Donna Livingston’s signature style of mixing European, Asian and Contemporary design has made her one of the most sought after interior designers in Los Angeles and throughout the country. This year marks 30 years of success in her Interior Design business.  Southern California. Ms. Livingston is regularly published in Architectural Digest and has been featured as one of their “Top 100 Interior Designers & Architects” four times. She has appeared on HGTV’s “Homes across America” and the syndicated radio program “Living Large.”  Her own blog is one of our favorites so we’re happy to have her as today’s guest blogger. 

Donna Livingston

Like many people in the United States, my life is in transition. I am very excited about our new direction at Donna Livingston Design.  With great new opportunities upon us, we’re also expanding our repertoire to accommodate today’s roving lifestyles.  Did you know that 1 out of every 6 Americans rents a temporary Storage Space?  Last month, I joined this group when I rented a temporary space of my own while construction of my new Condo gets underway.  Here’s an exclusive peek, especially for the Robert Allen audience, of how I transformed my cold metal storage unit into a warm and inviting extended closet.  By simply using a sheer fabric – Tinted Batiste, in the color Ecru from Robert Allen, I was able to create an inexpensive chic look.  I am happy to share a few design secrets and show you just how I did it.

Here are a few DIY tips on using fabric and carpet remnants to transform a space such as this:

1.  When draping the walls & ceiling measure the length and width of each.  Typically fabric purchased off the bolt is 54”W, but certain fabrics such as sheer fabrics can come in 118”W goods.  Be sure and take into account the width of the fabric when you are estimating your yardage.  An alternate to bolt fabric would be using flat sheets, but keep in mind that you are limited to the overall size of the sheets.

 2.  My storage space has a metal grid ceiling making it easier to assemble the drapery system.  I had a pocket sewn in the fabric and then slipped it over a 1.25” diameter PVC pole (I shirred the fabric – which means gathering).  I attached the PVC pole to the ceiling grid with Zip-Ties.  Both the PVC pole and Zip-Ties can be purchased at your local building supply outlet.

3. The ceiling fabric was installed in the same manner as the wall fabric, but I made an allowance in the fabric so that it would swag about 6” in the center.

 4. You can locate carpet remnants by contacting your local carpet or rug dealer.  I recommend a neutral color (it makes the room seem larger) with a low pile.  Finish it off with an accent rug or faux animal hide for a visual punch.

5. The addition of fabric and carpet can add comfort and character to any room.  This is an inexpensive and quick transformation ideal for spaces such as this storage unit, college dorms, or even your garage.  I am using my unit as a wardrobe for the time being, but this quick makeover tip allows you to update any type of existing space.

For more information on Donna Livingston Design, please visit www.donnalivingstondesign.com.  Donna Livingston was recently featured in the September 2010 Issue of Architectural Digest, Designer’s Own Homes.