‘Our windows are like the biggest TV in the world. There’s always something to watch out there so we move around the house according to where the sun is’ Sabine

Our windows are like the biggest TV in the world.

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Peeking through sheets under bed slide-info

Material girlmakeover

Constança loves sharing her fabric fantasies on her blog. Here she reveals her five best textile ideas to make over the fabric of your home

Read Constança’s story

1. Fabric as... storage

I stitched small strips of fabric on to a larger piece as pockets for a hanging organiser. I use mine for keys and letters instead of having a console table. I don’t let a small home limit me, it pushes me to be more creative.

2. Fabric as... a divider

A folding room divider mounted with fabric closes off space and lets me concentrate. It really helps when I’m working in a room with three different uses, like our sewing, working and dining room.

3. Fabric as... a personal touch

I updated a chair my father gave me – it was from his first law practice – by making a patchwork cover to fit over the back. I love having things with history. 

4. Fabric as... organisation 

I make lids for old pots and jars with squares of fabric secured with ribbon. I colour-code mine according to what’s inside: pins, buttons...

5. Fabric as... something new

Just by sewing a piece of patterned fabric on to the bottom of an old blind you can make it fresh and new. Adding something to my home every day keeps it exciting.

Loved this story? Homeowner Lisbeth shares her five ideas on how to update your home with fabric.

Realizza

More ideas

Fabric storage ideas

‘I stock up on material and store it in a glass-fronted cabinet. Just being able to see it all inspires me with new ideas.’

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Floorplan

floorplan-apartment-lisbon

‘Our two bedroom apartment in Lisbon was a real find because of its neighbourhood but it was in a terrible state. We pulled everything out and started again with white walls and a new kitchen. We use the spare room for entertaining, sewing and working. When I’ve finished work I can just close the door on the space.’ Constança

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  • Peeking through sheets under bed
  • Makeing a cloth bag craft
  • Sitting on a white sofa picture shelf
  • Sewing in workspace
  • Hallway red hat stand
  • Craft workspace ideas fabric screen
  • Paper roll storage ideas
  • Patchwork chair work area
  • Kitchen storage ideas shelves