Hi Everyone,
This is a continuation of what is going on with the living room Roman Shades, and the one in the den that I need to get on order asap. However, there’s been a change of plans. So, if you’ve already read part 1 please click the link below to read part 2.
Otherwise, please keep reading from the top.
Part 2 Begins Here
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your kind comments regarding the den window treatment design.
Perhaps I should’ve done the living room Roman shades first. However, the living room was all figured out four years ago.
Below is a rendering I did shortly after I closed on the apartment in November 2020.
Oh, I love the white floors, but wisely confined them to the lower bedroom level. However, there are the Roman shades I want to have.
Sure, many of you will remember this elegant rendering that had these dramatic white-on-white linen drapes.
This is a lovely look and I could always add a large panel on each of the far ends of the windows. However, I would be covering up two of the historic window casings. Plus, I would need an expensive curved iron rod. Then, the drapes themselves, with installation, will run me at least another $3,000, and probably more.
So, how did I come up with this design?
Well, like most of my best ideas, I stole it. ;] I found the image a while back but had no idea who it belonged to until today.
I took another Google search stab at it, and of course! It’s the work of the fantastic Meg Braff, whom I’ve long admired. I found it because I found a much better image of it below from Meg’s portfolio.
It’s interesting because the sofa, rug, and lamp are different in the better photo. My guess is that this is a more recent iteration of this room.
Anyway, I’ve known for over four years that I wanted to do these Greek Key Roman Shades in the living room.
Okay, now here’s where it gets interesting.
This is close to the den, but not obnoxiously close. Still, close enough that you can see both windows if you’re standing in the right spot. If you missed that post, please check it out here.
I’ll post a new image of the proposed den Roman Shade, which hopefully will be out of Brunschwig and Fils Le Lac. Incidentally, we did that fabric on some kitchen chairs over a decade ago!
Yes, it’s the same fabric and the same colorway. We used a different portion of the fabric on each chair.
Okay, GL wanted to see me standing in front of the window to better understand the scale.
That’s a great idea!
But drat, I live alone and don’t have many full-length shots of myself. However, I only needed one. And then I remembered the perfect shot to use.
However, a little warning. Please put your drink down first unless it’s plain water.
Thank you.
.
.
.
Are you ready?
Laurel? Who the hell is that?
That’s me, silly! (Please read the headlines.) ;]
No way!!!
Yes, way. Well, not the Elle Decor cover part. But, that chick in the bikini and weirdtastic getup is me when I was a 24-year-old spring chick. I was a dancer in a cheesy (ya think?) floor show in a hotel near the Egyptian pyramids– for SIX months. If you missed or want to reread my autobiographical post I wrote nearly ten years ago, please check it out here. There are additional Cairo pics and much more.
You were smokin’, Laurel!!!
Thanks. I still am. haha
I will be continuing this post on Wednesday.
Then, I will share more details about the living room Roman Shades, including a template for the trim you can use for your shades! We’ll also discuss what fabric I’ll be doing. I can see that it’s a taffeta, either synthetic or a blend of poly and cotton. Why not silk? Ahhhh. There is no way on God’s good earth that I will ever do silk in a south-facing window. Well, you can, but you better have solar protection and have that baby line and interlined! Please read about some of the fabric nightmares I’ve had over the years.
To be continued…
xo,
*********************************************************
Part 2 Begins Here
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Hi Everyone,
Alright, now that we have had our fun, it’s time to get serious.
First of all, my thoughts are with the poor people in LA who are suffering through one of the worst disasters our nation has ever seen. I can’t imagine.
On Tuesday, I spoke to Dianne, the owner of By Harrington Window treatments. She does pretty much anything but specializes in Roman Shades.
But then, I fell down several rabbit holes.
It has to do with the art which a few of you mentioned. I do listen to your suggestions and sometimes I follow them. Nothing’s been ordered, and I really would love to see the entry ordered so I can get the Gracie panels up. I’m having a party in six weeks, which is the flame under me butt to get things done. However, I’m not going to sweat it. There will be other parties.
The entry has to coordinate with the art going over the guard rail, and both have to coordinate with the Gracie panels I’m dying to have up. So, it must have interest and beautiful colors without overwhelming the huge panels flanking the fireplace.
One of those rabbit holes was the gorgeous Romantic English website.
Last summer, David, the owner of Romantic English saw one of my blog posts and said, “I can have whatever I want—for free.”
Oh, that is so rare, except for Paul Montgomery. The other folks I’ve been trying to work with were snobs not my cup of tea. I don’t expect free, but it was more like, “Well, you can’t just do one piece.” Okay, fine. I’ll take my business elsewhere.
Anyway, Romantic English used to be on Etsy, then eBay, and now David’s only doing his own website. I very much enjoyed looking through it and love the tapestries. Please check out the gorgeous Romantic English website here. He keeps adding to his collection, and he’s added paintings, too.
He sells hundreds of beautiful tapestries. I think most are printed on canvas and other substrates.
I found a piece I like for over the stairwell, and maybe one for the entry.
The linen tapestry art can be stretched over an artist’s canvas frame. Most of the tapestries have borders, but if you want to use a tapestry like a painting I see no reason why it’s necessary to keep the border.
The entry tapestry print is going inside panels like wallpaper and will need a paper backing.
What on earth are you talking about, Laurel?
If you want to hang fabric on the wall as if it’s wallpaper, the fabric must be backed with paper. I know of two companies that do this:
Custom Laminations in New Jersey and Schneider-Banks (SBI) in Texas.
Once the fabric is paper-backed, it’s stable and easy to hang, but I always recommend a professional paper hanger.
What happened to the painting you wanted to do over the staircase?
Well, I still love it and have a good image but it’s not a great one. I was going to go back to the Otis House to take a new image, but they are closed for the winter.
Does the art go with the Brunschwig Le Lac?
Well, it depends on what your definition of “go” is. haha
They’re not super close to each other.
Anyway, I did a new mockup.
This is the piece I like. But then I found another piece that I love! However, before I share that story, the entire tapestry at Romantic English is below.
Oh, the colors are exquisite!
This approximates what the art would look like, reflected in the mirror.
Please note that I have another piece of art, but it will have to wait.
But, you know, I had the Le Lac fabric draped over a pillow in the den and I have to say I rather love it.
Okay, there is quite enough going on the vertical plane, so I have decided not to do the Le Lac print for the den Roman Shade.
So what will we do for the den Roman Shade?
Although I initially rejected it, the sensible me thinks it’ll be beautiful to do the same shade on all three windows. It’s a mistake to make too many statements and even though it’s another room, the window is highly visible.
Sheree asked in the comments what color for the decorative tape.
It could be black, except Meg’s is not black. It’s a very dark gray. On the window, it will also go darker, so a dark gray will appear to be a soft black. Pure black isn’t wrong, but a slightly softer shade, I think, might be better. I would not do wider than 1/2″. Seam binding might work, and it comes in zillions of colors. However, I can discuss what will be best with Dianne.
Laurel, what’s happening with your sofa? I’m getting nervous about it.
Oh, it’s here!
Please forgive me as so much has happened. I did hear from David Harrison the owner of Romantic English. My sofa came, waaay too early for me and I need sleep.
Wait, Laurel! Your sofa came? Where is it?
It’s in the living room. :]
Duh, Laurel.
I took a few photos and they didn’t turn out well. Plus, I need pillows. And, I’m still getting used to having a sofa in the living room, however, it’s very beautiful.
Okay, I need to wrap this up, as this was supposed to go out two nights ago!
xo,
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43 Responses
I LOVE ROMANTIC ENGLISH. I started saving up for a tapestry ever since you mentioned them in a post ages ago. I also looked meticulously through each and every tapestry, and the one you picked was also one of my favorites. I would love to have that one over my bed with walls painted deep red <3
I'm curious about why you selected that one over the one you featured in the other post? The tapestry with the parrot and cockatoo.
I’ve really enjoyed following your journey and your thought process on making your space yours. I love the shades and their design. Just had a random thought on the Roman shades. If the white background is too much of a contrast in the teal room, have you considered the options of a different background color or even using the Le Lac fabric cut in a strip to create your Greek key design? Good luck with your decisions, I’m sure it will all be fabulous!
The Roman shades and art are beautiful additions to your home decor, enhancing the space with timeless elegance and style.
Hi Laurel,
I’ve so much enjoyed following your posts on your remodeling journey. Thank you for sharing !
In regard to the window treatment in the den, may I throw in my 10 cents worth ?
I would really like to see a softer look.
I’m envisioning an asymmetrical top valence with a short cascading tail on the left side of the window, sweeping across the window, down to the right side, with a longer “tail” on the right, and one long panel under it on the right that pools on the floor. I mocked up a drawing but can’t figure out how to post it here 🙄. I think it would look stunning and add some softness to the room. You want the room to look “moody”, but not stark, and there’s a fine line between the two. I would use a lighter color to contrast the dark teal.
Anyways, can’t wait to see your finished work 😊. I’m sure whatever you decide on will look gorgeous!
Fondly,
Barbara
I liked your original window idea for the den, I thought the white one looked boring.
Hi Lois,
Yes! Boring in this case, is good!
I just about fell out of my chair when I saw my name in today’s post! I feel special, haha :] I really like the look in your last rendering with the same window covering in both rooms. Having the Le Lac fabric on pillows will be excellent; you can see the detail of the fabric better than if it’s way above your head. I think it’s wonderful that you ask for our opinions, AND it’s fun to read everyone’s different opinions. Of course, in the end, you know what you want and love, and we all know that whatever you choose will be gorgeous! Can’t wait to see your new sofa!
Happy New Year, Laurel! I prefer the Greek Key treatment for both rooms, there’s a smoother visual flow – easier on my eyes and brain. Really looking forward to seeing Jules in situ. The nail heads and casters on your mock-up appear to be pewter or chrome. Is that the case for the actual sofa? I understand that Antique Brass is also offered by George Smith.
Love seeing three shades the same! Love the Elle cover … what a difference not doing a photoshoot makes in a gal’s life 😉
Glad you are in a much better place than even 6 weeks ago. Looking forward to seeing your sofa!
Love, love, love the Greek Key shades in the LR. While I prefer the print shade in the den, that fabric is so gorgeous and captures more of that moody color scheme, it also looks lovely doing all three windows the same. If you do all three the same, would you consider using a dark teal tape to tie the rooms together? That’s the color of your new LR sofa isn’t it?
The simple table & chair layout in the first picture, with the two fiddle leaf fig plants is really nice. Very light and airy with your high ceilings.
I do like your decision to keep the shades the same… the mock up with the two different treatments was jarring… (to me, but I’m no expert). And Br. and Schw. does exquisite printing… worth putting on a pillow (or something closer to eye level) where you can actually see the detail. Thank you for leading us through your long and expert development.
Hi Laurel,
Your remark about having too many statements makes a lot of sense. But…I can’t help but wonder if the white/cream shade in your den will take away from the moodiness your paint colors instilled.
Would a shade the same color as the walls work? It wouldn’t really be another statement because it would blend in. Just my opinion. We all seem to have one.😂
Thank you for making us aware of Romantic English. I’m going to have fun looking at his website.
I’m excited for Sunday’s post. I’m looking forward to seeing your new sofa.
Hi Mary,
During the day the window is already light and at night, there’s a black hole with a dark wall color except for where there’s a reflection. Just like white and light rooms need dark, dark rooms need some lighter tones and white.
Agree with your shade decision. Good to have that cohesive element. I loved the other material, but agree with others that it is best on a pillow, perhaps. BTW, I’ve noticed in some renderings the top of the stair rail is painted gold, which I like. Are you planning to do that at some point?
And that photo, ooh la la!
Hello Laurel! IMHO, from all of your terrific renderings, the Le Lac shade brings a little more excitement to the gestalt of your home. To my eye, it’s a compliment not a distraction. You have a great gut feel for these complex combinations, but then, I think sometimes you talk yourself out of them, and choose the safe route. You only live once! How about adding a Greek key trim to the bottom of a Le Lac shade?
Shine on bright star! xo
I like Roman shades but not crazy about Greek Key. If everybody wants to see a dynamite youtube, check out “Mississippi Home with Bohemian Soul.” If you like Laurel’s aesthetic, you will love the bedroom and kitchen in this Mississippi home. And the homeowner has the same sense of humor as Laurel. Check it out. Happy New Year everyone!!
You have landed on my favorite option, den and living room shades all the same, it will look cohesive and elegant! I would probably try to find tape for the shades in the same blue color as your gorgeous sofa and den color, but a dark color will be beautiful too! Your renovation is timeless and so classic, just lovely.
Hi Susan,
Now that my sofa is in, it is clear that it needs to be black. However, a very dark teal will probably look black on the windows.
Your home is such a jewel box!
I think the tapestry is a nice old-world touch and befitting of your tall ceilings and exquisite millwork. The color palette and intricacy of the tapestry image adds another layer of personality.
I hope there’s eventually a published book detailing this entire project evolution and what will be a stunning reveal.
sigh…I am already missing the La Lac in the den….the white shades seem to be white spot in the midst of grand moodiness….where will you repeat this white color?
Laurel, per your rendering making all the shades the same appears to flow better – and I like the simple elegance of the design — although I have to say the Le Lac is gorgeous. Maybe do a few pillows for the den’s sofa? And I am dying to see the new sofa – talk about ending your post with a cliff hanger 😉
Just designing a new condo. You provide much info and beautiful ideas! Thank you!
I love your decision to use one window treatment for all 3 windows. It is (not so) simple elegance. Bravo!
Okay. So having the shades match makes visual sense to me. Also, with a full shade on the den window, it can come down at night for full privacy.
Personally, I like the simplest shades possible. Too much pattern in shades or drapes annoys me somehow. I’d rather see special fabrics on other surfaces like furniture and pillows. I don’t even like patterned bedding all that much although I have purchased my fair share and then regretted it. They are always more pleasing in the catalogs than long term in reality.
And Roman shades are my most favorite, especially relaxed Roman shades.
I’d go for dark grey ribbon Greek key if it does look like a soft black in place except what about picking up the sofa and den wall color on the shades?
p.s. Sorry about my inability to read a week or so ago as evidenced in my email to you. I really can’t see until I get eye surgery in a few months. I can’t wait because I can barely read anything.
I loved the printed fabric for the Roman shade but using the same one in the den as the living room looks much much better.
Laurel, thank you for alerting me to put my drink down ! I’m glad you haven’t lost your sense of humor through the renovation ups n downs. Your window treatment plans are dreamy. Sincerely,
Nancy
I love all your window treatment posts. Here’s a wild coincidence given you mentioned in the post how you got the idea for the shade. My eyes about popped out when I saw the chair in the reference photo. That is 1984 Brunschwig & Fils Menars i. Bordered Panel. I literally just spent Sunday evening trying to find some more of it to do a project with the single panel of it that I own. While searching on eBay, I saw an old ad showing it used so freaking beautifully…just as in the photo. Same color way and placement and everything. It’s so striking and I just love it! Anyway I’m going on about the chair—the room it’s in hasn’t got half your home’s bones. Your place is just looking amazing. Hats off! (And best wishes for your health, too. MGH…you’re in great hands as you know.)
And this is just one reason we look forward to your Blog entries… ❤️
Smokin’ indeed! Absolutely love that Elle Decor cover – you are too funny! You were the one that taught me about Greek key designs when I started reading your blog years ago, and I was hooked from the start. I love the shade design for your living room – so elegant. What color were you planning for the Greek key trim?
I love the shades and the picture is great! Amazing to look back sometimes and show your kids, that yep, that was mom before she was mom.
Loved your pic, in there!! You are gorgeous, and adorable!!!! Love hearing about your adventures!!! 😀
The Elle Decor Cover is the photo we didn’t know we needed to start the New Year! 🤣 Thanks for making my day…
you were smokin’ laurel!! wow! what a past! thanks for all the great posts!
a loyal reader,
lynn collins
newburyport and jupiter florida
Hi Laurel…Can you send us a link to your Elle Article? BTW, have always loved Roman Shades with the Greek Key Design…these will be perfect in your Living Room!
Hi Lynn,
Sorry, there’s no article. I said I was on the cover of ED; I put myself there.
I love the shades covering half of the window (from the top down) in the Meg Braff photo. That way, you get to enjoy seeing more of the Le Lac fabric.
My windows are nine feet tall. Meg’s windows are more horizontal in nature, and it’s a white shade. Maybe there are privacy issues. However, I don’t think pulling the shade down that far on my tall windows will look good.
The Elle Decor cover made my day! Love to start with a laugh!
Haha enjoyed it! And I love those Greek key design Roman shades. Greco-Roman they are.
All beautiful. But Laurel, you keep us hanging about your sofa, which you said is in New Jersey. When are you getting it? I would be going out of my mind and couldn’t get one good night’s rest until I had it in my home. Please fill us in!Thanks!!
Roman shades are such a classy touch for any living space! The tips on coordinating them with the den are super practical and stylish.
Thanks for the addition to the pic of the window with its perfect Roman shade, Laurel! That image is a fun addition, but it’s also extremely useful, the perfect combination. Veere Grenney does some wonderful pelmets, but they’re in 8 or perhaps 9-foot high rooms. I really need to think a bit harder before commenting!
Such a fun post! Look forward to the details
Best, Leslie