Work in progress - a GREAT room is coming together

You know, when I first found out my new home was going to be this newer townhome, I kind of freaked a little bit. It is fabulous after all, and everything looks so new and perfect, and wonderful, but....how was I going to make my vintage style work with the look of new?

I shouldn't have freaked. I am loving it!

It's still a work in progress, but here is a corner of the living room. (er...great room? Whichever you prefer...) I am going with a white-to-cream-to-mocha-to-brown-to-black kind of color scheme and I am on a completely non existent budget, so I've been stretching myself to really think outside of the box. I began with my window coverings. My daughter already had draperies hung, so all I did was switch them out....using my current favorite textile...painter's drop cloths. (from Home Depot, of course) They are affordable, ready to hang after washing them to get rid of the fold lines and stiffness, (I already had the ring clip on thing-a-ma-jigs on the rods) and the sizes were perfect. Oh, and so was the price. One cloth (9 feet by 6 feet) cut in half (to become 9 feet by 3 feet) made these fabulous draperies cost me only $20 a pair.

And they look like a million bucks. No lie.

The back (er...side? Oh, it depends on how you look at the room- it's the wall opposite of the fireplace and bookcases) has my antique armoir and a collection of thrifted mirrors and vintage frames. (a' la 41 Taylor style!)

I still need to paint my little bench and my sofa table, but it's coming together and I am feeling right at home.

Comments

[Elaine L.]

Looks like a very cozy color combination.

~elaine~

[deb]

Thanks for the tip on the Painters Drop Cloth I am definately going to try this.

[sarah { abeachcottage }]

wish I could get those drop cloths here, great job...of course you will make it look more than fabulous on a budget

[pam]

I love the mirrors! I'm going to have check into the drop cloths!

[Lisa]

I really like what you've done with the mirrors and the frames. I have heard of people using the drop cloths as curtains, I really like that look. Thanks for sharing your new home with us!

[Adrienne]

It looks wonderful! I knew it wouldn't take you long to get your new space together and looking like you!! Wish I'd remembered the tip on drop cloths before I bought drapes I don't like very much for my bedroom! Maybe I'll have to switch them out for Spring and Summer. The mirrors look fantastic on your walls. Can't wait to see more. ~Adrienne~

[kathi]

YOU are a beautiful decorator...you shouldn't have had any doubts! ;) I've got a master bedroom make over brewing in my creative brain and think I will use the drop cloths as curtains...such a good deal!
happy new year, happy new home!
kathi at traybella

[Kim]

Looks beautiful! I'm sure that every room will be absolutely cottage-y cozy by the time that you are done with them. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[Lynda]

I always enjoy seeing what you are doing in your home, Tracey! Keep the pictures coming. It looks fabulous so far!

[Jenny]

Tracey, painter's drop cloths are one of my favorites too. They're great for slipcovers, upholstery, drapes, tablecloths. The mind boggles. I've dyed them, stamped them, painted them and have even left them alone. And cheap! Nice job, you're room will be spiffy in no time!

[Susan]

It looks beautiful Tracey! What a GREAT idea about using the drop cloths for drapes - I never would have even thought of that!

[Farmlady]

Drop cloths from Home Depot! Wow! That's ingenious. You should be paid for all these wonderful ideas.
Love the mirrors too. Your place is looking more like a HOME everyday.

[Angie]

Tracey--looks beautiful
Question?--Do you think that stiff stuff will put a residue on my washing machine? Just asking, cause it's brand new, But I definetly want to use the dropcloths in my master bedroom.
~Angie~

[Carla]

Looking good! Can't wait to see all the great, fun things you have planned for your new place.

Don't cha just love those drop cloths???!!!! I've done a few window treatment projects myself, and I'm in the middle of slip-covering a chair with it too.

Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!
Carla

[Debbie]

I really like this look. YOu seem to do such a good job of putting things together...simple mundane things...a table, a chair, a throw....but when you do it, it looks so lovely! I liked your post today and will enjoy more pictures and the process of what you are doing!
Blessings,
Debbie
PS...I enjoyed all your December posts too....and of course the ones before that....big smile.

[Susan Daniel]

Your decor looks fabulous and oh so Tracey! You truly have the touch. I can't wait to see the rest as you get it done.

[Peg M.]

Beautiful! :)

[Sharlotte]

Love the dropcloth curtains. I need to check them out...thanks for sharing!

[Cathy Miller]

Oh, that's really pretty. I love the painter's drop cloths...my husband is a painter, so I could even get a discount at the paint store! I'm giving this idea some serious thought! Thanks for the picture! Love it!

[Robyn]

Looking good! Just hung my dropcloth drapes this weekend. They need ironing, so I'll post pics soon.

Come by for a visit:
mysoutherncottage.com

[aimee]

happy new year! love the drape idea! You are doing a grat job.
blessings,
aimee

[Barb in CA]

Tracey: Yes, the drop cloths are a great idea . . . as are the mirrors and frames, but it's your corner chair with the throw that got my attention. I'm ready to grab a book, sit down, wrap up, and start reading! The check pattern makes it extra cozy/comfy. Your color choices are right up my alley. I love what you do and am always ready for the next decorating installment . . . Barb

[Susan at Charm of the Carolines]

I love the idea of the arrangement of old mirrors. I have a large space over my sofa that needs more than just a painting or antique, stained glass window. This might be just the trick!

Susan

[Rita]

I admire your ability to make the most of what you have. Your space looks fabulous!
Rita

[Yankee Doodle]

My daughter in law used drop clothes for her oversized dining table at Christmas. It looked beautiful with big galvanized containers of paper whites on it.

I know what you mean about turning something new into your “look”. When we built our current house some twenty years ago the only room I felt like home in, OK this is funny but it was a little half bath on the main floor. It was small and easily decorated in the style I love and I would just sit in there and wonder if this house would ever be home.

Glad to say it is and I’m sure yours will be soon too.

[pogonip@meadowsweet cottage]

I love Jenny's idea of using them as slipcovers--brilliant!

[Lori]

Coming along splendidly!! Lori

[Spencer]

Yep, I've gone drop cloth crazy lately too....Whew....that's a lot of bang for the buck, isn't it? Everything's looking yummy and cozy...can't wait to see it all finished.

Happy New Year!

Warm blessings,
Spencer

[Tammi Waugh]

I love your mirror collection. Your color scheme is fabulous and the curtains are amazing! What a great idea!

Happy Unpacking!

Tammi

[No.17CherryTreeLane]

I enjoy all the mirrors and know that it is going to really pull the room together!

[Debbi]

The mirrors on the wall! What a great idea, if I may copy it for a wall. It would so work for me. Right now the wall is blank.

[Deborah]

Hi Tracey,

I too love your corner of mirrors. I first heard about using drop clothes as drapery at The Lettered Cottage. It's a wonderful, inexpensive way to dress windows. Everything in your new home is coming together beautifully.

Deborah

[pogonip@meadowsweet cottage]

Tracey, I loved those little kid seats at 41 Taylor and didn't realize they were drop cloths covers! Inspired is a nice way to start the new year