house lessons

over the course of studying and executing numerous interior design ideas and visions, i've learned a few things along the way. here are three of many:

1. the color wheel will not let you down
use the color wheel when creating a room/home's color palette. i like to choose one dominant color and refer to the color wheel for a good secondary color in the room (accessories, accents, etc.). it's always best to look at the colors opposite your primary color. for instance, in this dining room, the beautiful mustard-orange wallpaper is the primary color. however, the room is instantly more interesting when the opposing color of turned copper (a blue/green) is introduced. you don't have to always stick with the same saturation/strength of color. in fact, it's usually a good idea to take a different tone of the opposite color to create a more peaceful juxtaposition. however, some rooms call for an intense pairing of color and those are more likely to have saturated tones of each color.  just use paint chips or another good color source to help you make the best color pairings to help you execute your vision.

2. personalize, personalize, personalize
my home is located on a lot that abuts a 30-acre plantation & horse farm built in 1853.  it housed many famous horses on its grounds (grounds that are now my own yard!).  so, it was important for me to keep a piece of the home's intriguing history visible.  now, this horse triptych hangs on a wall that faces the back of the mansion...plus, is there any animal more beautiful than the horse?

3. finally, a few drapery tips (clarence house "arts & crafts" linen)
i am, by no means, a professional seamstress but i can whip up a very basic drape in no time.  so, over the past few years i've sewn every single window treatment in my home because it's not only cost-effective, but also allows for complete creative freedom and is eternally rewarding.  that said, here are some things to keep in mind if you're thinking about attempting your first drapes:

1. always calculate the width you need by, ideally, multiplying the window's width by 3.  if you're looking to save a little money and the drapes will remain open the majority of the time, you can get away with 2.5 times.

2. if you're using a print, always match the print before sewing the panels together.

3. drapery tape is a life saver and can be found for any type of pleat you'd like.

4. the biggest & most noticeable difference between store-bought drapes and custom drapes is interlining.  always, always use it unless you're making sheers.

5. always pin the hem as the drape hangs.  it's best to let it hang a couple days so that any settling that's going to happen does so before you hem it.

6. for most drapes, you want them to be about 1/2 to 1 inch too long so that they sort of "kiss" the floor.

if you have any questions about sewing drapes, send them my way!  i'll do my best to help you and, trust me, you'll be so glad you made them yourself.  every time you see them or feel them or use them, you'll be so proud.