Back in my retail days I would often suggest (and still do!) using panel draperies and roman shades on different windows in the same room. It works especially well in a bedroom when bed has windows on either side and nightstands below (the perfect place for romans) and a large picture window somewhere else in the room (the perfect place for panel draperies.) I would often get the response, "really? use both styles in the same room?". Absolutely! Here are some great photos by professional designers who married the two styles in the same space. I love the look.

decor pad

James Radin

decor pad

Emma Pilkington

Magnolia Homes

Do you like the idea of using two different styles?

Or do you prefer a consistent look throughout the room?

Back in the Swing...

I feel like it's been ages! I've been going full speed and unfortunately my blog has been neglected. I look forward to getting back in the swing of things this week!

So, what I have I been doing? Well, for one thing, we are continuing the mini re-do of several rooms in our house. It started with the dining room and mid-project expanded to the laundry room and office (which is now Joey's room.) Yesterday, I put up trim around the doorways in the dining room.

I was going to do a whole post about how to install trim. However, it doesn't warrant a whole post. Make sure it's straight and level. Also, measure on site- meaning don't use a tape measure. Hold the piece of trim up to the door and mark where you are going to cut.

Lastly, it is a prerequisite that you wear something so unsexy that you are sure to be left alone during this process. I clearly have that one covered. And also, do as I say, not as I do. You should always wear eye gear and close toed shoes. (Sorry, it's the mom in me.)

I recently came across something interesting (one of my sewers brought me a photo) of a style called a "cuffed drapery". I had not seen it before and I thought it was great! I love that it's casual and rustic looking and allows you to show a coordinating fabric. These are the details that help a drapery look custom.

What do you think of this look?

Lulu DK - Win Pillows!

Like Lulu DK? Who wouldn't... great geometrics, gorgeous colors, amazing quality. Here are a few of my favorites:

This fabric has a great border that would be perfect for a pillow with flange and pleated corners.

Are you feeling Lulu too? If so, you can get some over at High Gloss Blue where Claire Watkins is hosting a Taylor Galen Workroom pillow giveaway.

Pillow Giveaway!

Have you been over to High Gloss Blue yet?

It's where designer and blogging expert, Claire Watkins, shares projects, tips, and inspiration. Claire is very talented. Here are a few pics of her work.

Today High Gloss Blue is hosting a Taylor Galen pillows giveaway. They are 17" self-welt pillows with invisible zippers and down inserts. Entering is easy. Just head on over to High Gloss Blue follow the instructions/links here.

GOOD LUCK!

My Office

Ever since moving into the new workroom space I have been dreading decorating my office. First of all, I'm not a designer. Second of all, I over analyze everything. Third, I do not have an unlimited budget. However, today I was inspired by my new art. (Which also goes well with my bag if I do say so myself.)

Here are two fabrics that will be in my office (chair and pillows.)

Curtains are soon to be in production. They are white linen ripplefold similar to the picture below. The track is already installed so as soon as they are finished they will be going up.

Now I just need a good system for hiding all my papers and mess. Unfortunately, I do not think a tarp will work in the room. More pics to come...

Top 10: Tools

My love of tools started long before I had a workroom. One Christmas my dad got me a fully stocked toolbox and individually wrapped each screw driver, wrench, tape measure, etc. I was in heaven! Over the years I have collected a decent amount of tools for work and home. I have compiled a Top Ten list of my recommendations if you like to do light to moderate home improvement projects.

Hitachi Cordless Drill and Flashlight Set, Amazon $95

Why I like it: Two battery packs, flashlight is really handy, everyone needs a cordless drill

What I use it for: Everything really

Drill Bit Set, Amazon, $17.93

Why I like them: Lots of sizes, perfect for cordless drill

What I use them for: drilling into wood including my paneled walls (when I hang pictures), used these bits to construct workroom tables

FYI: these are for wood and not drywall. If you need to hang things on your walls get a bit made for drywall so you don't ruin these.

Vaughan Superbar, Amazon $9.99 Why I like it: it works What I use it for: removing moulding, baseboards, anything that requires "prying"

Komelon Tape Measure, Amazon - $4.77

Why I like it: Big, long, heavy duty

What I use it for: Measuring things of course!

Stanley Level, Amazon - $10.49

Why I like it: Eyeballing it just doesn't work

What I use it for: Hanging pictures, making sure furniture is level, etc.

Stanley Hammer, Amazon - $13.43

Why I like it: Heavy duty

What I use it for: Nailing and nail removal

Hitachi Miter Saw - Amazon, $148.12

Why I like it: Easy to use and transport

What I use it for: Cutting moulding, baseboards, any type of lumber. I use this saw WAY more than I ever thought I would. If you are a DIY-er you will definitely get your money's worth. I also have one of these in my workroom.

Staple Gun - Home Depot, $8.87

Why I like it: Nothing fancy, easy to hold, easy to use

What I use it for: Recovering chairs, any light duty fastening

Skill Saw - Amazon, $74

Why I like it: Easy to use

What I use it for: Cutting larger pieces of lumber (clamp on a "guide" and it functions as a table saw), I recently sawed off the bottoms of several doors so they would open/close properly.

Screw Driver Set- Lowes Kobalt Screw Driver, $14.48

Why I like them: Several sizes, you need smaller screw drivers, comes with an Allen wrench.

What I use them for: Furniture assembly, childrens toys, misc adjustments

When you're ready to get a little more serious...

If you're going to tacking more advanced projects or if you're going to do any moulding or millwork you should consider a compressor. Do not be scared because it's loud. And no, it will not explode. There is no comparison for a pneumatic nailer or stapler.

I love my Porter Cable because it is oil-free (very important for a workroom), it holds 6 gallons of air, it is powerful enough for moderate jobs, and it's portable. It would be a perfect machine to have at home. It even comes with a brad nailer. Purchase a stapler and you will have a nice set. Other attachments can also be purchase for the compressor such as a nozzle that will allow you to fill bike tires, inflatable water toys, etc.

Porter Cable Compressor with Brad Nailer, Home Depot - $169

Hitachi Finish Stapler, Amazon, $82

What is your favorite tool?

Moulding & Millwork

Part of our dining room re-do includes replacing the moulding around the doorways. I think a lot of people are afraid to attempt moulding on their own. It's not actually as difficult as it might seem. When we renovated our kitchen I installed the door moulding and baseboards. With some attention to detail and patience, it can make a huge difference in your home.

Just to show you the great impact of moulding and millwork, here is a great before-and-after of a DIY-er's dining room.

Before...

After...

Learn more about this project here

I'll be documenting our moulding replacement process. We've already run into a few unexpected challenges so I look forward to sharing some "problem-solving" tips after the weekend.

Have you ever tackled a moulding or millwork project? How did it go?