * Tack an antique child’s dress to the wall as an alternative to traditional art. * A single homespun curtain pulled off to one side is the perfect window treatment for a simply decorated bedroom. This room was featured in the September 2006 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.
  • Retro Flavor * Fold a vintage-look tablecloth lengthwise and drape it over one end of the table for a twist on traditional decorating. * To complement the tablecloth, arrange retro napkins so they hang from hutch shelves or peek out of drawers. * Go vertical with your quilt collection: Use a hutch door as a makeshift quilt rack and add a grapevine wreath for more texture. This room was featured in the May 2007 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.
  • Sooner or Ladder * Take advantage of height in a room with a vaulted ceiling by using a tall antique ladder as a display spot for a rag quilt or a coverlet. * To make a wall shelf look like a quilt rack, tack a hooked rug or a fabric wall hanging right underneath. * Instead of hanging a curtain on a rod, thread twine through the rod pocket and tie the ends to eye hooks on either side of the window. This room was featured in the March 2006 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.
  • Hanging Around * Display a grouping of antique children’s clothing on a painted peg rack; hang the garments on primitive wood hangers for more country charm. * Try this old-fashioned twist on traditional pillowcases: Wrap homespun fabric around bed pillows and secure the ends with twine or strips of fabric. This room was featured in the March 2007 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.
  • Quilt While You’re Ahead * Amp up the style of your sewing room with a bed quilt repurposed as wall art; use quilt clamps secured to the wall instead of tacks to avoid damaging the blanket. * Stack a collection of folded quilts in a doorless cabinet to show off their beautiful colors and patterns. This room was featured in the July 2006 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.