In The Details: Drapery

Currently obsessed with this particular design detail.  Love the modern pleating and absolutely LOVE the metallic trim.  It's good.

via my Pinterest page

and found here

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A Few Things

Here are a few things I'm obsessing over this week...

 

Cafe curtains, having a moment.  I am loving this alternative to blinds or roman shades.

 

This enormous Moravian Star pendant, which we now sell in the store.  How chic would this be over a dining table, or in an entryway?

 

This gorgeous marble floor pattern.  So simple yet so unexpected.  I'm loving this for an entryway, or powder room.

 (all images found on my Pinterest page)

Happy Wednesday!

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On My Radar: Bold Solid Drapery

 

Bright bold solid drapery is totally on my radar these days.  I especially love it in a semi-neutral very traditional space, where the strong saturated color almost feels mismatched with it's surroundings.  As in, "Oh my! Are those PINK drapes?!!"  :)   That jolt of unexpected color brings so much drama!  And, I kind of love the tension that comes with it (especially in traditional interiors).  This image above from Mary McDonald is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.  I mean, how gorgeous is that home?  The coral hue of the drapery is just spellbinding, isn't it?  Ugh, so good. 

Here are a few more images that I'm pinning for future projects.  Such great inspiration.  I'm especially drawn to the Kelly greens, coral pinks, and sunny yellows. 

 

 

 Kay Douglass

 

Stephen Siss

 

 

Ruthie Sommers

 

Angie Hranowsky

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Interior Shutters

 

 

I met with a new Philadelphia client yesterday.  While I was there, we started talking about interior shutters (see her beautiful windows above).  Her 100 year old stone house features 18" think walls with deep inset windows-- it's gorgeous!  Interior shutters seem like a wonderful solution for this historic home. 

 

Originally created out of pure necessity, interior shutters provided security, shade, and insulation from the outside world.  Raised panel designs were most popular in the north east, while louvered styles dominated the warmer climates of the south.  I've been a fan of interior shutters for quite some time.   I love the idea of being able to block everything out and create total privacy.   But my favorite thing?  I love the way built-in shutters enhance the existing architectural details of a room.  They fold away and hide against the wall, allowing lots of light to pour through the windows.  Dave and I are thinking about installing them in our own home this year (mostly for the bathrooms, and possibly for a few other rooms as well).  Add this to the loooooong list of 2013 projects.  :)

 

 

These are some of the inspiration images floating around my desk... 

 

 

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If you're a history nerd like me, or if you own an old home, you might enjoy reading a bit more on the historical significance of interior shutters.  Here are a few interesting links that I've been reading lately...

 

 

This Old House, article by Catherine Lundie

 

Historic New England, Window Dressing: Shutters and Blinds in Historic Houses

 

Dos & Don'ts of Exterior Shutters, Lindsey Daniel, Architect

 

 This Old House, Historic Window Treatments

 

 

 

 

Also, for what it's worth, here's an interesting list of sources (nationwide) for custom and pre-made shutters:

 

Historic Preservation list of exterior/interior shutter products and manufacturers

 

 

 

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Designer Tip: Inverted Box Pleat Drapery

Whenever someone asks me about drapery styles, I always start talking about the inverted box pleat.  I love the clean pleat and versatile feel-- it goes with almost every interior style.  It's my go-to drape.

via Burnham Design

unknown source

via Burnham Design

unknown source

via Nathan Egan

via Lonny Magazine

Drapery panels made with an inverted box pleat are double the fullness of the window.  So they always look full and luxurious.  When you close these drapes, the top of the panel is smooth and flat (creating a clean modern look).  Then, when they're open?  The box pleats stack PERFECTLY.  They never look fussy, or "old lady"...  I love this tailored style.  It's my fave.

If you can't afford to have them custom made, you can buy FABULOUS versions at Restoration Hardware.  Really.  They make such a wonderful ready-made drape.  With an inverted box pleat. 

Restoration Hardware Thai Silk inverted pleat drapery panel

Restoration Hardware Silk Satin-Stripe inverted pleat drapery panel

The Shade Store is also a great resource for ready made drapery (excellent customer service!).  They offer such a wide variety of styles and colors.  They also ship for FREE and deliver within 2 weeks of placing your order.  Pretty impressive, no?  The Shade Store is definitely worth a look if you're in the market for new drapery.

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