I bought custom bamboo shades for the DC showhouse and sized them so that they could also work in my office once the showhouse was over. As some of you know, my family room/downsairs has been irking me for a while. I have to admit that I love the feeling down there- light, airy, fresh & happy- and I like working in it, but I've always felt like it just doesn't jive with the rest of my house. Well, of course when the shades and some of my pillows came home from the showhouse, I started envisioning a new color palette for the space, using what I had. Our basement is very coastal feeling and while I love it, it just doesn't make sense here. (My dad lives on a lake and wants some of our paintings so I think eventually I'll give in because they'd be a better fit with him.)
{greeeeeeen}
Anyway- besides the coastal vibe- the main thing that really bothers me about my house/ basement is the curtains. I made some myself and did Ikea for the rest, planning to upgrade later. I used only single panels on the door and large window. where I should have at least used double. Curtains are one of those elements that I notice when I'm in people's homes and they can really take a room up or down a notch. SO... Since there was no time to have any custom ones made the day before the party or change the color scheme too much, and I had the day off with my 3-year-old, we headed to Pottery Barn for some last-minute curtains. I like their linen "Peyton Drapes" which are lined and hung by drapery hooks so I bought a bunch in "blue smoke."
Here's a picture of the curtains that drive me craaaaaazy:
{oh so bad}
And here's a pic of the Pottery Barn Peytons (not hemmed to the proper height but that will have to wait for another day)
{oh yeah, I switched the rug with another one I had too. I have plans to sell it but am having toruble parting with it. I have a problem.}
I'm much happier with the width and quality of the panels and loved the color with the rug.. buuuuut.... I'm losing the vibe I want down there even more. It took a turn in another direction I'm just not after. (Although am now dying to do in a room "for real.") The rug is insanely gorgeous in person and its vibe is just a little too warm/ rich/ formal for what I'm after. We use the areas as the kids play space, and while I don't want it junky, I want it to feel a bit more effortless. (ironic isn't it?? All this effort for "effortless?")
{So although the vibe's off, I'm much happier with the drapery hooks being hung nicely on the curtain rings... my unlined ikea curtains were not thick enough up top to properly support the drapery hooks I'd used, so they sagged and flopped too much. And I'm also loving the doublewidths.}
BUT... they had to go because I can't justify them if they not where I'm trying to go. I returned them last night & picked up some new ones in french ivory. I also restrained myself from using the pretty rug and it's all safely packed away again. (Who does this?!!! I know I have problems.) SO... now I'm off the the family room to try out the ivories, but I have to be honest that what I really want isn't off the rack and I think that I'm looking for unlined and a bit more chill. (and I know my friends will not care in the least if the windows are bare or Ikea'd) BUT... maaaybe they'll work and then I'll be thrilled. (And if anyone from Pottery Barn is reading--- so sorry to be such a PIA!!)
Wish me luck!
Is it weird that I love this?!!! haahahah
Oh ps- We're having crab, shrimp, and bratworst along with a bunch of salads- am so excited to dig into the kitchen today- and the party will be mainly outside in the backyard. I can't wait to share pics!!
Have THE BEST WEEKEND!!!
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