Honeysuckle Rose, THE color of 2011

Someday I will learn how to coordinate my blog, my fan page and the world.  But in the meantime, check out this yummy pink that has been named the hot color for 2011.
http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post.aspx?id=833efeaf-cc5e-4a43-9964-06eb59fd7238

Things are already looking rosier! (pun intended)

"Windows of Opportunity" in Victorian Homes magazine

I recently wrote an article for Victorian Homes magazine about window treatments appropriate for Victorian homes.  The drapery principles of layering are equally appropriate for Victorian homes and more modern homes alike.  Some of the specific window coverings, tho, are especially lovely in vintage homes or rooms designed in a traditional/formal manner.

I'm talking about the silk appliquéd sheer and silk-on-silk velvet panels mentioned on page 77.  These panels are available finished to 120" long and are about 54" wide with silk velvet scalloped edges and hem.  We have a stained glass panel in the window on the 2nd floor landing at our house.  We will be installing the velvet panel to swag over the top and side of the stained glass.  I say "will be" since we are still finishing the 3rd floor and need to paint the staircase walls before adding the panels.

We also purchased two sheer panels for the front parlor of our 1852 Italianate.  These were lined with a cream colored sheer fabric for greater privacy and a little more sun protection.  The silk sheers will go under a truly vintage window treatment, copied from French drapery designs of the 1880's.  These treatments are still on my "to-do" list behind all my clients' work.  Hopefully, I'll get to work on them during the Christmas break.  I'll add photos of the finished treatments as they happen.

In the mean time, enjoy these images of the silk and velvet panels from the showroom.  And let me know where else you would envision these luxe panels, perhaps in your own home?

Windows Dressing (Up)

For years interior designers have acknowledged the connection between home fashion and clothing.  Bustles, pleats and ruffles on women's clothing of the Victorian era translated to the swags, cascades and jabots of the same period's window treatments.  The slinky, bias cut gowns of the '30's were echoed in the soft, puddling draperies of the time.  And during World War II  short skirts and tailored jackets translated into the streamlined furniture and short, flirty curtains that glamorized rationing.
When drapery designers get together we often talk about dressmaker details on our treatments or soft furnishings.  We know that linings and interlinings improve the drape of a window treatment.  We often hand stitch hems, especially in silks and delicate fabrics. We seek out the special pleat or tuck to create a window treatment that's exactly right for our client.  Just as the couture fashion designer creates a unique look for her custom client by manipulating fabrics, so do professional drapery designers create unique treatments for our custom client's home using the same couture skills.
Professional drapery designers have developed specific technical skills that permit them to work their magic.  But one skill that anyone can improve is observation.  One designer I know calls it "research"  every time she visits Anthropologie.  She's looking for a pleat, a trimming, a special fabric embellishment that she can add to  draperies, valances and furnishings.  I was recently delighted when I found several embellishments in the catalog from usually-quite-conservative Talbots.  Fabric roses, ruffles in wool, even pleats on leather ballet slippers could all be transfered to use in home dec.-

Can't you envision these soft chiffon roses strewn across a throw?  They could be lined up in rows on a square pillow or sewn at random to the face of a silk or sheer drapery.

And what about this girlie treat - a silk charmeuse collar.  This would be a perfect drapery tieback in a boudoir. (Sorry fellas, even my he-man hubby might take exception to all this frou-frou in the master bedroom!)  And with the growing idea of woman caves - we really need a better name for these rooms! - how about decidedly old-fashioned criss-crossed priscilla curtains on the window with a collection of roses trimming the leading edge.
Next time you're out do some research of your own to discover the interconnectivity of fashion, fabrics and home dec.  Happy looking!

How to Make Ribbon Bracelets

I love ribbon.  And this little video shows you how to make an attractive bracelet using 1/4" ribbons and a technique we all learned at summer camp.  Elaine Schmidt demonstrates over 100 ribbon projects in her book, "The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Craft".  This is a fun project for the kids.  Or braid a few bracelets in school colors, team colors, or for wedding favors.  The bracelets can even be used as candle rings on pillar candles.  Spend a lazy afternoon crafting.

Custom Mini-Motors Provide Mega Satisfaction

We recently met with a client who had 1/2" mini blinds in  her skylights.  The motors and battery wands had died over the years and she needed us to replace the motors. A bit of detective work showed that the only company making motors for mini blinds had gone out of business, and our favorite window covering motorization company - Somfy - created motors for 2" and larger blinds.

The client was happy with her micro-minis. They just needed to be motorized again!

Juan, my husband and the Rodriguez half of the business, pondered the question for a while and came up with a truly custom solution.  He retrofit the 18 skylight blinds with radio controlled robotics technology and they are again providing the client with appropriate shading for her room.

This is another example of the Three C's in application.  They are Curiosity, Creativity, and Customization.  When Ecclesiastes says there is nothing new under the sun, he may well be right.  But there are all sorts of combinations and recombinations of what's already here  - and that's part of the joy of custom work!

Little Washington's bicentennial

Last night was a perfect summer night - we attended this outdoor concert to kick off the bicentennial celebration of Washington, PA.  Washington, PA has been affectionately known as "Little Washington", almost from its inception, to distinguish it from that sprawling giant on the Potomac that shares its name.  Our Washington is the county seat of Washington County and is home to a domed courthouse with exquisitely restored Tiffany stained glass panel in the dome, the LeMoyne house, and the Washington Symphony Orchestra - which you hear on this clip.
Last night's program included crowd-pleasers like "Washington Post March", "The Cowboys", "Ashokan Farewell", made popular by Ken Burns' PBS series "Civil War", "Star Wars", and "Stars and Stripes Forever".  The program also featured a new work, "Journey into Wissamaking" composed by W&J's Kyle Simpson for the WSO.  
The rain even held off until the last of the music stands and chairs were taken down and packed away!

Creating a Custom Daybed

When we created a sunroom off the back of the house, we extended the room over the exterior steps to the basement.  So that those steps remained functional, Juan created  a "box" in the sunroom. The box was open underneath the sunroom to provide headroom.  We insulated it so as not to lose heat in the room, then we turned it into a daybed!   

   

Here's the box in the sunroom.  We sealed around the edge of the box and the wall with duct tape to further keep out drafts.  Then the first layer of padding was applied to the box.  After the felt padding is attached then a layer of dacron batting is applied to cover any seams in the padding and offer a smooth surface for the decorator fabric.

The decorator fabric is then wrapped around the padded box.  We railroaded the fabric around the sides and face so there were no seams.  We folded the decorator fabric up onto the top of the box about 8" all around to create a deck.  The decorator fabric was attached with staples in a "snail trail" along the sides and bottom of the box.  We created a custom cushion to sit on top of the box and then whipped up a variety of fun pillows, bolsters and shams to provide lounging comfort.  

To keep the bolsters from falling off, and provide a bit of support, we designed and attached arms to the sides. 

  The finished daybed provides a comfy place to read and daydream.  And we can still get into the basement without bumping our heads!