Monday, March 21, 2011

DRAPERY DO's and DON'Ts

Drapery will quickly transform a room even though people avoid it because of the price tag. There is no way around it, window treatments are expensive. Just like with everything there is a huge range in costs, depending on fabric, hardware and custom vs. ready-made.  No matter which route you take the end result is well worth the journey!
 I am a fan of very simple panels.  I pictured below my two favorite styles; Grommet and Flat Panel.
Grommet Draperies
This is drawing of a grommet style panel (thanks Calico Corners for the drawing).  This is a great option for ready made panels because they fall nicely and the hardware is sewn into the fabric so you don't have to deal with rings.  This is a great look for a more modern, transitional room.

Flat Panel Draperies
This is a flat panel drapery.  The rings are typically sewn on (custom) and the fabric loosely falls (some call this style "floppy top").  This style works great in any type of interior.

Here are some drapery design tips and ideas...

dining rooms - blue walls wainscoting white orange drapes zebra mirror polished chrome lamps espresso leather dining chairs nailhead trim espresso dining table chocolate brown circle rug
To get a custom look without a custom price tag this is simply two panels in two different colors per window (when you buy ready-made you typically need two panels per side, so four panels per window if you have large windows).  I love what the pop of orange does for this room!

dining rooms - gray walls marble Saarinen table black leather nailhead trim French chairs white drapes yellow art glossy espresso wood floors
Those of you that can sew or know someone that has that amazing talent (I have serious envy of people that can sew) this is an easy way to create a unique custom drapery.  Take a white ready-made panel and sew on a trim, ribbon, or fabric border.

Location, Location, Location
bedrooms - chocolate brown velvet drapes pillows zebra cowhide rug red plaid chair x-base nightstand table glass column lamps white black leather headboard nailhead trim yellow walls buddha
A common mistake is to hang the drapery rod right above the window.  I always install that puppy right below the crown molding or as close to it as possible (if there isn't molding than a few inches down from the ceiling).  Making this simple change will make a huge difference!  It makes the window look bigger and the ceiling look higher.  Notice the rod placement...

dining rooms - Eric Cohler Venetian 9 Light 2 Tier Chandelier white slipcovered wingback chairs wood dining table wood dining chairs striped blue ticking cushions brass chandelier white drapes bamboo roman shades seagrass rug art gallery zebra rug yellow accents bold blue brown dining roomEric Cohler Venetian 9 Light 2 Tier Chandelier


living rooms - blue walls blue chairs nailhead trim brown velvet sofa square glass cocktail table chair rail sisal rug blue brown drapes brown lamps
(Decorpad image 1 here , image 2 here, image 3 here, image 4 here, image 5 here)


Here are some great ready-made options..

Linen Cotton Grommet Window Panel


West Elm- Linen Cotton Grommet Panel
Ikat Ogee Linen Window Panel
The Ikat Ogee Linen Window Panel-West Elm

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

CLAIRE HOKANSON

Our last "4 Generation" picture taken Christmas 2009.  My Grandma, Mom, Me and Sabrina.

This past week has been so crazy!  My emotions have been all over the boards!  My son Jack, turned "5" on March 8th, that same day my wonderful Grandmother "Nanny" passed away.  Then my daughter Sabrina turned "3" on Monday and my Grandmother's funeral was on Tuesday.  Very LONG week!

Having my kids birthdays so close together is always so hectic.  I over think every detail, wanting to make sure that each child feels special and not overlooked.  I need to make sure that what I do for one, I do for the other!  ahhh!  So, having my Grandma pass away in the mix has been so overwhelming and depressing!

Since this blog is about what inspires me I feel like I must mention my Grandma since she has always been  a great source of inspiration.  She had a heart of gold and had this infectious smile.  She kept moving and was never lazy...even up to the end!  Her energy level was amazing....she could run circles around me anyday!  I  miss her so much and am anxious for time to heal my wounds! 

Monday, March 7, 2011

TRINA TURK TEXTILES


 I am so excited for the new Trina Turk indoor/outdoor collection for Schumacher.   The bold fashion-derived hues offer a modern and playful punch to your living space.  I listed just a few of my favorites!  To see more from this great line click here.


Santorini Print Schumacher Fabric
Santorini Print-Fog






(trinaturk.com)




Trellis Print Schumacher Fabric
Trellis Print-Watermelon
                    



Arches Print Schumacher Fabric
Arches Print-Orange




Peacock Print Schumacher Fabric
Peacock Print-Driftwood



Super Paradise Print Schumacher Fabric
Super Paradise Print-Driftwood

Friday, March 4, 2011

AGATE

Agate is a semi-precious stone that has natural beauty, vibrant crayon hues and a complicated simplicity to it that I find works in any type of interior.  It is a beautiful stone that in small doses brings a unique vibe.




(pinterest)

                                

(pinterest)

(Caesarstone Concetto White)



(Caesarstone-Concetto White)

The mall at the Aria Hotel  in Las Vegas



(Caesarstone Brown Agate)


(pinterest)



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(Ann Sacks Rhapsody in agate tiger's eye)

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