How is Linen Fabric Made?

Linen fabric has been a valued clothing item of the upper classes for centuries now. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks loved to wear linen clothing, Huguenots took this trend to England and New Ireland and from there it spread like wildfire around the globe. In this article we will dive into the process of making this fabric and let you know all the interesting and technical stuff so get ready to know all about this sumptuous, soft and supply fabric that is used in making linen curtains and other textile items.

The Source of Obtaining Linen 

The cellulose fibers that grow inside the stalks of the flax plant, also known as Linum usitatissimum, are used to make linen fabric. Basically it’s a vegetable and also the oldest cultivated plant in human history. The stalks are of a woody, reedy interior and the exterior is more fibrous and sinewy.

The Flax Plant

Flax plants are grown once every year, which means that it’s valid for one growing season only. It takes around 100 days to produce, starting from planting and ending at harvesting. Flax plant is a very self-sustainable plant which requires very little attention and water during the course of its growing, unless the weather is particularly warm or dry. Flax plants are not compatible with hot temperatures so the warmer countries grow this plant in the winter season. It blooms and has the best quality in cool and damp environments. Flax plants require a lot of natural and organic elements like deep loams and alluvial soils such as near River Nile, Indus River and others.

When fully matured, the flax plant is about 3-4 feet tall, with gleaming greenish-blue leaves, pale blue flowers and on rare occasions the flowers blossom in red color. This amazing plant is not only known for producing the best fabric in the world, it’s also a great source of obtaining flaxseed oil. The seeds are also rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibers.

Types of Flax Plant

The two main reasons for cultivating flax plants can be either linen or flaxseed oil. But there’s no such way by which both can be extracted from a single plant. For the best quality fibers the plant must be harvested before it matures, which means poor quality seed oil. Vise-versa, if the harvest is prolonged then the fibers deteriorate but the oil is of top quality. For our need, which is the top quality linen, we need to yield the variety that grows taller, slender and has lesser branches. The top criteria is to grow taller stalks in order to extract very long fibers from inside of the stalks, which when spun into making linen fabric has less breakage and a smoother and finer feel. For the top quality oil, linseed variety is the best, its short with many secondary branches which ends up in more yield as more seeds are grown.

Harvesting of Flax Plant

When the stem turns yellow and the seeds become brown, it’s a clear indication that the plant is ready to be harvested. If the plant is harvested before seed germination then the fibers turn out to be extraordinarily fine but then it means that the farmer has no seeds for the next cultivation and is dependent on other sources. Another way to obtain the longest and the best quality fibers at harvesting is to pull out the entire plant, rather than cutting from base. This part will also ensure that the sap stays inside that plant, as it prevents the plant from drying out making the quality of the fibers go down significantly.

 Even though the agriculture industry has flourished and is now very advanced and fast paced, the machines are still unable to harvest with the roots intact. The hand pulled plants have the best quality fibers which lead to a resilient and expensive fabric. This fabric is loved by many homemakers and interior designers to make linen curtains, and bedspreads.

After Harvesting Process

Linen making is an arduous task and this can be proven by the after harvesting processes which require precision and good understanding of the crop. The next step after harvesting is to let the stalks dry for several days before threshing them. The removal of seeds and leaves from the stalks can be done by hands or by a machine as well. After this the malodorous and foul smelling task of retting comes in. This step requires separating the fibers outer part from its woody interior. There are many ways to do it like the most popular one is water retting which produces the best quality fibers. The water source is stagnant so the bacteria decompose the pectin that holds the fibers together. Ponds, bogs and streams are best for water retting. It can also be done by dew retting where the water source is not abundant. Tank retting and chemical retting is also widely used, each process having its own effects on the fibers.

Scutching is the next step that allows the woody stalks to break free from the bast fibers. It’s done by passing the retted stalks, now called straws, through a roller that breaks the woody stalks into tiny pieces that makes the removal easier. A wooden knife is scraped down the length of the fibers, plucking all the wooden pieces away. At last the fibers are now free, named stricks, are ready for spinning. They are spun on a foot powered flax wheel in the most traditional way but industrial machines can also do the job. The spinning is done by connecting these fibers to spreaders, which makes rovings that are ready to be spun.

Now the process of weaving begins in which the linen is woven into sheets. The threads are interlaced horizontally and vertically on a loom. When the sheets are ready they are reeled into bobbins that are then ready to be dyed and made into linen curtains, bedspreads, home apparel and clothing.

Ending  

Linen fabric is the best fabric as it's not only eco friendly, it’s plush, has a beautiful natural color, extremely breather, durable, supple and wearable in any weather. In this article we explained in detail the hard work that goes into making this fabric and it’s worth every penny we spend.      

Easy Ideas to Mix and Match Linen Bedding

Your bedroom is the perfect place to unwind, relax, recharge and retreat after a long day. For this reason it should resonate with your taste, style and also look welcoming and inviting at the same time. A bedroom that is tastefully done can instantly ease every locked muscle just by the serenity and calm it possesses. Plush and luxurious bedding can find their way to anyone’s bedroom but where is the fun in spreading a bed sheet out of a box? They look monotonous and give away the feeling that the bedroom is not well-thought out, just done haphazardly without any effort put into it.

When it comes to bedding there are a million ways to spruce up the bed-in-a-box bedding. Mixing and matching decorative pillows, throws, adding linen bed skirts and cozy comforters to the mix will give the feeling of a bedroom that will make your days better and nights tempting. Nowadays with busy lifestyles, hectic schedules and exhausting work routines, leaves us with so less energy that bed-in-a-box beddings are the best and most convenient option. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t go for them; you must if you find the right color, pattern, material or design, just don’t place them as it is.  Not every bedding you find in the box is exciting; some are just a dizzy combination of patterns, a hefty mix of colors and a forced kaleidoscope of prints.

Coordinating different sets of bedspreads that look synchronized when put together can be a challenging task, no doubt about that. Bringing together colors, patterns and prints from various sets, making them look harmonious together seems a jarring and time-taking task, but don’t burden yourself, this is where we come to your rescue. We have compiled in this article some tried and tested mixing and matching techniques that will work for each and every one out there but still have a feeling of individuality to them.

We allow the much needed room for personal touches while letting you in to some secrets that will change the way your perceived beddings and will never settle for the bed-in-a-box beddings. According to me, mixing and matching bedspreads is a form of art, it requires aesthetic sense, color knowledge and most of all everything should tie together in the most natural way. Your linen bed skirts should elevate the whole look rather than a clutter on the floor, the decorative pillows should add a depth and dimension to the bed and the comforter should create a beautiful layered bed.

Selecting bedspreads that will be a perfect fit for the bedroom is a hard find. Although there shouldn’t be any reservation about the fabric, as told in our many articles, pure linen is the best material ever. Other doubts that can complicate things are color combinations, patterns and prints. With the right combination of pattern, color and prints your room can be the picture perfect room you wish to have or see in magazines. So let me guide you to the path that would lead to that kind of bedroom.

Do the Basics Right

When aiming for a good mix and match of your bedding, one must have the basics right so that all the efforts don’t go in vain; a plush headboard, linen bed skirts, linen bed sheets and comfortable mattress. Build a neutral base and work your way from there by adding patterns, stripes, prints or pops of colors into the mix.

Opt for the Natural and Earthy Tones

Pure linen is the best fabric if your style is muted and more subdued. It’s soft, plush, informal and oh so classy. It provides the perfect base for you to play with and give countless opportunities to explore. A self-printed duvet cover offers a nice breakthrough, or striped pillows covers break the monotony with just the right amount of dimension. You can also go for a statement rug or a wall art without perturbing the actual bedding. Beige, ivory and earthy tones complement each other very well if done right, no need to add pops of colors.

Pastels Color Palette

Mix and match bedding in pastel colors is also a sure shot way to make your bedding not as mellow down like beige toned bedding but just the right balance of color and subtlety. Tea pinks, dusty peaches, lemon yellows, powder blues and light greens look perfect with any neutral color bedding. Opt for a honeycomb weave blanket or throw in one of these colors and pair it up with light greys, ivory, beige, taupe or fawn. You can also opt for mix and matched pillow and cushion covers in 3-4 of the pastel colors all resting on a neutral color bedspread.

Shades of One Color  

Mixing and matching shades of one color like blue makes things interesting, calming and beautiful. The main bed sheet should match the color story of the room and then add on with other shades of the color and introduce them in pillows, duvets, comforters or throws. This harmonious melody of colors from the same parent color looks amazing. To make things really work, add textures and prints and patterns in the supplementary colors to make everything fresh and sophisticated.

Go for Bright, Vibrant Colored Tones

Ok so enough of the low-key, discreet and toned-down mix and match, what about those who love pops of color and like to stir up things. Deep jewel tones are best for your taste, purples, fuchsia, mauve, teal and deep blue look so symphonic together. Go for a plain colored bed sheet in one of the colors and do pillowscaping in different sizes (square, rectangle, circle) in other colors adding instant interest and making a head-turning room.

Strike a Balance with Colors and Patterns

Colors and patterns complement and supplement each other very nicely, making the room a heady concoction of the best things. Spread a white sheet and place mismatched throw pillows in different patterns like floral, geometrical and striped. Place a printed duvet cover on the bed but keep the color story same for everything making the bedroom fun, eclectic and eccentric.

Last Words

Mixing and matching can be done in many ways, with thousands of combinations and probabilities of a million different styles. It depends on your taste, the availability of products and what resources you have on hand. But be sure to apply these ideas to have a great starting point, while adding your personal touch to it, in order to make it unique.

How to Decorate Your Home with Curtains?

Window treatments are a major part of a home décor. They bring the exquisiteness, daintiness and gracefulness to the entire setup. Be it the living room, bedroom, kid’s rooms, kitchen or hallways. If you skim on curtains and don’t give them their due share of attention then be ready for a lackluster, uninteresting and bare looking décor. Curtains and blinds are not only for decoration purposes, they are pretty functional as well. Curtains are all-weather appropriate and they will most certainly accentuate your home. With curtain trends evolving every year, it shows how much of an essential item they are in home décor. You can opt for classic yet super durable linen curtains or take a more modern route; the options are endless with these babies.

If you want to spruce up your home for the upcoming season without burning a hole in your pocket, then treat your windows with new curtains and they will surely repay you with immense pleasure. A set of new curtains can instantly give any room a facelift and make it look rejuvenated, revived and revitalized. You can’t just simply bypass this important element of the home; you have to make sure that they get the spotlight in the décor of the home. Curtains aren’t just for beauty, they protect you from the harsh sunlight, bad weather, prying eyes and most of all look so aesthetically pleasing.

Curtains can become the focal point of the room or can harmoniously blend in with the rest of the décor. Pick up any interior design magazine and you will find that the curtains or blinds actually bring together everything and give the room a complete look. When choosing curtains and blinds for any room, first decide the color story, furniture, and rug and then choose the curtains accordingly. There are so many varieties of curtains, with the option of customization that it's hard not to find the one for you.

 There is no one-size-fits-all kind of situation with window treatments, some rooms might need sheer style curtains to mellow the look and some might need a more opaque coverage. Some rooms need to have a royal feel so velvet blinds can do the trick, other rooms demand a vintage touch so linen curtains are perfect fit to fill the bill. Some like to match the curtains of the bedroom with the bedspreads then they can go for a more colorful fabric.  Homemakers also like to indulge in ruffles, panels, pelmets, valances; frills and draperies that give a more convoluted and exotic feel to the room. With curtains the options and choice are endless and the sky's the limit.

With curtain styles changing and advancing every year, new trends are taking over the older ones for good. Sometimes when we see a certain style of curtains in someone else’s home and try to blatantly copy it, that’s when we fall in the pool of error. You must select a style that goes well with your home, furniture, concept and taste. Take your settings into account and then go about a style, trust me it will look more appropriate and stylish. With that said, let me take you down to some ways with which you can style any room of your home and make a stylish statement.

Choose the Correct Type of Window Treatment

For selecting the curtains that are the most suitable and perfect for your setting, one must know all their options. Basically there are 4 kinds to window treatments; curtain, blinds, shades and valances. In order to select the best one, let’s explore them a little. Curtains or drapes hang from a rod placed above the window and the curtain falls from there. Unlike its contemporaries who get installed inside the frame of the window, it beautifully drapes. Second on the list are blinds that fit perfectly inside the window frame and lets you customize the amount of sunlight you feel to absorb. Shades are made of a solid fabric that pool up to let the light in. Lastly valances are a classic take on drapes, they bring out the curtains and make them incredibly stylish.

Choose a Classic Style  

If you have a retro feel to your home décor and you want to further enhance that aspect then go for the material that defines classic, linen curtains. Long lasting, natural material absorbs heat and humidity and stays fresh and makes everything look so calm and soothing. Choose valances as your style of curtain to give the décor an authentic retro and passé feel.

Double it up

Putting one curtain instead of two can never be a bad idea. The first layer can filter light, dust and heat and the top layer can give the feel of a cocoon. You can opt for a sheer fabric for the first layer, like net or organza and then amp it up with a beautiful pattern or a solid color panel style drape. They especially work great with a big window to further bring out the luxury.

Ring Installed Curtains  

This style of curtains has managed to stay relevant for years and it still looks good. Easy to manage and available in an assortment of fabrics, one cannot go wrong with this style. Mounted on a special rod that makes moving the curtains and removing them for washing a piece of cake.

Panel Style Blinds

I love the appearance of blinds; they are just perfect for a clean, tidy and defined look. Blinds are economical as they don’t need yards of fabric to drape, and they give a very sleek and chic outlook to any room. You can go for printed, patterned, embroidered or solid color blinds. Blinds are also being made in rattan to give a farm or countryside feel.

Striped Curtains

Although not very new but certainly getting its due attention now, stripes have always managed to stay relevant and fresh in homemakers’ minds. It’s due to their seamless blending in any setting they are put in. If you like to add interest or give break from the prints and patterns, striped curtains are the best way to do that.

Conclusion  

Curtain choice is very personal and one must make the final decision after taking into account all the factors like length, light, style and fabric. Curtains never fail to impress and won’t ever let you down. They can make you and your guests feel at home, a place of relaxation and joy.  

Factors to take into Account before Buying Bed Linens

What does everyone crave after a long, tiring and tedious day? I’m sure a cozy, comfortable snuggle in a soft, luxurious bed sheet. A good healthy sleep doesn’t only mean an 8 hours, unperturbed sleep; it also means that you’re comfortable, peaceful and relaxed. A constant sleep deprivation can make you lethargic, obese, cranky and most importantly dull. Human beings are said to spend one-third of their lives sleeping, so it completely makes sense that one should invest in some good bedding, which promotes a comfortable all-night sleep.

 People may not give bedding its due credit but trust me; good bedding that is soft, plush and absorbent takes away all your stresses as soon you hit the bed. If you add some extra effort to your bedding like bed skirts, extra fluffy pillows and supple blankets, the whole feel of the room will be so soothing that it will instantly unlock all muscles and you will feel serenity wrapped around you. People often believe that choosing the right mattress is the secret to a good night’s sleep, well that is true no doubt. But it doesn’t take away the importance of bedding, where one actually has to sleep.

Even though bed linens are very commonly purchased products and are usually bought without much thought given to them, one shouldn’t undermine their part in a sound sleep. Spending one-third of a day between the sheets is a strong suggestion that one must opt for good quality bed linen and pillow covers to find the solace we all want at day end. People have polarizing approaches towards buying bedding; some like to sleep in worn out, threadbare sheets, some like it crisp and clean, some buy any bedspread that looks good to the eyes and some like to switch up the look every now and then. No matter which kind of trajectory you have, there are things that every bed linen buyer must take into account before zeroing on a bed linen.

For anyone new to the world of bed linens, I just want to tell you that bed linens are not cheap at all. Linens, cotton, silks and sateen are all plush fabrics that have high values. Due to this they assure you a sound sleep and an active morning that’s not dependent on high doses of caffeine. Before selecting one, make sure you love it enough to see it for years as they aren’t going anywhere soon. These beddings are meant to last for decades so choose them wisely. So without further ado let’s get to the grain.

Thread Count

First things first, let me guide you what exactly this means. A thread count refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads that are woven into per square inch of the fabric. If the thread count of a fabric is 300tc then it means that 3oo threads per one square inch of the fabric. It was strongly believed that the higher the thread count is the more smooth and fine the fabric is.

The quality of the fabric was determined by its thread count, but now this barometer of quality is becoming redundant. As experts believe that unless the fabric is amazing and very expensive, the thread count is just a number game which is easily manipulated by manufacturers. Many factories cheat the number count by double twisting yarns in a cheaper fabric. So even if you buy an expensive, good quality fabric that has a lower thread count it will still perform well and last you decades.

Material

Selecting which material you want to spend 8 hours of your day is totally a personal preference. There are many good quality materials in bed linens and bed skirts to choose from.

Cotton is a very good choice for bed lines and pillow covers as it is made from natural fibers. The best quality cotton is Egyptian cotton, with its extra-long fibers that ensure durability and freshness even after many washes. Next one is Pima cotton, having medium to Long fibers, this quality of cotton provides the users softness, suppleness, sheen and is also less expensive than Egyptian. Lastly bedding made from poly-cotton is much more affordable but they don’t claim to be anything like their counterparts in terms of softness and longevity.

Linen is the OG of bed linens; in fact we call all beddings as bed linens as it’s one of the first fabrics to be used to make beddings. Made from natural flax plant fibers it's ideal for summer and winter times due to its incredible adapting qualities. Linen is one of those fabrics that get better with time; with every wash it becomes softer, supplier and shiny. Although coarser than cotton, these micro cuts work as a massager for the body when you wrap yourself around it. Linen bedding is one of a kind and without a doubt a top choice for people who know the benefits.

Silk is a delicate fabric that works well for sensitive skins. It protects the hair from tangling and doesn’t absorb lotions and creams. This fabric demands more after purchase care and has washing instruction to be followed studiously but all worth the good night sleep.

Size   

Measuring your mattress before buying your bed linens is a vital step, as manufacturers have their own sizing rules, you don’t want to end up with a bedspread which is either too small that it doesn’t covers the sides of the bed or too long that it pools at the sides of the bed. Bed skirts are a great rescue if the bed sheet falls short, but you still are safe and measure your mattress.

Check the Instructions for Care

Now that you have decided which bed linen is going to bring you comfort when you sleep, make sure you read the care instructions to see that they aren’t that demanding and you can easily manage them. Also following care instructions ensures that the bed linen will last you years and provide you the comfort it promised.

Ending

Choosing bed linen with all the above mentioned things in mind will safeguard your night’s sleep and is sound and peaceful. If you haven’t had a chance to experience what linen bedding is all about, I strongly recommend you try Grey Moose linen and trust me you’ll never regret or get tired of it.  

Crafting With Vintage Linens

Vintage linens have been a guilty pleasure of all our mothers; they have been diligently pilling them up for years on end. Whenever there was to be a decluttering exercise held in the home, vintage linens used to bug me the most. At the time it really annoyed me to neatly fold them and tucked them right back in the drawer. I mean why anyone would ever need them. But as you grow older, the beauty, the class and the finesse starts to win you over and you start to cherish these pieces. Vintage, antique and traditional  linen pillowcases, tablecloths, napkins, hankies, sofa arm covers and table runners have just been sitting in our cupboards for decades and now it’s time to spruce them up with these amazing crafting ideas.

I’m sure each one of us has hand-me-downs of some very cute embroidered hankies which have our name or our initials engraved on it. We might also have cutwork tablecloths or sofa arm covers which are dying to be resurrected. There’s a lot more to the vintage linens then just the fine quality of fabric or their customary usage. Vintage linens can be leased a new life with crafting and reconditioning ideas and they can look great in our modern décor settings. Vintage linen has something very intriguing, exciting, enticing and enchanting about them.

Creative minds get a kick from the patterns, fabric, heritage, and timelessness of these classic pieces. They draw inspiration, ideas and incentive from them and work hard to come up with ideas that can actually make people upcycle them. The fact that these pieces have survived so many decades and have managed to beautifully retain their quality, smell and attractiveness is a testimony of how superior are these from today’s commercially manufactured linens. These pieces deserve to be preserved with care, love and innovation.

The patterns, colors, cuts and fabric are a reminder of an era that is gone, a time that has passed, memories that have faded away and values that are relinquished. You can never find these vintage linen pieces in the modern world’s markets. Places like thrift stores, yard sales and antique stores tucked in the deepest alleys only have gems like that anymore. From linen pillowcases to table cloths to tea towels to dollies and blankets all can be recycled, upcycled and repurposed in more stylish and inventive ways.   

Doing creative renovations of these vintage linens will dig up so many hidden yet cherished memories from your mind. You will repeatedly be saying words like, “My mum loved this piece…” or “This hankie my mom initiated for me on my first day of school…” Vintages linen pieces have been sitting in our homes for decades and have been since witnessing and absorbing so much, it’s time to extract those moments out of them and display them for the world to see. There are just endless possibilities to reuse vintage lines effectively, you can create something to wear, to decorate, to gift or you can cover the home with cottage style charm with many small scale projects around the house.

Crafting Ideas for Vintage Tea Towels

Wondering how to upcycle the classic vintage tea towels stacked at the back of your cupboard for years. These tea towels have a lot more to them then just meet the eye. Tea towels came in various sizes, patterns, designs, colors and shapes, each one having a beautiful feel to it. They might seem useless in respect to today’s time but there are many ways to reuse them cleverly around the home. Take any tea towel from the collection and get it framed, use that in the kitchen or anywhere in the home where the color coordinates. You can also convert them into hats, cushions or pillowcases can be made out from them and displayed on any plain solid color sofa or bed. You can patch them together to make a giant bedspread.

Crafting Ideas for Vintage Bedspreads

Speaking about bedspreads let’s talk about some innovative ideas to recycle the vintage bedspreads. They have lasted for decades so there is no doubt about their durability, bedspreads can be used in various projects. If you want to revamp your bathroom curtain then a vintage bedspread is a very good option. Its lightweight, strong, airy and at the same time opaque enough to conceal everything. You can also use these bedspreads in making colorful curtains for hallways, kitchen or even for child’s nursery. I also love turning my bedspreads into table runners.

Crafting Ideas for Vintage Hankies and Dollies  

From all the vintage collectables I have, hankies are my favorite. They are cute, fascinating, charming and provide a ton of opportunity to spin them off into something clever and innovative. If you have hankies that have the same pattern in different sizes or colors then you can show off them as wall hangings by simply turning them into a hoop art. Another great way to utilize some hankies is to make file covers out of them. They can be used for different subjects, topics, and projects and easy to identify from the crowd. These would be utterly unique and I bet people wouldn’t stop gushing over them.

I also adore the idea of making tissue boxes from hankies as the size is perfect for them. Another favorite of mine are dollies, these are really cool and have also made their way back into our lives now in a much shallower quality. If you are original then why use a cheap imitation, right? Dollies can be used in wrapping gifts, as dress covers or can be converted into an epic wall art.

Crafting Ideas for Vintage Pillowcases

Lastly I would like to share some ideas for the linen pillowcases as they have a lot more to them. You can turn them into aprons that are super absorbent, unique and very endearing at the same time. You can also turn the pillowcases into your little girl’s shirts or frocks. I also love to patch together these linen pillowcases into a giant, snuggly quilt cover for those movie and game nights.

Final Thoughts

With all the ideas above you can pretty much use any vintage linens and convert them into an awe-inspiring project. Vintage linens can easily inspire you to reuse them; all you have to do is to take them out of their slumber.  

5 Reasons to Choose Handmade Linen Bedding

Linen is an all-natural, pure fabric made of flax seeds that gives guaranteed luxury, comfort and style all at once. It has been a loved and cherished fabric, a true form of extravagance since the ancient Egyptian times. An heirloom item that is considered royal in the world of home textiles, linen is hands down the uncrowned prince. From top hotels to high-rated resorts and celebrity homes, linen is the top choice for bed sheets, duvets, towels, table cloth, pillowcases, and also for curtains. Linen bed skirts are another popular trend seen in many high-end places.

The only two qualms or reservations people have regarding buying linen is the price and wrinkles. According to me these are insignificant little things in front of the wide range of advantages given by this fabric but let’s address them both and get them out of the way. Linen cultivation is very pricey and followed by a rather labor extensive production that in turn increases the prices.

As far as wrinkles are concerned, yes linen does crease a lot but that’s the beauty of it, the comfort that linen provides makes us snuggle causing it to crease profusely. But nothing a quick fold out of the dryer can’t sort out. We can take the pain of ironing it, trust me the radiant shine will make your day. Linen bedspreads are available in an assortment of colors, style and design to appease everyone.  

Reasons to Choose Handmade Linen Bedding

Reason#1 The best quality of linen is the durability, stronger than cotton, linen bedspreads and linen bed skirts can last you a lifetime and become your most cherished possessions. Here’s another way of looking at this fabric, it’s an investment that will pay even your generations to come with comfort and coziness. In fact it gets better with time.

Reason#2 Linen has the amazing quality of becoming an insulator in winters and cool in summers. Come to think of this, the same fabric that works exceptionally well in every season, so it’s a one time investment. It also regulates body temperature while you are soundly sleeping.

Reason#3 In comparison to cotton, linen is relatively coarse, but there is an amazing advantage to this. Lying and nestling linen sheets gives a massaging feeling due the microscopic cuts, that makes it rough but it regulates the blood flow and promotes relaxation, spellbound!

Reason#4 Ready for another almost enchanting quality; linen is antibacterial, anti-allergic and hypo-allergenic. That means it is resistant to bacteria, fungi, dust mites and insects. It repels them and stops them from accumulating on our bedspreads.

Reason#5 Handmade linen bedding has amazing absorbing qualities and it also dries in an instant. It can take in up to 20%of its total weight of moisture before even feeling damp on the outside. Due to this reason there will not be any sweaty, sticky and clammy sheets, so enjoy.

Reason#6 Linen gets softer, smoothers and shinier with time, it is also lint-free, anti-static, acts as a dirt repellent and is biodegradable. I think these qualities are enough to hook anyone to handmade linen. So without further ado get your hands on the finest home textile material and feel the touch of luxury.  

Relish Country Farmhouse Style Décor

Decorating your home in farmhouse style doesn’t mean that you have to make the décor look like a scene from the farm. What it actually means is to give your home décor a feel of country life. The ideas of décor are simple, practical and soothing to the eyes and mind, bringing in the much needed peace and calm all of us require in these peculiar times. The colors story is mainly neutral, no bright, flashy and over-the-top hues and combinations. The natural vibe of the farmhouse, the essence of its elements should perfectly imbibe the home décor. There’s something very endearing and enduring about this form of décor, otherwise many styles have come and gone but farmhouse style has taken the tests of times in its stride and emerged victorious.

One of the main reasons that farmhouse style is still relevant in today’s time is due to how it has evolved with time. Securing its true spirit yet the transformation from classic to modern farmhouse style is the testimony to the fact that it’s loved by many homemakers. Farmhouse style décor gives the home a welcoming, comfortable, fresh, rustic and timeless vibe. Drawing inspiration from the farm homes of early American settlers, who had sturdy furnishings, neutral colors story, and breezy farmhouse curtains in linen and minimalistic décor that promoted hygge and comfort in the homes.

The modern take on country farmhouse style encapsulates the crux of the classic farmhouse style, which is its relaxed, comfy and cozy feel. It adds modern nuances to it like glossy accents, soothing accessories and neutral color scheme, taking it a notch higher to make the homes vintage and more sophisticated. To explain this style in a more practical way, consider the style of the famous designer of Magnolia home line, co-star of the Upper Fixer show, Joanna Gaines. Her style strikes the perfect balance between rustic and modern country farmhouse style décor. It’s warm, simple, uses materials like wood, galvanized steel and pools the farmhouse aesthetic with sleek contemporary lines.

There’re many stylish takes on the farmhouse style décor like, the classic Rustic farmhouse style, the Modern, the Western, the Cottage and the French style of décor. Of all the different takes on this style the most recurrent one is the Modern farmhouse style décor and here are some characteristics of how to achieve this style in your home décor while retaining its true features.

Rules of the Farmhouse Style Decor  

Farmhouse décor has one word pasted all over it and that is the basic element of it, practicality. Nothing fragile, delicate and too expensive can be a part of this form of décor. The accessories, furniture, lighting, pillow covers, should all be handy and practical. They should promote comfort, look inviting and feel welcoming. New, shiny and precious items won’t work in this setting as the décor should look evolved with time. Matching pieces with the same finishing are a total no-no. Your furniture shouldn’t look like it has been all bought from one store. Authentic Farmhouse style needs a good combination of hand-me-downs, pieces from yard sales and flea markets, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t buy any new products, basically you have to mix them in a way that the outlook seems worn out and not new and shiny. Want to buy a new sofa go ahead, but don’t buy everything from the shelves, pair the sofa with vintage chairs or Shaker cabinets or a chest of drawers to make it look more inviting and cozy.

The color story is also an important factor in order to nail this style. Natural color palette is the key here; opt for tones like cream, beige, ivory, fawn, taupe and light browns. These colors perfectly compliment the natural elements of the décor, avoid convoluted patterns instead add depth and interest with textures staying in the same color story. Also make sure that the décor doesn’t seem too calculated, take some wild risks, they will surely pay off. Buy some products from craft shows but keep a check on them. For real authenticity check antique shops and flea markets to evoke true nostalgia; vintage linens, antique armoire, timeworn bar counters, rustic bookshelves and old harvest tables are perfect to seal the deal.

Lastly and perhaps the last nail in the coffin regarding mastering this style is that you can’t rush it.  Vintage, rustic looks that have character and class to them don’t happen overnight, you need to collect, reuse and meander to find these impeccable pieces. Try to decorate with things that have meaning to them, no matter if they're old, classic, rustic or new. Natural elements are the foundation of this style, so adhere to natural material like wood, rattan, sisal, wicker and stone. For window treatments opt for linen farmhouse curtains that give the easy breezy feel to the whole atmosphere. With modern Farmhouse style, industrial touches blend beautifully and seamlessly. With a marble top kitchen counter, stainless steel appliances look flawless. Finally don’t go overboard with accessories as farmhouse styles screams minimalism, for that text-book cozy, uncluttered and inviting feel keeps accessories to bare minimum.

Decorating Ideas for the Farmhouse Style

For the most authentic feel of a Farmhouse style go for statement wooden beams that add a startling architectural detail to the décor. Walls of the farmhouse inspired homes are smothered in neutral color paints; steer clear of bright or dark hues rather go for a neutral color palette for the entire home. Add dimension and interest in the walls by adding beadboard, wainscoting and shiplap. Another strong feature that must be given full attention when setting up a farmhouse style décor is that always go for an amalgamation of vintage items with fresh and new ones. Another way is to install wire baskets around the house for a rustic feel of a farmhouse, the possibilities are endless with them so do take your chances. Light fixtures play a huge part in bringing in the true farmhouse feel, it’s the easiest, the most perfect way to achieve this look. Distressed wooden furniture, painting old furniture, hanging farmhouse curtains in vintage linens, pillow covers is a neutral color story, suspended mirrors, lanterns, reclaimed wooden accents, wicker furniture and hints of flowers and greenery are perfect ways to nail this style.

Conclusion

There’s a fine line to tread on when it comes to farmhouse décor, you can either get it perfectly or if you’re unable to grab its essence then it can become corny and clichéd. You need to have love and respect for country life and lived-in charm should be your thing.