Book Page Window Treatment

I recently was in a quandary and was trying to figure out a solution for a decorating dilemma. I had pretty much exhausted my budget for a design job, meaning I was really going to have to be resourceful and utilize any leftover materials I had on hand. I was laying in bed late one night and the wheels started turning.  I recalled I had some remnants of an old book I had used from another project and also some random pieces of wood.  I ended up coming up with a unique book page window treatment ~ I gotta tell you that it turned out pretty cool ~ I hope you'll take a closer look. :)   

The supplies for this project included:  Book pages, a scrap piece of wood, jump rings, two "L" brackets and some screw eyes.  I had previously purchased an old book with wonderfully worn and yellowed pages, ($1.98) from Half Price Books. All I did was tear out pages from the book and had them laminated (thanks Michele and Miles).  Next, I punched holes at the top and bottom of each page at the center point and attached jump rings through each hole.  I strung the pages together to equal the desired length.  Then, I cut a board the width of the window and attached screw eyes to the underside.  Following, I affixed the wood piece to the outside of the window frame using "L" brackets.  Finally, I attached the sections of pages with additional jump rings, through the screw eyes.  The number of pages, jump rings and screw eyes will vary depending on the size of window you have.  I think the end result is fantastic. 

I wish you could see how the sunlight filters through the hanging book pages ~ it gives such a warm and wonderful ambiance to the room.  A zebra head and some art (created by Miles, Michele's son) hangs proudly next to the window treatment. 

Take note of how the newsprint, used to decoupage the zebra head, beautifully compliments the typed print on the book pages.  Find the zebra head here.

Here's a shot of the window in the secondary office space that I designed for x2VOL.  The book page window treatment ended up being one of my favorite design elements of the entire project.  

It adds so much punch and character to the room.  This same book page project could be modified to serve as a room divider as well.  I'm so thrilled with how it turned out ~ I'm going to be duplicating it on a window in my own home.  How do you think it rates?      

x2VOL ~ Part II

The cardboard/plywood pendant lights are from Anthropologie.

I think one of my favorite things about design is getting to know the client.  This certainly has been the case in working with Michele ~ I was immediately drawn to this job because of Michele and her excitement and enthusiasm for her company.  Over the last few weeks, I've had the opportunity to learn more about x2VOL, an innovative company that tracks high school student's volunteer hours and also partners them with non-profits that have volunteer needs. Learn more about x2VOL (powered by IntelliVOL) here.     

As I mentioned in x2VOL Part I, the vision for this space was to provide an environment where a number of people could meet, dream together and bring their ideas to fruition.  So, the space required a good sized table.  I just couldn't envision having a typical conference table fill this need, so I opted for a custom farm style table instead.  Thankfully, Michele was on board 100% and with help from a friend of mine who is a wonderful craftsman (thanks Charley) this beautiful table was built. The top is made from new pine planks ~ unlike the legs and skirting which are made from salvaged wood that Charley obtained from a barn that he tore down. The beam used to make the legs is over 100 years old.  We opted to leave the planks natural, but coated them with numerous coats of polyurethane for protection.  

I think the cardboard/plywood pendants and the natural table top and legs mirror and compliment each other quite nicely. 

  

The chairs ~ what can I say except they are spectacular!

One of my favorite "wow" factors in the room are these vintage school desk chairs on casters. Michele scored these off of Craigslist for a song.  They add a punch of color to the space and are quite comfortable.

There was one requirement for this room that Michele was adamant about ~ that there would be an abundance of writing surfaces for brainstorming sessions.  Another noteworthy feature in the room is this wall of marker boards.  Charley did a beautiful job of framing them out with trim that I found at a local salvage yard.  

Another thought I had for the room was to provide an area that would serve as a snack bar. This little nook provided just the right space for a foodie area.  The surface is an old door with some trim on the facing.  The shelving ~ more salvaged wood added space for snacks and supplies.  I whipped up a burlap curtain to conceal the refrigerator and also serve as extra storage.  I think it turned out quite charming.  

That pretty much sums up this space.  However, there's much more to share ~ I'm excited about posting some special projects I came up with for two of x2VOL's offices.  Be back soon with photos galore!  Speaking of photos, I'm on the quest for a new camera ~ my digital point and shoot is on its last leg.  Any suggestions?   

Lula B's Lamp Find

Recently I was on a buying excursion for an office space I'm designing.  One of the many stops was to Lula B's in Dallas ~ definitely a favorite spot of mine if you are in search of one-of-a-kind incredible vintage pieces.  I spotted this retro cream colored beauty and thought it might be a nice option for a small desk lamp.  But after scouring the store, another lamp became the obvious purchase for my client.  However, I kept going back to this little light and alas ~ I couldn't help myself.  It was yearning to take up space in a dark little corner of my home ~ so here it happily resides. :)

 I love the combination of the clean swirly base with the textured lampshade.  The shade's leather whipstitch is like a cherry on top.

I combined the lamp with this wonderful vintage Swedish cow sign ~ I'll tell my you more about that in another post. I also incorporated some vintage Capiz shell trays into the arrangement ~ Nana bought these in China back in the early 80's.

Capri Blue ~ Volcano

To top off this little grouping, I added in my favorite candle of all time from Anthropologie.  The etched glass container alone is like a fine piece of jewelry to me and the scent ~ well words can't describe.  I remember smiling when a friend of Gavin's came over to visit and I had the candle burning.  He said "This house smells like love" ~ need I say more?  It's wonderful!

I think this charming vignette completes this corner in my home ~ it makes me happy every time I pass by.  I would love to hear about a favorite corner of your home. :)