Getting Involved with DIY SOS
Back in February 2020, we had had the pleasure of making and donating several items for the Chapman family whose home was unable to provide them with the facilities they needed. Mum, Sarah, and daughter, Suzanne, both have Myotonic Dystrophy, a long-term genetic disorder that affects muscle function. The family now depended on husband and Dad, Peter, who also cared for his brother Steve, who has autism, following on from the sad passing of his own Mother.
Sadly, after starting to build an extension to accommodate the growing needs of the family, Peter was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Alongside Suzanne’s and Sarah’s health deteriorating, Steve’s needs expanding and Peter struggling with finishing the work on their house, DIY SOS stepped in, calling on trades and businesses, to step up and help this deserving and inspiring family.
As the build commenced, the Just Fabrics team was hard at work, creating several soft furnishings including cushions, curtains and roman blinds, as part of this life-changing transformation.
DIY SOS: Kitchen Transformation
Inside the newly remodelled kitchen, we made two roman blinds using the Harlequin Prism fabric in Atom. The soft blush colour evokes an aura of serenity throughout the space, fitting in perfectly with the white open-plan kitchen. This linen look fabric was the ideal choice for this space and completes the kitchen with an elegant finish
DIY SOS: Creating a Welcoming Dining Area
Alongside the use of the Harlequin Prism fabric in Atom for the roman blinds, a discourse between the kitchen and dining area was created, with this fabric being chosen for the curtains. The sense of tranquillity was mirrored throughout this space and maintained a vibrant palette of soft hues.
DIY SOS: Study Room Renovation
For the study, dark greys and browns were chosen to maintain the modern look in the home and provide the family with a much-needed space to work independently. With the dark interior, Oak by Morris & Co was chosen for the roman blinds. Inspired by Acorn, a famous wallpaper design, this pattern has an all-over leaf design with the cream background balancing the dark interior with a light finish. The foliage pattern was the ideal choice for adding pops of colour and a traditional feel within a contemporary room. Also in this room, our team used the Harlequin Prism in Atom again for the cushions, in keeping with the dialogue between the kitchen and dining space and creating a harmonious balance between each of these spaces.
DIY SOS: Creating a Blissful Master Bedroom
In the master bedroom, the Harlequin Prism plain in Particle was chosen; this highly versatile fabric has a contemporary hue and the textured appearance and soft rose colour, fitted perfectly with the light and airy atmosphere. Adding to the textured and luxurious feel of the room was also two pairs of cushions using the Sanderson Dorton Velvet in Kingfisher and Blush. The choice of the velvets paired beautifully with the Harlequin Prism curtains, building on the serene balance within the bedroom and added pops of colour to the bed. The velvet choice also created a sense of invitation, comfort and cosiness while maintaining an edge of modernity.
DIY SOS: Revamping Stephen’s Bedroom
The need to create pockets of spaces where the family could unwind was integral to the project and in Stephen’s bedroom, Morris and Co in Pure Bramble was selected for the Roman Blinds as well as the Sanderson Dorton Velvet in Kingfisher. Paired with the dark grey walls, wooden furniture and black metal bedframe, Stephen’s bedroom was transformed into a peaceful retreat. The embroidered fabric for the blinds, reflected the colour and drama of the natural world in an intricate way. Added with the touch of velvet, the choice of fabrics embellishes the feelings of relaxation seen throughout the space.
DIY SOS: Transforming Suzie’s Bedroom
Meanwhile, in Suzie’s bedroom, the modern, geometric fabric chosen elsewhere in the house was selected. The use of the Scion Japandi fabric for the curtains, shaped the window and balanced the white wooden furniture with added texture. This idea of inviting interest was then mirrored with the choice of Harlequin Ampico fabric for two cushions on the bed. This bright, vibrant fabric reflected the drama of the Japandi while also balancing out the blue aesthetics with calming oranges and pinks.
DIY SOS: Creating a Tranquil Lounge
Finally, adding light in the lounge area was an important part of finishing off the home transformation. The semi-sheer Harlequin Prism plain in Atom, reflected the colour palette of the kitchen and dining area while also shaping the bi-fold doors. The choice of semi sheer ensures privacy while also inviting the outside light to capture the sitting room space. Alongside this softness, Harlequin Momentum was selected to bring a modern twist to this peaceful retreat. The geometric chevrons, add elements of drama in a subtle way and balanced the soft creams and whites of the lounge space.
A Wonderful Opportunity to Give Back
The Made for Measure team donated their time to create these pieces and being featured on DIY SOS: The Big Build was a fantastic way to give back to a well deserving local family and we were delighted to be able to aid the BBC team in ensuring this well deserving family’s house is transformed into a home.
