Roman Shades for Every Room

Roman shades are seen in almost any design setting these days. There are prevalent in the most contemporary of rooms to traditional and transitional spaces. They are an ideal way to treat a window to offer privacy and light control if needed, while offering a clean and simplistic design.

 

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

 

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

 

 

From solids to patterns, almost any fabric can be used for a roman shade. Even the choice of whether to use lining is an option. No lining can offer a sheer effect which is a new and interesting take on the typical shade.

 

Roman Shades - Interior Walls

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

 

Adding decorative trim gives the treatment a whole new life. Flat trim is purchased by the yard and can be sewn to the fabric to add detail. A solid fabric can be cut and sewn in the same style as a trim to give the treatment a design.

 

 

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

image via elle decor

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

Roman Shades - Interior Walls

 

 

These can be mounted inside the window frame but typically you see them mounted outside the frame just covering the window trim.

They can also be fabricated into a stationary valance. The woven shade provides the privacy in this bath.

 

Roman Shades - Interior Walls

 

Designs of roman shades are either flat or pleated. Pleated, or sometimes called hobbled, have the pleats remaining in the design even when it is lowered.

 

 

A grommet can be added to give an added feature to the treatment. Decorative ribbon or tape can be used as a contrasting detail.

 

Roman Shades - Interior Walls Designs

 all images via pinterest

Sliding Barn Doors

Given the opportunity to add an architectural element, sliding barn doors are one way to add function and detail to a home. Many times there are rooms, especially smaller spaces, that have too many doors which creates too many door swings in the room. A sliding barn door creates privacy when needed along with providing interest on the wall.

Sliding Barn Doors - Interior Walls Designs

image via Dillon Kyle Architecture

 

Knowing that space can sometimes be a necessity, the solution can be to add a pocket door in some cases or a sliding barn door if the wall space permits. For a bath, sometimes space is limited due to cabinetry and such, therefore a sliding door is a great solution. Make it eclectic and use an old, natural wood door in a clean, contemporary room.

 

Sliding Barn Doors - Interior Walls Designs

Sliding Barn Doors - Interior Walls Designs

 

 

What can make these doors interesting is the material that you select. Old or natural wood is a great option while anything painted can add color. You may consider glass to lighten the area and keep it feeling open and spacious.

 

 

Interior Walls Designs - Sliding Barn Doors

 

Sliding Barn Doors - Interior Walls Designs

 

 

 

Sliding Barn Doors - Interior Walls Designs

 

 Sliding Barn Doors

 

These barn doors also can be used as pantry doors in a kitchen, a door to a wine cellar, or even a laundry area.

 

Sliding Barn Doors

images via pinterest

Sliding Barn Doors

image via House Beautiful

Backyard Bliss

For me, there is nothing better than a great backyard. Anticipating how the backyard can be utilized for relaxation and enjoyment is the key to its success.

It can be a place to unwind and lounge, or even dine with family and friends. I often think of this area as a retreat or sanctuary to completely escape, decompress, and just enjoy nature.

 

Backyard Bliss

 

 

Backyard Bliss

 

Designer Thom Filcia uses this pagoda-style outdoor daybed to create a warm and inviting space.

2013 new

 

 

The most basic of elements can be used to create a noteworthy space. Stone pavers and ceramic tiles add color and texture to any backyard. They are the flooring needed to ground the conversation or dining area.

Backyard Bliss - Interior Walls Designs

Backyard Bliss - Interior Walls Designs

Think of this area as your canvas and create an interesting element in your space using plants, stone or slate tiles.

Backyard Bliss - Interior Walls Designs

Backyard Bliss

 

 

 

A comfortable seating and dining area is welcoming for entertaining. The idea of a design that is restful and embraces nature is ideal in any outdoor space.

 

Backyard Bliss - Interior Walls Designs

 

 

How charming it is to take a free-standing building and make it a studio or guest house similar to this one. Cover it with ivy and surrond it with plants and flowers and it will be the guest quarters your friends or family will never forget.

 

 

Backyard Bliss - Interior Walls Designs

 

You are never to old to enjoy a treehouse! Put in a daybed or chair and ottoman and it is now the perfect escape.

 

Backyard Bliss - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

Benches and Chaises

Popular in today’s home furnishings are upholstered benches and chaises. It seems that these pieces are used more and more in the everyday setting to add interest and extra seating to a room.

Chaises are usually an extended version of a chair, similar to a chair and ottoman feel but as one piece of furniture. Once called “fainting couches” in the Victorian era, this piece of furniture dates back to ancient Egypt.

 

Benches and Chaises

Benches and Chaisesphotograph by Tria Giovan 

Benches and Chaises

Designer Eileen Kathryn Boyd – Traditional Home – Photographers: John Bessler and Jonny Valiant

 

Often times you may see the term “daybed”, which is a flat surface that allows you to lie horizontally and similar in size to a twin bed.  The terms are used loosely by some manufacturers for some daybeds can actually more like a chaise or a bench.

 

 

Benches and Chaises - Interior Walls Designs

Chaises and benches offer extra seating in a room without carrying the visual weight of a sofa.

Being that these pieces are open and do not have a back, they can be used in a seating area therefore allowing the room to feel open and offering a full view of all your site lines.

 

Benches and Chaises

images via pinterest

Chaises and Benches

image via elle decor

Benches and Chaises - Interior Walls Designs

 

These pieces can offer a division between two seating areas of a room or be a designation between two different areas or rooms of the home.

 

Chaises and Benches

 Benches and Chaises

Benches and Chaises - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

Stylish Staircases

There are first impressions…in life, in business, and in the home. Upon entering one’s home, many times the staircase is the first detail you see. It can set the tone of the entire house while adding interest and drama to the space. Not only does the staircase provide function to access different floors or levels, but it also can be an architectural element for the space.

 

Stylish Staircases

 

This two-story foyer makes great use of the weathered beams to outline the details of the walls and high ceilings while adding drama to the foyer. There is no doubt that this foyer stands out from most others.

 

 

Glass partitions add the interest while allowing the staircase to feel open. The open tread design keeps it light and airy.

 

Stylish Staircases

Stylish StaircasesArchitect William Hefner

The underside of the staircase can be also show details and design elements that are typically covered or enclosed.

Stylish Staircases - Interior Walls Designs

image via Metropolitan Home

You can also create flow from room to room and by using the space under the stairwell allowing for a more open floor plan.  The bookcases and library lights definitely enhance this space.

Stylish Staircases - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

This staircase in the backyard of Lara Spencer’s home shows how the design is in the details. The circular concrete stairs that lead to the lower patio level add that perfect architectural touch.

Stylish Staircases

Lara Spencer from Good Morning America via the Los Angeles Times blog