Design crew

Posted on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 by midcenturyjo

Got a problem? Need some help? Just stand there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you…. that’s you lot… the readers…. get to it! You did such a good job the last couple of weeks I know you can do it all over again. Besides I have a Saturday to enjoy.

“I am needing ideas for window treatments. I live in a townhouse without a lot of character except it has great windows that allow lots of light. But I also need privacy! so letting them be bare is not an option. I inherited custom made shades accordion kind made of some sort of felt like material?? do not know but they have to stay for a long while. I have two very large cathedral style windows and two windows that flank a faux wood burning stove on the outside wall. This wall also has a cathedral window it is the smaller one. I am not one for matchy match. I hung cream voile curtains that puddle to the floor on the two the cathedral windows. I was trying to come up with an idea for the other two windows that are much smaller that measure 32.5 x 62.5. Any ideas would be appreciated. I adore this blog and drool over the beautiful spaces… I have attached pic’s hope these are adequate.  I also attached photos of the yellow chairs I want to reupholster.  I can’t make up my mind on fabric.  Any feedback would be appreciated.” – Wendy

Here’s a taste of what Wendy has achieved so far. It’s shaping up to be a lovely room. After the jump you’ll see the problem with the room. She REALLY needs your help 😉


Sharon says:

I would get curtains in a pattern incorporating the red and purple colours. The curtains should make a statement, in my opinion and would make the room look more cohesive. I would also install bigger, chunkier rods on the windows beside the little fireplace. Also, I wouldn't worry about the semi round window…let it be..can anyone see in there?
Just a suggestion even though you didn't ask, consider a bigger fireplace between the windows. The one you have now just looks too small.
I would reupholster the chairs in a striped ticking fabric.

sanne says:

Hi! This isn't related to Wendy's question, but I noticed that she has a sofa that I've been stalking for months now. I love the shape and the all-over buttons. Does anyone know who makes this sofa and where can I get one?! I would be so grateful for any tips in the right direction!

selina says:

I don't know if you own the property, but if you do here is what I would do:
have two tiered shutters. I noticed that you have some moroccan style furniture so you could incorporate that style by using a moucharabieh style . The advantage of two tiered shutters is that they give privacy without loosing light as you can close the bottom part (privacy) and keep the top part open (light). It has the opposite effect of a blind.
That would look fab with your simple drapes as well.

T.A. says:

Hi, such a fab room and i love the style…similar to my own furniture. I LOVE the arched window, but i find it distracts from the beautiful furniture and room. I'd be inclined to raise the rod as far above the arch as possible and i'd hang something that looks natural like a linen/burlap and then find some cool offcuts or scarves/throws/solid colur like red and sew a thick ( at least 30cm/12 inches) border with this fabric.
Another option is matchstick blinds which will give some privacy but still let air and light in and then add lots and lots of netting curtain (ikea has them for $6 a pair) and draw it back for more light. The matchstick blinds will give the place more warmth, with such big windows it can sometimes feel a bit too light/stark.
I'd cover the chairs in something quite neutral like a charcoal or gray and then add interesting cushions /throws….persian/ethnic. You can look at getting the upholsterer to do an interesting little contrast piping or buttons in another colour (a few tones darker than the rest of the chair) …just make sure to get a fabric that's for commercial use ie. REALLY durable.
Hope this helps. Would love to know what you decide on.
Goodluck 🙂

belledame says:

why don't you use extremely long curtains and play up the ceiling height? get some new custom shades for daytime privacy that don't block the light, and use the curtains (above the cathedral windows) for drama and architectural detail? keep your cat tree. it's your home, not a showroom.

D of dogland says:

Hi, I'm guessing these are the arched windows are the vinyl reproductions, popular in 90's tract homes. They usually have undersized, inappropriate trim/moulding or no trim at all. Generally speaking, not the prettiest of windows. They can be difficult and expensive to deal with.
I would remove all the rods. Buy, inexpensive matchsticks blinds and go BIG! Since, the smaller windows look too small in comparison to the big one, you can "enlarge" them by hanging the rods above and beyond the trim. Six inches up to a foot or more or taller and wider will give a more unified look to the whole space. Since you wouldn't be losing a fabulous view, I wouldn't feel bad about keeping the arches permanently shaded. I think obscuring the view of the neighbors deck would be a good thing! Add, side drapery panels if or when your budget allows.
The space appears to be a funiture obstacle course right now. Consider some serious editing of furniture. The space will be easier to live in when the flow of the room is better. If you can't bear to part with anything, use pieces throughout the entire house. Consider storing some things. You may decide you can live without them after they've been out of sight for a while. Perhaps, the chairs upholstery might work, as-is, in another room. Is the faux fireplace permanent? Could that be moved elsewhere? Try removing everything but the sofa. Try the sofa in several positions, until one feels comfortable, natural and puts you at ease. It should feel and look good as you enter the room and when seated. Slowly, add a piece at a time, just not every piece. Do you need both rugs in that room? One would probably look better. Try lowering your art. Just because you have tall ceilings doesn't mean your art should be hung near them. Wall art should be hung lower, gallery style, covering entire walls or at least in lower groupings. I think you'll find the room feels tied together, even if it is very eclectic with art brought closer to your actual living space. Good flow, a unfied, comfortable space and eclectic are not mutually exclusive! Editing can work wonders You'll probably appreciate your belongings more if they're not all in the same room.
That's my two cents worth. Good luck and have fun!

Carissa says:

Wendy,
It seems you like the bohemian style. I agree with many of the respondents that you should raise the drapery rods. It seems heretical to not showcase the arches, but reality is that your walls are high and if you place the rods right above the window, it cuts the room in half horizontally. Bring up the rods and create drama. Regarding the fabric on your chairs- go with something ethnic inspired, like Suzani Fabrics, to tie together the room. I'd go for something with red, blues and purples- that would unite the colors you already have in the room. Here is a link to some examples: http://minasdecorandfashion.blogspot.com/2009/12/bohemian-wednesday-12092009-suzani.html
Apparently, Calico Corners sells Suzani Fabric- around $40 a yard.

Courtney says:

Hi Wendy,

I have to agree with some of the other 'Design Crew' that your space seems a little busy and lacking unification. Much of your furniture has a natural element to it – timber, natural fibres etc – with lots of textures and patterns. So, I would suggest keeping your window treatments simple. Timber shutters, as suggested by Selina, will allow light in whilst also providing lots of privacy for you. And they will look fabulous on all the different shaped/sized windows, especially making a feature of the arched window.
For your armchairs that you are planning to recover, perhaps a contrasting teal or similar blue/green patterned fabric? Signature Prints has a fabulous range of Florence Broadhurst fabrics – I would suggest either a nature-inspired print, like the Borderline Collection or something bold and ethnic like the Maison Collection.

I hope this helps – good luck!!

Starline says:

Personally I think the room must be sorted before you do anything with the furniture.The arched windows are nice so in front of the stairs so stained glass or similar with no curtains keeping it clean.You don't want to see the neighbours balcony but let light in.
The two rectangular windows plantation shutters and if you can afford it the same on the other arched window.This would be pricey but maintaining the view and shape of the arch here will look fantastic.
The cheaper option would be hanging sheer curtains high up all the same height and to the floor on all windows as others have said.

I would not waste money re-upholstering the chairs but slip covers may be a better option or replace them altogether.The plant stand between them and the barstool should go to the side of the road.Maybe replace the rug with something a bit more luxurious but no busy patterns.
Maybe the walls all off white but the purple definitely must go asap.

Once the walls and windows are sorteds then as D said take everything out and leave the sofa as it's the best piece.Add one piece at a time to assess as you go but remember less is more.
Cheers

All the suggestions above are very good, I would go with hanging a pole high, all the way to the ceiling and have yards and yards of fine white wool, it gives a good fliter of light and softens the light and space. For the other 2 widows I would use the same white wool and make roman shades and hang them at least 6" to a foot higher than the windows to give the illusion of height to the windows and the room. The I would reconsider the painting you have betwwen the windows. Perhaps a mirror? But the present painting is higher than both the windows and makes that elevation out of proportion.
Yes re-upholster the chairs, a good textured linen would look lovely. Also rethink the tables, edit, eliminate or change.

All the best, Kelly

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