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Sunday, May 24, 2009

IN LOVE WITH TOILE (SUNDAY FAVORITES)



My re-post for Sunday Favorites was originally posted on November 6, 2008.


To find links to see other bloggers' favorite past posts, be sure to go to Chari's blog, Happy to Design, and get all of the links. Thank you Chari for this fabulous meme.



TOILE DE JOUY








YOU EITHER LOVE IT or YOU HATE IT!



PERSONALLY, I LOVE IT!




What is Toile de Jouy?


Toile (pronounced twahl) means "cloth" in French. “Toile de Jouy,” or “toiles de Jouy,” are terms that refer to fabric that was first manufactured at a factory in Jouy-en-Josas, a village located southwest of Paris, near Versailles. Founded in 1760 by German-born Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf, (1738-1815), a textile entrepreneur, the factory site was chosen primarily because of its proximity to the clear running water of the Bièvre River. Oberkampf knew that water is a crucial element in the dyeing process. Only the highest quality goods were used in the production of the factory's printed fabrics made of cotton, one reason for the enterprise’s success.
Quilter's Muse Virtual Museum
by Patricia Cummings



above & below: from "Charles Faudree Interiors"


I know, I know....it takes a lot of nerve to post a picture of my room after posting pictures from Charles Faudree's book. I just thought I needed to show you what toile is supposed to look like before I show you what it looks like at my house. If I could afford to have Mr. Faudree come do my toile, I certainly would. But, since I am a bargain hunter, I have to do what I can with a limited budget and limited decorating experience.



I am not a new "toile lover". I've always loved toile, even before it came back into popularity. Fortunately my dh doesn't object to it (I think he even likes it, but I don't think he would admit that). When I was a little girl, my sister and I shared a blue and white toile bedroom, and I loved looking at the scenes on the fabric and just imagining far-away places and people.



I guess I never outgrew that love, because my master bedroom is black and cream toile. Of course, it's not ALL black and cream toile...that would require going out to buy all new everything and/or having everything reupholstered, and as a bargain hunter, I could never do that! Bargain hunter may just be nice way to say "I'm tight". I have trouble getting rid of anything or changing anything if it's still in good shape (even if it doesn't go with anything else in my house!) In order for me to get rid of something, it has to have a hole in it (and that's only if it can't be turned over where the hole doesn't show!) Oh my, I'm amazed at the things I admit on this blog.



The room we use for our master bedroom was originally a formal living room in this house. I just thought we'd use it more as our master bedroom than we would as a formal living room. I think I was right, because, (surprise, surprise), we use it every night.



My window treatments were an accident. I found black and cream toile tablecloths at Tuesday morning for $9.00 each. I bought two of them, thinking I'd have a big black and cream toile dinner party some day. It wasn't until I put one on my table, that I thought it looked sort of strange to have a print that only ran in one direction on a tablecloth (couldn't decide which direction the print should go). (You think maybe that's why they were only $9 each?) So I put them up to think about it another day. I had made black and cream valances for the windows in our bedroom, and I was using draperies that were formerly on these windows when it was a living room. They were just plain cream, and they just weren't doing it for me. One day, I was just standing there, looking at those creme colored draperies, wishing I could afford some new toile draperies. That's when I remembered the tablecloths! I decided to hang the tablecloths with clip-on rings in front of the existing draperies. I just did it like a shower curtain with a liner (every other ring held the tablecloth, and the ones between held the thicker drapery). This gave the tablecloths a liner (so that the toile did not show from the outside) as well as more fullness and body. Of course, I only had 2 tablecloths. I had to rush back to Tues. a.m., but there was only one more tablecloth left. For awhile, I just used one tablecloth on each window (pulled to one side). My friend, Susie, somehow came up with one more tablecloth from a Tues. a.m. on the other side of the State, and I had enough for the two windows. This was supposed to be my temporary solution until I could afford real draperies, but that was six years ago, and I've kind of become accustomed to them now, and since they don't have holes in them or anything, I'm going to keep them awhile longer.




Now this has nothing to do with toile (I know you are shocked that I'm not staying on point--so unlike me to wander off into another subject), but in case you are wondering if it is Mardi Gras at my house, I'm going to tell you about the chandelier. I had pearls (faux and real-I can't tell the difference) that had belonged to my mother, my grandmother and my mother-in-law. One day, I decided to hang them from the chandelier over our bed. It was weeks before my dh noticed them, and when he did, he asked if we were celebrating Mardi Gras. When I explained that they were pearls from our families, he wasn't at all sure he wanted the "family jewels" hanging from the chandelier! However, he hasn't said anything else about them, so that is where they are staying.


Other toile fabrics from around my house:



This fun toile is in my sun room.

This Asian inspired toile is on the seats of some chairs in my family room.
If you've read my blog before, you may already be tired of seeing this fabric.In my family room, it is the draperies and it lines the back of my bookshelves.

A chair in my back entry

The shower curtain in my guest bath


The window curtain in my bathroom.


My dh has his own bathroom (without any toile)



The drawers on my dressing table







And blue and yellow toile in my front entryway.



I guess you get the idea that I LOVE toile. It's everywhere, and I didn't even go upstairs with my camera! There is just something about toile that I find so charming. I have no idea what made me say this, but one time when my husband brought me flowers in a toile bucket, I made the mistake of saying "toile just charms the pants off of me"! Do you think that's why he thinks it's okay to have toile in our master bedroom? (Again, I'm amazed at what I reveal in this blog!)




Now, I need to have my friend, Vanna, come tell me some pretty French words to use here, but I'm afraid she might use the word "merde", which is one of her favorite French words, and although it might be a good description of my decor, I'm not sure I want it used to describe my decor (even if it does sound a lot prettier in French)!!
So, I will just say:


"merci beaucoup" for visiting my blog. (Don't forget to go to Happy To Design to find other favorite posts.) laurie

36 comments:

KBeau said...

I love toile, too (great use of alliteration, don't you think). I just don't have quite as much as you. My duvet cover is a multi-colored toile that I fell in love with, and a talented friend made the cover for me as well as pillow shams to match. I also have a toile table topper in my den.

LBeau is the same way about noticing (or not noticing) things in the house. It was weeks before he "discovered" the urns on my mantle with pheasant feathers and some dried stuff in them. Then he wanted to know what was up with the Indian head dresses.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Laurie...you know girl I just loved this room on RMS and really so glad to see it again...I also love the Toile...but your bedroom is just breath taking to me..of as Vanna would say *winks* thanks my friend for showing us again..and I know Vanna merde word and always loved it and have used it many times ha ha!! May you have a great day my friend..I am glad your kris Allen won...he a good kid..hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Kat said...

Laurie, I just love your bedroom. It's just beautiful. I love toile, but don't really have anywhere to use it in my home. However, I hope I get to use it when I redo mom's kitchen! Kathy

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, I love all the toile you have in your home. It is all just so pretty. All the rooms that you show are so gorgeous. Just so pretty and everything always looks so beautifully accessorized. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Laurie,
Oh my goodness!!! You are a hoot! I HEART your toile. But then I too am a lover of toile. Love that you used tablecloths as window curtains. Very inventive. You have quite the sense of humor & I love when you get off topic. Reminds me of.....ME! Thanks for sharing your toile again. I can never get enough toile.
Kim
P.S. Your bedroom is beautiful!

Stacey said...

Laurie, like you, I have always loved toile and I always will! I'm so glad you posted this today because I don't remember seeing it. It's awesome that you used your living room as your bedroom. It's big and beautiful!

I think you need to give a photo tour of your home one of these days. I'm always spying something in the background that just tells me it's all gorgeous!!

Bridget said...

I love, love toile too. You are so funny, I loved your little jokes you had interspersed in this post.
How nice it would be to have Mr. Faudree come do your home. Ahhh, if only to dream!

Dixie said...

Girl you do love toile! Okay... I do too... especially that colorful "jester" toile you have...

Happy Memorial Day...

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laurie, you are so funny! I absolutely love it that you admit you are "tight" - I am, too, and I can really identify with that! In fact, I am becoming a little too picky about even my GW shopping, frequently saying, "that's a little pricey for GW"! Anyway, love the story about the draperies that used to be tablecloths, and your bedroom is gorgeous! I have blue & white toile in one room, black & white in another, and red & white tablerunner in the dining room, so I love your toile! Linda

Barb said...

Hi Laurie, Oh, I love it....fabulous pictures!!

Happy Sunday Favorites.

Barb

Robin said...

I absolutely love toile, too! I just don't have much of it currently. You room is gorgeous and it definitely fits right along the other pictures!!!
What a great idea to turn your formal Living Room into your bedroom!!

{{{HUGS}}

Robin :o)

Domestic Designer said...

I love all of your toile! I am a toile gal too. It seems to look great everywhere. Have a great weekend!

Kim said...

Laurie - your home is absolutely to die for. I would kill to see it in person! You would never know that you are a bargain hunter - everything looks so new and expensive. THat's the look I try to create in my home. And I love toile so much. I love how you've incorporated it into every room of your home!

puddin07 said...

Laurie, I love all of your toile, and I must say I am a wee bit jealous,as you have some unusual patterns. My shower curtain is the same as yours. You showed us the curtains in your Family Room, but I don't think I have ever seen the windows in your Family Room. Love Ya! Connie

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

I'm so happy that you joined in with the fun of Sunday Favorites this week! Girl, you posted one of my "all time favorites"!!! Ohhh nooo...I would never...ever...tire of toile!!! I love that you included the history of toile...so very interesting that it was actually a German gentleman who created this fabulous Frenchy fabric!!!

Okay...now you know...that I absolutely adore your fabulous toile bedroom!!! It is and has always been one of my most favorite bedrooms of all times!!! I just love the black and cream toile! Your bedroom is fabulous, my friend!!! I still just love the idea that you used toile tablecloths for the drapes...it's genius!!! And of course, none of us would have been the wiser if you hadn't told us! Hehe!!!

I just love all of your toile...and I love your home!!! I'm not just saying it either...but your home is one of the most beautiful that I've ever seen!!! You're such a talented designer/decorator!!! Okay...I don't remember seeing those beautiful little blue and white beaded knobs on your dressing table before? Hmmm...don't know where I was??? Wherever did you find those...they're fabulous!!!

Well Darlin'...thank you again...for giving my little heart a "pitter-patter" today...such fabulously French eye candy!!!

I hope that you're having a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend, my friend! It's quiet here...Russ is working out in the yard...we're having beautiful weather! I just made barbeque pork ribs and now I'm making some pea salad...not much going on!

Love ya honey!
Chari

Judi said...

Hi Laurie
I love toile too. YOu do have many different colours and patterns of it. Great idea with the tablecloths too. I'm sure they are just fine and no one else notices.
I hope you are having a lovely Memorial Day weekend.
Judi

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Laurie,
Like you...I am a lover of toile!!! I think I have it in every room of my house!!! I am just drawn to it's beautiful scenes and stories. It's whimsical without being cutsie!!!

Your rooms are gorgeous!!! I want to come over and have an in person tour!!! Your bedroom is so lovely...I love all of the moldings!!!

I am going to have to take a peek back at your older posts to see if I can get a better look at your home!!! This post has peaked my interest!!! Absolutely beautiful, Laurie!!!(I hope I don't sound like a stalker;))

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!!! Happy Memorial Day!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Lady Katherine said...

I love all your toile! I remember this, for I have keep toile on a bolt for 6 years, I am hoping to start using it! Your room looks just like they were in the same book, Laurie! Just beautiful!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Count me among the lovers! Of toile that is! I wish I could find more of it.

Four Paws and Co said...

Laurie, Your toile is gorgeous! Thanks for the revisit! ☺ Diane

Lynn said...

You have excellent taste!
Very creative...Tablecloths for draperies!
I have used lace curtains for table cloths before.
I like toile also!

xinex said...

Love all your toile, Laurie! I am glad you reposted this. Every room is lovely...Christine

Chandy said...

Great repost about your love of toile! You have a beautiful MBR with that black and white toile and of course, love your Asian toiles! ;-)

Tammy said...

I'm a toile fan too. :) I have some on the table skirt since I use it as a desk - to hide all of the wires! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous variety!

Reneé's Reproductions said...

What a beautiful blog! Your photos are gorgeous! Love all the toile!! have a great Memorial Day!

Sharing with Sherri said...

Laurie,

I'm so glad you reposted this! just love your toile's!! What a great idea to turn your formal LV room into a M bdrm. It really looks beautiful!!
I especially love that blue and yellow toile bench in your entry too!!

Take care,
Sherri:)

The Muse said...

if i could not use or see toile..i think i would fade away!

my oh my, what a lovely design sense you have!

Kathleen said...

That was great! I wasn't a Bloggin' Betty the first time you posted this.
I love what you have done with all the toiles..Your home looks lovely!
Very toiley, I love it. And I am driving the spell checker thing crazy making up these words..Well, toile de dah!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie,
I so want your bedroom! It is beautiful, stunning and did I say gorgeous. You really do have a grand home, I love love love toile, never ever tire of it! I just love that blue and yellow entry bench. Hugs my dear, Cindy

SmilingSally said...

You have the most interesting house.

Nancy Rosalina said...

Laurie, I love toile too! And, I love seeing your home...I can never get enough of your gorgeous decor! Do you have somewhere on your blog, where I can see more of it? Love it! Nancy

Soosie said...

Laurie Eve..As you see there are millions of toile lovers in this world..your bedroom is fabulous, as everything in your house is..you do have some patterns that I have never seen..
"To toile or not to toile?, that is the question." I think Shakespeare would say YES. Soosie/Susie

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

When my bedroom grows up...I want it to be just like yours... BREATHTAKINGLY AMAZING!!
I love me some toile too. My bedrooms are soo tiny. It's a challenge to apply the decorating on the grand scale that I'd like. My shower bathroom is extremely petite just like my BR. We're trying to claim linen closet space to get a larger shower. Why we waited 27 years is to do so is beyond me. Maybe it has something to do with my hubs waiting for a "good bargain" LOL!

Please show more pictures of your gorgeous home.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

P.S. Being that your bedroom was a repurposed living room, did you have to add a master bath?
I've been tempted to repurpose the (downstairs) family room into a master bedroom. It has a fireplace and lots more room, but no closet and the bathroom is located across the hall from the room. I'm still tempted since it's just hubs and I living here. Oh and kitty too, I can't leave her out. She's been a resident for 16 years.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Envoy-ette said...

Love your room! omg..it's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

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