This space has taken some time. And I’m ok with that. I wanted it to be big on style, minimal on things – and minimalism requires every detail to be spot on. The lamps were the cherry on top of the main space, but there was one area I haven’t really highlighted that still needed attention.
Both front rooms have beautiful bay windows, but were wasted space with the platform at their base. So we decided to raise them up to meet the base of the windows, making them more functional.
Micah created a base and then we used the same top that was already there, saving time and money. He cut a hole and framed in an area inside the bench for me to store entertaining things, like ice buckets and tablecloths. He added a piano hinge to the back of the lid and a recessed handle at the front for a clean look.
I wanted a bit of light blue in the space one of my favorite accent colors so I got several yards of this dusty blue linen and had my upholsterer make a cushion. It’s definitely my favorite place to sit and wait for Xander to get off the bus, and the kids love hanging out here – playing or watching the snow fall.
We took the shutters down when we started working on the room, and I was blown away by the amount of light that streamed in without them. Micah was pretty set on keeping them, and they were really nice, but they didn’t work with the moody walls. I wanted something that created privacy and warmth at night but left the windows naked during the day. The dark space doesn’t have a chance at feeling gloomy with all that natural light pouring in.
I settled on these custom roman shades from Loom Decor, and I love the result. The inky color blends nicely with the walls, making the bay all about the windows by day, and the beautifully textured linen keeps heat in and the cold out at night. Loom has such a wide assortment of fabric and styles for all of your soft accessory needs, and their customer care is top notch. After choosing the shades I wanted I was set up with a stylist who helped me determine the exact measurements and details, insuring a completely custom look and fit.
Loom has been kind enough to offer one of you $300 in Loom Decor! Simply enter your email here for a chance to win. It may not be curtains or fabric you’re needing – I’ve been eyeing their fabric napkins and this table runner to add to my entertaining collection – but there is such a wide variety of beautiful things to enhance your home. What would you get?
Photos by Justin Salem Meyer.
This post was written in partnership with Loom Decor. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Makerista possible.
Those shades and the light blue are the perfect touch
Thanks, Whitney!
Love the shades – they are perfect for that spot. I'm looking for some shades as well, or maybe just table linens!
I love the roman shades. I'd probably do white for my living room
I love this window and the shades are perfect!
Thanks so much, Jen!
I love how your space came together! I am really loving the lumbar pillow in Nile! I think it would look great in our guest room 🙂
Thanks, Cait! Yes, that's beautiful!
I found this blog about three weeks ago and am head over heels for the way you pull together a space, we have similar homes and I love "old elegance with a modern flair" which you nailed with that bookcase! I just attempted to enter the sweepstakes but in reading the rules of entry it states that all entries needed to be submitted between 12/3/15 and 12/10/15. I hope this is an error that is corrected soon, as I've already poked around the loom decor site and $300 would come in handy with how beautiful their products are as I'd like to take one of everything!
So glad you found this little blog, Kory and thanks for commenting! I let Loom know about this, but it shouldn't be a problem at all. Glad you entered and best of luck!
I just got rid of all of the mini-blinds in the bedrooms and I am like you, absolutely amazed at all of the light that comes in and how much it has changed the look and feel of these rooms. I put up and still have up those temporary paper shades and I love them much more than the mini-blinds. They allow so much light in which I love. I keep wondering what draws me to your blog and you said it in this post: minimalism. Even though my minimalism involves a lot more white and yours is more colorful, I am still drawn to the art of it all.
Thanks, Lela! Glad you've stuck around and yay to no more mini-blinds! 🙂
I love, love, love your style! I'd really like roman shades in my kitchen.
I love a good window seat so much – great addition! And the blue is perfect. I've been putting off curtains for our living room forever, and this would definitely be a big help 🙂
Love the look! I think the lamps are a great touch!
It looks beautiful! Window seats have such an intimate feel to them, and the fabric is very pretty!
Hi! I am so sorry if I missed this but have you said what color and brand your wall color is? I have the same picture frame molding in my dining room painted dark grey but you're inspiring me to get even more bold!! Thank you so much, this room is AMAZE.
Hi Lulu! You can find the paint details here: http://www.themakerista.com/2015/02/dining-room-update-paint-and-lighting.html. Happy weekend and thanks!
The shades are perfect for your stunning dining room
This room came together remarkably Gwen. The window seat is perfection and totally adds the most glorious finishing touch. Fantastic job.
Excellent choice on the lovely shades. Love the look!
Excellent choice on the lovely shades. Love the look!
I love this new dining room! I have a question regarding the artwork on the wall. Is that a mural or an enlarged print? It looks fantastic!
Thanks, Erika! You can read more about the mural here: http://www.themakerista.com/the-dining-room-finding-and-hanging/
Please share the source for the lamps on the buffet. Absolutely stunning!
You can find them here: http://www.themakerista.com/modern-buffet-lamps/