Cafe Curtains

I'm working on a bathroom remodel right now and we are discussing window treatment options. The bathroom is very large and has a huge window, approximately 6' wide. Privacy is an issue since the bathroom is adjacent to the back door entrance to the home and the toilet sits right next to the window. Instead of doing traditional blinds in the bathroom (which would probably stay closed 99% of the time) I came up with the idea to do a stationary cafe style curtain. This would allow privacy as well as enable a ton of natural light to stream in through the upper portion of the window. Cafe curtains are usually found in kitchens or dining nooks, but you really can use them in any room of the house. Here's a couple of examples of this window treatment done in stylish applications;

via Houzz

 

via Calico Curtains

via Little Green Notebook

via Ladies Home Journal

via unknown

via House to Home

via Apartment Therapy

via Houzz

I think this type of window treatment will be perfect in the bathroom that I am designing. Currently the space is a demolition zone. . . Here's an Instagram picture I took yesterday of the countertop that has been removed from the vanity;

As you can see we have a ways to go before it looks like a pretty, put together bathroom! I can't wait to get further along in the remodel process and share more with you!

Best news I've heard all day!

I used to have a friend who ran a local drapery work room. I've done business with her since 2006 and was always pleased with the service, quality of work and low rates that she provided. When the economy started going south and business slowed down a year ago, she moved out of state to be close to family and I was devastated! Well, I just got a call from her this morning and she has moved back to California and re-opened her shop! I couldn't be more ecstatic! She has great rates on everything from custom window treatments to pillows to upholstery and does amazing, quality work. If I can design and draw it, she can make it! I'm looking forward to working with her again on upcoming projects.

Contact me if you are interested  in a quote for custom draperies, roman shades and other window treatments, bedding, pillows, cushions, or table linens. Shipping services are available to anyone in the US!

Ikea White Grommet Drapes

I thought I would let you in on a little secret of mine. . .

The Ikea Merete white, grommet curtain panels are a personal favorite of mine. Not only are they super affordable, but they are also long, so that you can customize the length of them to fit almost any window. They also wash up well. (If you are like me and have a dog that likes to lean up against them on a regulary basis, or have kids with sticky paws. No problem, a little soap and bleach and they are as good as new!) These drapery panels are my #1 go to source for high style at a low price!

They are great when you need a simple, clean look and come in a number of colors (of course white is my fave.) These grommet curtains can be found elsewhere at a much higher price, so they are a steal of a deal at only $19.99 for a pair!

images via Apartment Therapy, Decorpad & Emily A. Clark

Every once in a while I like to sleep in late on a Sunday. Like really late. If it weren't for the woven wood shades with blackout lining that I have in my bedroom, this would never be possible! These can be a little pricier, but oh so worth it in my opinion!

 

Blinds.com is my go to resource for most hard window coverings. They have a huge assortment of blinds, roman shades, woven wood shades, shutters and more and all at extremely great prices! Even better, shipping is free and they have samples available on most products as well.

Drapery Distaster

I want these. I need these. If I don't get these (SOON) I am going to go crazy!

Let me explain. . . a few months ago I purchased some drapery panels from Target online and, while I was really excited about them to begin with, I have come to HATE them. They are dark, they are cheap looking, and most of all, they depress me every time I walk into the living room. Solution: Sell them on ebay or craigslist and go back to the you-never-can-fail, good-ol-ikea drapery panels (yes, I am a decorator and refuse to say 'curtains'. That and 'couch' are two words that are not allowed in my house. haha)

At $40 a pair (times two) it won't set me back too much, plus, whatever I can get by selling the hideous ones online will offset the cost (Just doing a little self justification ;) Only problem is, you can not purchase these online, so that means I have to take a trip up to Sacramento (only about 45 minutes from Lodi.) And a trip to Ikea just to get one thing always turns into a huge disaster (on my credit card) and a car load of stuff that I just can not live without :)