Window Treatments for 10’ ceilings

As I said, I live in an area where many of the homes are very similar.  One of those similarities is the trend toward 10' ceilings.

One of my design dilemmas was how to "treat" my windows when I have such a large area to cover (113" from floor to the bottom of the crown molding).  At first I thought custom was the only way to go.  However, there is a work around.  Even though I wanted a floor to ceiling look (which would require 113" panels) I could still achieve that look with 108" panels and here's how:

If I mounted the rod 2" below the bottom of the crown molding, the disparity from the "ceiling" was barely noticeable.  Secondly, I used large rings with drapery hooks instead of the rod pocket on the panel.  I didn't use the clips that come with the rings and pinned the hooks as close to the top as I could without being able to see them when they were hung.  The rings and rods came from Lowe's Home Improvement and were approximately 3" in length. 

The overall look is a floor to ceiling panel.  Who said math wouldn't come in handy in real life??   

 

Today's Dilemma: Window Treatment Woes

I have these charming square windows on either side of my fireplace in the keeping room. A keeping room is like a den off the kitchen. I found these FAB silk drapery panels at Tuesday morning a few months ago and hung them in this room and the breakfast nook. The dilemma is how to treat those windows next to the fireplace.

1. Get one chocolate curtain panel and cut it down to make two short valances.
2. Use the same woven rattan roman shades with no valances.
3. Use patterned fabric for a mock roman shade mounted above the window.

Find the chocolate silk curtain panels here: Chocolate Silk Curtain Panels
Don't you just love these houndstooth chairs? I got mine at JC Penneys, but they are sold out. Get yours here: Houndstooth Chair- $289

It seems bulbs will bloom after sitting in the garage for six months!

So these daffodil bulbs sat in my garage for six months before I got around to planting them. Ta-da!! Even though they didn't get the proper time in the ground to chill, they still bloomed! This was a bulk purchase from Sam's Club. It's not too late for your bulbs either! Okay, maybe it is, but read more here if you'd like to try:What if I forgot to plant my bulbs?

Gotta Start Somewhere!

So, I've been checking out a cool website my sister recommended awhile back.  It is a married couple that is really into DIY projects and a Pottery Barn catalog look on the cheap.  Their projects are super cool and their posts are cheeky reads for sure.  I've enjoyed getting to know Sherry & John through their website at YHL.   You should definitely check them out here. 

When my sister first suggested I check this site out, she said, "You should totally do this!  Build your own site."  And she was right. People tell me all the time that my home(s) look like a model, I have great taste, etc.  I really enjoy the finished product more than the hunt I must say.  But, you have to be patient to create "that decorator look" unless you have a budget like Oprah Winfrey's!

I live in an area that is less quaint and cozy than the YHL folks and full of neighborhoods built by nationally recognized builders, in other words, tract homes.  Now, that can be interpreted as a bit of a slur if you take it the wrong way--which I do not.  Most of my friends live in neighborhoods like this,  and they range from the McMansions to the patio farms.  But, they have one main similarity...all the houses kind of of look alike and there are only a few different floor plans to choose in each neighborhood.  There are definitely pros and cons to this type of living.  You may or may not have picked out some of the features (lighting, cabinets, paint color, etc.) but for the most part you aren't having to replace the leaky roof and other non-fun, $$$$$, booorrrrinng projects that come along with buying something other than new construction.  And  you can go room by room and really put your stamp on your house to make it truly one of a kind in a sea of similarity.

I guess you could say decorating is a hobby for me.  I am always thinking of ways to rearrange, freshen up or redo some nook or cranny at my house.  But, I can't do it without my right hand gal!  My friend Jacki and I are constantly changing something in our homes, scouting Marshall's and TJMaxx Homegoods for the perfect accessories or silk curtains that won't break the bank and strategizing on how to really SCORE a deal on our latest "need" on Craigslist. 

Between us we have five children, two dogs, two cats and two husbands that spend a lot of time outdoors.  With that in mind, we have to combine that Pottery Barn look with functionality that won't drive you nuts trying to keep it clean and catalog worthy (read: no white slipcovers and glass table tops around these parts).   There's also the issue of baby proofing (for me more than Jacki) so we have to keep knick knacks to a minimum and watch those sharp corners too! 

All this breaks down to a hobby that is fun and practical--because who doesn't need, er, want a beautiful home and garden?  I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.