Fresh-Home Look

The Dining Room

1. Cut a piece of felt in the shape of the tabletop in the same color as the back ground of the fabric.

2. Drape the sheer fabric over the felt. At the corners, gather fabric and secure with a rubber band, then fluff out. Cover the rubber band with ribbon or cording.

3. To cover chairs, use the same sheer fabric, draped over the front and back just so the fabric kisses the floor. Leave the sides uncovered.

4. Push the fabric in front on the seat up against the back of the chair and secure with cord or ribbon. Arrange folds and thickness evenly.

Mirrors

Mirrors can lighten a room instantly. When hanging a mirror, be aware of the view it reflects because the view will be framed and accentuated by the mirror.

1. Use an inexpensive hall mirror. Trim with a piece of decorative cording by gluing the cord to the inside edge of the mirror with a hot-glue gun (figure B). Hang horizontally.

2. Use mirror squares, placed on the diagonal, for place mats (figure C).

3. Arrange three mirror squares down the center of the table for a table runner.

Curtains

1. Remove heavy drapes and rod. Replace with a small, bright brass rod.

2. Begin with a length of gauze fabric. Find the middle point in the length of the fabric and fold so you have two equal lengths.

3. Position the folded midpoint of the gauze behind the curtain rod in the center of the rod. Pull over the top of the pole so it forms a loop.

4. Pull the two ends of the gauze up through the loop to form a slip knot.

1. Paint lattice strip in desired color.

2. Staple on grapevines or flowers.

3. Hang on either side of interior window like shutters (figure E).