From plain and simple to statement drapes! See how fullness and pattern completely transformed our windows!
photos by laura sumrak
drapes c/o calico corners | rod | c/o chair | blue pattern pillow | basket | c/o navy velvet pillows | similar pink pillow | similar gray blanket | c/o coffee table | c/o rug
similar blouse | jeans | c/o earrings | c/o lipstick: hot lava
Excited to be getting back to home decor posts and sharing the first one of 2018. Home decor has been the more requested post topic over the last couple of months so you’ll definitely be seeing a lot more of them!
Today, I’m diving back into our living room to talk drapes and the impact they make on your space. I don’t know about you but drapes really aren’t the first thing I think about when redoing a space or making an update. Although, they really should be! Changing up your drapes really transforms your space. Drapes can take your space from blah to clean and simple or cozy and warm or bright and beautiful. There are so many options when it comes to colors, patterns, and textures. Not to mention, the style of your drapes. Do you want pleats {that’s what we went with}, panel, tie or tab, or pocket drapes? Seriously, the options are endless.
Due to that fact, we partnered with Calico Corners as I was really lost as what to do and what to pick. I did however know, I wanted gingham drapes. Having gingham drapes has been a dream of mine for SO long! I love the preppy feel of the pattern and the statement they make. Other than that, I was lost.
Previous to the gingham dream drapes, we had simple gray drapes from HomeGoods. While I loved these, they weren’t quite the statement we were after.
Before:
So like I said above, the previous drapes were really simple. Thin, one shade, and not very wide. However, I did really love the color. They made the gray in the rest of the room really pop and broke up all of the white on this wall. Also, I think Joshua was a fan as it brought in more of a masculine color. But, again, not the statement we were truly really after. This wall is HUGE and needed more oomph, if you know what I mean!
After:
Can we talk about the difference these drapes make? They brighten the corner/wall and give a playful, preppy feel. They’re also a lot thicker and fuller than our previous set. Which creates more of statement and gives a homey feel. Which I love! I’m all about that cozy, homey feel.
Of course I love the gingham pattern but what I really love is how the pattern blends with the wall more. It isn’t as stark of a difference as the solid gray set although they still provide that gray color and bring out the hue in the rest of the room. If you take a look at our full reveal here, you’ll see how the drapes pull in the opposite wall, marble wallpaper. They play off one another and it is SO much fun!
So, have I convinced you that statement drapes are a must?
A little more about the process of having custom draperies made…
First, I recommend gathering your inspiration. Create a Pinterest board or a design board using magazine clippings, pieces of fabrics, and trimmings you life. Once you have that, you’ll have a better idea of what you like and what you’re after for your space.
Next, snap photos of your space and where the draperies will go. Take photos from different angles and have a variety vertical + horizontal shots. Also, take measurements. Start with how far from the ceiling the rod will hang, then how far from the rod to the floor {or wherever you’d like your draperies to hit}. Take note if there are any objects the draperies will need to work around. Such as doors, bookcases, or shelfs.
Then, head to Calico Corners, you can go into one of their stores {find locations here} or visit online to select a fabric, drapery style, and rod + necessary accessories. If possible, I really recommend going into the store. Picking out metals and fabrics can be hard online. The coloring always looks a little different. I stopped in several times here in Charlotte to match our rod to their rings and see what the fabrics looked like in person.
Once you have your rod + accessories and fabric picked out, you’ll choose whether you want a lining on your fabric and the drapery style. Then it’s time to place your order and wait for them to arrive! The drapes will come packaged and ready to be hung. I personally hung ours and waiting a couple of days for wrinkles to fall out a bit before steaming. Then you get to sit back and enjoy!!!
Details of our drapes: We went with this check fabric, they’re lined with white fabric {this made the pattern pop more}, our drapery style is pleated, and the metal for our rings/rod is from the Handrail Collection and called M1 Satin Nickel.
Find some of the photos that inspired our space here as well as my favorites: here, here, and here.
These drapes are gorgeous! I love the color of them and I also just decided I need your rug for my dining room. It’s beautiful.
Have a great Monday!!
xo, Shelby
Thank you so much Shelby! I am truly obsessed with them and how much they transformed the space. Thanks gal! I highly recommend it. Even prettiest in person.
xo Laura Leigh
Majorly obsessed with the gingham drapes! I officially need some in my life now. I think my guest room would look perfect with these!
Thank you Maggie! Yes, you totally do! The pattern is so much fun and adds such a fun preppy vibe to any space.
xo Laura Leigh
Ahh I love all these tips! I’ve always been to afraid to try patterns at home, will definitely keep this in mind. Thanks for posting!
YAY, happy to hear that gal! Oh you definitely need to. I am sure you would love how they turned out.
xo Laura Leigh
I LOVE your drapes! I need new drapes in a few of my rooms, so this is so inspirational!
XOXO
Cathy
Thank you so much Cathy! Happy to hear you found the post inspirational too. That means a lot to me!
xo Laura Leigh
Love, love, loving these drapes! I’ve been wanting to switch things up in my apartment for the longest (the standard ones are definitely not cute), and just love these gingham ones! I like how they’re simple, but add just a small pop!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Thank you Lauren! Glad you’re a fan of them as well. Yes, that is exactly how I would explain them and the vibe I feel they give off. You should definitely add some to your apartment.
xo Laura Leigh
I love how these drapes completely transform the room. We opted for beautiful plantation shutters in the majority of the rooms, and love those as an alternative too!
Thank you Anna! So crazy how one thing can change a space so much. Oh those are great too!
xo Laura Leigh
They really do make such a difference! One of my favorite aspects of your living room design, is the mix of textures and patterns. Nailed it with these girl!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Right? It’s so crazy. Aw, thank you gal! I can take credit for picking the fabric for the drapes but pretty much every other pattern + texture was Shannon.
xo Laura Leigh
You have such a cozy and inviting space. I am in love with all of the decor and your outfit is adorable!
Aw thank you so much Ashley! That is exactly what we were after. Thrilled to hear you are loving the decor!!
xo Laura Leigh
These are PERFECT for your space! Love!
The Champagne Edit
Yay! Happy you think so!!
xo Laura Leigh
Your decor is always so cute. I love the new striped drapes. I have striped and chevron drapes in my living room that I love. Oh, and your braid is beautiful.
You’re so sweet, thank you gal! Oh your chair sounds amazing. Thank you for the compliment on my braid as well! I am trying to master it, still have some work to do haha.
xo Laura Leigh
I am loving your home decor!! Such cute drapes and I love the tassel blanket! xo
Thank you Kelsey! That tassel blanket was a SUPER lucky find at HomeGoods. They always have the best stuff!
xo Laura Leigh
Love the stripes- they look so good!
xo, Kristina
Thanks so much Kristina!
xo Laura Leigh
These are adorable! I love all your decor!
http://www.thefitbrunette.com
Thank you Sam! Really appreciate that gal.
xo Laura Leigh
So glad you shared this. I’ve been looking for new curtains and I love these.
Aw yay!! I couldn’t recommend Calico more. They’re amazing!
xo Laura Leigh
Such a pretty space! Love those drapes!
xo megan
Thank you Megan!
xo Laura Leigh