You put fabric WHERE?!?

I love two specific things about design: texture and the unexpected. When I can combine them, it makes me happy happy. In my home office recently I asked my handydude to yank out the permanent shelving in a china cabinet-turned bookcase and install adjustable shelving to house my ever-expanding collection of electronics and reference binders. While on his second blade for his reciprocating saw, he assured me that this cabinet was one of the most carefully constructed he had ever seen. As a result, there were many holes from the fifteen pounds of nails he removed along the back. “I hope you were planning on patching and painting it”, he cautioned.

Actually, I hadn’t planned on it. I had only allowed the afternoon for my reorganization project, and the paint wouldn’t be dry in time. Instead, I went trolling in my workroom for inspiration and found something perfect: a two yard piece of fabric to upholster the back of the bookcase. The color was warm, the texture was funky, the print was a perfect size and matched the neighboring drapers beautifully. The best part was that I could staple it along each side, hiding all of the nail holes, and place the adjustable shelving within five minutes. Woohoooo! The fabric is in an unexpected place and serves a truly functional purpose along with being a stunning addition to the décor of an otherwise mundane location. Think about the application possibilities for fabric: upholster the backs of built-in cabinetry surrounding the fireplace! Cover an old bedroom or closet door! Wrap the center insets of your kitchen cabinetry! Remember: if it stands still, you can staple it. Consider fabric instead of paint for your next project—you’ll save tons of time.