TWO STORY GREAT ROOM- UPDATE

It is no coincidence that since I wrote about my two story great room back in May that I have been getting more and more inquiries about designing tall spaces like these. I recently completed a great room that I'm looking forward to sharing with you all, but I'm waiting on my client's permission to feature their space. In the meantime, here's a reminder of what my great room looked like before and after:

This room is our central gathering place where we watch movies, play games, and entertain our guests. Since installing the drapery, I've gone a bit further in decorating the space by "shopping my house" for accessories to complete the look. This pair of glass lamps used to be in my master bedroom, but after being replaced they found a new home here! The cherry blossom tree used to be in my office and the gray/greenish vase was a freebie I found while rummaging through my friend's garage!

 

 

 Such a tall space can be quite intimidating because of its expansive walls and soaring ceilings. Another concern people have is that the space is generally open to other areas of the house and they want to maintain a flow from one room to the other.

Lastly, I've been asked to address the fact that though the room is one that is "grand" in nature, it still should be warm and family-friendly. My little ones have no problem getting comfortable here in our home.

Do you have a room with tall ceilings? Need direction or custom window treatments? Contact me to schedule a consultation and let's get busy in creating a space you can be excited about!

TWO-STORY DRAPERY INSTALL: AFTER

I am VERY pleased. He is very pleased...

It took about 2 hours to install the drapery and 30 minutes to rearrange the furniture.  I couldn't wait to prepare today's post so I took the "after" photo late last night.  It's amazing how window treatments can change the entire look of the space.



I'm sure you see the unruly cable cord under the end tables.  We completely rearranged the furniture so the television is now on the opposite side of the room. I'm calling the cable company today to request a new outlet!

The coffee table is a hand-me-down that we've owned for 4 years now. My youngest thinks it's a stage and used it to practice his dance moves much to my dismay. Not looking for a new one any time soon. I intentionally did not show the fireplace wall because it needs work. The fireplace is in great shape, but we haven't found the right items for the mantel display.

I'm sure the next question is regarding privacy. The back of our house faces a wooded area and the backyard is fenced on all sides. We're going to live with the openness for a minute and maybe even streak through the room naked just for fun (kidding).

Here's a little survey: Would you be concerned about the openness? If so, what window option would you consider for the lower windows?

TWO-STORY DRAPERY INSTALL: THE BEFORE

High'em high and hang 'em wide is my mantra as I prepare to have my family room drapery installed today. It all started back in January when, by default, my husband watched an episode of the Christopher Lowell show and saw the before and after of a two story drapery installation.  You can read about that here...All of a sudden his ears were open to what I had been trying to tell him all along! He being the visual creature that he is had to literally see it for himself before giving the final O.K. Here's what the room looks like now:

And here is the look we want to achieve!

No, not the color palette. He would throw the tantrum of the century if I decorated the family room in purple, HA! I'm talking about the drapery...four simple, pinch pleated panels hung from floor to ceiling.

With much guidance, he chose the fabric and hardware. Here's the lesson: you have to make your partner feel a part of the design process. It will always help you in pushing your design agenda!

So wish me luck friends! No matter how many installs I do, I'm nervous each time. I'll be sure to post pics once the install is complete!

Tall Tales: The Makings of a Two Story Family Room

On Saturday, by default (he didn't want to look for the remote), my husband watched an episode of Christopher Lowell's show on the Fine Living Network where he designed this two story living room.

Then his grumbling began about our two story family room. We then started to discuss a wish list for the room.

Of course I was already prepared to show him inspiration photos I gathered...I'm way ahead of him on this one!

 

 

Before the momentum wore off, I quickly phoned my drapery consultant to come over and give us a price on a simple, contemporary window treatment with this fabric and hardware.

During our meeting, my husband learned these panels are not functional, but strictly for aesthetics.  It's so funny how his thoughts were directed toward function, mine beauty then function! As for the lower windows, I would love to leave them bare, but I think I will be overruled...Oh well, you win some you lose some.  It's funny how this all came about from him involuntarily watching ONE design show...I'm just so happy this project will take place sooner than later.