I haven’t chosen a paint color for Eleanor’s room yet, because I’ve been focused on getting the fabrics right first. It may have actually looked a little more cohesive before than it does now, because I had initially just carried everything over from the old house. Now that I’m making some changes and adding in a new color (dark blue, Eleanor’s favorite), the room has hit that in-between stage where nothing has come together completely yet.
A couple of weeks ago:
Today:
* Edit: Read the comments for an explanation of why I covered the window like I did. *
I wanted brass double curtain rods for her room, to match the metal finishes throughout the house. The ones that I liked were going to be $600 for two windows though, so I ordered these instead, in black. I’m still planning to sew pom pom trim along the curtains, but I was waiting to see how I liked the curtains first, in case I was going to return them.
I prefer the quality of PB Teen’s textured curtains, but four curtains would cost $400 for her two windows, versus $80 total for the dark blue curtains from IKEA. The difference isn’t so noticeable in pictures, but in real life, the cheaper curtains feel like an old ’70s leisure suit! They may not be my favorite option, but they look fine on the windows. The trim will make them a little more special, and they’ll be great for blocking the light and for draft/temperature control. Those sheers are also from IKEA, but I’m not a fan of the tab tops. Some modification may be needed there as well.
And now… time to paint! Huzzah! Eleanor wants dark blue walls, like the curtains. DARK. Part of me thinks it may be too much, but it’s her favorite color, and it’s just paint. Why not let the girl have what she wants? I’m going to show her some options for the walls (in Photoshop, so she can see what they’ll actually look like), and we’ll see what she goes for.
kelly@tearinguphouses
October 8, 2013 at 2:01 pmwhat a FANTASTIC space. the millwork! my little guy has almost the same bed.
ggal
October 8, 2013 at 2:01 pmWhy did you hide the gorgeous woodwork around the windows? I ask because I live in a house similar to yours in terms of era and woodwork, and am stuck on what to do window treatment-wise. Would you ever consider highlighting the gorgeous window trim, or do you plan to treat other windows in the house similarly? If you don’t plan to highlight the woodwork, can you offer any suggestions to those of us who might want to show off our trim without just using simple tension rods?
Making it Lovely
October 8, 2013 at 2:06 pmThere are three wooden doors in her room, plus tall baseboards and a picture rail. I wanted to minimize the amount of wood in her room a bit, so the curtains are hung higher and wider than the window. It’s not something I’m planning to do in every room, but it will make sense in hers once it’s a little further along.
If you want to show off your trim, you can mount the curtain rods directly onto the wood. You may want to use a return rod for a cleaner look.
Natalie
October 8, 2013 at 4:00 pmI love how it totally transforms the room. I am generally a fan of natural wood, but toning it down in her room looks wonderful.
The Modern Gal
October 9, 2013 at 8:09 amGGal, I’ve got the same kind of woodwork in my house, and I stick with the “high and wide” approach. My curtains tend to cover the two vertical edges of windows, but the horizontal edges are exposed. It both shows off the trim and keeps it from overwhelming.
Adrienne
October 8, 2013 at 2:04 pmI have those same IKEA sheer curtains in my living room – I just cut a tiny hole right below the tabs and slid the pocket over the rod. I keep meaning to cut off the tabs, but for now they’re just folded back and it they look fine.
Pam
October 8, 2013 at 2:10 pmWhy not offer an accent wall of dark blue against a lighter shade? Or the other way around. That way you can get a better balance while indulging in her preference. Although, I let my 4 yr old pick a darker purple for her room and it’s probably my favorite color in the whole house.
Laurie
October 8, 2013 at 2:18 pmNavy is my goto color right now too. I love everything navy for some reason which means I’m unreasonably attracted to all blue and white stuff.
I’m hanging the same navy curtains in my family room right now to go with the gray walls. Now I’ll think of them as my 70s leisure suite curtains which will make me like them a little better. Because I’m weird.
DWJ
October 8, 2013 at 2:18 pmOne of the things I remember and loved the most about my room growing up as a kid was that my Dad let me paint it the color I wanted – even though my Mom hated it. It was my room and I got to paint it this very funky shade of sage green and I loved it because it was what made me happy. I have a feeling she’ll love the blue walls. And might I also suggest that if you go that dark perhaps you consider using chalk board paint, that might make it even more fun!
Making it Lovely
October 8, 2013 at 3:16 pmSee, that’s awesome! My childhood bedrooms were white, white again, and then awful dated faux-wood paneling. If E is interested in choosing a color, I’m inclined to go with it.
Heidi
October 8, 2013 at 2:20 pmPaint is pretty easy to cover if the dark blue doesn’t work out! It looks like that window lets in a good amount of light, so perhaps the dark paint won’t be too overbearing. Good luck! Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Making it Lovely
October 8, 2013 at 3:14 pmThat’s what I figure! It’s just paint. Even if we do it and three years from now she wants a different wall color, that’s easy enough to change.
Katy@TheOpenDoor
October 8, 2013 at 2:24 pmI have those ikea sheers and also did not like the tabbed look. I sewed them down against the back of the curtain and now they work to hold the rod. It slides right through. I think the poms will dress up the Navy curtains nicely. (I actually have those, too! I stenciled mine. :) )
Sue
October 8, 2013 at 8:29 pmI did the same thing (sewing down the tabs) and it turned out great. In another room I sewed pom poms to the middle side of the curtains and would only suggest to loosen tension when sewing them as mine seemed to pucker a bit. Maybe not pucker but it’s a bit tight and therefore shorter than the side without the pom poms.
Ashlea Walter
October 8, 2013 at 2:34 pmwhat about ONE blue wall just like she wants and use it as a backdrop to some lighter pieces like the bed or some light artwork. Then paint the other walls a different color like off white or putty or even light pink?
Jane
October 8, 2013 at 2:35 pmWe found great curtains on overstock. My son loves his room to be super dark when he sleeps (especially important at nap time and at early bedtime since he’s in a west-facing room). The two curtains are blackout and thermal, and cost about $65 for the pair.
Andrew Schultz
October 8, 2013 at 2:47 pmFor the record, I don’t disapprove of covering some woodwork when hanging window coverings. When I don’t want to, however, I’ve had success with interior mount cloth roller shades from Smith + Noble. They’re not like the crappy roller shades so many of us grew up with, and you can do black out versions, and there are so many options. I did them in a black faux silk in my master bedroom with a side mount chain. And they only interrupt the window for about 2 inches at the top when open.
Also, I had those gorgeous brass Restoration Hardware in my Oak Park living & dining rooms. They are totally worth the money! I was so sad to leave them behind when I sold.
Making it Lovely
October 8, 2013 at 3:10 pmThose RH rods are definitely worth the money! I went to check them out in person, and they are gorgeous. And thanks for the firsthand recommendation about those Smith + Noble shades, too. They’ve always been on my radar, but I haven’t seen them in person or heard from anyone who’d had them.
MelD
October 8, 2013 at 2:53 pmI still don’t understand why you would cover the woodwork – isn’t the beautiful wood why you bought the house?! If I needed to darken the window at all I would use a tension rod and blind on the glass. Such a shame to have the wood craft and cover it up anywhere, surely it’s the focal point of the rooms/house. So I am disappointed.
But it’s not my house, of course.
Making it Lovely
October 8, 2013 at 3:13 pmI do love the woodwork throughout, but I think that this will work best for this particular room. I may reevaluate once things are further along (it’s easy enough to unscrew and remount the curtain rods), but I like where the design is going so far.
liz
October 8, 2013 at 3:00 pmI don’t like the look of tab tops either. When I had some of those ikea tab tops, I folded over the tabs and clipped on rings. Moved better on the rod too. I like the pom pom idea.
I love Eleanor’s choice of dark blue- she has a very discerning eye like her mom!
Nicole L
October 8, 2013 at 3:17 pmI love that you’re seriously considering her paint preferences. I never did get my white room as a kid (it was light light pink), but my younger brother had his choice of dark purple. It was quite a crazy colour, but he totally loved it.
Ayanna
October 8, 2013 at 3:23 pmI so think you should do a navy blue – but with maybe a really cool stripe (I keep thinking of the Mary McDonald preppy stripe wall treatment in a Domino issue, ages ago). Or maybe just using blue in a stencil pattern over lighter walls – like dark blue stars or polka dots? So many ideas – given the age of your home, maybe add navy as a half wall and create a chair rail bookshelf around the room?
So many rooms – can “we” just have one for ideas and experimentation????
Laura
October 8, 2013 at 3:39 pmWhat about dark blue just up to the picture rail? Sherwin Williams Loyal Blue is dark without being DARK. I’m sure you’ve seen this: http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/my-new-office/
BTW, I know many of us would actually paint that woodwork, so don’t let the zealots get you down with their wood worship! Covering it up with curtains indeed!
Mary
October 8, 2013 at 3:40 pmI know you mentioned in an earlier post that you won’t be painting the trim and woodwork. Do you still stand by this? Maybe I lack imagination but I can’t imagine dark blue walls with the brown doors and trim in this room.
SFDC
October 8, 2013 at 3:54 pmI completely agree with Nicole. There’s already a TON of that lovely wood in the room. Minimizing one small portion of it, while adding the texture and softness of fabric at the window, strikes me as a nice balance.
Sarah
October 8, 2013 at 5:23 pmI just bought those same navy Ikea curtains for our guest room! They are very basic, but they sure do block out some light!
Alison
October 8, 2013 at 5:23 pmIf you’re looking for brass rods to use elsewhere in your house, check out Country Curtains… I’ve bought lots of brass finish rods through them (including doubles) and for the price love them. Finial selections are very similar to RH. I’ve had good luck with their curtains too.
Decor8 holly
October 8, 2013 at 5:55 pmHa ha I had to laugh when I read the comment about how some of us would paint the woodwork (me!) so I support your decision to minimize the amount of woodwork with drapes. Totally smart move. I think the dark drapes with dark walls though may be overdoing it, but that’s only my opinion. I’d use a lighter shade on the walls or swap out the drapes for a fun print with blue in it. Also combining tabs with those drapes throws off the window treatments – I would match the sheers to the drapes (pocket) or replace sheers with blinds to lighten the look so there is less fabric on the floor. Have you tried the bed to the left of the window with the nightstand near the window? Or maybe a slimmer nightstand?
xo
Holly
Lisa Masse
October 8, 2013 at 7:10 pmHello!
How do you like the eyeball sconce from Urban Outfitters? I’m thinking of ordering them for my daughters room, but it seemed so small. I ordered the Industrial Sconce for my sons room and LOVE the size.
I think your home is absolutely beautiful!
Lisa
Laura
October 8, 2013 at 7:51 pmI love the color! Doesn’t scream leisure suit to me! I thought they were black but I love the thought of navy with pink! And you are right…if you paint iit then you can change it! It looks so cute so far:) love the eclectic look!
Laura
House envy
trixxie
October 8, 2013 at 8:39 pmI love the idea of dark walls if that is what E. wants, but if you go in that direction then I would go with white curtains. I know you are trying to cover some of the the wood, but the the rod just looks too high in my opinion.
FYI, I live in a loft with beamed wood ceilings..so I have lots of wood to deal with. My main color scheme is navy and white with pops of other colors like turquoise, pink, green, orange, red, yellow, depending on the season The navy and white looks great with all the wood if I do say so myself. Also, have you thought brass spray paint for the rod? Brass would look killer with navy. Navy walls, white curtains w/ turquoise pom pom trim the white bed…throw in some printed pillows…and maybe paint the booskshelf a color?…I like it already.
colleen
October 8, 2013 at 9:39 pmI support the all dark blue walls idea, if that’s what Eleanor loves after seeing the Photoshop mock up. I painted my old living room accent wall a dark blue with light gray side walls. I loved it, but I really love my new living room where all 4 walls are the dark blue color. It’s cozy with all the wood trim and plenty of natural light. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or cave-like. Try BM Affinity in Mysterious. Everyone is surprised at how warm it is year round (in Minnesota).
Happy painting!
Tina Slocum
October 8, 2013 at 9:52 pmHi Nicole,
So many opinions aren’t there?
I shall add one more ;) Since E wants dark blue walls, maybe the curtains would be more fun and attractive in another color or shade. I know you are showing us a peek and that the finished room will be stunning, because you have that eye.
erin
October 9, 2013 at 7:38 amI’m going to stand in Eleanor’s corner. ;) I think a dark blue room would be so wonderfully cozy. Even with dark blue curtains (GASP) covering the window. ;)
I’m so enjoying seeing your thought processes as you make this house your home.
Jennifer I.
October 9, 2013 at 8:04 amWhere’s the bookshelf in the room from? I love it!
A New Video Series with Painting Tips | Making it Lovely
October 9, 2013 at 11:00 am[…] everything and unpack all of the boxes… but come on. I want to pick up a paint brush already! Eleanor’s room is on the docket and I’ll share her color choices later today, but first I have some how-to […]
Ellen
October 9, 2013 at 11:55 amI once had tab curtains I didn’t like but instead of sewing down the tabs, I cut them off. I then used the bottom hem as a rod pocket, easy peasy.
Rachel
October 9, 2013 at 4:14 pmOoo! I love that deep shade of blue! I’m sure you and Eleanor will rock it! It’s funny how quickly kiddos develop their own tastes and style. We just painted our two year old son’s room and he also insisted on blue so I let him choose from a couple of paint chips. It turned out a little too over-the-top for my taste, but he’s tickled. If figure, it’s a small room so it can be painted over quickly and inexpensively. Here’s a pic :)
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/384565255651730370/
Cheers!
MAM
October 10, 2013 at 10:09 amthis bedroom is the same i wanted when i was young. I love the style of it.
Cindy at Neatokeen
October 14, 2013 at 1:23 pmKindred spirit! I LOVE your Tammis Keefe cat wall hanging!
Anna
October 15, 2013 at 3:56 pmDid you make the bed rail for her Jenny Lind bed? I have a set of twin Jenny Linds and would much rather have a nice wooden bed rail than the ones I purchased in the store..
Dark Blue in Eleanor’s Room | Making it Lovely
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September 7, 2016 at 10:40 am[…] and curtains that I made are still in the room from when it used to be my studio. There is a detailed list of sources on a separate page, so do take a look if you’d like to know where something specific came […]