Showing posts with label British. Show all posts
Showing posts with label British. Show all posts

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Maturity is that time...



"Maturity is that time when the mirrors in our minds
turn to windows and instead of seeing the reflection of ourselves we see others."
-Unknown

I have long been a fan of Burberry; my very first pair of "big girl" sunglasses were Burberry, my very favorite purse is my Burberry, my wellies are Burberry, I dream of one day owning the Neiman Marcus Burberry edition British taxi cab... you can see where I am going. To me there is nothing more iconic and British chic than Burberry- from their perfumes to their plaid. But this year they have left me scratching my head a bit with their Burberry Prosum rain cape.

Made of polyurethane and trimmed in patent leather, it is a chic way to not hide your outfit in the rain. It's cute, but at almost $1,300 I can't wrap my head around it...polyurethane! I thought perhaps they had invented some new genius material to use to justify the cost...nope! But none the less they can do no wrong in my eyes, I still kind of love it! 
It's like a window to your outfit! and like all windows- you want to make sure it is accompanied by proper dressing!
Drapes mounted as high as possible help draw the eye up and make a room feel taller

Layering textures isn't just for your bed and sofa; natural fiber blinds paired with fabric drapes makes a stunning statement

Got a big window and can't decide on one fabric? mix things up and create a statement with a collection of curtains

Curtains can add a pop of color and trimmings on them can help set the tone of the room, like these preppy chic curtains

Even a sheer helps the ambiance of the room, it doesn't inhibit the light coming in but it softens it and gives you some privacy 

Window treatments are essential in room where you are eating, can you imagine trying to have brunch with a blinding sun in your eyes.

When I got into the design world I ignored window treatment for the first few years but then I embraced them and I love them, they make a room and can add so much from drama to safety to ambiance- you need window treatments. But what I encounter most is the age old question of how long they should be.

Rule #1 don't do short drapes
Now don't get me wrong- this is an adorable nursery, I am assuming there is some fear of strangulation as to why they are cropped, instead of shorty drapes opt for a roman shade.
Consider fashion for a moment... if you are old enough to be furnishing a home, you are too old for cropped shirts, so no midriff and no shorty drapes.

Rule #2 as long as they are the appropriate length there are no hard and fast rules, only preference

 Floor Length drapes are classic, they brush the floor. They give a clean and tailored feel and are easy to clean around. However, if you have an old home that is charming enough to have uneven floors- this is not for you, you will never be able to get them all even with the floor so save yourself the agony of hemming till your fingers fall off and go longer.

Trouser Length drapes are "breaking the floor" they just rest on the floor. It is a soft and relaxed look that is extremely forgiving of any imperfections in your floor. Some people worry that by sitting on the floor (we are talking and inch or 2 of fabric) they will get dirty easily- harsh truth time, if that is your concern then perhaps you should get better acquainted with your swiffer sweeper... As long as you keep a clean home you shouldn't worry about the drapes.

Puddle Length drapes are over the top romantic, they scream luxe! It's not for everyone because it is more formal but done correctly it can be quite beautiful. So there is a bit more reason for concern on puddled drapes with concern to cleaning, namely because you can easily suck them up in the vacuum if you aren't careful (I can't tell you how many times I have had to repair drapes for clients because of this) but also if you have lovely molding at the floor level then you better make sure they are clean. the puddle will draw attention to baseboards (my favorite place to skimp on cleaning) and as long as they are in good shape this is a plus. Puddled drapes also need consideration on the fabric selection- make sure your choose a fabric that will puddle nicely like a silk, it it is too stiff a fabric it will just look funny.

Monday, January 3, 2011

a dose of sensibility...

I was being lazy watching Sense and Sensibility, I haven't watched it in ages and i don't know why- it is a gorgeous movie- plus I love how young Hugh Grant was in it! It reminded me of how elegant and civilized we humans used to be...yet still today the same issues of love, money and priorities still plague us all...just not in such a hushed sensible manner.
There is one scene in particular that caught my attention; Marianne is drawing a silhouette of her sweetheart Willoughby by candle light...  now there is nothing new about silhouettes but I guess I have a new appreciation for them.
To me silhouettes are a wonderfully charming balance of old tradition and clean crisp modern lines. A classic way to capture a moment and turn it into a modern piece of art. And apparently I am not the only one loving silhouettes these days...
















photos:Anthropologie, Country Living, Etsy, Occasional Enthusiast, BlackApple, CasaSugar, West Elm

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Rather Cheeky...

Well since the wedding date is set, I guess it is time to give up holding out hope that Prince William will casually find his way across the pond to Virginia, meet me and instantly fall head over heals in love with me and make me a princess. So instead I will find a way to pay homage to my childhood dream of becoming a real life princess. While I am not too keen on the royal wedding edition china (made in China no doubt) I do love a good British flag...there is something  both classic(the colors and history) and modern (the contrast and pattern) about the British flag that makes it an inspiring pattern to decorate with.
or maybe take a nod from Kate's new bling...
this one is my favorite favorite favorite!

But more than anything I can't wait for all the dress buzz to hit a fever! anyone care to wager on the silhouette?

photos: house and home, NewYork Estate jewelry, houzz, casasugar