Decorating Styles

Modern Window Treatments

February 10, 2015 Jennifer Davenport 4 Comments

Are you looking for modern window treatments to help you decorate your home? Does the thought of trying to decide what type and style of drapes you want seem daunting?

Modern Window Treatment ideas from Jennifer Decorates.com

Deciding on draperies can be stressful. It is a big investment to make, and making the right choice in fabric and style is crucial.

What defines modern window treatments or modern style in general? Whether you like cottage style, rustic, traditional, or country, decorating styles are always fluid and evolving while remaining constant in key elements that define each style.

Modern style is sleek, clean lines, and for the most part minimalistic. But, it doesn’t mean a boring neutral palette. Let’s take a look at a few ideas, and hopefully, this will help you narrow down the choices for your home.

Drapery Panels

Simple drapery panels add elegance to any room. Hang a drapery pole all the way across the window in order to open and close the panels.

Unique Drapery Hardware

You can add some interest to the top of your drapery panels by introducing a second fabric pattern. For a unique drapery hardware idea, mount your panels with decorative metal finials.

A Cool Industrial Look

These long drapery panels hang in our bonus room. My husband constructed the rods out of plumbing pipe. The fabric I chose looks like cursive words written on a chalk board. It fit perfectly with the scheme of the room. Don’t be afraid to try something really different!

Make a Smaller Drapery Rod

When I have a client that doesn’t want to cover up much of the window, I hang their drapes on a smaller rod. I purchase a wood drapery rod, and cut it down to 18″. Then I drill a hole in the center of the cut side of the rod, in order to be able to screw in the finial.

Customize Your Own Ready-Made Drapery Panels

You can customize your own ready-made drapery panels for a fraction of the cost a professional would charge.

You can purchase ready-made panels and trim, then attach the trim onto the inside of the panel. You can sew the trim onto the panel, or attach it with Stitch Witchery, which is a fusible bonding web that fuses the fabrics together with a hot iron.

Where I purchase ready-made panels:

I have purchased panels from Half-Priced Drapes for clients and applied trim to create a custom look. What I love about Half-Priced Drapes, is that they are affordable and come in extra long lengths. (*I am now an affiliate for Half-Priced Drapes.)

I prefer pole tab curtains over grommets, but that is strictly personal preference. For me, I find pole tab curtains give the look of custom curtains. Finding ready-made drapery panels that are longer than 84″ is difficult. This is what makes Half-Priced Drapes a great choice.

Beautiful Blues

The blues have it! Here is another example of adding interesting trim to linen drapes.

This decorative trim is modern and beautiful! It makes the drapes come alive with color!

Bamboo Blinds

Pair bamboo blinds with your drapery panels. It makes a dramatic effect.

Cafe Curtains

I adore the look of these simple cafe curtains. A small black metal cafe rod, with small metal rings, serve a dual function by adding privacy and elegance.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds epitomize the look of modern window treatments. Modern decorating is all about clean lines.

I love the ribbon added to this roman shade. This would be adorable in a bathroom or child’s room.

This Roman shade gives the window such a timeless and classic look. Everything about this room is elegant!

If you would like your Roman shades to be a little less formal, choose a relaxed Roman shade.

Box Pleat Curtains

Box pleat curtains are one of the more popular choices with my clients. This curtain style is perfect if you want a very tailored look. If you do not want to cover much of your window this style is perfect. Another great feature about this curtain is that it does not take a substantial amount of fabric.

My client chose such a beautiful fabric for her box pleat curtains. This fabric is so colorful! Modern decorating does not mean that you have to limit yourself to neutral colors!

Adding modern window treatments to any room in your home will warm up the space with design and color.

Joined a FUN link party:

Tiny Side Kick.com

Modern Decorating Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport Leave a Comment

I’m anxious to share these modern decorating ideas! I was privileged to have some unique and fabulous clients that needed some modern style ideas for their home.

They are from South Africa, and have a wonderful collection from their many travels throughout the world.

Our first job was to tackle the living room. This room has a vaulted ceiling, and is open and airy. The light filters in beautifully.

Before

Here is a before photo. The couch was not working for their needs, and they felt like the room just didn’t flow and wasn’t cozy.

Many time clients have too many small decor items, and it tends to make the room feel cluttered. Don’t be afraid to use large accessories.

The first change that was made, was purchasing two matching couches. One was pushed up against the wall, which opened up the room even more. A large square coffee table balanced out the two loveseats. A large palm nestled between the couch and window gave a “pop” of color.

Simple long stationary valances soften the room and add color and texture. Bamboo shades offer even more interest to the room, and flow with the rest of the earthy tones in the living room.

We hung two large round rattan baskets going up the stairs. When you have high ceilings, don’t be afraid to decorate high on the walls. This brings the eye up and makes the large open room much more cozy.

I found these fabulous jars at a unique decorating store. I poured coffee beans in them, and placed them on a woven basket lid.

This fabulous fabric was a steal for $8 a yard. The zebra print was perfect. If you are making your own pillows, I highly recommend downy pillow inserts. They stand the test of time! Flat pillows are very unattractive. Downy inserts are worth the splurge.

A large tobacco basket with a resin deer head sculpture mounted in the middle is the highlight of the room. Finding unique wall decor is one of the key elements in modern decorating ideas.

This is the entryway. The mirror came from Hobby Lobby, and the lamp is from T.J. Maxx. Don’t over clutter your tables. Less is more!

Want to really add some modern details? Place laminate flooring on your walls! How great does this look?

Come take a look at the dining room and kitchen.

French Country Decorating

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport

Ideas from distressed painted furniture to French Country fabrics!

How do you define French Country decorating? Personally, it is one of my absolute favorite styles. It embodies grace, charm, and simple elegance. The French Country style is warm and welcoming.

French Country Decorating truly has no set rules; just a few guidelines. It is all about textured walls, informal wood tones, vivacious colored fabrics, weathered patinas, and distressed painted furniture. It mixes and matches Old World style with Country Style. Comfort is key, along with a soothing palette.

French Decorating from Jennifer Decorates.com

French Country is elegant without being fussy. Slipcovers, antiques, toile fabrics, and cast iron light fixtures, all encompass French Country.

The French embrace the “hearth and home” lifestyle, and it reflects their love of life. If this is the style you wish to achieve, you will have to be a treasure hunter. You will have to be willing to go to flea markets, antique shops, and garage sales. But I promise, the hunt is half the fun!

French Country Fabrics

French Country fabrics have very vibrant colors. Yellow, blue, red, green, and black are some of most popular colors. Toile is an extremely popular fabric and paired with checked or stripe fabric makes a beautiful and very French combination.

White also encompasses this style. A beautiful bed all in white with cotton, lace, and ruffles also embodies the French Country look. All of your rooms do not have to have vibrant colors. Decorate your master bedroom in white and cream fabric for a serene and delicate look.

French Country Curtains

Window treatments should be near the top of your French Country decorating list! They are essential in creating the French look. It is all about elegance paired with a look of comfort and ease. Nothing softens a window or a room more than custom curtains.

What I love about this style is that the rules are not set in stone. You can have a simple valance that has been made with French Country fabric, or you have long flowing drapery panels out of a soft linen, ticking, or lace. BOTH styles are French Country!

I love the look of long flowing panels. If you want your panels to “puddle” on the floor, you will need an extra 12″ to create a full puddle. So whether you are sewing your own panels, or purchasing ready-made panels, be sure to add the extra 12″.

To form a pretty puddle, tuck the drapery panel under about 5″ to hide the hem. Then grab the panel about half way up, and gently lift up and then slowly let it fall. This will create pretty folds. For a slightly different look, you can shape it into a half circle pushed up against the wall, and press down on the fabric with your hands. This will help keep it in place and give your draperies a tailored look.

This is a French Country Linen table runner I made to accent my dining room table. It is made from heavy linen and then an embroidered lace fabric was added for the ruffle. White dishes (a staple of French Country) look fabulous on this table runner.

French Country Cottage Furniture

Hand painted furniture is gorgeous and unique. That is what French Country decorating is all about! I found this little bench at a garage sale. I painted it green, distressed it with antiquing glaze, and then painted a countryside scene. French Home Decor has an elegance all its own.

Find a unique piece at a flea market or garage sale that you can paint. If you aren’t an artist yourself, you can always stencil a design on your furniture, and then use acrylic paints to paint your design over the stenciled design. It’s like a home-made paint by numbers, without the numbers!

Or, try your hand at creating your own unique French Country Cottage furniture, using Mod Podge and fabric. This project is so easy to do, and it is absolutely gorgeous. This is a cheap decorating idea that turns an old piece of furniture into a treasured heirloom.

The look of toile upholstery fabric is timeless. Paired with decorative pillows the look is charming. When helping clients decide on what furniture to purchase, no matter what their decorating style is, I always tell them to lean towards furniture that is upholstered in subtle colors, or patterns. That way you will not become tired of your choice in a few years, because you can always change things up with decorative pillows.

Adding French Country Decorating to the Bedroom

This French Country bedroom is beautiful! The antique bed, gold framed artwork, and toile bedding is stunning.

Not only is lace romantic, it adds another layer of detail to your bedding.

French Country Decor

You can’t go wrong with a rooster or sunflower picture hanging on your wall! They are both staples of the classic French look. Their colors come alive on any wall.

Red toile china looks beautiful showcased in a kitchen or dining room. The red plate above is hung in a wrought iron plate hanger in my dining room. I actually have two, and they look fantastic. I placed a larger green plate behind the red plate to make it stand out even more.

I find many toile pieces of china at discount stores. I have one red toile plate sitting on a plate rack in a glass cabinet in my kitchen. With white kitchen cabinets the red really looks bright and cheerier.

French Country Lighting

Attractive light fixtures are important in any interior decorating style. Chandeliers, wall sconces, and table lamps must be chosen with care. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.

Have some fun with your choices. This rooster chandelier above is hanging in my laundry room. Checkered lampshades are ideal for the French style! I found the rooster chandelier at the local home improvement store. Don’t feel like every lamp and light fixture has to be a perfect match. It doesn’t!

Shopping for French Country decor can really be a lot of fun. Find things that appeal to you and make you happy. This little chef greets me every morning, and represents daily joy; a hot cup of coffee!

Add some greenery in attractive pottery, just don’t overdo it. Try to find greenery that looks real. This little pottery even has French words on the front. Perfect.

Another French Country decorating staple is architectural salvage pieces. Scour antique shops, flea markets, and salvage stores to find a unique piece. Look for an old frame and have a piece of mirror cut at your local glass shop to fit inside your frame.

Taking French Country Style Outdoors

Carry your French Country decorating outdoors using concrete statues, potted boxwood, and wrought iron accessories. Have fun and enjoy this welcoming style!

Here is a room I decorated for a client that is all about French Country living decorating ideas.

The French Country Decor Guide is a fabulous website that captures the spirit of French Country decorating!

Save

French Country Living Room

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport

Create the French Country Look in Your Home

Are you looking for French Country living room ideas? Are you trying to figure out how to acquire this timeless style for your home? What I find so appealing about French Country decorating is its’ ability to add charm and beauty without being pretentious. The colors can be bold, or stay subtle with different hues of white and cream.

There are many different interpretations of the French Country style. But, don’t let this confuse or frustrate you. Remember, this style is all about livability paired with individual character.

Some people like to decorate with an array of different white hues. It is calming and serene. Slipcovers are a staple with this style, along with salvaged architecture, white ironstone, and rustic furniture.

Other people like myself, love to embrace bold colors instead. Decorating with curved furniture, gilded painted mirrors, painted furniture, and splashes of red.

Let’s take a look at both of these different styles.

Where to Start?

So, where do you even begin to create a French Country living room? When I meet with a new client, the first thing I have them do is tell me what they like and don’t like about their room. What particular pieces they want to stay, and what they want to go.

So, this is your first step. Make a list of what you want to keep. Then make a list of what you don’t like. Do you want to change the draperies, or replace some furniture pieces and accessories?

Decorating With Neutral Colors

I love French Country cottage furniture. This is a beautiful armoire by Marie Svensson from Vita Ranunkler blog. Marie’s home is decorated beautifully in delightful timeworn hues of white. Her home is located in Sweden.

She and her husband built this fabulous armoire from old doors, and it houses their television.

If you like the soft whites for your decorating palette, white ironstone is a perfect choice to use for your accessories.

For draperies, consider soft neutral colors. Linen is an excellent fabric choice paired with white furniture, and soft patina colors.

Decorating With Color

Red is one of my favorite accent colors. It just seems to cheer up all the other colors around it! These curtains have a beautiful red gingham fabric that has been paired with a complimentary floral pattern. Large pieces of either faux finished furniture, or hand painted furniture are just one of the staples found in French Country decorating.

Most living rooms have a fireplace. Learning how to decorate a fireplace can sometimes be a little complicated, especially, if you are mounting a television above your mantel.

I love candle sconces. The slightly colored glass on the sconces really gives an Old World look.

Pillows that are made from linen, ticking, or lace fall right into the French Country style. These decorative sofa pillows are from Sutton Place Designs. At Sutton Place Designs you will find beautiful custom made pillows and table runners made from vintage grain sacks, flax linen, and ticking.

French Country decor and accessories are usually a mix of timeless pieces that can be romantic, or full of whimsy. Have some fun with your choices. Choose things that appeal to you and make you happy!

I always like to have a mirror hung in every room. The wonderful thing about mirrors is how they reflect and bounce light throughout the room.

Choose some accessories that have the color black. Here the candlesticks are decorated with hand painted gold leaf.

Shop flea markets and local antique shops to find unique furniture pieces. Don’t be afraid to paint furniture!

Remember, creating a French Country living room is about following a few guideline styles, and learning to incorporate your own personality into your decor.

Good Luck Decorating Your Living Room!

Cottage Kitchens

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport

So Where Do You Begin To Create a Cottage Style Kitchen?

Where do you begin creating cottage kitchens? It all starts with adding cottage style decorating ideas that range from bead board, unique flea market finds, to accessorizing with white ironstone and floral china!

Before

There is something about cottage kitchen designs and the nostalgia that they seem to invoke. My mother was always working in the kitchen. We had a 1906 cast iron wood stove that warmed us in the cold winter months. In the summer my mother spent many days canning. As a little girl I remember listening for the canning jar lids to pop.

Maybe childhood memories are why cottage kitchens just seem to draw you into a world of culinary and sensory comforts. I miss those simpler times — hearing the hand mixer hit the side of the glass bowl, the popping of grease from frying chicken, or the smell of a fresh-baked pie. They seem to make you feel nurtured and welcomed.

So, whether you are redesigning the whole kitchen or you just need some decorating tips, below are some ideas to help you create a beautiful cottage kitchen.

Cottage Kitchen Colors

Fabulous design by Donna Talley

First, let’s envision an empty kitchen. The first thing I would concentrate on is the wall and cabinet colors. For a wall color you might want to choose a soft color such as blue, green, or yellow.

If you have white kitchen cabinets, and light colored walls, then you may want to throw in a splash of color with your accessories or kitchen curtains. Or what about painting your lower cabinets a difference color like Cami from Tidbits.com. Her kitchen makeover will make you drool with envy!

Bead board at chair rail height, would add tons of character to your kitchen.

If tiles are in your plan, white Subway tiles are a fabulous look. Subway tiles are a traditional 2″x6″ tile, and are usually laid in a brick pattern. And, best of all they fit into anyone’s budget.

Cottage Kitchen Cabinets and Open Shelves

White kitchen cabinets are the perfect look for cottage kitchens. If you have wood cabinets and you want to paint them follow these cabinet painting tips.

Consider changing your hardware. It will give your cabinets a fresh new look.

If you have a center island you could always opt to paint it a totally different color.

An easy way to give cabinets a built-in furniture look is to add bun feet to the bottom. Home improvement stores carry them in all shapes and sizes. You may need to cut them in half in order to fit under you cabinet. Many times home improvement stores will do this for you at a minimal fee. Then just paint them the same color as your cabinets. This is a cheap decorating idea with a lot of impact!

Open shelves are another option. I’ve always thought with open shelves you would have to be a pretty organized person. I don’t have them, – oh well! They are, however, a fantastic way to cut your renovation cost. You can easily make your own shelves. For added interest, you could have mirrors cut for the back of the shelves to open up the space.

You could also shop at an architectural salvage yard, Ebay, or Etsy for antique architectural corbels. Mounted under some painted white shelves, would look fabulous. What a cottage style look that would be!

Kitchen Appliances

If you are going to be replacing your appliances, opt for a low profile look. Stainless steel appliances with a smooth sleek look blend well with this cottage kitchen style. Of course, if your budget allows, a reproduction vintage stove would really be gorgeous.

The Kitchen Sink

The sink is one of the focal points of your kitchen. I love the look of a farmhouse apron-front sink. If this is in your budget it is a must! But, just a white porcelain sink makes a much bigger impact than a plain stainless steel sink.

Your faucet is an important accessory. Keep with a simple country style, but still choose something unique.

Floors

If painting your floors is an option, try painting a pattern onto your floors. Painted floors are reminiscent of older days.

Wood flooring is an excellent choice for cottage kitchens. Wide planked flooring has become really popular and can be found in hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate. We chose an engineered hardwood by Bruce. It mimicked old barn wood, complete with wormwood holes! This was a fantastic choice for our family because you cannot see scratches or dents in this style of flooring.

Lighting Up the Room!

Lighting is so important! If you only have overhead lighting in your kitchen, we need to talk. I am a huge believer in having the right lighting to create the right mood!

I had small under-counter bullet lights installed in my kitchen. They made a world of difference! If this isn’t an option, consider a small lamp, or use a nightlight.

When you look at cottage kitchens in magazines, many times they have antique lighting, or reproduction lights. Shop around some antique stores and don’t be afraid to paint a chandelier if the patina isn’t to your liking.

Pendant lights hung above the kitchen bar are attractive, and add one more layer of lighting design.

Consider having dimmer switches installed for your overhead lighting. Lowering the lights really sets the mood.

Kitchen Counter-tops

I love the look of butcher block counter tops. This truly fits into the cottage style kitchens decor look. Lighter counter tops fit this style best, but I think you can go with almost any color.

We choose a laminate that looked like granite. The colors were very muted. Instead of a straight edge, we paid a little extra and had them bull-nosed. It didn’t cost a lot more, and really made the counter tops look more expensive. (I like that!)

Cottage Kitchen Curtains

Country cottage curtains can be fun and flirty. Or, you can opt for very simple and timeless sheers. Kitchen curtains for this particular style are never fussy or overdone. A simple box pleat curtain, sheers, or just a simple gathered valance is all your kitchen needs.

Accessorizing Cottage Kitchens

Large vintage signs are one of my favorite kitchen wall decor ideas. They are a fun and creative way to show your personality. Architectural salvage items are also another great wall decor idea. The flea market is a great place to find these items!

A wall plate rack painted a totally different color from your cabinets and accented with country cottage plates will definitely be a stand-out in the room!

A large, round, old-fashioned looking clock is a perfect cottage accessory. Really anything that has a vintage look will be an excellent choice. Mismatched is what this style is all about, so choose things that speak to you.

Make your own chalkboard using chalkboard paint. Find an old, large antique frame and cut some MDF board to fit into the opening. Paint the board with chalkboard paint and you have a stunning chalkboard. It is the perfect place to write your dinner menu, Scriptures, or your honey-do list!

Okay, this is the best part to me! I love shopping for accessories! What makes it so fun is I never know what I will find. Especially if I am shopping for unique flea market finds or trolling garage sales.

Small potted herbs just brag that you are a cook! (Even if that isn’t entirely true, I won’t tell.)

Look for different canister ideas. Whether you decide on the traditional canister, or you find vintage canisters, make sure they have personality! In the photo above, I placed the canisters in a galvanized tray.

I found this beautiful red pie plate at Target, and the faux pears from the craft store. This is a great cheap decorating idea for your kitchen island!

If you have a glass cabinet to accessorize, be sure to use decor items that will show up. Remember not to overcrowd your cabinet. You don’t want your accessories to look cluttered.

Another accessory for your kitchen is cottage tea towels. I love to hang one over a cabinet door, or leave it folded on the sink. Many little specialty shops carry tea towels, but Etsy is another great place to shop for both towels, and other cottage style decorations.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where we feed our body and soul. Create a place that brings comfort to all who visit. Create a place that makes you happy. After all, you will be spending the most time there.

Cottage kitchens are not about a perfect magazine look. Cottage Style decorating is embracing a way of life. A much simpler and easy-going lifestyle.