My Design Secrets

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I had a nice long chat with my dear Aunt Jane last night and after we covered family, television, books and travel, the conversation ended with a decorating question. What type of shade is best for her French Doors? I gave her some ideas and as soon as she can dig out of her snow drift of a home, she will take action. But in the meantime, this is a great topic for everyone, so let’s begin!

Just like any other window treatment your choice will depend on your needs for:

1. Heat and light control
2. Privacy
3. Decoration

Let’s review the details on 4 great options and see which one works for you!

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Natural Woven Wood Blind - These are a favorite down in her Florida because of the tropical look but they are truly classic and can be used with traditional draperies as well.  They provide privacy but let some light through and they are lightweight so they don’t bang the door much when you open and close it.

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Cellular Shades - A good option when you really need some insulation.  The warm or cool air stays inside the cells, keeping your electric bill down.  You can order them so they move from the top down as you see in this photo which is great for bathrooms or other areas where you want privacy and a view.  One of the lower cost options.

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Wood Blinds - Great for a tailored, more substantial look.  You have the option of tilting the slats to get some light but still retain your privacy.  The wood valance at the top should wrap around the side so you don’t see the mechanism.  Some companies may try to get away with just sticking a piece of flat wood on the top, so make sure to ask exactly how they finish it off.  These should definitely have clips at the bottom to keep the shade from banging on the door.  Stained woods are the highest priced, painted are a bit lower.  And if you are going with basic white, you and get a composite wood blinds that is even more budget-friendly.

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Roman Shades - These are one of my favorites because you can add color and softness to the doors while providing privacy and insulation.  If you use a patterned fabric, I like the flat Roman with the pleats all at the bottom (shown above) so you can appreciate the pattern.  Roman shades can be moved up and down but they are not as easy to operate as the others and the fabric may get creased.  They usually look best if you are going to leave them in one position.

Here are a couple of great sources for shades and blinds:

Smith + Noble

The Shade Store

Keep in mind that all of these blind options still allow you to add some great drapery panels to soften up the look and add additional color and texture (like the photo at the top).  If you keep your doors open a lot, then ask about shade clips that can be mounted on the door to hold down the blinds.  This is especially important if the doors open out and the breeze will catch them.  If you are going to make the investment to decorate your French doors, then make an educated decision that lasts for years.  It’s all a matter of personal preference and style!

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Living Room After

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It’s been a while since my last post because I’ve been busy, busy, busy.  So I though the least I could do is share my world with you! I am working with a number of wonderful clients these days and one couple in particular needed some serious drapery help.  The lovely furnishings they brought with them fit wonderfully into their home.  But in order to make everything flow, a few design elements needed tweaking and draperies were at the top of the list.  They chose the right designer because I truly believe that window treatments are the crowning touch to any room.  Draperies don’t have to be super dramatic but they definitely should accomplish the following:

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Living Room Before

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Drapery Selection Checklist

• Complement the style of your furnishings.
• Work with the colors in your room and highlight the tones you love.
• Have a scale that works with the windows.
• Provide the amount of privacy and light control needed.
• Be hung on hardware that is sturdy and in scale with the room.

If you look at the Before and After photos on this page, you will notice a few things.

Shape - First of all, some people may think that to highlight an arched window, you should also choose an arched treatment.  But as you can see, by going with a classic linear design, it highlights the windows even more!  The arched window treatment and neutral fabric camouflaged the shape of the windows completely.

Color – In the living room the windows were just calling out for color.  The bold pomegranate sofa and the lovely rug were begging for some company.  My client and I agreed that blue would really pull the room together so we went with a gorgeous yet simple print that featured blues and ivory.

Hardware - Hardware is an important element of  all window treatments.  Too skimpy and you wonder how it’s holding everything up, too bold and you have a castle- like look.  When choosing the size, keep in mind your drapery length, the type of drapery, and other furnishings in the room.  For example, 8′ sheers look really nice on a 1″ metal pole but these lined draperies are about 12′ tall so we chose a 2.5″ wood pole and large finials.  Remember, things look smaller from far away!

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Dining Room Before

Dining Room After

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I realize that window treatments can be very challenging so I am happy to announce that we are unveiling online design services by the end of this month!  You name your design dilemma and I will solve it!

E-Decorating Services Include:

Paint My Room – Get three fabulous options for painting your room including walls, ceiling and trim.  Photo renderings to help you choose!

7 Point Interior Design Plan – Need a plan for your entire room?  No problem!  I provide an interior design plan that includes everything to get the job done – from flooring and paint to furniture and window treatments.  Includes your own personalized website for easy reference!

My Virtual Designer – Let’s meet online for a 1-on-1 interior design consultation! Our online meeting can be recorded so that you can view it again at your convenience.

Plus, we will be adding several more services in 2011.

I hope you are as excited as we are!  Stay tuned….

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At first glance, a well-designed bedroom allows you to  just settle into the whole space.  The colors, the furniture and the tiny details all work togehter harmoniously.  Ahhhh, the cohesive loveliness!  But as a designer, my next step is to start breaking it all down… the bed, the pillows, the window treatments and lamp.  Why does it all work and how can I learn from this?  I want to help you develop the same critical eye because this is the difference between a so-so decorating job and a room that comes alive.

I designed the room above for two teenage girls about 10 years ago.  They liked feminine details but were growing up and did not want anything too cute.  They loved horses but did not want the whole room to go “horsey”.  It’s always a balancing act between “this” and “that.” So these are the steps I took to pull together this great little design without breaking the bank. 

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Color – We went with a warm peach because it was feminine, bright and fun.  It’s a more complex color than pink or purple which spoke to their sophisticated tastes (yes teenagers now have sophisticated taste!)

Beds – These iron beds are classic and budget-friendly.  The choice of many finishes allowed us to select one that tied in our coral, ivory and green palette.  (I don’t usually recommend iron beds for master bedrooms but for kids or guest rooms they do the job at a great price.)

Bedding- Custom bed-skirts and shams echo the colors with a designer look but we saved some money by using a matelasse coverlets.  These could easily be replace by down comforters and duvets when it gets cold.

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Some Ladder Tape options from Smith + Noble. Simple wood blinds step up the style with this designer touch.

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Windows - Simple 2″ wood blinds.  The big slats work with the scale of the large windows.  A color-coordinated ladder tape covers the strings that hold the blinds together (the ladder).  Now instead of plain old blinds that control light they ARE the window treatment.  Plus Ladder Tapes cover route holes so sunlight won’t poke through when blinds are closed.

Chair – We bought this wicker chair new but any old wicker chair can be painted for an instant face-lift.  You can also just wrap the fabric around the cushions and safety pin them on the back if you are a not a seamstress.

Lamps – Two simple and affordable lamps that could be found at a local home store.

Artwork – I love to use colorful and interesting artwork in kids rooms and posters are an easy answer. The pieces in this room are prints of famous horse paintings.  By going with more modern art, it gives the room a more updated feel and the white frames are simple and fresh.

I hope this helps you see, once again, that good design results is more than the sum of its parts.  Consider the look you want and then approach it one step at a time patiently and thoughtfully!

Let me know if I can help you with any design dilemmas by commenting below or contacting me here!

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One of my favorite prints is Ocean Breezes. A more classic take on the brown and blue combo with both colors having a gently worn feeling.

My Design Secrets is the perfect outlet for my obsessive habit of collecting decorating sources.  Even with a busy design practice, and the homes of my friends and family, I still have overflowing amounts of advice and sources that are here for the taking!  Today I stumbled onto a site that makes me giddy.  Saffron Marigold carries exotic, handmade, eco-friendly bedding and linens that are bursting with gorgeous colors and good Karma to boot! 

A versatile tablecloth that goes from everyday to festive and then just throw it in the wash.

This black and white shower curtain lends some modern flair to this traditional paisley.

The owner, Anisha, is a girl after my own heart.  She has a Masters degree in Human Resources but her love of Indian Textiles was so overwhelming  that it led her to create Saffron Marigold.   It’s a small business run out of Petaluma, California that has a large heart that extends over the Indian Ocean and into Pune, India where the magic happens.  All of their products are hand-crafted according to traditional block printing techniques and each piece is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions.  They work with a couple of artisan studios with whom they have a close relationship.  They visit the studios to make sure they follow Fair Trade practices that Saffron Marigold values, as well as helping the craftspeople become more economically self-sufficient.

These white lace curtain panels are perfect for a soft touch that's a bit more sophisticated than most country curtains.

A 17" x 17" pillow cover is only $19.99. This is the most stylish sofa makeover bargain you are going to get!

With a broad selection of bedding, shower curtains, table linens, pillow covers, and sheer curtains you are sure to find something to spice up your home.  Cool blue and turquoise, spicy saffron and cinnamon, and breezy white on white. You can shop by the item or by prints with names like Lavender Dreams, Paisley Au Lait or Memories of Shalimar.  You will enjoy browsing the site and the fantastic prices are a wonderful bonus.

Enjoy!

~Lorrie

This Crewel Bench would make a beautiful accent in a foyer or hallway. I love the natural colors and nailhead trim.

Crewelwork is a very odd name for a particularly beautiful fabric.  This method of embroidery dates back at least 1,000 years; where it was used on tapestries.  Ususally crafted in wool, the embroidery stitches follow a pattern or outline that has been applied to the fabric with chalk, water soluble ink or iron-on designs.  Where does the word crewel come from?  Well, the exact origin is unknown but is thought to have come from an ancient word describing the curl in the wool used.

The crisp crewel accent pillow on top pairs nicely with other cotton prints.

An example of an intricate crewelwork pattern from the 1940's. You can really see the detail in the stitching.

Linen Source always manages to give you super affordable fashion. This tropically inspired King duvet cover is on sale for $34!

This traditional style of fabric was most often seen in interiors that featured more of a Jacobean motif (think castles, kings and ladies in waiting).  Over the years, it has resurfaced in more modern applications.  Lately, I have seen a lot of crewel work in light, bright patterns that are open and airy.  The detailed nature of crewelwork makes it interesting and adds nice texture to bedding, pillows and draperies.  Because it’s wool and raised off the surface of the fabric, it can be a little scratchy and not something you’d want touching your skin.  It’s best used on benches, chairs, throw pillows and bedspreads.  But not the ones you pull up to cuddle with.    

This tone-on-tone look from Williams Sonoma is a subtle and classic way to use crewel.

Layla Grace carries these crisp and refreshing drapery panels from Pine Cone Hill. A heavy fabric always looks lighter in bright tones.

I love this graphic print from Pottery Barn. A modern take on crewel.

Smith + Noble calls this their casual pleat. Crisp, neat and just grazing the floor.

I had to laugh out-loud when I read an article in the LA Times entitled “Bad Design Trends We Hope Die in 2009″.  There were 11 items ranging from cheap leather chairs to ornate gold frames and I can understand their point of view on most of them.  But designers are famous for being a little intolerant (without considering budgetary constraints) and when you tell people that they need to get rid of the granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in their two-year old kitchen, they might be a little miffed. 

But there a few low cost design trends that I would gladly usher out the door such as Item #3 on their list:  Heavy Drapery. 

Yes, you know who you are.  You have velvet or chenille clad windows that looked ”oh so chic” a couple of years ago.  Now they look heavy and sad.  So down comes the heavy drapery and what do you put in its place?  My choice would be classic pleated draperies.  Why?  Because they work for any style and never look dated.  Most people think of pinch pleat but there are many other styles:  tailored pleat, inverted pleat, or goblet pleat to name a few.  Depending on the fabric, they can go from traditional to modern in a flash.  You can add a little twist with custom hardware and great fabrics.  Or go with natural fibers such as silk or bamboo for an eco-friendly twist.  I promise there is a style out there that coordinates with your personal style and budget.

The Shade Store gives a good visual of the different types of pleats available.

I know a lot of people like shirred draperies but they need to be very full to look good.  So if you are buying them off the shelf, go for 3x the width to cover your space. (If you want the finished width to be 24″, then make sure you have 72″ wide panels).  Also, grommets have been done to death so I would avoid those.  What was once a cool industrial detail for more modern decor has become a predictable bore.

The Shade Store shows how a tailored pleat can look ultra modern.

So what should you look for in a Quality Pleated Drapery? 

•  Lining – quality draperies are always lined because it gives them shape and protects them from the sun.  It also gives you a bit more insulation.
• Fabric – Always get a sample or purchase draperies that can be returned.  Avoid flimsy or synthetic fabrics.
• Quality Workmanship – The hems should be neat and without stitch marks.  The pleats should also be lined so they stand up straight and crisp.

Pinch Pleat Draperies from Country Curtains show a more traditional look but make sure yours are a bit closer to the floor. These are insulated to keep your heating or cooling bill down.

There’s little doubt that you can find low-cost window treatments in most any store.  But  I would consider planning for the long term by spending a bit more on a classic style that will work for years to come.  Forget the trends, that is just good design! 

~ Lorrie

Win a $2oo VISA Gift Card!

Well, you guys have done it this time!  Our friend, Greg, over at The Shade Store was so pleased with your response to our Giveaway that he is upping the ante!  We started by giving away one $100 gift certificate.  Now we are adding:

 A second $100 Gift Certificate!  So now there will be 2 Winners!

In addition to all the wonderful Shades, Blinds and Draperies; their ETC. section carries some cool items that will add wonderful designer details to your home:

• Three styles of Cornices in custom sizes and fabrics
• Ready Made Drapery Panels at great prices.
• Designer Pulls to enhance the look of your shades and blinds.
• Drapery Tiebacks in styles ranging from Exotic to Modern
• Create your own Custom Throw Pillows starting from $45!

And as an Extra Bonus…

 15% off plus Free Shipping with the special

My Design Secrets Promo Code

(enter MYDESIGNSECRETS at checkout)

Questions?

Whether you have questions regarding measuring + installation or are looking for design assistance, their window treatment experts are ready to assist you!   Just email them at design@theshadestore.com or call 1.800.754.1455. 

So if you have not entered yet, then pop back over to The Shade Store Giveaway and enter!  Remember, it’s only one entry per person but now your chances have doubled!

You have until 11:59PM EST on Monday, February 9th to enter.  Two random winners will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

Win a $2oo VISA Gift Card!

The winners of this giveaway are:

Barbara Burt & Joanne Gustafson

Congratulations! 

Selecting the right window treatment solves so many problems.  It not only beautifies your room but it also provides insulation and privacy.  It also protects your furniture and rugs from fading.  But many of you are getting bored with the hum-drum selection at Home Depot and the local blind store.  And frankly, I don’t blame you!  Not only are the choices uninspiring but the quality is questionable and getting custom sizes is a hassle.  So where should you turn?  The Shade Store!

The Shade Store is a family business that has successfully served designers and the public for 60 years.  During that time they paid careful attention to what their customers were asking for and responded with:  

1. Wide Product Selection – Solar shades, woven woods, draperies, blinds, panel systems and much more.
2. Great Customer Service – You can call them, chat online or email them.  Their customer service people are fantastic and will help you measure, order samples and find the best product for your home.
3. Fast Service – Most styles ship in 10 days or less.  That’s impressive!

Right now The Shade Store is having their Winter Sale which includes 10% off and Free Shipping!

They make all their products in the USA and have a fantastic selection of eco-friendly products as well.  As a designer, I use The Shade Store because all these benefits make my job easy and my clients happy.  So whether your style is traditional, modern, or exotic; you will find the perfect window treatment for your room.  Their motto is “Custom, Made Simple” and that’s excatly how I like it! 

Ready to Cover Your Windows? 

The $100 Gift Certificate to The Shade Store is all yours. Just tell me why you need it!

Step 1:  Visit The Shade Store and shop around.

Step 2:  Leave me one comment below telling me what style you love and where you would use it.  If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Monday, February 9th to enter.  Two random winners will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

Win a $2oo VISA Gift Card!

The Chris Madden Mix and Match Rod Collection from JCPenney has an unbelievably high-end look.

Honestly, I thought my job was going to be easy today.  The plan was to hunt down some ”hot drapery hardware options” (hence the title above) and pop them in here for you.  Boy, was I way off base!  I quickly found that there were some high-end options at Horchow but then it quickly dropped off into a boring parade of round wood finials and wimpy looking iron rods.  Can’t we do a little better than that?  I mean if you are going for the budget hardware, then go to Home Depot and be done with it.  But since I don’t give up that easily, I hunted further and honestly the best selection was found at 2 stores where you can shop online or in person:  Bed, Bath & Beyond and JCPenney.  Have a look!

The Wood & Metal Rod Collection from JCPenney in another wood/metal collection. This time with a modern flair.

The Linden Street® Globe 1" Rod Collection from JCPenney. The combination of metal and wood finishes is really sharp.

Ampersand™ Cube Brushed Nickel Decorative Window Hardware from Bed, Bath & Beyond has a telescoping rod for various window sizes and cool, square rings? (Can I still call them rings?)

Croscill Jefferson Decorative Window Hardware from Bed, Bath & Beyond; for those of you with a more formal style.

White sheers would look lovely on this graceful rod.

The Mother-of-Pearl or Bone Rod Collection from JCPenney would be perfect in a more feminine room.

From finials and rings to tassels and poles.  Accessorize your windows with creative, good quality hardware and it will last for years to come.

Shop for Window Hardware at JCPenney & Bed, Bath & Beyond!

~Lorrie

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Free Design Question!

Off the shelf or custom made?  When it’s time for a bedroom face-lift, sometimes it hard to figure out where your money is best spent.  With lots of options for ready-made bedding and window treatments, it can be tempting to go that route because it’s quicker and cheaper.  But is that really going to give you the look you desire?  Well, yes and no.  Even high-end designers use some items off the shelf.  On the other hand, certain items are worth the additional investment of going custom made.  Here are my best tips for incorporating both options. These will help you spend your money wisely while achieving the bedroom of your dreams.

Off the Shelf = Less $$$ Out of Your Pocket

Bedspreads, coverlets, comforters and duvets 

Any type of bed cover takes a lot of fabric, so this is definitely a chance to save big. The key here is the flexibility to make affordable changes from season to season and items that can be easily laundered.

Newgrange Matelasse from Linen Source is very affordable ($89 for a queen) and machine washable.

Designer Picks

• For warm weather months or climates - A matelasse coverlet or light quilt will do.  Linen Source seems to always have a great selection of washable matelasse covers on sale.
• For cold weather – Down or Hypo-allergenic comforter with a duvet cover is your best bet.  The Company Store has a broad offering of weights and duvet covers in many colors.

Decorative Pillows

Another place where custom is totally unnecessary. There are so many great places for designer pillows at half the cost of custom.

These four pillows came from the "Blue-Turquoise-Teal-Lavender" category.

Designer Picks

• European Squares (26″x26″) are much more stylish then queen size shams. And King size shams can get super awkward.
• Beautiful Pillows and Home offers collection by color so you can find items that are complementary but not to matchy-matchy!

Custom Made = Style Where It Counts

Window Treatments

While having a designer come to your home may be too costly, custom draperies ordered online are more affordable than you may think.  And adding custom details and beautiful hardware will make them show-stoppers.  Consider choosing a neutral tone drape that will transition nicely when you are ready to make a change.  And a good quality blind will work as a seamless partner. 

These pinch-pleat draperies from The Shade Store are bone-colored suede fabric with a terracotta edging. Classic and flexible.

Designer Pick

The Shade Store offers great options for blinds and draperies.  I would go with a neutral silk for simple elegance.  Woven Wood Shades offer great textural contrast.

Bed Skirt

An off-the-shelf bed skirt often fits like old pantyhose.  No matter how many times you tug and wiggle, it just doesn’t work.  Many people don’t want to spend the money because it’s far from the main attraction but I am telling you….IT IS WORTH IT.  I will repeat my mantra ad nauseum:  Good Design is in the Details!

Smith + Noble Bedskirt - Inverted Pleat in Linen/Natural (1622)

Designer Pick

Smith + Noble makes great custom bed skirts with lots of options and they help you measure so you get it right.  Go with tailored or pleated if your style is simple, ruffled if you like a softer look.  There are over 800 different fabrics to choose from!  Again, go with a neutral tone for longer-lasting style.  These will blow an un-lined, off-the-shelf bed skirt out of the water.

I hope these tips make it much easier for you to plan where to devote your decorating dollars in your brand new bedroom.  Enjoy your investment pieces for years to come and don’t hesitate to change it up with new pillows or artwork.  You will be amazed at the difference!

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Design Question!