I'm always in awe of people who start decorating projects with a vision board and end up with completed room in one fell swoop.
That's never been my style.
Oh, I've tried it, several times in fact.
My most recent attempt was when I renovated our small sitting room.
I began with a few scraps of wallpaper and fabric. I carefully laid it all out, added paint chips and flooring samples, until I was certain it was perfect.
Then I actually got it all in the room.
Where it was a big flop.
Well, in my opinion anyway.
I know a lot of you liked it, but something just didn't feel right in person.
Add, subtract and play with the elements in real life and real time.
Gathering, thrifting, feathering, fluffing and building the room, one decor piece at a time.
That's my preferred way to decorate.
I start with an inspiration anchor...paint, furniture or fabric and move on, bit by bit, so I can see what really works and sits right in my gut.
Unfortunately, this room had too many anchors competing for center stage. Too many divas for such a small room. No...something had to go.
A lot of things actually.
I'll admit, finding my design footing and undoing that original mood board idea for this room hasn't been easy. It's gone through several rounds of changes.
But sometimes an unexpected find is the key to clarity and these crochet table runners were the missing magical link for me.
I found them at HomeGoods or TJMaxx, I can't remember which, but when I saw them I knew immediately that they would make the perfect valances to hang over my window seat.
They had that simple, vintage, cottage curtain style I'd been searching for, but couldn't find..until I saw them.
Of course, that meant I needed to paint the copper curtain rod we made, to get that crisp, all white look.
And since I tackled this DIY on a snowy weekend, I had to do it inside. That meant spray paint was out.
When I painted the center bracket on my kitchen curtain rod, I used an enamel paint, for metal.
Unfortunately, that only came in very small jars. So instead, I opted for mineral paint and it worked out very well.
I applied several thin coats, with a brush, allowing them to fully dry in between. By morning, they were set and I hung them back up.
I did leave the end caps and the brackets unpainted, for contrast and sparkle.
And a bit of old world charm.
Meanwhile, the white metal complemented the scrolls on the mirror and the plate rack on the opposite wall.
The one I layered with a few new floral dishes for spring.
Overall, I think those valances have finally provided the simple elegance I've been after all along.
All I had to do was clip two of them to the newly painted rod and poof.
Instant fabulous.
Does it mean I won't be making other changes?
Absolutely not!
Playing with decor is my favorite hobby, besides I feel a room is never really done.
And with spring in full swing and summer on the way, there are so many bright options I could add to this space.
Little by little.
Just the way I like it.
😉
Are you a one and one decorator or do you like a slow build, like me?
Resources For This Room:
- Patterned Lamp Shade
- Scrolled Metal Shelves Set
- Floral Rug
- Cabinet End Table
- Floral Pillow Covers
- Vintage Style Plates
- Curtain Ring Clips
Ohhhh, so shabby chic! Beautiful ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Gotta love HomeGoods...or TJMaxx. Haha!
DeleteWhat a great idea. Your valances are perfect. I was one of the people who loved your wallpaper at first. But seeing your room without it, I agree with you now that it was a little too much. Your sitting room looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ellen! I LOVED that wallpaper too, and maybe with a different sofa or wall color it would've been divine. In this room, with those elements, it felt overwhelming in person. Less has turned out to be more. ☺️
DeleteThey turned out great. I recognize those dishes. I should've bought them. Very pretty
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cindy! I love the way the room has evolved. Those dishes are so sweet, aren't they? When I saw them, I couldn't resist...and they were on sale! Woot!!
DeleteThey look perfect! I love this idea!! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThank you, Briana! As soon as I saw those runners, I just knew...Glad you like them, too!
DeleteOh I just love it. And I am a slow build. Hee Hee!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carla! I think a room that evolves slowly is much more interesting. Happy Thursday!!
DeleteThose do make the perfect window treatments for that room.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Joanne! When I found them I fell in love and I'm so happy that they worked out.
DeleteThose runners make beautiful curtains! They really do pull it all together.
ReplyDeleteI can't pick things out and just put them all together. It's more like one thing at a time and then move on...
Thank you, Mari! I really like the way they look in the room...and yes, while I knew in the store that they'd be perfect, I still had to hang them up to be sure!! 😉
DeleteKim! I love it. That’s a room you could sit in all day. I think that’s the test of a good room. Not too perfect, matchy or stimulating. Now don’t get me wrong I loved that wallpaper ,but you were right and brave btw to take it down. It was a stunning room, but not for the long haul. This version is very serene….until your next change that’s!😉
ReplyDeleteSo many kind words, Susan, thank you my friend. ❤️ I loved that wallpaper, too and I was worried I might regret it when I took it down, but honestly, I don't regret it at all. The room just feels right now and I adore it...but like you said...for now! Hahaha!!
DeleteKim, I love those white lace curtains you made from the table runner. It makes the room look so light and airy. Now you are ready for spring! We just need the weather to warm up now. :)
ReplyDeleteI’m with you, Julie!! I am waiting for the chill to disappear and the flowers to bloom. Here’s hoping Mother Nature lets the warm out soon!!
DeleteClearly they were mis-marked as table runners since they look much better as valances! Great find and an even greater look!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I think you might be right. They were clearly made for windows. 😉
DeleteToo much (olive) green and white in that room! I miss your beautiful floral wallpaper!!
ReplyDeleteLots of people loved that wallpaper, Tricia, and I get it, it was beautiful. ☺️
DeleteI really like slow decorating - your style evolves over time, and you add bit by bit as life happens. What a great use for some very pretty table runners. This is such a cheerful and sweet room. Love how the rug adds that pop of red. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Kim....I love the colors you chose and this room looks so inviting. Each item is perfectly placed and they all enhance the beauty of this room. Such a cheerful area and I could certainly see myself sitting there reading a book and enjoying a glass of southern sweet tea. Happy Friday.
ReplyDeleteLove it Kim. Gotta love Home Goods. I agree it take a few times before you can get it right. Plus usually finding one thing will lead to more. This room is so pretty. Happy Friday. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThe lace curtains are the icing on the cake. I once made lace cafe’ curtains and valances for a multi-windowed corner living room situated on the corner of two busy roads to blur the blacktop and cars and we loved it. I also liked using lace to reference my husband’s Dutch heritage. He wants me to do lace curtains again for our new home. I’m trying to figure where. Your runners are a wonderful addition to your room, way to think outside the box. I make up story boards (and photograph them) of paint choices, fabrics, papers, furniture and accessories I want to use. I do it to keep me on track when shopping or scheming but I’m definitely a slow one thing at a time decorator. Like you, I never stop adding and subtracting because it’s just so much fun! Pamela
ReplyDeleteYour crocheted table runner valances add such a pretty charm to your room, Kim. I’m never done either…always tweaking at something or other!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend blessings ❤️
Perfect!!!!! I'm on my way to our mostly useless Homegoods this morning!!! I will be pleasantly surprised if they have them! :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and a hug or two :-), J