I loved the June 2010 House Beautiful. Below are my two favorite homes and a page with great valance examples.

Relaxed beach house designed by James Howard

The shape of the bottom of the roman shade is great. A fabric roman shade is a great way to warm up an otherwise sterile kitchen and the shape at the bottom follows the pattern – showing you put some thought into the details.

I am a huge fan of tortoise shell blinds – a chic way to add privacy to a room while letting in sunlight. The wicker sofa and club chair are in two different stains. A white painted bobble chair and two different side tables added to the mix show how a room can feel pulled together without being matchy-matchy. The pair of glass lamps unifies the space. The green and white stripe on the sofa and club chair are a great summery touch.

The above image is a close up of the wave molding and the upholstered linen walls in the dining room. I adore upholstered walls and done in this neutral linen adds texture and softness to a room without feeling fussy.

To create symmetry in the room they made an arched bookshelf to mirror the arch of the door. Thus creating a space where two side chairs feel comfortable. Again we see the white painted bobble chair and a pretty rope backed Orkney chair. The walls are painted in a pale but strong blue.

I have always loved Oscar de la Renta’s 4 poster bed with the crenallated canopy. The canopy adds a sense of whimsy and security when you are snuggled up for the night. The bench has a fun base shape and the soft blue gray walls create a tranquil yet happy guest bedroom. I love the turquoise gourd lamp from Mrs. Howard- what a great pop of color.

The page above included a variety of valance styles. All beautiful and with distinctively different feels.

Another favorite was the Historic New York House With Color by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

I love Jeffrey Bilhuber’s designs so I was thrilled to see his Locust Valley, New York country home “Hay Fever” that dates back to 1668. I think he definitely succeeded in keeping the “soul” in this house. Nothing feels precious but the colors are magical- just what you want in a summer home.

The black painted pine floor ( look at those floor boards!) lets the sisal carpet and soft blues and yellows float off the floor. You can paint a floor black and still have a light airy feeling room. I love how he threw in a punch of purple on the sofa. The above room was originally an entrance hall but he made it much more welcoming by adding the large round table, a sofa, and chairs.

The library floor is painted a lacquered green ( an idea borrowed from Monticello). The baby blue fabric on the chairs and the red lamp shades makes for an interesting room. The acid green walls in the next room pack a happy summer punch.

Finally the shot of the acid green room (Benjamin Moore’s chic lime) in all of it’s splendor. The large sisal ( from Beauvais) dresses down the more formal valances and fun chinoiserie fabric. Notice all the different shaped chairs ( most of which are slip covered). Red and white ticking stripe, wicker, soft blue, varying lamp heights, mirrored door surrounds ( a nod to Nancy Lancaster) , and texture make this room memorable. The room is exciting yet comfortable mixing humble and high.
xo,
S