COTE DE TEXAS: Decorating Updates at Cote de Texas

Decorating Updates at Cote de Texas

 

 

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My client’s curtains that made me want some just like hers!

 

You know the old adage – don’t start redecorating unless you are ready to redo the whole place.   Updating one thing makes everything else look dated.   That’s exactly what happened when, on a whim, I decided to change out the tile countertops in my kitchen for white marble.  While the new gleaming marble looked great, everything else then looked … not so great.  At the time all my walls were painted a light, warm yellow with gray trim and my entire downstairs décor was designed around those yellowish walls.   Once the marble countertops arrived, everything else in the house was out of sync:  yellow paint and white marble doesn’t look all that great together.  It drove me crazy.   It’s been a slow process to rectify since I couldn’t afford to just redo everything all at once and truthfully, I wasn’t mentally ready to do that either.  I hadn’t a clue what I wanted or which direction to go, but, it was obvious the yellow paint had to go, immediately.   After testing about 15 gray samples, the downstairs and upstairs landing were painted a soft, taupe-ish gray (Pratt and Lambert Feathered Gray.)  Afterwards, the family room and kitchen looked a little better, but the living room and dining room with their yellow fabrics made no sense.   I’m still working on those front rooms, but I’ll show you what I’ve done to the back ones. 

 

 

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The dog door:  for 17 years, the door was right next to the window, prohibiting any curtains which would have blocked it.

 

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I finally had the brainstorm that in order to have curtains,  I would have to move the door to the breakfast room!   Took me 17 years to come to this conclusion. 

 

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The new dog door:  Raul added the concrete stairs on which we carved out the dogs names.  Now, how do we keep possums and other critters out of the house?

Ever since I worked on my neighbor’s house last year and added curtains to her family room, I’ve been wanting to do the same to mine.  Our two rooms are similar with windows all along the back of our houses and seeing hers looking so good made me just a little jealous.     When we moved into our house about 17 years ago, I wasn’t as into curtains as I am now.  I installed them only in my bedroom upstairs and in the nursery.   For the rest of the house, we couldn’t afford wooden or even faux wooden shutters, which were so popular then, so we settled for the much cheaper faux wood blinds instead.   Truthfully, we couldn’t afford the faux blinds either and had to put the entire purchase on a credit card.    As time went by and I became a huge curtain fan, I added yellow silk ticking curtains to my dining room and living room.   Those curtains made a huge difference and even Ben liked them, which was shocking because he was so against getting them.    I eventually added more curtains upstairs and one by one, every single faux wooden blind was removed from the house.   I would have loved curtains along the family room’s back wall as well  , but there was the problem of the dog door.   The dog door was installed right next to the windows and any curtains placed there would have become filthy dirty with the two pups running in and out 24/7.   That misplaced dog door ruled my interior design!   While I was busy insisting all my clients get curtains, I made my own excuses not to get them because of that stupid dog door.   After lusting over my neighbor’s curtains, I finally admitted to myself that in order to move forward, I would have to find a new home for that dreaded dog door.  In the end, it was ridiculous how something that took just two days to rectify – had taken me years to act on!   In the breakfast room, my painter, Raul, expertly put a hole in our sheetrock through to the brick leading out to the back yard.  He even added two concrete steps for the dogs to be able to reach their new entry.   The pups quickly acclimated to their changed routine and, finally, after all this time, I was able to get curtains in my family and breakfast room.    Here’s how the room looked before  - with the yellow walls and no curtains:

 

 

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Before:  yellow walls and no curtains.  The old dog door is hiding right behind the lamp table on the right side.

 

 

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The new gray paint and the new curtains!  I used a Pindlar and Pindlar linen in white with a thin gray pinstripe.  The woven shades are pulled up to the molding to visually elongate the line.

 

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We made one long rod from left to right by connecting five smaller ones.  The discounted brown shades were ordered and installed by Monica who does all my curtains, bedding and installations for clients.  For details on the shades, email her at custcrea@sbcglobal.net

 

 

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And a view of the entire room.  It’s so much quieter now with the curtains.  It’s like all the sound is muffled.

 

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So, did you notice I haven’t shown the breakfast room yet?    Well…remember my obsession with Koobo wicker chairs? 

 

 

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I’ve been debating back and forth whether I wanted to get the Koobo chairs for my breakfast room.   While I love the French chairs I got from Tara Shaw, I just really wanted to try the wicker ones.  I thought that if they didn’t work out, I needed some for my backyard anyway….so….

 

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I ended up getting the Koobo chairs and loving them.  But, it’s a long story from there to here, and maybe you can learn from my HUGE mistakes.

 

Originally, I couldn’t decide between the Koobo chairs from Pottery Barn or from Cost Plus World Market.   My thinking was that I should order the Pottery Barn chairs since they were a little bit bigger than the Cost Plus World Market chairs, plus PB delivers and I didn’t want to schlep the chairs back to my house.  So many things were wrong with my thinking.  First, the PB chairs are three times more expensive at $349. versus Cost Plus at $129.00 (on sale.)  Second, yes the PB chairs are bigger, but I needed smaller ones for my space!  I have no idea what I was thinking!!!!  Comparing the two chairs – the PB chair does have a nicer, thicker woven trim than the Cost Plus chair, BUT their seats are unfinished!  You have to use cushions with the PB chairs, while with the Cost Plus you either can or not use the cushions, your decision.   Plus, I waited over four weeks to get my PB chairs – while I could have had the Cost Plus chairs that same day.  

 

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This is what the PB chair looks like under the cushion.  I know – shocking!  At three times the price, too!!!!  Why did they leave the seat unfinished?   It’s ridiculous.

 

 

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These are the Pottery Barn chairs.  You can see the trim is somewhat nicer and thicker, but this is the only visible difference.  They are a tad bit bigger than the Cost Plus, but it’s not that noticeable at all.  And, of course their bottoms are not finished out.  Plus they are three times the price of the Cost Plus chairs.   IMO, there is absolutely NO reason to buy these chairs over the Cost Plus chairs.   I just wish I knew all this, then.

 

 

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In the end, I lived the too big PB chairs for a week and then went to Cost Plus to check out their chairs.  I  ended up schlepping the four chairs home, something I had tried to avoid in the beginning.  These chairs fit around the table much better than the PB ones.  Two of the extra PB chairs went outside where I needed them, and the other two went into my guest room and office.  

 

 

 

 

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Here’s a view of the curtains from the breakfast room looking towards the family room.  I can’t tell you how much better the back of the house looks now with the curtains.  They add so much warmth and coziness, it’s a huge difference.  Even Ben was stunned when he came home.   I probably should have never told him of the change before hand because he was so negative about me adding the curtains.   It would have saved me a lot of grief to just surprise him!!!

 

 

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Here’s a close up of the P&P linen – you can see the pinstripe here.  Looking at the fabric from afar, the stripe is really too subtle to make out.   It took me months to decide on this fabric.  I couldn’t make up my mind if I wanted a pattern or a solid.   I was hooked on an ikat and then a damask for awhile.  I even considered a toile.   But, I kept coming back to this fabric, so I decided I must really like it.    We used a black out lining to keep the sun from shining through the fabric and fading out the stripe.   We also used two widths per panel for fullness.  There are no ironed in pleats and the drape is  puddled just an inch or two on the floor.

 

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The cushions that come with the Cost Plus chairs are adequate, but one day I will need to make covers for them so that I can keep them clean looking.

 

 

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I’m really happy with the results and there are just a few things on my wish list that will probably never happene.  I would love to add doors to my shelves just like Jill Brinson’s HERE.    And one day, I would love to get a stone mantel.  I still need to refinish my wood floors, or paint them, something I am dreading and keep putting off.    As for the living room and dining room, those changes are coming along and hopefully I’ll show their modest updates in the next few months.

 

Coming soon – three really great giveaways – so be sure and watch for them!!

 

 

 

157 comments :

  1. Oh, my goodness, Joni!

    You're good!!! :-) This is looking fantastic! I have so much to learn from you. :-)

    Loving this post! Great job!

    I hope you have an amazing week! :-)

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  3. I needed a good laugh this Monday morning and that "dog door dilemma" was just the thing. You are the Erma Bombeck of Design my dear!

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  4. I LOVE the curtains. Of course, you may remember that the Albans job that you did was my TOTAL inspiration for my kitchen redo which you showed on the blog back in December. Love Love Love what you have done. Thanks so much for sharing! Corey

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  5. Great post! Always enjoy seeing your own house. Good info on the wicker chairs. They look great in your breakfast room, btw! Your hardwoods look wonderful to me--I wouldn't do a thing!

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  7. Joni,
    You did a wonderful job hanging these beautiful curtains! So much warmer!! And your breakfast corner is much more trendy!!
    Love it! Thank you for sharing!
    xx
    Greet

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  8. Joni,
    You always take such a nice pictures!! Can I ask you which camera you uses?!
    Thank you so much for letting me know!
    xx
    Greet

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  9. Your chair saga sounds just like ME! I often can't decide between two items, I get one (thinking I can live with whatever the shortcomings)..... then end up getting the second choice because I couldn't live with the original shortcomings after all and found that the second choice's shortcomings we not so bad. So then I have spent twice the money and have twice the stuff and less room in my house. (I hate to return stuff) However- I usualy am super happy and KNOW that I've made the right choice. LOL! I'm glad I'm not the only one!

    Your updates are just beautiful!

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  10. So, so pretty!!! It IS amazing how warm the curtains make your room. 2.5 years ago, you told ME to put them in my living room...I haven't, yet. Maybe someday???? Love the chair story! Cannot believe how unfinished those PB chairs are. Your home is stunning!

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  11. Joni~
    What can I say...what we do for our doggies!
    We have fondly nicknamed ours "Breck", as he was in life or death need of back surgery in September, right after we committed to a fabulous Breckenridge ski trip! Well, he is about 95% and yes, we did also make the trip!
    I can share in your pain,but my they are worth every penny!

    I love the new wall color and only wish we had one of those near me!We have Sam's no cost co. Waaahhh!

    I can really relate to your dilema,just goes to show you even the pros have mistakes!

    Great looking redo, and in your own home too!(We are alwys at the bottom of the client list).

    Leslie

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  12. Joni-

    I love the changes you have made, cozier and warmer, BUT I loved it before too! Now, about those chairs from the breakfast room.... If you are letting those go to a new home I want 1st dibs!!!!
    Dana

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  13. Joni,
    I love the curtains! It unifies the rooms and gives a nice rhythm to back of the house. It's just all so pretty. Thanks for keeping us updated!

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  16. Joni,
    Bravo! Just when I think it can't look better, it does.
    My thoughts for what it is worth... I would not put doors on your shelves, seeing the objects makes the room interesting and gives it life. I would have the edge of each shelf thickened by having your carpenter had a piece of would.
    Okay here's the question, where is the TV??????????????
    Love your blog, start each moring here.

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  17. Absolutely LOVE your curtains. (I am currently in the midst of picking curtain fabric. I think picking a husband was easier!)

    Question- why don't you return the PB chairs? I know you are using them elsewhere, but since they are more expensive and not finished- why not return them and get 4 more World Market chairs? You should be able to return them to the store, so you wouldn't have to pay for shipping.

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  18. Love everything you have done. The curtains really bring the whole room together and I love the stripe.

    Wonder if maybe seasonally you could skirt your round table to the right of the fireplace with one of the other two favored fabrics? Is skirting too passé or too much fabric for Texas? I live in CT and have a skirted table in a corner. It is a large room like yours, but I know I am stuck a bit in the past.

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  20. I love the changes in your family room. My walls are the same yellow you describe. Your new color is fabulous, very calming and cozy, and wow, what the curtains did for your room. I think it makes the room look larger and gives it the finished look we're all after. Loved how you raised the shades up to the top of the drapes, it sure does pull the eye up and elongates the visual of that wall. Beautiful redo, look forward to the other rooms........

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  21. absolutely breath taking!!!

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  22. LOVE it! I was at World Market and saw the chairs. Of course, I thought of you!

    xo

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  23. Looks gorgeous! Isnt it funny how we let little things like the dog door dictate decisions?? I did the same thing with a light switch in my upstairs hallway. Long story short, left a great wall totally blank because there was a poorly placed light switch smack in the middle of it.

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  24. What a beautiful room you have created here! Gorgeous. I love the contrast of the metal table against the wicker - it's a really nice combination. I can totally relate to your schlepping/size/price dilemma - I have been there!!! Great results in the end for you though!

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  25. I love everything! Love the new gray paint, those curtains are fabulous, love the subtle stripe. I didn't realize until today that your family room, breakfast and kitchen were all one big room, they really flow beautifully. I've learned very quickly not to tell my hubsand decorating changes since men hate change and they will never react the way we want them to. So I simply do things and let whatever happens, happens. Your changes are stunning and your home looks so warm and inviting.Thanks for sharing!

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  26. Great changes!
    Love the drapes, and the wall color (so like my greige in my kitchen, breakfast room, and dining room, and guest room!).
    Almost got the World Market (Cost Plus) chairs for breakfast area for house tour, but ran out of time. After seeing yours I think that four would be cramped, but two for just me and Alberto might be nice.
    Love your story of the 17 years in the house! Updating is often upgrading when we can afford to change the place holders that are often there for years. You know I have done alot in the 7 years Alberto and I have been in our house. Getting a job made so many updates possible.
    And moving the dog door. Duh. So smart Joni!
    xo xo

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  27. Your breakfast room and living room look great, Joni. The pinstripe fabric is so pretty and the wicker chairs look great too with your metal table (and my vote was to keep the French chairs!). You always know what works best for you and your home. I admire that.
    Deborah

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  28. I love the Pindler curtains. Pindler makes beautiful linen at a good price point. I do have a question: Why was it necessary to put bamboo shades on the windows when you didn't have anything on them before and with the "blackout", you certainly don't need them. Is this just a look you are going for?

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  29. It is absolutely perfect! Love it! I need to check out the World Market chairs for a room I'm doing. Thanks for sharing!

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  30. Love love love the new changes! I'm always happy when you feature your house!
    -Linda,ny

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  31. Your house looks great with the new paint color and curtains! Plus, I love that you brought up your doggie door locations and showed pictures. In every house we have owned I struggle to find the perfect spot for the doggie door. (The house we are currently in we built so I was able to add it to the utility room, it's a great spot.)

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  32. Love the shades and love the curtains!!! That Pindler linen is perfect!!! Your guy did great work moving your doggie door....we are having ours moved in 3 weeks....I will be very happy about that for sure....like I was when we first had it installed....until then I was just a doorman for the dog!!! Sorry but I must agree with the commenter who said no doors on the shelves....I love your styling and it does add GREAT INTEREST in the room. I am going to contact your shade person to see about ordering those shades myself...they are just beautiful! Such nice work, Joni!!!

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  33. This looks great! I have the Pottery Barn chairs too - and also because of shipping convenience - I would have to drive quite a ways to a Cost Plus. But the PB chairs are really heavy and unpleasant to move around from my breakfast table since my floor is not smooth.
    Any chance the Kooboo chairs are significantly lighter? (so I too can demote the Pottery barn chairs to other uses - lol)

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  34. It looks fantastic-- I love the subtle stripe in the linen. Good choice-- it will last another 17 years, while an ikat would have gotten you only a few!

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  35. What a lovely post. Love the curtains with the bamboo shades(those are bamboo aren't they?)
    Great story about the chairs! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  36. What an eye candy of a post!! Love the new and improved room, the curtains make a HUGE difference and certainly finish the room beautifully.....the Kooba chairs are great and I love Feathered gray...used that color in my old dressing room...such a beautiful milky gray..all gorgeous images, hope you are enjoying the new and improved rooms!!

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  37. Everything looks really good!! I always enjoy seeing your home updates. I have to ask you about the curtain rods. Did you get them from Calico Corners? I know you have mentioned they have nice ones there. What finish are they? In some photos they look like a satin nickel and in some photos with the light shining on them they look brass. I'm shopping for a rod for my master bedroom and I need one that is 120".

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  38. love, love, LOVE the changes! looks absolutey beautiful Joni! I think the striped linen as the choice for your curtains is perfection... just the right amount of subtle interest to make them so very, very special!
    so happy to hear mr. slippersocks loves the curtains too;)

    joan

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  39. Beautiful. Your breakfast and family room look so finished! You made excellent choices, Joni. Your home is really lovely.

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  40. Wow, love your changes, Joni! The drapes and shades add softness. The whole space is so chic.

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  41. LOVE it! Beautiful job, excellent fabric choice.

    I had the same question - given the cost, why not return the PB chairs?

    Jennifer

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  42. Hi Joni!
    At least! I've been waiting to see those kooboo chairs in your kitchen and I adore the drapes! They add some much to the room. I have a question--are the pleats sewn in or is there a pleating hook or are the curtain rings just clipped on? Details please!

    My Ballards chandelier is still sitting in the box. I am going to paint my dining room a soft gray and add some antique gold accents to the fixture with either a paint pen or Rub n Buff. Eventually I'll have something to show!

    Thanks for letting us in your home,
    Nancy Williams

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  43. Oh it is so nice to know that other people make the same mistakes I make. Unfortunately I do things like that over and over again. GRRRRR! I just bought some very expensive (to me) sconces when I could have bought extremely similar ones at Lowe's for a 10th of the price and painted them. DANG 10% restocking fees kill me on returns! I recently asked my mom when I would finally stop 'learning from mistakes' and she said she still is, don't hold my breath. :-(

    Looks lovely.

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  44. Love all of the new changes, your home looks lovely.

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  45. Looks gorgeous - is your couch the scalloped couch from Wisteria? I am thinking of purchasing it, if it is, what do you think of it?

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  46. I always feel so much better when another designer says it takes months to make a decision on fabric. . . it kills me to decide and now that I have a chair and ottoman on order I'm STRESSED OUT STILL eeeeeeek :)

    Anyway, the curtains are fabulous, and I'm just curious why you didn't return the PB chairs? You must have needed them anyway in the house. . .

    You have no idea how many different things I've schlepped home to try and make my mantle work because I HATE it, it's in the corner, worst spot in the world for a fireplace and is just so wrong on so many levels. Finally I found a mirror in the right colour, angled it so it brings in the room and added lights on both sides. Wow what a difference. But it didn't happen right away.

    Great post Joni, always love to see your house!
    Maria

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  47. Joni it all looks so good!!! Why didn't you just return the PB chairs? Won't being outside ruin them? We could never do that is N.C. Also, what did you do with the Tara Shaw chairs? I cannot wait to see the rest of your rooms.
    xoxo

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  48. Dear Joni,

    Thank you so much for showing us your lovely, stunning family room... I love, love, love the curtains - great job! Makes me want to do my sunroom RIGHT NOW!

    You have made my day with the eye candy as well as another great post. It seems all the blogs I am reading right now are slowing down or something - so it was a true joy to see such a beautiful post from you today!

    Also I think the chairs in the breakfast room really warm up that space - I want some too!

    Your home is so warm and inviting - you should be so proud! Oh, and I would definitely restain the floors - not paint. I'm not sure it would hold up to your furry friends. I have a white painted floor and it's great, but it's in an area that is very seldom used AND I make the kids take off their shoes in there....

    I'm going back now to reread and study your post again!

    You are fabulous!

    AB

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  49. Hi Joni! Oh, I love the new look of your home. Those drapes are gorgeous and really do make your room look so pretty! Now, this is off the subject, but what are those little orbs in that builtin on the right? I love the look of them.
    Your new wicker chairs look so nice with your table. Oh, I can't imagine your room looking any more elegant or prettier and then you say -redo the floor, stone mantle, doors? :)
    You're good!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  50. Nothing like some new stuff to add energy to your space! Good job!

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  51. After living in this house for 5 years I'm finally installing curtains...tomorrow! I can't wait! Hopefully they will finish off the room as well as yours did. Your house is beautiful♥

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  52. Joni,
    Your rooms look amazing! Such beautiful taste and choices. Love it!
    Have a wonderful week, and thank you for sharing. I love to read your stories.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  53. So beautiful, Joni, love, love all the changes. Can't wait to see the rest!

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  54. Your changes are fabulous Joni and I love seeing into your family room from the breakfast room. That fabric is perfect! I'm glad you kept all of the chairs as I'm sure you'll get great use out of them. We need new patio furniture this year and those chairs would be perfect, just wonder how they'll hold up in our climate.
    xo~
    T

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  55. I love the curtains and shades...love the curtain fabric...love the accessories and furniture in the living area...love the kooboo chairs(I purchased one a few months ago for a side chair in our den)....the entire space and gravel patio are so prettyyyyy!

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  56. Suzanne from CaliforniaApril 4, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Oh dear, I use to love my gold and yellow rooms...however, now I am wishing my rooms looked like your rooms!

    You are a wonderful designer and I love the transformation of your family room and kitchen.

    I should just fly you out to California to help me with my desing needs!!!

    Suzanne

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  57. I Love the changes, Looks so fresh just in time for spring and summer. The color of the walls are much, much better with the changes you had made to the kitchen. Love the window treatments and every thing else you did. Great job! I always love looking into your world!

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  58. Joni,
    It's so beautiful! I love the curtains! I'm in the process of dressing my windows, and the hardest decision for me is the finish on the curtain rods!! Black, bronze, antique brass? May I ask where you purchased your rods?
    I'm a native Texan from Corpus living in Richmond Virginia. I smile when you blog about Padre Island. I admire your design talent, your down to earth sensibility, and your kind heart. I truly appreciate you sharing your beautiful home. I can hardly wait to see how you dress the living room windows!!!
    Linda

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  59. I love how the draperies worked out...the full bank of them along the back of your room looks so coastal. If I could ever convince my husband to let me paint the dark paneled walls in my home...well let's just say...a lot would change here.

    Jan @ BellaCasa
    a fellow TEXAS!

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  60. I love all the changes Joni. The curtains are really wonderful. I love the stripe fabric so much! Love the wicker chairs in your breakfast room. It's all good!
    ~Delores

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  61. Lovely. I like your fabric choice for the curtains. You'll never tire of these.

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  62. First curtains look fantastic! Second...I can't believe you have two sets of wicker chairs now. Didn't we all tell you to get the World Market chairs to begin with because they were a good deal and they were smaller? the PB chairs look great outside though. A person can always use more chairs around the house. I love the look of the wicker chairs with that table.

    I have the same problem about curtains in my house....the dogs! Except my problem is that they stand on the back of the sofa and look out the window. I have accordion pleated shades there that came with the house...that I hate. I want to put curtains...but the dogs have wrecked the shades...they are bent and dirty on the corners where they push them aside to look out. Same thing in the bedroom. Newman loves to stand on the bedside table and look out the window. Like you...I keep putting off deciding what to do about the problem.

    I can't deny the dogs looking out...they love it so.

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  63. I Love Love that room! Everything about it. I'm coming back later to savor your blog! I'm putting you on my blog's side bar as blogs I follow.
    Cheers!
    Rita
    @ MAY DAYS

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  64. Beautiful! I love the new curtains and the chairs. Thanks again for the inspiration!

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  65. I'm sure everyone can admit to making a change and in retrospect thinking "why did I wait so long"! Your home is beautiful :)

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  66. I am having the same dilemma (except the dog door is in the adjacent laundry room). I have never had curtains or blinds the length of the family room, but when mullioned windows were recently changed out for energy efficient ones, they just don't look finished. So, shades or curtains, curtains and shades or what? Also I have 3 windows and one side, then a door and then 4 on the otherside. I can't decide how I would put curains (unless I just put them on the ends of the window sets...)
    This is way too long. What I meant to say is I've been a devoted follower for about a year, you are a constant inspiration and I love your "voice". Thanks for all the creativity, fun and gorgeous pictures. You brighten my day.
    Calina

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  67. I love, love your design work. I'm getting inspired to take that leap I have been so hesitant to take and let what I am learning from your amazing blogs guide me!

    Are you sure you wouldn't come to St. Simons Island to do a little design consultation? You have such talent! Thanks for sharing!

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  68. I absolutely LOVE your drapes. I have wanted a muted stripe linen drape for so long...my new goal to realize after seeing yours. With all your blue and white pottery, I think you will like the Elegant Shower we threw yesterday (and Champagne flute give away).

    PS. The personalized doggie step is sweet!

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  69. Joni,

    The curtains and new paint color look great. Can you tell me the source for your curtain rods please? I'm looking for a similar style and size. Thanks for your wonderful blog - I love it!

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  70. WOW! thanks for all the great comments. I'm going through them now. unreal. thank you sooo much for all your support.

    Any questions about the curtains can be sent to Monica at
    custcrea@sbcglobal.net

    She gets the rods from the Antique Drapery Co

    thanks again everyone!!!!!

    Joni

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  71. Joni,

    I have always loved your home and have saved some of the images of your kitchen to my "favorite rooms" folder. I love the new curtains and especially the wicker chairs. I would love a set of those!
    karen

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  72. Oh my, it is heavenly!

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  73. Great job as always, Joni! Love the draperies. I think nothing replaces them as a design tool. Love the new muted color scheme, too.

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  74. Well done Joni!
    I'm a huge fan of curtains and this post shows why! They add such wonderful soft architecture to a room. I love the way they make a room quieter and I love the way they draw one's eye upwards. Beautiful!

    But I don't think Edward would fit through the doggie door!!

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  75. Well done Joni!
    I'm a huge fan of curtains and this post shows why! They add such wonderful soft architecture to a room. I love the way they make a room quieter and I love the way they draw one's eye upwards. Beautiful!

    But I don't think Edward would fit through the doggie door!!

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  76. Really looks good Joni. You're brave to show all your back and forth decisions, but the end result on this one works really well.

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  77. Every single change was perfect! Even though it was beautiful before, it is warmer and more European looking to me, just gorgeous! Perfect post for Belgian Pearls!

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  78. I love this post. I love your blog always and I love your style.

    I am wondering if the new chairs in the breakfast room make it a bit crowded...did you try two of the old chairs on the sides and the new wicker ones at the ends? Just wondering...love, love, love!

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  79. Oh, and the pinstripe curtains are more than perfect they way they talk to the blinds and the Koobo chairs. Brilliant choice. :)

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  80. Oh Joni! I love every single thing you've done with your home. Absolutely LOVELY!!!!!! I loved everything as it was and couldn't imagine it getting better; but as usual you did it. Perfection!!!!! :)

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  81. Pet doors are essential for maintaing a happy household. I fabricated my french door to accomodate the pet door. I'm not nervy enough to cut a hole in the wall. But yours looks great.
    Your family room is fantastic as well. I like the clean look of no curtains but once they are up who can deny how they make a house a home. And my girls love walking under the curtains (opening and closing them) and laying on the puddled fabric. Beautiful job Joni!

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  82. The Invisible Fence company has a doogie door that is opened using a signal from the dog's collar. I don't know if you can retrofit your door, but something to look into. I am considering putting one in, but need to keep raccoons and other wildlife outside!

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  83. I love your house, Joni! Thanks for sharing it with us! I think your choice in fabric for the curtains is good - very classic - could go many ways in the future!

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  84. In looking at pictures of your kitchen island which if I remember correctly is where you cook, I don't recall seeing an exhaust system in place. Do you have down draft and if so, do you like it.

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  85. Gorgeous Joni, stunning really. I love the addition of curtains in the back half of your house, and I think the P*P Fabric is the perfect addition to your space. Course, what do I know!?!? I'm feverishly jotting down notes and stealing pictures from this post! LOL!
    I put a little link on the bottom of my inspiring spaces post today to send visitors over!
    Talk soon,
    xo - A

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  86. I have to agree I really like both the before and after! To be honest I don't think Pottery Barn is worth the money.

    Your rooms are beautiful....of course.

    Kathy

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  87. Joni,
    Your FR and mine are almost identical in layout, my bookshelves frame the fireplace which I hate, yours are set back which makes a huge difference. I too, have the outdated yellow and have been looking at paint colors for quite some time. I love this gray that you used, and you painted the book cases the same, I like that too. You did such a lovely job here ( I always wondered why you didn't have window trtmts). I want to get me some of those chairs!
    Lots of work but so gratifying!
    xo

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  88. I know you don't know me from adam but I must say that you did a fabulous job and the wall of subtle curtains is fabulous. I live ina French Country home and it is in mustards, red and I am so thinking I should be making some more understated and softer changes. At 57, I also find these types of projects overwhelming (so much easier to just watch Dancing with the Stars and leave the decor decisions for another day!). No excuse really, I was an interior designer f 25 years and certainly know about procrastinating clients. Your changes have inspired me, I may just go for it after all.
    All the best and enjoy your new surroundings.

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  89. Love love love....it's amazing what curtains can do. Thanks for sharing.
    Laura from Galena park

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  90. Dear Joni, sometimes it takes awhile to make ground breaking decisions....! Good for the doggies to get now in and out from a different place.
    I love your Changes, the curtains are magnificent and the shades add great texture.
    Looking at your mantle I was wondering if a large starburst mirror would look great there too?

    PS: I hope you are not cross with me about the email comment?

    xoxo Victoria

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  91. I have been waiting for weeks and weeks to learn what became of your obsession with the Kooboo wicker chairs. They're on sale again, and this time I just might cave in. I love how yours look...and the curtains are divine. I just shared your post with my Mr. Slipper Sox (yes, my husband swears by them, too) and he just rolled his eyes. Men -- they just don't get it!

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  92. My husband has been trying to convince me for years to install a dog door. But I don't think my 11 year old Bichon would EVER figure it out!

    Your curtains are amazing. But then so is your entire home. You are inspiring me to make some needed changes. I have been wanting to redecorate for awhile but am way too familiar with the domino effect. Change one thing and everything has to change. But that isn't always a bad thing!

    It's a great excuse to go shopping!

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  93. Joni,
    Love the work you did in both your client's living room as well as your own! Lovely. Though I also loved those Tara Shaw chairs!

    Do you mind telling me what the fabric is on your client's throw pillows on her white couch? I pulled a picture out of a magazine months ago with the same fabric and have yet to come across it. I'm sure it's at the Decorative Center... Just beautiful!

    Thanks and good luck with the rest of your changes! We are about to embark on a 3 month kitchen remodel so I'm also re-decorating our living room and you are great inspiration!

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  95. Dear Joni, I love it all! It makes me feel better to know how many paint shades you try before deciding etc. Even a pro like you!! You have windows that are so pretty and the curtains really enhance their beauty. I have read your post a couple of times and will read again! It's a decorating keeper!
    Julie, Fort Worth, Readers Remodeled Kitchen.

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  96. Joni, I absolutely adore your new curtains. I think that the subtle striped linen was the perfect choice.
    Sorry you had so much trouble with the chairs. At least the story has a happy stylish ending.
    You helped my a while back with the issue of 'too much wall space between the curtain rod and the window frame'. I am changing them out and adding blinds slowly but surely.
    If you would like to see my dining room curtains corrected, the post is:

    http://www.bluecreekhome.com/2011/04/dining-room-reveal.html

    Rhonda

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  97. Oh, Joni, dare I say that we have a few things in common? Like the wall of family room windows, the fabric indecision, the kitchen chair regrets and remedies...to name a few! My windows are still bare in the back. I'm close to throwing some Ikea panels up until I can decide/afford what I really want. (They've only been sitting in my closet for 8 months!)

    I love the subtle stripe, love the fullness, love the way you've hashed out your chair drama!

    Have fun in the process!
    Linsey

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  98. Love, love that dog door with its steps.

    Great job on the transformation. Something to show to any client who thinks they don't need window treatment.

    Cheers,

    Claudia

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  99. I absolutely love every detail. first this space is the perfect example of what a difference curtains make in the space. Question...Is that one long shade all the way across? It looks like it but I can't imagine one that long? Wouldn't it start to sag? How long is the run?

    The fabric you chose is wonderful. The other choices you mentioned would have all been nice but you will love this much longer. There is just nothing to get tired of here.

    Love. love the wicker chairs in your breakfast area. The Tara Shaw chairs are really wonderful but the texture and contrast adds so much warmth. It's amazing the difference. I really like them outside too.

    You just have to be pinching yourself with happiness. It all just feels so right.

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  100. Joni,

    I love it all, and I loved it all before. I think the World Market chairs look absolutely stunning with the metal table- a contrast in textures, but similar in color. I do have one question for you. Do you find it difficult to get in and out of your back french doors now that that you have the bamboo shades hanging in front of them? I think the look of taking them to the ceiling is great but doesn't it get annoying to open the door and worry about the shades hanging down and impeding? I am asking b/c I have a similar door set-up. LOOKS GORGEOUS!

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  101. WOW!!! WHAT A TRANSFORMATION!!! Those curtains make ALL the difference in the world! AND, your choice of paint color is spot on! I think I might use this color in my own kitchen and family room. I've not yet read all the comments, so if you've already shared the name of the paint color you used on your trim forgive me. But if not, could you please do so. Thanks, Joni. You're the best!

    P.S.-I'm glad you got the chairs. They look great!

    Karen T.

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  102. Looks great Joni, adore the new curtains and especially the story of the Cost Plus vs World Market. We don't always have to pay more!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  103. Hi Joni -
    I like this room alot... you should be proud and pleased! It looks lived in and not decorated - in a good way, of course. It is fresh, pretty, and inviting. The curtains are simple and beautiful and finished off the room. Always have loved your metal breakfast room table. Thanks for letting us have a look inside!
    Nancy

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  104. Joni,
    Perfect in every way! I copied your paint color on my new kitchen cabinets, but used soapstone instead of marble.
    Can't wait to get those chairs. I was having the same dilemma as you--more expensive chairs or the World Market Chairs. You have convinced me more expensive is not always better.
    And the linen is fabulous. Keep inspiring us all.
    X0X0

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  105. Joni, what a difference!!! Can you share the name of the Pindler fabric? Thanks!

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  106. Hi Joni,
    Great job! Wish you were in my town! I love the way the curtains look. I'm in the middle of family room curtain decisions and this has helped move me in the right direction I think.
    Just a thought, but have you considered switching the place of the wing chair near the fire place with the small chair on the other side of the fire place? From the picture it looks like it might work but, on the other hand you are there and I'm not.
    Thanks so much for your blog and all the work you put into it.

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  107. Could you please tell me if you painted the trim and woodwork the same color as the wall? If so, what sheens did you use? Thank you. It looks great!

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  108. I don't know if I've ever seen your breakfast area and family room from that angle. I love that bank of windows you have all along that back side. The rooms were pretty before, but the curtains really add a lot! I also like the fabric you chose. Thanks for sharing it with us - I can't wait to see more updates!!

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  109. Gorgeous changes. Very warm, charming and elegant! LOVE the new chairs -- and thanks for the details between PB and CP chairs -- always good to know! The seats on the kitchen chairs would be lovely with an ikat slipcover too! LOL! :) BTW -- to keep critters out of the dog door -- you may have to investigate collars that contain a microchip that allows your dogs in-and-out BUT not other creatures! The microchip is tuned into the door too. Check around the web!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  110. Gorgeous! It's amazing how curtains truly make a room so much more grand and cozy at the same time. I love the changes you've made and am in love with how fresh and clean everything looks!

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  111. Thanks again everyone!!! Wow!!!

    question = yes, the walls and trim are the same color, walls are eggshell and trim is an oil based, low sheen.

    actually, the trim has always been that color. i just painted the walls the color that the trim had been for years.

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  112. yes, the Pindler and Pindler curtain fabric is: #1767 casablanca in silver -

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  113. I don't think the chunkier trim on the kubu chairs is nicer. I prefer the thinner one. It looks more streamlined and modern to me.

    Beautiful work, Joni!

    -Jennie

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  114. Hello, what a beautiful room! I have been wanting to buy a similar wooden chair with cane sides... would you mind sharing where you found this one? I was planning to buy one secondhand until I saw yours! Thanks much.

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  115. So lovely. I'm not a curtain girl, but the fabric you used would look sooo much better than what I have now in the family room. And I'm still trying to convince my husband we need to paint the kitchen cabinets gray. Thanks for giving the details of rods and material.

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  116. Gurrrrrllllll!!!! I love it all!!!! Yay gray!!

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  117. Joanie, I love this post because it makes me feel a little better knowing that even you struggle with choices sometimes. I think sometimes we are just too close to the situation when it comes to our own homes. It's funny when the solution is so much easier than we realize...like with your doggie door. I love your draperies! They are gorgeous! Your room feels really complete now just viewing it in the photos. Thanks for sharing about how they dampen noise...that's great to know since I'd love to add some in my home office.

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  118. Hi Joni,
    Love your blog - first time commenting. I have been mulling over the switch to white marble countertops in the kitchen, but am wary of stains, etc., since I hear it is very porous. But seeing your countertops has made me really want to do the switch - what is your experience so far with upkeep?
    Thanks,
    Gillian

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  119. I got tickled when I saw your dogs name...our dogs name is Sammy too but our sons name is Georgie. Too funny. Love ALL posts!!! The curtains look wonderful. Great job

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  120. Gillian - white marble honed doesnt stain but it can smudge a little. hard to describe. its so pretty, its worth it though.

    the wood chairs with cane sides at my client's house came from a wholesale company. and i'm totally blanking which one though!! urrggh. i'll try to remember.

    the fabric of my new curtains is: yes, the Pindler and Pindler curtain fabric is: #1767 casablanca in silver -

    yes - i haave thought of moving the big chairs in front of the sofa instead of at the side, but ben complains about the tv. so....
    i try to make him happy sometimes. ;)

    my doors oopen to the outside so the shades aren't an issue at all, but if they didn't i would jsut raise that one above the door! i do that with cients all the time.

    my client's fabric is windsor smith from kravet. you can see them on her web site too.

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  121. Wow! I have to say I love your family room update out of all the other rooms on this blog. I am new to blogging but just got inspired. Wondering if you think grey walls really only work better in brighter spaces. i have a dark living room and wonder if grey would make it look like a cave?

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  122. Home run with the bases loaded!!!! Joni

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  123. Such an improvement with lovely fabric. Why the ugly shades?

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  124. Everything is beautiful. I love the living room and zebra rug.
    Have a great week.
    Xo,
    E&J

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  125. Super DOOPER Fabulosity Joni! Love it! I love your breakfast room table.. what is the top made out of? Your home is lovely!

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  126. ...everything is absolutely beautiful...but i think my favorite thing is the shades...

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  127. Joni, Thanks for keeping it real. The 17 year doggie door confession helped me make a design conclusion of my own. Your place looks great!! Thanks for all the time you put into your blog, its always inspiring,
    Jed

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  128. I loved your house before, I love it now, the wicker chairs are great and everything is so fresh and elegant.
    I have a GIVE-AWAY on my blog, do you need a pure silk robe? Try your luck and spread the word, it will not affect your chance to win! Good luck Joni.

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  129. The curtains really finish off the space I love it! Funny though -i liked it without curtains too -just a different look.

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  132. Joni, WOW! God your home is beautiful. You are and always have been such an inspiration in my life. I have decorated my own family/breakfast room from inspiration from previous pics of your rooms but mine is on a much smaller scale. Your home evolves so gracefully and just gets more and more beautiful.

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  133. Love your house. Still remember when you posted about your husband's fans and was wondering if you got around it or you still have those fans- well I have a similar problem but with speakers which I find hideous. My husband can't live w/o them. I wish you could show us some ideas to hide those ugly things like fans- speakers
    love your blog - such an inspiration. Also I think you should get some free stuff from world market since many of us will go and get those chairs (for me as soon as I have money !!)

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  134. Ah where did you get the cool wicker trunks / baskets ???
    thanks so much
    love,

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  135. My gosh! What a fantastic transformation. Truly beautiful. I'm always amazed by the drama drapes provide. I moved last weekend and as soon as I took down the drapes, the place looked empty. So glad you seem to be enjoying it! And good to know about the PB v. Cost Plus chairs!

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  136. Joni, your changes look beautiful. I'm not surprised though. I love the sophistication that the curtains added, and I love the simplicity of the curtains. What did you do with your old breakfast room chairs? Oh, if I lived closer to you, I'd be trying to buy those and wouldn't mind at all schleping them home! I AM shocked about the seats on the PB chairs! laurie

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  137. Hi Joni,
    I love the updates. They give the home a very cozy elegance. I love watching homes evolve.
    Hope you're doing well.
    Hugs, Kathy C.

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  138. LOOKS FANTASTIC JONI!!! So happy to hear the World Market chairs are Joni worthy. On my wish list for sure now! Happy Spring!!!

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  139. That does it! After salivating over your new drapes I am all the more disatisfied with mine.

    It's one of those where I paid big money for custom drapes and have HATED them since the day they went up. 6 years later... perhaps Mr. Decor wouldn't mind if they were changed....

    Well done. Any chance of a close up of the top portion of the drapes?

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  140. p.s Its amazing that adding the curtains and bigger chairs in your kitchen have made the entire room feel even larger than before!
    -linda,ny

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  141. Beautiful Joni! Love the new curtains so much...we've been living in a fishbowl for the last nine months and these are the first that have really spoken to me...they're perfect! They compliment not compete with all gorgeousness you've created there, I feel relief just looking at them.
    The doggie door move was brilliant...we had a kitty door that the raccoons tried to get in all the time and had to keep it locked at night with a slidy thing that we could take on and off. I wonder if there's a little type of lock or something you could get if it becomes a problem.
    Well, I think HB should start knocking on your door soon...your home could grace those pages in a heartbeat! Thanks for sharing all...both the beautiful and hilarious!
    xo J~

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  142. I've never been a curtain person either, but WOW, it really adds to the room. I loved the transformation and enjoy reading your blog. I noticed your coffee table is different as well. Can you recommend a source?
    Shay

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  143. semplicemente bellissima, complimenti!

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  144. Joni,

    I love your changes (loved the originals, too) and it is so exciting to see your home. You are my original inspiration, and as always, the best!

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  145. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, Joni, I love your house! Love what you've done, and the drapes are perfect. And the chairs... SO cute. I loved your French chairs, but these are so cute in there. Love them. Thanks for the info on the two different brands. I'm glad you got what you want in the long run, and it never hurts to have the extra ones, particularly since you used them for outdoors and your office. Good save!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  146. Love the transformation!!
    Please share the source for the bamboo blinds.
    Thanks

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  147. Perfect. It never ceases to amaze me what a clean line of lovely fabric will bring to the character of a room.

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  148. Hi Joni! I missed this story and just wanted to say how nice your changes look. You always have a great story to go with everything you do. I'm glad that you are human just like the rest of us - we live and learn and your tale about the PB vs Cost Plus chairs has endeared you to me!! Your final results are just fabulous!! I love everything that you do and you inspire me!
    Thank you for that and for being YOU!

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  149. Love your blog..and thanks for the info on the chairs. I went out and bought the World Market ones this weekend for my lake house. Only problem, they look so good with my round Wisteria iron table in my breakfast room 50 miles from the lake....

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  150. Perfection, Joni. Perfectiom. The striped curtains are perfect and the dark shades give so much contrast and texture. Bravo, my friend.

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  151. Joni, I love your family room update. I have a wall of windows similar to yours and would like to do the same. You mentioned you joined small rods together - what curtain rod did you use - is it from Pottery
    Barn? Any tips for joining them together?
    Thanks so much,
    Kim K.

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  152. Accordion shutters will be an option for giving a decoration to the house.

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  153. This site just takes too long to download. Would have loved to see the beautiful photos, but the wait is too long and frustrating. I've all but stopped visiting. No such waiting on other sites. Joanie, I hope you'll get your blog provider to do something to improve this.

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  154. Love the curtain rods that you used in your family room update. I was wondering where they are from? I need somthing sleek but with legnth & thought what you have is perfect!

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  155. Every little corner is filled with awesome!

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