my little cafe curtains

Some inquired about my cafe curtains over the sink in my design studio from yesterday's post.  Well, I will share some more info with you... first I should tell you this - it took me a long time to pick out a fabric.

   

You see, when you do what I do for a living, you are surrounded by new fabrics daily.  My fear was real: what if tomorrow something I like better shows up?  So for a few months it looked like this in my windows.

 

I'm glad I didn't go Katsugi (above left), considering Maison 21 has plenty of excess that he bought cheaps and is going to send my way.  Do you think I can do this without honest opinion of blogging friends like Joni & Courtney?

No.  Of course not.  (I had on white pants - it was summer) I had to snap random photos to send off and bother someone else with my 'window issues'. And every so often when I had a second of me-time I'd throw up a new sample and give it the ole "eagle eye".

 

You know I love the Luca by Scalamandre (above right), I hold Scalamandre near and dear to my heart.  This has long been one of my favorites, but I really would rather use it in my house than my office, although I adored it up there... I ruled it out.  BUT I knew I was getting close when I had these 2 up.  I wanted something feminine, soft, warm, and blue was looking good to me. 

My friend in NY, Beth, she's my go-to girl.  If I had a D&D I'd be set, but I don't... so thank you Beth for helping me.  One day this explosion happened next to my desk and I was thinking about my own windows. 

 

In the end I went with Suzanne Rheinstein's Ikat for Lee Jofa.

I had installed the natural woven roller shades when I moved over a year ago.  They are just cheapies from Linens & Things... RIP.  I love them though.  Simple and great color.  I did not want to do away with them... so I left them in the windows (they are inside mounted).  I simply added a rod for cafe curtains.

 

Now, don't have a heart attack... the rod is a shower curtain rod. Ghetto fabulous, I know.  Wouldn't Suzanne Rheinstein be proud?  I had it left over from a job, and it matched the stainless cabinets perfectly.  So I just ordered these brackets to hold the rod and mounted it to the cabinets.  The rings I got at this great retail chain we have here called Tarjay (remove the clips- remove the clips - remove the clips... clips are not your friend).

   

I wanted my curtains to fall on the window sill... and they do.  Which makes me happy. They are linen... linen grows... so when I first hung them, I gave them a 1/4 - 1/2 of an inch to grow. I hung the rod at the top of the window... although I toyed with the idea of hanging them 1/2 way down (in the middle of the window)... but when I opted to keep my roller shades I knew it would look best for them to be at the top.

 

See the shower curtain bracket... not too bad aye?  The curtains are what I call "2 finger euro pleat"... see the 2 folds in the pleat... yes.  That's all that means.  They are black-out lined... because I think bolder patterns look better with black-out lining. 

 

You remember how I mentioned "remove the clips"... if you desire to be a little more sophisticated... behind your curtains, whether they are pinch pleated or not... you can use a drapery pin or a drapery hook (same thing) then you attach your rings to those.  Wah-lah!

Random other information you may or may not be interested in:

Yes, I decided to keep that painting from way back when for myself.  Which unfortunately I do a lot of times when I buy something I like with the intent to sell to a client. 

I think I've mentioned before, but incase I forgot... the stainless cabinets are all old.  Reclaimed/salvaged from 2 different places.  The uppers came out of a hospital via a friend who knew we would like them.  The lower- sink system we found at a side of the road flea market.  Opposite of the sink wall is a range and either side of the range are undercounter refrigerator (on the left) and freezer (on the right).  The cabinet hardware (unlacquered brass) I made myself out of plumbing parts.  Someone asked me about brass plumbing parts, and I can't find the email?  This is similar to what I used, or go to page 50 of this catalog. My mini dishwasher is by GE and my icemaker is by Kitchen Aid... the ice that the Kitchen Aid icemaker makes is one of my favorites. My faucet is by La Toscana.  The crazy looking valves that look like a science lab came on the sink... I love them.  My walls are Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 and my ceiling is Benjamin Moore Camouflage 2143-40.

Happy Friday!!

PS: my Dr.Nut (a soda that used to be made in Louisiana) crate came from Round Top when we went last March.  Courtney talked me into it, but didn't buy one at the time.  She regretted it and so when she went back to Round Top this fall- she found one for her kitchen too! 

Comments

[maison21]

LOVE the ikat you picked- i think it's a great choice as ikat is a pattern i never tire of (remember, all that katsugi isn't mine, it's my client's, so don't hold your breath waiting on it in the mail!), and the shower curtain rod is genius!

that nozzle-y thing is seriously cool! have no idea what it ever was used for, but totally cool nonetheless.

amazing job on the room- i can't believe that so much was savaged. . i'm way jealous.

[Cassandra]

You are fabulous! I am new to your blog and am completely obsessed. I pray for new posts and thought I might have been one of the few who ADORES all things fixtures/fitttings until I found you...Oh happy day. Thank you for including the details of the room, it's like an afternoon quickie. Now if only I could find a girlfriend/gay who wanted to go antiquing or to kitchen showrooms instead of clothes shopping! Keep up the good work!

[Darby]

You are a GOOD BLOGGER. All those details are saving you lots of emails... but nonetheless I imagine someone will still find something you missed. Like where did you get your Dr.Nut box... I spied something similar on Court's blog...! :) Or maybe, what scent is your morphed candle on your cake plate? I can't believe your "work" kitchen is so beautiful. Really. I love all the stainless and I wish I was there to sip on that cup of coffee with you. You have mad talent... seriously. I know people say it all the time but I look at what you do and I think all those fabrics are beautiful and I'm not sure I would ever be able to choose. Speaking of fabrics... and drapes... JM's are still on the floor of his bedroom... something must be done soon! Maybe I can get them up today! Ok, I love you and think you have mad skills!

[Alison (Brazil)]

I'm so pea green - your studio kitchen looks ten times more fab than most of us mere mortals' homes! Thank you for all the deets - great ah-hah! ideas!

[mrslimestone]

Im sure Ive mentioned this before but I just love your kitchen. The cabinet hardware you created is industrial artwork!

[Alison (Brazil)]

I'm so pea green - your studio kitchen looks ten times more fab than most of us mere mortals' homes! Thank you for all the deets - great ah-hah! ideas!

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

I thought that was the kitchen in your home! What a great space and the painting is particularly effective. Our last kitchen was all stainless cabinets recycled from multiple locations.

[Sarah's Fab Day]

I have to admit these are my favorite posts, you always give so much information it's fun. Your work kitchen is gorgeous, I love the stainless.

[erin@elementsofstyle]

The ikat was a great choice Erika! Although hard to bypass the Luca, I know. :)

[Angela]

I've been debating on that same ikat for my son's room. I think you helped seal the deal! It can be so overwhelming committing to one fabric when there are so many options. Joni is such a blessing to help make the call! As always, beautiful work!

Angela in WA

[Courtney]

your little cafe curtains make me so happy. and i also feel like a fool as I sit with my computer reading this post...then look at my bedroom curtains hanging from (gasp) HOOKS! I know it's tacky and someday (probably when I move), I'll do something about it. Until then, I'll shut my bedroom door so no one else takes in the horror :)

Your kitchen is so lovely and both you and LDC are genius at what you do -- and what you did together in that house. Your vision and his handiness are a force to be reckoned with!

[Blair]

love, love, love your kitchen...especially the sink and cabinets. What condition was that sink it when you found it at the flea market? you are SO creative! happy holidays to you, Chance and the girls!

[Jessica]

I love it all... I think the Ikat was the best choice - it looks great! I really want your yellow elephant and blue-green bird sitting in your windowsill.... I'm a little ashamed now of the drapes I made for my bedroom - I was too lazy to make buttonholes, so they hang from clips (west elm). Are you saying they don't need holes to hang them from rings??

[Elizgonz]

I don't think that I've ever commented before, but I wanted to pop in and tell you that I enjoy your blog immensely and have for quite some time. Like I've told other bloggers before, I'm grateful for all of your posts, but I can't help buy delight in these kind of posts that talk about shades from Linens 'N Things, shower curtain rods as curtain rod, and plumbing hardware as cabinet hardware. For those of us that don't have the natural talent to see these materials for their potential, but love the look that they can help to create, little bits of information like this are priceless.

You are very talented and I wish you much success in your work. Thanks so much!

[Kristen]

hey woman - LOVE the stainless cabinets... question - when your nieces visit, do you find little fingerprints all over them? Yours look pristine! (also love your fabric choice... I'm a big linen lover! - but dry cleaning gets VERY expensive for a sofa and chaise! learned my lesson hard way!)

[The Rauths]

so lovely, erika! you always give such great inspiration.

[Karlene]

Thank you so much for sharing these photos and journey. LOVE the cupboards, love love love them. And love the Scalamandre fabric, can't wait to see what you do with it, should there not be something even better out by then, wink! I am going to go check out the other Dr. Nut now. Happy and Blessed weekend!

[Louisa]

I absolutely love the Luca in the blue just as much as the beige. What a gorgeous slate-colored sort of blue.

Good tip about not using the clip rings - except that I stick myself with those drapery pins and it never looks as nice as your pleats.

That ikat is fantastic! Love that kitchen - and would be happy to have it in my house, let alone in an office!

[Pink Wallpaper]

i just adore your kitchen and to think it is only your "work" kitchen is insane...i drool over the stainless and love the way you made the pulls...so talented. props to you- you rock!

[pve design]

eye candy.

[Jennifer]

so linen "grows," eh? good to know. and the clips are bad?! ah so much to learn! I don't have any though, so phew :)

did you make the curtains, or what? 'cause it seems like you make pretty much everything. we all bow down to not only your impeccable taste but your handi-skilz!

[Mrs. Blandings]

It makes me so happy to see swatches of fabric piled around other people's projects. I think Mr. Blandings thinks it is only his crazy wife who leaves memos around like sick people drop tissues.

[Becky]

holy linkage batman!!! i sure do wish that the painting actually linked to referenced painting. instead, i will look at the pin hooks twice. i'm ok with that.:-)dooooogggg...darby has me pinned. i was thinking in a previous post that i wondered what that dr. nut box was and i DID click on a pic and wonder what was on that pedastal. i thought pastry, not whacked out candle. you are too much!!

[hello gorgeous]

Killer cabinets! I love the stainless with all my heart. And your dabinet handles? Brilliant! My kitchen is pouting.

[amanda]

please, please, please tell us about the rug. i'll die happy if it's by chance a (kid-friendly) indoor/outdoor sisal. i so need it in my house, and just can't seem to find the perfect 'fake'. little kids and the real mccoy just don't seem to work. btw, i'm a (now-retired) interior designer who learned about you from sherry mcclure in texas. love, love, love all that you do!

[The Lil Bee]

I love those drapes! If you see a throw rug with a pattern like that, will you let me know? I need something similar for my family room. Thanks! xx

[The Lil Bee]

I love those drapes! If you see a throw rug with a pattern like that, will you let me know? I need something similar for my family room. Thanks! xx

[Joyce]

Erika- if you need a staging couple with a senior dog to live in your studio- I
will volunteer! Lordy- if this is your studio I think I need to sit down and catch my breath to see your personal kitchen.

Oh dear... now I have to break the news to hubby I need to take a trip to Texas to get a vintage crate.

Have a golden weekend!! xoxo

[Joni Webb]

Love that ikat! I'm debating right now if I want a shade = the new window is so gorgeous I hate to cover it up, help me!!!

ok - i am SOOOOO glad I am not the only idiot designer who insists on blackout lining for curtains and skirted tables and dust ruffles (yes) - I'm sorry - I can't stand the sun coming through fabric unless it's like some gauzy lineny thing! You can't see the fabric through the sun - I hate that! My fabricator knows its blackout for everything, unless I specify not. haha!!!

love your kitchen and you!
Joni

[renee finberg]

wow , love that kitchen.
is it all stainless with brass pulls ?

you are something else !!!

x

[no.35style]

Oh I LOVE it!! It is just so fresh and different. I love that you repurposed so many of the elements and created your pulls out of plumbing! It's all genius! Thanks so much for sharing...now may we pleeaassee see the room with your new couch?!? ;)

[Porter Design Company]

haha I have the same lee jofa fabric (memo)hanging in my living room....I've been living with it for three weeks now and like you, I have a hard time deciding between fabrics when there are sooooo many out there!

[megan]

you are a wealth of knowledge! thanks for sharing. your 'work' kitchen is divine!!!

[jennifer Ramos]

I LOVE your place and you have so many useful ideas....!! The reason I started reading your blog was because I fell in LOVE with your office...!

Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards & More'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

[Alcea Alba]

Your studio kitchen is perfecto! I love everything about it. The space feels so cozy and familiar I'd like to move right in.

[Visual Vamp]

Great confessional tutorial on the crazy creative process we are cursed and blessed with.
And the curtains ain't bad either ha ha.
xo xo

[Lauren]

What an awesome post. I just found your blog & then checked out your website & you are just amazing. Love your style.

[nkp]

So glad to hear that your sweet girl is making a smooth recovery, Josh and Hershey send sloppy hugs and kisses. That kitchen is seriously beautiful, the combination of all those reclaimed elements is nothing short of brilliant. I adore the brass hardware and the cabinets are awesome. We have a restaurant stainless steel sink/counter/shelf unit in our basement bar, and I wish I had found it on the side of the road, but alas, no such luck!

[Cindy]

Great blog and gorgeous kitchen! I was doing a search on kitchen curtains and your blog popped up. Glad I found it :)

[pillowprincess]

Adore it all!

[Nancy]

Your kitchen is fabulous! It inspires me to spruce up mine. Nancy

[Lindsay]

I loved the pictures you took in Charleston. What type of camera did you shoot with?

[Window Treatments Milwaukee]

great post, I just love the power of changing something as simple as blinds or shades. I wish I had your creative eye its simply amazing

[Window Treatments]

Apartment living comes with restrictions and the ability to have a garden is among of the worst of these.A modern take on those traditional window boxes, these edge pots can be used to grow anything under the sun. http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/blog/86/edge-pots/

[fabric blinds]

Hi,

Your kitchen is fabulous!your little cafe curtains make me so happy.

[Katy Allgeyer]

I absolutely love this kitchen! The ikat curtain pattern is a special touch (I think you made the right choice).
Katy
http://fengshuibyfishgirl.com

[Roller Blinds]

Hi

Great to see how you put everything together. These things can take some time but the effort is worth it. Love the finish look as well as the pictures.

[Jane @ Map Shower Curtain]

Absolutely fabulous! The pictures are great, you really get a sense of the whole thing, and I love the "ghetto fabulous" shower curtain idea.

[mens perfume]

Great Post! Just add perfumes to the curtains..and it will just rock your office.

[cubicle furniture]

I like the curtains! Why dont you post some pictures of your office furnitures? I am keen to look at those as well!