Sarah's Living Room: Virtually Redone

Sarah asked for my help with her window treatments and wanted to base the room on these pillows:

I was quick to point out to her that her coral, taupe and turquoise scheme played well with her fireplace:

Sarah has graciously agreed to let me share my suggestions not only her windows but the whole room. Thanks, Sarah!  

First, it would do everyone good to read this post from Sofa & Sage on what you need to know about hanging window treatments!

Let's start with the sliding doors and vertical blinds that are driving Sarah crazy.  

My first order of business would be to paint the trim around the windows, doors, and baseboards a creamy white.  I'm thinking either "heavy cream" or "glass of milk" by Martha Stewart.  This would make the biggest change to the space.  If she really wanted to spoil me, she would paint the ceiling beams too.  Remove the hardware and blinds from the window and mount this clear ball drapery rod directly under the ceiling beam.  {Again, read be sure to read what you need to know about hanging window treatments!}  Sarah could use a little sparkle with all that wood and stone.

Add these Merette panels from Ikea.  I chose them because the grommet top adds a modern touch to the space while the taupe/cream color ties into the fireplace.  It's all about the fireplace for me.  Plus, they are very long and can be hemmed for the correct length. I might also add turquoise pom pom trim to the inside edge for a more custom and unexpected look.

I would do the same treatment here except add white fabric roman shade inside the windows.  Remember to mount the drapery rod directly under the ceiling beams!  I considered a bamboo shade, but next to all of that wood I think the softness of fabric would be best.

Similar to this!

Here is an example of the two treatments together:

Then I would recommend the same treatment on this window.  The panels from Ikea are so inexpensive that you could put two on each side.  

Another option is to mount the drapery panels first to see if they provide enough privacy, and then determine if you want to add the shades.

Tired of the window talk?

I would also move the furniture.

{Is anyone still reading this looooooong post besides Sarah?}

Let's pull the couch away from the wall and float it in the middle of the room with its back toward the dinning room, and facing the fireplace.  

Also, turn the table parallel to the couch and center it more in the room.

Now that this wall is free of the couch

we can move the armoire to a bedroom 

and put the TV between the fireplace and the window (old couch wall) on something like this:

source

or maybe on a little more contemporary stand but you get the idea.

 I would move these chairs to flank the fireplace.

It's all about the fireplace.

Finally, wouldn't this fabric from Martyn Lawrence add more pretty to the room?  I would frame a large piece of this as art.  And if we're really going to go crazy let's add a mantle to the fireplace and put this framed fabric on top.  

Thank you, Sarah, for inviting me into your home!  

If you are a regular reader you may be wondering what is happening with Kara and Tom's house.  After our consultation they decided to make some pretty significant changes, like drywalling the fireplace and creating a new mantle and surround.  This takes time.  I will keep you updated after changes are made.

If you would like my help with space planning, color selections, window treatments, or just shopping for finishing touches, 

please e-mail me at abbyandherboys@gmail.com to schedule a consultation.  

You may also e-mail pictures for a virtual consultation.

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