Are These Curtains Better?
I’m not so sure. I’ve tried putting these curtains in the library before (they’re from my studio), but after someone mentioned trying them here in the comments I thought I’d give it another go.
Remember, here’s the before (with the curtains that everyone except me seems to love)…
I love the colorful curtains, but I don’t think they’re right for the library. Too kooky? Of course that makes me wonder if I’d like Orla curtains as much as I thought.
Now I’m thinking I might want something more masculine. Maybe a crisp geometric in brown and white.
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I L.O.V.E. those curtains! And if you don’t want them, I willl certainly be happy to take them of your hands! :)
I vote to keep them.
I LOVE the BEFORE curtains…the colors are so GREAT in that room. :)
I love the first colorful ones but for that space, I prefer the 2nd set.
I actually really like the bright floraly curtains, especially on a temporary basis (like, say, for the summer).
Of course, this is coming from someone who, in a fit of emotional angst, just re-did her dining room in bright orange, sunshine yellow, and hot pink.
I admit, I may be a bit biased, those curtains would look FAB in my new dining room. ;o)
xox
I like the new curtains! They add a pop of color, and a little kookiness, but I’m always partial to a little quirk in a room. Makes it more interesting! Love the design, and congratulations on your new baby :)
i still like the “before” curtains. sorry! ;)
i agree with april. i love the curtains but i really loved the colors in the origninal better in that space. also like your idea of a geo. print. would work better than floral IMO.
i will take either or off your hands if that helps any ;O)
I prefer the original curtains. I LOVE the colorful ones, but I don’t think they’re right for the space.
I like the addition of the pink/red/rust colors found in the the bright curtains. However, I don’t love the print. I’d maybe look for something with similar colors but a less feminine print.
I think the space needs a bit more color — if not curtains, then something else. Otherwise, it is too sterile for my taste — tasteful, but not exciting. I do like the new light fixture!
I actually like the floral ones there…they give the room a pop of color that adds a little visual interests.
Where’d you find the first version curtains?
{ Lindsey }
http://greatfullday.blogspot.com
I love the idea of a masculine, graphic curtain in there! Have you checked out Contempo Curtains? They have some nice geometric patterns…
When you showed a more realistic picture of the library with the curtains, I definitely agreed with you that they didn’t match quite as well as it looked on the other pictures. I do like the print of these curtains in there though! However, once you bring up the geometric patter that sounds awesome, too. I LOVE geometric patterned prints. I think until you say “Ah, I LOVE that” it’s going to be hard to commit to it, but the curtains now may grow on you after a week or so.
I liked the original curtains, but I understand when a girl needs a change. Actually, the “crisp geometric” idea you mentioned really sounds like a great idea.
I agree with the choice to go with a new geometric pattern curtain…get the pop from the pattern vs. the color…I think it would be a great change and will mix it up a bit!
I like the original curtains best :) in that room.
April, yeah those damn Pier 1 curtains photograph exceptionally well. This is probably the “more realistic picture” you referred to, right? That’s what they look like in person (blech).
yeah i dont think i like these at all..i like them better with pops of red….(like in your office)
the geometric shapes my be a good idea…
ps…the original curtains…although you dont like them..they just FIT the space :)
I love the pink curtains! Where did you find them??
I love the floral curtains, but I would not put them in my library. I keep my reading room calm. I like your idea of possibly going with a geometric for the library. The floral curtains would use in my guest room, daughters room or craft room.
my 2 cents…they are very fresh and pretty for summer. i am sure that baby girl will enjoy the bright cheerful flowers. you can always change them out come september…
I think a bold, geometric pattern would be fantastic there. It would really pop.
Although I liked the original curtains, I like these so much more. I do understand the desire for something a little more masculine- and I think a geometric print could be a good solution. In the meantime, I would def. keep these.
I love the curtains, both sets. I prefer the bright floral ones, but maybe not for your reading space. I think maybe a pair with a bit more of the yellow-ey/gold colour thats already in the libary. But im sure you’ll get it right:o)
I love the new colorful curtains, but they just seem to stand out and hit you in the face in the library. I think the original set fits better and makes the space more serene. I think a masculine, geometric in more muted colors would work, too.
I love both looks. The first is a quieter, more elegant look. The second is fun and funky. I think you should just alternate whenever you feel like a change!
BTW, I love your whole house and wish I could make mine look that way!
I personally LOVE the original curtains. When I first read the post that is what jumped out at me. I think they look awesome! I tend to like more exciting/bright colors as well, but for some reason the original curtains just work for me :)
I like the close up shot, but when you pan to include the yellow stairway, I don’t like it as much. I think it’s the yellow of the wall that is the problem, not so much that the floral curtains are kooky.
I think a masculine pattern in a concise colorway (no more than 3 colors) would be the best way to go.
I do love that table there!
Definetly like the original curtains there better, but I think your idea of something geometric would look great, too! I’m thinking a hex pattern…
*Definitely
I like the idea of something more graphical and bold – I think the new curtains have to many additional colors for that space.
A geometric design would really complement the angles of the chair (I love that chair, by the way, the shelving, and the sort-of window/peephole. Both floral patterns really seem to pop in that environment, so you would want curtains you really love. Though I think that both options look nice, I really understand why you are looking for something that really works with the room.
I LOVE both of them! Was just admiring the first set last night!
You inspired me to get some new curtains/panels for my living room!
I like the original ones the best.That being said, I think curtains in the Orla print would be fabulous!!
The first ones!
I love the original curtains – especially with the new light fixture.
I adore both curtain sets, but I think there is still a better choice out there for the library space. Maybe the first set is too delicate? Needs a stronger pattern. The second set is too colorful and feminine. (I think it could work if you threw in a colorful pillow and artwork, though.) Maybe Magdalene Window Panel – Green or Floral Window Panel – Sand from Pier 1?
I like them both for different reasons. Plus, a photo on line is not the same as living with them.
But what about using them for different seasons? I know I thought it was ridiculous growing up when my mother changed the curtains for the summer, but it’s starting to make a lot of sense to me now! (just can’t afford two sets of curtains yet…!)
I like the punchy flower curtains better than the originals, but agree with changing them out for some bold geometric panels later!
I love the floral curtains. They add a life to the space that it doesn’t have with the others. Even if only for summer, as someone else noted!
I like the idea of a more geometric shaped curtain, the whole room seems to be organized and crisp and I think that type of curtain would compliment the room more. I do like the curtains though just not for that space =)
For this space the first curtains, but agree with something more geometric and masculine wld be even better. Congrats on the birth of Eleanor. She’s so cute. Feel a littl jealous my 8 week old son wakes up1-2 times during thenight and takes 1-2 hrs to feed and settle. Does mean I can read interesting blogs though!
I love the bright and colorful curtains! They make different bookbinds pop out to match.
P.S.
Stephen King, “Cell”… love it!
Argyle curtains would rock this library out! (if you could find them!)
I really thought that the floral curtains from your office would look better than they turned out looking… So I looked through your flickr sets…
What I am thinking is that while the library is truly beautiful, it doesn’t really match the rest of your rooms. They are all brighter and lighter and not as somber. Even Brandon’s office has a bit of pop and character of the two of you.
I agree that aside from the brown floral curtains not being to your liking, that the color on the walls in the stairs might be part of the trouble with finding curtains that really shout out *Nichole* (and of course *Brandon*)… You had said before that you wanted to pull in the living room drapes (I think?) Perhaps a lighter shade of the wheat color that you have would make the difference that you need? (Since colors look darker in small spaces…)
The geometric print would be easy to see if you like it… Isn’t Brandon’s old office rug a brown and white geometric print? You could try it out in the library and then see how you feel about it. (Especially since he has that cool new rug coming…)
Good Luck! You have a fantastic eye…
Man, I’d just like the room! I don’t even care what the curtains look like!!
Although, I must say the bright curtains are cuter, but I’m interested in a masculine geometric!
i love the before curtains – because i have the pillows that match them lol
Would you make your own? Here is a cool fabric from Wilmington called Dandelion Toss – Brown by Melissa Saylor.
http://www.wilmingtonprints.com/Allfabrics.aspx?fcatid=48&name=Bryant%20Park
I too love the before curtains, but I see the need for a more calmed down version for the library. Geometric patterns would be nice, but why not a simple plain curtain. Or is that too boring?
I love the before curtains. They are perfect for the room.
I love that print, but I loved the old one too. It’s a toss up. I do agree a bold, larger pattern would be great
I really love the pop of color. But, I think they work better in your studio. You’re on the right track though.
The pop color is the right idea, but this pattern might be a bit too much. Maybe a floral with more visual structure would do it.
If you haven’t already, you could look into a local screen printer, design your own and have them made. It might cost more, but it would be exactly what you want.
You’re looking for something more *sophisticated*, plain and simple.
No “kooky”/colorful florals, and no borderline bland.
You’re right: you want something more angular, more masculine perhaps, with more muted but luscious tones. That’s what you want. (And Orly Kiely will be too bouncy for what you want.)
i like this replacement… especially with the less white or cream showing. also dig the new light!
I prefer the look of the original Pier 1 curtains. I like the bold curtains in your office, however. You obviously need a change, and I think your thought of a geometric find may work great. You can always save the originals to use again at some point. They really do look great. The bold florals would look good in Eleanor’s room at some point!! :) You have great taste, so whatever you come up with… we’ll all LOVE it I am sure.
Love your blog!
I vote for the before curtains.
I love both! I do however prefer the original ones best. They are subtle and seem to be more library appropriate. They match the room perfectly!!
I like the colors in the old curtains better. I can see what you are saying about a more masculine pattern for the library. Look forward to seeing what you end up hanging!
I definitely think the yellow in the stairway is the issue. The ‘Before’ curtains definitely look better on a whole-room level, but if you’re wanting to have more fun with the space, and give it more flexibility, I’d say to rethink that yellow instead of looking for more curtains to try to fit in. Good luck!
I like the before curtains much better. The floral curtains really don’t seem to flow with the rest of the room.
the do make certain things in the room pop that didn’t pop with the other curtains, but i agree something geometric would look better.
I’m with you. I don’t like the lighter (yellow and gray?) curtains. I prefer the more colorful here because they are darker. I too would like to see something crisp, geometric, and much darker.
I do like these better but I can also imagine a brown & white, geometric pattern!
you might consider painting that wall the same yellow/gold as the stairway. it feels like there’s a lot going on with the two colors in the wall, the curtains, the window, and the bookcases. i really like the graphic nature of the curtains but think it might look better if you eliminated one element (two colors in the wall). it will be cleaner and crisper.
just a thought from an ID.
I comped up my suggestions. I’m not a stalker, ha ha. I was just intrigued by your dilemma because I love both your curtains! And I had some spare time.
http://findingflair.blogspot.com/2009/06/lovely-curtain-treatments.html
I still love the ones you have up right now much more. They match so well!!
I LOVE your idea for a more graphic & bold fabric- that room can handle it!!! I think a pattern similar to these China Seas fabrics might work exceptionally well. A big bold geometric- hell yes.
http://quadrillefabrics.com/chinaseas.html
A geometric pattern might be better but I think you need to tie in the yellow (at least a tiny bit) or it looks disconnected.
I love the new curtains!! They seem much brighter and cheerier, at least in my humble opinion :)
I’m not sure my comment will help, but here is my two cents.
I like how the original curtains make a subtle, clean statement – at least in photos. The second curtains are a fun pop of color and a nice seasonal change.
In my opinion you should design your own. Now before you scoff – I was thinking something like the Brightbranch Appliqued curtain from Anthropologie – but you could either paint them on linen or a soft home decor cotton or applique your own. I see something delicate and creeping – similar to the floral design on your wonderful blog.
I dont know, I loved the floral curtains in the office better. They just seem to go with that room.
Eek, who are any of us to be telling you? But I sheepishly prefer the originals in there. Maybe a diffent colored blankie on the ottoman for that pop of color?
oh man, curtains are so hard, aren’t they? somebody needs to take that on. i hear awesomecurtains.com is available. anyone?
I like the previous curtains better.
I prefer the original curtains – they compliment the space better
OOh, I like them both a lot but the bright flowery ones are my fave for some reason…
I LOVE the first ones. It brightens up the room and adds a little something extra! :D
Emily’s mock up rocks! I love the Pier1 curtains in Sand! Has the tones of your office curtains, but toned down. Bolder color to go with the rest of the house.
of the two, i like the black and white ones better (the present or before pic, i guess) but i could see something totally different really blowing that space away. something with a more substantial fabric and design. seems like you’re having fun spending your bonus!!! i love seeing what you’re using it on :O)
I like the first ones better. But I also like your idea of something geometrical. You’re probably right about the Orla fabric, now that you’ve hung these others. You have a great eye!
I like the bright flowery ones the best – in the summer, I want to surround myself with a similar color palette to the ones represented in that fabric, and I like how the light falls through the various color blocks. Besides, aesthetic variation is always good for the soul!
I definitely think you should go with the bright florals, at least for the summer. then, in the winter, you could try structured brown. go with your natural instinct, though – you always make the right choice!
I actually like the idea of stripes better, I think!
I think I like your idea of getting new curtains. Maybe something with a texture pattern instead of a color pattern? Something is just slightly off with the flowers on both curtains – it’s just not flowing with the books. That said, your house is 1 million times nicer looking than mine regardless :)
Loved the before curtains… Total harmony with the space…
I like the “before” curtains better than the bright colorful ones – for that particular space – but now that you’ve hung the new light I think a masculine-looking geometric print would be the best option.
Nicole,
I prefer the “before” as well. The palette just works. There’s a bit of visual cacophony w/ the new ones from the other room.
I prefer these curtains to the old ones. They really brighten up the space and make the mustard wall much more of an accent color. The ‘before’ curtains, while they matched everything, were almost TOO matchy-matchy, which can be boring. Those are my two cents. :D
I like these better than the before curtains. But really I’m not sure that I like either one in that space. Maybe you should search out a geometrically patterned curtain.
I think the flowery bright curtains are pretty but a bit discordant with the dark brown at the right in the pictures. The mustard walls probably make it hard to find something that goes, but of the two, I prefer the pale look to the vibrant in the space. Your house has so many colors and patterns, I think it would be great to have a neutral and soothing and (as you mentioned) masculine area of the house.
Do you have a floor plan or walk through? I’m not sure how the rooms go when passing from one to another.
I prefer the original curtains. I think they compliment that space perfectly! The new curtains are a fun change, but the originals get my vote :0).
I like the original curtains. I agree with the remarks that describe the flowery ones as “discordant.”
the flowers get my vote. i like the pop.
Love the original curtains, but a geometric would be really great too. I just love this room!!!
I LOVE the floral curtains in your studio, but not so much in the library. I know how it is when you just want something else, so you start moving things around, but nothing is quite working! Have you looked at the Thomas Paul fabrics – they are so lovely – I am currently coveting several of them!
http://www.duralee.com/fabrics/colorway.php?Colorway_id=328
Good luck – I’m sure it will turn out to be fabulous! And BTW – congrats on the BHG win! Well deserved!
Love the original set as well. I’m not opposed to bright colors, but they just don’t seem to go well with the room.
Oh my goodness. Who knew so many people had opinions on curtains?! I think either look great. I guess if I had to choose, I’d go with the brown and gold floral. Have you looked at any of the Amy Butler fabics? Some of those are pretty funky and might be close to an Orla Kiely feel.
I love them for the summer! I’d embrace the bold colour for the season and then change ‘em back when fall hits!
I see what you’re saying about both sets – the first set are lacking a bit of pizazz, the colourful ones just don’t feel right in such a calm space.
Funnily enough after reading your post I hopped over to This Young House, noticed the curtains in this ‘after’ shot and thought they would be perfect in your library: http://www.thisyounghouse.com/2009/06/reader-redesign-one-rockin-family-room/
They are ‘stronger’ than your gold set but not as ‘loud’ as the colourful ones. Plus they’re pink and brown! :)
I like a more masculine print and a simpler line. I love the new light fixture!
YES!!! The new curtains are GREAT! They add just the perfect “punch” the room needed! The before curtains are nice too, but they dont do as much for the room like these new ones do! LOVE them! :)
I like the color of these curtains, but think the others look great in the space…but your ideas of brown and white graphic is the absolute best. They would go with the new light perfectly!
I vote for…the geometric option you mentioned at the end. The light fixture looks great, btw. I think a more modern line would really bring your room to another level. if you have to pick one or the other…my vote goes to the 2nd set (original~) :)
Keep searching…… the floral don’t work…. I love your idea of a more grometric pattern……
I definitely like the before curtains, they aren’t as busy. As for the Orla Curtains, I think they’d be PERFECT. They have a geometric feel compared to the floral and would bring in the additional colors you love. Stick with the Orla!! :oD
I too (still) love your “Before” curtains. But, I must say the “After” ones have grown on me too. I like the bright pop of color in there- cheering it up a bit.
Just wanted to also say that little Eleanor is such a cutie in those pictures in the previous post. She’s so adorable Nicole!
Hi. The “before” curtains fits better with the colours of the room. I think that the “after” curtains era nothing to do in the room, the colour seems to be out of place.
Good Morning,
Just wanted to say that I like the original “boring-to-you” set better, but you may need to add a punch of color with a vase of flowers in pink and a pillow with geometric punch. The floral panels are too busy,while the colors work. Too small of a pattern. Something geometric and colorful would look better if you really want to change them.
I have summer curtains and winter curtains for my living room and my husband thinks that is totally abnormal. I love change!
Good luck and can’t wait to see what you decide.
Wendi
I like the curtains that you have up in the library right now, but I do understand your desire to make a change! I agree that some more masculine curtains (in brown and white?)would look good in your space. Ikea (at least in their Bolingbrook store) has some nice brown and white fabric and The Needle Shop in Bucktown has lots of funky fabrics to choose from. Good luck with your search!
I’d like to see a geometric less flowery look in that area.
But they do look cheerful and nice for the summer!
I think you have two options…go floral in more earthy and subdued colors (like the panels you hate)
http://www.kiitosmarimekko.com/gi621gr.html
or go geometric in a color way that pops. Beware of stripes though, your paneling already reads (or photograhs) stripes.
love the colorful ones. you have such a happy home!
I love the second pair…they are so perfect or summer, bright and cheery… they would make me smile whenever I walked into that room.
I like both sets of curtains but only the “before” look right in the room.
Although I like the newer set of curtains more than the original, I think you may be on track with some brown (and white) geometric vs. a floral pattern here. You already have a lot going on in this room, and something a bit more simple would really speak volumes and compliment the rest of the room.
And.. if brown seems to dull or not fun enough, why not try a bold yet solid red – even dressed up with some fun embroidery in a similar color (darker red or even pink) for accent? I had some taffeta fabric I made into curtains that, from a distance look solid, but when you get close you see embroidery and pattern. So it doesn’t look too busy from afar, but upclose is some fun eye candy when walking by! Have fun! :)
LOVE the bright and cheery floral! They’re fun and unexpected in that space.
I agree with Kari, especially if your library is a room with a lot of shelves and books, that oh-so-comfy-looking chair and maybe a writing table? (Well, if I had a library room, that’s what mine would have.) I like my books to be the focus of a room, so my taste dictates something bold and simple like a solid or what Kari described.
If books and shelves aren’t the prominent features of the room, though, I’d prefer geometric prints over floral. I like the sound of the brown pattern described earlier, but maybe a red and brown or pink and brown (a masculine print, a splash of feminine color?) so you still get a splash of color in the curtains?
I feel your dilemma. Curtains are not my department at all.
I thought these were neat.
http://www.interiormall.com/cat/ndisplaycoll.asp?c1=Fabric&c2=&c3=&book=1377&pgcnt=44&color=&wt=
http://www.interiormall.com/cat/nsample.asp?ID=70663&t=1377
Those 2 sets of curtains are good, since these curtains will be used for your library, the both fit, if i will choose which curtain, I like the original one, for I can read peacefully with it, the floral one is nice too, it brings happiness to my eyes.
I like the bright floral curtains, although both curtains are lovely!
I thought I liked the curtains you had in the library until I saw the new ones and I LOVE the new ones, I say keep ‘em.
Don’t like. Too bright!
I really like both curtains, but I gotta be honest. Not for your library. They are a little bit on the feminine side. I am really diggin’ your new light.
I think you need something bold, like a chevron design!
Hi,
I’ve just stumbled upon your blog, wow! you have such beautiful taste. Your home is a dream. I just had to commment. As a Librarian myself (and one that specialises in designing libraries) I’m so jealous of your library, it looks so peaceful. Now, my thoughts….I LOVE the floral curtains perfect for the summer but not so sure about on a cold winter’s night.
I love the 2nd curtains, but not in that room. I vote for something more masculine or something graphic with 1 or 2 colors. The anthropologie ones were really nice. I feel like nice curtains are really hard to find… At least in the places I can afford.
I like your new idea, a crisp geometric. Especially with the new ceiling light. I still think something with a light lining in it would be great so you don’t see the difference between the window and the wall.
I vote for the before curtains. (or new geometric curtains).
I do think the new curtains are better!!! Fun! (the old were fun too, but maybe too much beige?) The new brighten the space. Love it!
humm.. I’m not a fan of the floral in the curtains… did you check at anthropologies?
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=77303
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=77537
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=880095
I would pick the last leafy one, though I think it’s black.
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=883338
I love the new ones. I love me some color.
I think if you added a more colorful pillow and throw on the chair, it would pull it together better.
I think the flowery curtains are way too busy for that space. I like your idea about a geometric pattern.
Love them!!
I love the curtains you’ve just moved in. But I’m really on an Orla train as of late and think the pillow fabric you featured in a previous post would be perfection.
I used your site for a blog spotlight on my blog! http://thecottageapartment.blogspot.com/2009/05/sunday-blog-spotlight.html Love your work!
i honestly don’t think you can go wrong! both look fantastic. go with the ones that give the room the vibe you want. and know that it might change several times throughout the year. i used to paint the wall behind my bed on a seasonal basis (and change out my throw pillows and a few low-key decor items). my mood shifted with the seasons, my wardrobe shifted – so why not my home? of course this was when i was single. i’m pretty sure my husband would have none of that now :)
I think for your style you need a bigger bolder pattern. Something with a dramatic dark graphic and bright colors. That being said, I think both of these work too.
I prefer the curtains “that everyone except” you “seems to love”!
I like the floral print. It makes me want to grab a book off the shelf and snuggle in that great chair.
i like the first ones better.
I love the big bold flowers… everything else in the library has clean crisp lines, I think they add a nice break to that! Of course you have to be happy with it though.
Hi Nicole, I love your house and choice of colors. I recently got around to making curtains from IKEA fabric I purchased early 2008. Not sure if it’s still available but I love the geometric pattern/color and I like your idea about a crisp brown/white geometric pattern.
I prefer the before.
Hi Nicole,
I have a question about the chair in your library. My husband and I are thinking about purchasing a similar one for our dining room turned library and I have my heart set on white. (what can I say? you’ve inspired me!). My question is, have you had any problems keeping it clean? Purchasing white upholstered furniture has me a little nervous but i just love the look of it! thanks!
Hi,
I love the curtains! I was also wondering where you got the light at the top of your stairs? I’ve been looking for something to replace the awful brass fixtures in my home, but haven’t been able to find something I’m in love with.
Cheers!
I think a big geometric print would be fab.
I like more the first one,I guess they go better with all the room!! And they are less floral!!
I come here for a long time, but usually never leave comments! I really enjoy your blog and your daughter is really cute!!!
***
M
I LOVE them, but for this space in particular, I would vote for the geometrical pattern in brown and beige…
I think the before curtains are better for the library.
What about something in an Alexander Henry? In person, some of his fabrics are lo-o-vely
this colourway has mustard and green, but the lilac is different from what you have now (and geometric):
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/4998
Here’s one that seems ‘you’, though the colours may not go. missing mustard, but has green:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/4999
or…
you could get a lovely textured linen in mustard and edge in vertically with the bright fabric from current curtains ??
Hope this helps :)
Christina
I agree with you.
I think the other curtains worked better than Orla´s.
Keep looking for your dream ones.
I’msure you´ll find them soon and amaze us.
Love
I prefer the original curtains that were up. They seem to pull elements from all over the room. Those other curtains are nice but it seems like they don’t flow well with the rooms as a whole.
I like the bright punch of color of the new florals but I think a masculine, geometric pattern would be much better! I think this is the perfect idea. Now let’s hope you can find them! ;)
People, stop voting for the before curtains. She doesn’t like them.
I LOVE the after, and think they are the perfect pop for this already masculine room. There are two feminine ladies in the house now – you win. A little girlie element.
As for all new curtains, I say live with these for a while and put that money in a college fund to send that adorable baby to RISD.
ps. just noticed the little smile in the yellow flowers. wha???
Have you thought about finding a curtain you like and then changing the yellow on the stairwell? Maybe you are ready for a change there!
The old ones are cool but the new ones are perfect for summer and add an extra pop of color!
the new curtains are really yummy , i way prefer them !!
I love the curtains from before, I thought they were perfect
I like the look of the original curtains on screen. However, I do agree with an earlier poster about the room not really being a “Nicole” room. Most of your other rooms have some accent of pink in them.
Have you thought of adding pink as an accent color? Maybe a curtain with neutral ground with pink, mustard and chocolate.
The mustard wall is skewing things visually for me.
Have you thought of repainting it another color?
If you painted it a pink, kept the floral curtains and replaced the throw- Voila!
I just took a spin thru your flickr set for the library. Where did you place the green ones with victorianesqe pattern with deep green, pink and chocolate?
You could repaint the mustard either a green or pink and put up the curtains. It would change the look of the room. It will still feel more masculine with the chocolate. Then replace the pillow and throw with a coordinating color.
Just a thought.
I don’t know about the pattern/what the color is in person, but the mustard accent color would probably make these curtains from west elm look pretty awesome: http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODr669&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1RUGWIN&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1RUGWIN.
i loveeee them! these are way better than before, at least. i like the way it works with the next room’s color (yellow stripes). you guys have great taste, so i’m sure that it will look fab no matter what.
the color ones totally give something extra to the library-although it was already really special. :-)
Where did you get that table from?
I’m not really opposed to more masculine curtains, but I really like these – they’re so cheery. Who says a library has to be muted?
They’re lovely. Why not change the throw cover on the pillow to colours from the curtains, especially if one of them matches the grey.
Well, I gotta tell you that while I definitely prefer the original curtains here (sorry!)
I think the new ones are just too busy for the space and make it feel sort of crowded – actually scrolling back up to look at the pics again I feel sort of claustrophobic looking at them.
Maculine sounds gooooood, but I think an OK or more feminine print could still work well here. I think any printed fabric that’s going to go in the space needs to be clean, crisp, and on the graphic side to stop things feeling cluttered, and OK fabric would fulful that brief provided the print is an appropriate size.
[Disclaimer - just my two cents, please don't hate me!]
I love your ‘before’ curtains, though they are both gorgeous. The before ones just seem to fit a library area more. The brown and white geometric curtain idea might be perfect- a good mix of modern and edgy for a nice reading area!
I think both of the curtains are great. As someone stated before, I think the bright colorful floral ones are great a nice change for the summer.
Before!
i’m sure you have already made a decision, but i like the bright flower curtains better. they pick up the colors of the books in the book case and compliment the yellow wall. i also think they look a little younger than the before curtains.
rather the after. oops
I think you’re right- if you don’t think this bright pop of color is right {I do- love the second curtains}, you probably wouldn’t love the Orla Kiely in that space.
Hey Nicole,
I am a long-time lurker and I had to comment to ask you a question. I am looking to improve my 1923 California bungalow and I get so inspired by your blog. When I showed my husband your house he said “I bet they don’t have any pets” (we have a cat and a cocker spaniel) and I assured him you do. So my question is how do you manage to keep your home so spotless with a long hair cat and Murray? My cocker is black and everything in my house is covered in cat and dog hair. We have hardwood floors throughout and have given up on rugs because they end so filthy (particularly Ikea rugs). I swifter daily, gone through 2 vacuum cleaners and I frequently lint brush the couch which is white btw. Any tips are appreciated. You have a beautiful family and I look forward to new project ideas in the future. I get giddy when I see you feature dresses and shoes I own in your wishlists.
Thanks,
Liz
[...] still looking for the perfect curtains in there. I’ve ordered Anthropologie’s Windermere curtains (on [...]
Hi can you please tell me where the floral curtains are from?? I’ve been searching for something like those and this is the first I’ve seen close to what I’m looking for…
thanks!
Julia