Showing posts with label drapery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drapery. Show all posts

Friday, October 30, 2009

Treatments for Basement Windows

Just recently, a reader (aka my Uncle Garry) asked for my opinion about what type of treatment would work best for his newly finished basement windows. These windows swing up and latch or the window can be completely removed. This means no blinds or other contraptions within the casing which would interfere with the mechanism.

Hmmm...while I'm thinking, take a look for yourself (note the beautiful millwork!!):



Wall Colour: Benjamin Moore Wheat Sheaf CC-220


These are my top 2 suggestions for window treatments:

(1) Plantation Shutters.


Image courtesy of Shutterland.com

Pros:
Clean and simple aesthetic.
Good amount of light when louvers are open.
Complete privacy when closed.
Light dusting required to clean.
Can be stained to match the millwork.

Cons:
May hide the beauty of the existing millwork.
Expensive due to custom work required.

2) Floor Length Drapery Panels.



Images courtesy of Invudraperyco.com

Pros:
Floor length drapes create the illusion of a higher ceiling.
Drapes add warmth to the space.
Maximum amount of light when panels are stacked back to sides.
Total privacy when lined panels are closed.
Neutral colour blends with wall colour for continuity.
Affordable since custom work not required (except hemming).

Cons:
Curtains will require vacuuming & occasional laundering.

Final Thoughts

The most difficult part of offering an opinion is that the advice seeker often does not share the opinions of the advice giver. In light of this, I have developed a backup option:

3) Window Film


Image courtesy of Remlor.com

Pros:
Provides privacy.
Inexpensive.
Easy to install.

Cons:
Not pretty.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Fabric, Fabric, Fabric

What a difference fabric makes in our homes. Consider how your space would look and feel if all the wonderful textiles were removed - your home would be a lifeless, naked shell. The abundance of fabric in our lives is a testament to our love for beautifully woven threads - silks, linens, cottons, and even polyester.

This past Saturday, my friend Jackie and I spent a few hours in one of our favourite stores - Designer Fabric on Queen West. We were like kids in a candy store, searching for the perfect colour, texture and pattern.


We are (finally) working on several projects for Jackie's home now that the draperies for my condo have finally been completed. For those of you who have been waiting, here are photos of the completed living room curtains:



My next project, as you know, is to reupholster the occasional chair I found this week, and I need to purchase 3 yards of fabric to do the job. I found several options, and although my first idea was to use a stripe, I am considering many other possibilities:

Option #1 is a robin's egg blue with chocolate dots,
(no content info), $20.99/yd:


Detail:


Option #2 is a white, robin's egg blue & beige combination,
(55% viscose/45% polyester), $41.99/yd:


Detail:


Option #3 is a plush robin's egg blue swirl,
(100% microfibre face with 65% polyester/35% cotton backing), $14.99/yd:


Your opinions and comments are welcome - tell me what you think!!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

So Far, So Good...

Back on January 18th, I wrote about upcoming projects for 2009, and today I am pleased to make the following announcement:

Project Bare Windows & Project Hang 'em High
COMPLETED!!!!!!!

Project Bare Windows



Project Hang 'em High



I may have gotten sidetracked along the way, since there was no plan to purchase a new bedside table and two new lamps, but I love the way the focal wall looks with the furniture balanced against the bold wallpaper. It's my new favourite room!!

The bedroom is now super cozy - the drapes absorb sound, insulate the windows, block out light and provide much needed privacy. Later this week drapery will go up in the living room as well.

One last look with the drapes stacked back:


Can you say
Fab
U
Lous?!?!

Where I Got It:

Drapery & Lining Fabric: Designer Fabrics, 1360 Queen Street West, Toronto
Wallpaper: Seabrook Designs, Special Order through Home Depot
Bedside Tables: EQ3, 222 King Street East, Toronto
Table Lamps & Shades: Winner's Homesense