Highlight Your Toile

I'll be the first to admit that toile can sometimes bore me to tears. I'm not sure if it's the fact that my grandmother's master bedroom is decked out in a completely coordinated sepia-toned toile pattern or, well, actually yes, that's the reason. Regardless, I steer clear from toile in pretty much every design decision I make.

Until now. Britt McMaster of the lovely blog Cucumbersome has uncovered a fabulous way to make toile work for you, with or without the matronly effect. The idea originated from decor expert Arren Williams after he coined the idea in his own home, which was recently featured in one of my favorite shelter mags: Canadian House & Home. Ready for the secret?

Highlighters. Seriously. Steal a seventh grader's backpack, a few yards of toile fabric and go to town. The effect is so unexpected, and yet quite glamorous. Perfect on a mid-century couch, or perhaps used as a few eclectic curtains. I'd even venture to try it in a child's bedroom, or perhaps let your child do the coloring for a fun family DIY project.

After all, who says coloring isn't for adults?

Hello, dear reader: What about you? Do you have any brilliant DIY ideas of your own? Tell us about them in the comments section!