Family Room Curtains Indecision

We decided we'd have a little party this weekend to kick off summer.  Well, our "little" party grew - which is always good- and yesterday I started looking around at our basement family room, tearing it apart mentally.  (Do you do that??)  Some of our friends coming over are designers and, although all of them are supersweet & would never judge, I couldn't help but want to fix it up before tonight.  (I had a client over to the office last week for a presentation and used areas of my home for "what not to do" and why we'd be doing what we were doing. hahaha )




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!!!


xoxo, Lauren

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

27 comments:

Pine Tree Home said...

I do my best redos right before a party. Puts a bee in my bonnet.

Mary said...

I need to make sure I understand you. Are you saying 2 panels (54" ea) on each side of the window looks better than 1 54" panel?
I made panels for my windows & they never looked right. Do I need to double up on the panels?
They are stationary if that helps.

pve design said...

love to see one of your prints as a flat shade...a roman shade.
pve

under spanish moss said...

Wow, we always so the same thing. We thought we were crazy. Glad to know we're in good company. We also try many differnt looks before we obtain the look that we wanted. It is always so much effort, but fun effort. Wishing you and your famiy a beautiful holiday weekend!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

How about showcasing your own drool worthy fabrics as curtains??

Have a great beginning of summer fest!!

Anonymous said...

Cannot wait to see what you do! :D Had a designer friend over earlier this week and cringed upon opening the door. Ya got nothin' to worry about sista!

Unknown said...

So happy I am not the only one who does things like this. Especially right before a big event. Good for you for returning and holding onto your vision. Enjoy the party. Food sounds awesome.

Kara said...

I do the same thing, it's hard when you know what you want, but it isn't readily available or in the budget! I think double width curtains would look better on a wider rod to showcase their fullness. Happy partying!

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

I never know what's worse: looking at something I hate but am making do with until I can find *exactly* what I'm looking for (and the BUDGET for it) or leaving it bare. Either way it's painful!

I can imagine as a designer you want it to reflect your vision, so if it falls short.....well, post-it notes with disclaimers could work, right? A few sketches taped to the wall? ;)

Kathysue said...

Lauren it is very hard to do effortless well. When I saw the rug and draperies, I thought Fall/winter, warm and cozy,so maybe you can change it for the cooler months. Glad you decided to go light and airy!!! I spent a great deal of time finding a perfect basket for my family room, actually way more time than most would. When we are detailed people it goes with the territory!!! Enjoy your fun day and company, Happy weekend,
Kathysue

Lorna said...

It's not easy making it look effortless that's for sure :)

Heather Peterson said...

All of this sounds SO familiar--you are not alone! Isn't it funny, too, how we let a room in our own home get away from us based on the slippery slope of hasty decisions, but we would never do that for a client?

Let it go for the party, and do it up right when you're done!

Heather
loveyourspace.blogspot.com

Karen said...

Lauren,
LOL...been there, done that. :-)
Karen at Garden, Home and Party dot com

lisaroy said...

Effortless decorating is like effortless hair - by no means no effort!
I do the same thing - rush around at the last minute making major changes when no one would have a clue. And while I should know better, I can't stop myself :)

Windlost said...

I agree- effortless is a lot of work. I know what you mean when a room just doesn't fit. We have a 1970's house and I want an elegant character home. haha. So sometimes I feel like I was forcing things for a while and then relaxed into a look I like. But like you, I like it to all hang together consistently. Can't wait to see what you sort out for the room. It will be lovely and gracious like you!

xo Terri

SWhit said...

I loved this post because all non-designer people feel this way all the time! I'm excited to see what you end up with. It will be great. :-)

Unknown said...

i love the contrast of the dark charcoal against the airy blue. gorgeous!

Fiona said...

I'm glad even designers agonize about their own homes! I swear I thought more about my living room curtains than military leaders probably thought about going into Vietnam, but I finally got it figured out (although they were custom and it pained me to pay that much, but that's the price for not knowing how to sew and not having any time to sew even if I did!)

Julie B. said...

I am not a designer but I find that it's so much easier for me to envision other people's home decorating than my own. Why is this?? Maybe a more ivory paint color and patterned or textured drapes with a solid rug? Eventually it will feel "right." Good luck and can't wait to see it :)

Jilly said...

Such a wonderful and best work you shared here. Awesome flowers, it is best example of nature.
Oil spill kit

cotedetexas said...

crazy girl. why are you not using your new fabrics for curtains?????
a print would be fabulous in there. then two pillows and the room will be finished, designed and so cute. i would use bamboo blinds though too with the curtains. plus you would have something to so clients made up with your fabric.

cotedetexas said...

trust me. you will never be happy with store bought curtains in the end. never. compare these with those you had made for the show house. you can use the proper lining, etc.

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lauren- Happy Holiday weekend! Please show us pics of the newest new curtains! I like Patricia's idea of your fabric on a shade, too...

I am jealous of the height of your walk-out basement. (Or should I call it a first floor) Mine is only 7'-0". Sigh.

Loretta

N said...

I'm the same when we have guests over, if not worse. All of a sudden the things I dont like about my home seem to be magnified. Glad to know there are others out there like me, my hubby thinks Im one of a kind =)

Unknown said...

Lauren Liess, we also have a little party this weekend and took full enjoy kick of summer vacation. Some gust also part of my little party,I'm much happier with theme.
Black Bathroom Vanities

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

I'm constantly changing things up, searching for just the right look...so I know what you mean completely. :)

switchstuff said...

I SO understand and yes I do the same thing. Aside from the craziness of re-do's before a party, curtains are my most hated detail. It's now 11;30 pm and I'm seriously thinking about driving to my shop to pick up and try out a bunch of beautiful beaded panels we just got in. If it weren't for curtains, I'd be a saner person. As always, love your blog!