Details can make or break a room.
One wrong detail, and yes, a space can certainly recover. But enough mis-thought details, and they can make an impact. an unfortunate impact.

Hence this post on silly ol’ curtain rods.

I am preparing to hit the stores to do some curtain rod shopping. So, before I head out, I want to be prepared to make the best choice.
In order to isolate what it is that I like about the detail of adding curtain rods to a room, I head to my collection of inspiration photos.

I thought I would share my thought process here:

{Elle Decor} Like: the fact that the rods compliment the wood trim, but are still visible.
Dislike: for me, the brass accents on the ends of the rods.

{Elle Decor} Like: that the curtain rods have substance and are not flimsy.
Like: that the rods are hung as high up as possible, but not too far from the top window frame. it works in this space.

{House Beautiful} Dislike: Personally, I do not love the white curtain rod with with rings, disappearing against the white walls. I like a more substantive look. Can I say that it ‘grounds’ the curtains when talking about curtain rods?

{Decor Pad} Like: the look of wrought iron and classic rod pockets on the curtains, which give a cozy feel.

{House Beautiful} Like: the great height achieved by hanging the rods high above the window trim.
Like: the warm,  yet dark metal against the light walls.
Like: the way the curtains don’t quite touch, {and hang so crisply}. this can be achieved by the curtain length or the curtain rod height.

When I am about to make a purchase, I always find it so helpful to look back over some of my favorite inspiration photos and dive into the details. Hopefully, I will find some good options out at the stores.

Check out your own inspiration pictures? Can you identify what it is you like and dislike about a little ol’ detail like curtain rods? I would love to know.
– {darlene}

I’m Going!
Are you? {tickets are on sale as of today} I would love to see you there!
that would be just beautiful.
-{darlene}

{Well, the announcement that I mentioned last Friday will have to wait… I need to get better at that pesky HTML. But, never fear, it is still on its way.}

So, what better way to start the week than with a ditto? And what better way to be inspired than by heading back over to Angela’s home to discover what is so wonderful about her study/schooling space? Angela’s study has more mid-century and modern {you know how I don’t like those decor classification words. ugh} influences than I usually feature, so let’s have some fun!

{The Painted House study}

ditto :: {what I would steal from this space}:

1. an amazing Power Painting as a focal point. This works so well in a study, where one must be prolific and sit still too- despite the weather or your mood. Having an energetic piece of art, that draws you immediately into your imagination, is perfect inspiration in a study. And growing minds should be surrounded by art.
2. punch color! a lot of it. and brave color. I love bright and gutsy colors in children’s spaces and studios. do you have the courage to paint a desk in bright kelly green? and then add splashes of strong orange? supported by sweet blue on the walls? go for it. And don’t miss how the orange punch color is woven beautifully throughout the room in little and big ways.
3. Varying learning surfaces. Having several stations where different kinds of work can be done is brilliant. I love that, when working at the green desk, you don’t have a computer in your face like most desk situations offer. This frees the mind!
4. gorgeous lighting. I love that woven pendant. Don’t save all of your beautiful fixtures for the foyer. no! put them where you will enjoy them much throughout the day.
5. See that magnetic wipe-board on the end of the desk? all surfaces are fair game. Always make creative and useful use of your space, and ‘stuff’ will never rule your space. Instead, artfully incorporate the elements that are necessities. Why can’t a wipe-board look beautiful? I love that the location of this wipe-board encourages sitting comfy criss-cross-applesauce on the floor.
6. that cat pillow. meow. I love that this room does not take itself too seriously. Learning is about having fun, is it not? 
7. the half-moon mid-century chairs. I love this idea for kiddo chairs. Yes, I am stealing that one.
8. fun pattern, but not too much. I love the balance of pattern in this space. The rug and the upholstered chairs offer a small geometric pattern, while the bedding offers a bold and attention-getting pattern. The patterns do not “matchy match,” but instead, work together brilliantly. And they draw you into the focal point of the art, instead of detracting.
9. the day bed. Don’t you want to snuggle up with a book? Really wishing I had space for a daybed in our study!

{***updated to add pics of Angela’s study. How could I have forgotten? It is in my personal design files! I think I need to ditto that room. You can find it toward the bottom of this post}

It is so hard to say that one blog is your favorite, but if I had to pick one design blog that I truly love the bestest, it is The Painted House.

Angela inspires me.
That is all there is to it.
And her posts make me smile. She is as witty as they come. Dog and Cat fight anyone?:

She is incredibly talented. Her art stretches me. Makes me want to grab my brush:

Meet Angela of The Painted House. I know. Did I mention that she is stunning? {angela. when we hang, and go check out art galleries or something, I am SO borrowing that skirt}

Meet her incredible cottage. You, too, can stay there on your next vacation in the hills of NC. The interiors {and exteriors} make me want to stay a while:

Meet the surprise office design that Angela did for her hubby. She was my inspiration for {this surprise}:

And one of my favorite rooms that Angela made SO fabulous is her study, where her kids learn about fantastic things like Jackson Pollack and Walter Gropius.  I would like a lesson or two, please.

My favorite thing about Angela and The Painted House is her joie de vivre. Go visit her, and visit often. I know you will be inspired too.

Hope to see you back here next week. I have an announcement!
-{darlene}

{Fieldstone Hill Design is a brand new blog and my dream! Thank you to everyone who is cheering me on. Love Fieldstone Hill? thanks. you rock. Would you consider sharing the love by Following {click Follow in the right sidebar}, Liking on Facebook, or linking here from your blog. I just knew you were awesome!}

Labeled: blogland, inspiration | 4 Comments