Adding My Floral Design To The Studio Back Entry (I Found A Way!)
If you’ve been following my studio project, you know that I really wanted to add the floral mural that I created for the long front wall of the studio to the walls of the back entry also. I even did a mock up of it, and started getting really excited about the idea.
But then I was faced with the reality of money and budget and all of those not-so-fun things to think about. Wallpapering the back entry would have cost over a thousand dollars, and while I’m open to some splurges here and there, that one wasn’t high on my priority list. So I decided instead to paint the walls a solid color and add lots of colorful artwork to the walls.
I haven’t changed my mind. That’s still the plan. But I just couldn’t let go of the idea of bringing that floral into that part of the room in some creative way. Some of you had suggested framing sections of the mural wallpaper and using it as art on the walls, while others had suggested using it just on the ceiling.
I didn’t really want to do either one of those things, so while I was uploading and ordering my large design for the mural wallpaper, I also decided to upload a smaller version of the design and see what it would look like on fabric. For a while now, I’ve been considering using that floral design on their velvet fabric to reupholster my desk chair. (This is why I use so much velvet for upholstery.) I love how the fabric looks, and I was pretty set on the idea of using it for the chair.
I’ve really only ever used Spoonflower to upload things that I want to try for my own house, and I’ve always done so with a very specific project in mind. So while I knew they offered a lot of different products beyond just wallpaper and fabric, I’ve never really paid much attention to those other products, much less considered purchasing any of them.
But this time, I decided to poke around a little and see what they had, and see how my floral design looked on the various products. It turns out that they offer a lot of different products–everything from fabric and wallpaper to cocktail napkins, throws, bedding, pillows, and curtains.
Tea towels! I may get a few of those for my kitchen. What a fun, bright pattern to have on tea towels!
As I was looking around at everything they offer, I saw those curtains, and thought, “That’s it!” I can purchase the fabric and use that to make curtains for the back door! They do offer ready-made curtains, and the price isn’t bad. But I don’t like rod pocket headers, and there’s no option to have them lined. But at least I could see what the fabric looks like made into curtains!
So instead of buying their ready-made curtains, I bought six yards of fabric so that I could make my own lined pinch-pleated curtains. And while it won’t exactly give me that same look that having the bold mural on the walls would have, this will still give me lots of the same bold color and pattern at a fraction of the cost. I’m pretty excited about this idea! Here’s a little mock up of what the curtains will look like…
I do still plan to paint the walls. That green just doesn’t do anything for me anymore. But I don’t love the idea of painting the walls a neutral color, either. I like the boldness of the green, but I just don’t like that particular green. I don’t think it would look good with the cabinet color, which I’m about 95% sure will be the Tuberose color on the left in the picture below.
Maybe I can pull one of the darker blues or purples out of the fabric and use that on the walls. I think a darker blue or purple would look great with the cabinet color. And I’ve already used similar colors together in the adjacent room (the sitting room) with the buffet color and the curtain color, so I know I like them together.
So, we’ll see! I should get the fabric tomorrow, and then I can pick up some paint samples and start narrowing down the possibilities.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
What a great idea! Doing curtains also adds some softness. Your mock up looks great! It also gives you numerous possibilities for paint color for the walls.
Genius!!!
I just love this idea of curtains matching the wallpaper. I have loved this pattern from way back when you created it and there are so many colors to pick from to paint the walls.
I can’t wait to see which one you choose.
I’m confused, are you painting the curtains with the flowers?
Anyhow, I love Spoonflower! I had a comforter cover made last winter, and I was drooling over all the ways to use the different patterns. I’m surprised you didn’t consider curtains in your pattern sooner. What a fabulous but not over the top way to repeat the wallpaper pattern in the back entry. Have you decided on the bathroom wall color?
As someone that has obsessively-followed and loved your blog since the condo years, I have a question for you about making bold design decisions. I have loved bold wallpapers, paint colors and furniture when I first get them, but after 4-5 years, I get a little tired of looking at that particular style and want a change. So I’ve started going more neutral with my decor choices, simply to avoid having to make changes. My question is, how do you know when to commit to a bold design when your taste may change within 5 years?
If I really love something, I’ll commit to it. I know I might have to change it in the next few years, but to me, that’s part of the fun. I like to use my home as kind of a laboratory to test out ideas, so if I grow tired of something, redoing it is fun to me.
I love this idea! As I kept reading, I had a suspicion this would be what you chose. 🙂
Excited to watch as it comes along. I might be concerned about the floral and checkerboard floor clashing. I love the floor and the material, to me, it seems busy. I’m sure it’ll be beautiful. Just my thoughts.
I so love the green paint. Wish you could leave it. The curtain idea for the doors is a great idea and material even for the chair. But when you get tired of it, you sure will have a lot to redo. I agree with the color for the cabinets, but do you HAVE to paint them? Could they stay white? Just a question. Have you finished the bathroom? Maybe I missed a picture of that project.
Have a good July 4th and stay cool and calm.
Love it! How about that teal color from the print for the walls?
Brilliant! Can’t wait to see!
Hi Kristi, I am interested in the drapes on the doors. Love the idea. I currently sew in a custom drapery workroom and see many different headings designs. Our most popular is the Euro pleat tacked at the base of the double fold pleat. I copied an example of this. It takes less fabric than a triple please and tidier than the back tab pleat you have shown. You might want to consider. PS. before working at the workroom for designers, I made my drapes using your method, although I much prefer my new method. If you are interested in knowing what it is, please send me a private message. good luck, always interested in seeing your creative talents and high level skill set.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/867119393/designer-off-white-drapery-weight-linen?click_key=025b0685165f64878c28b942f01041e3c44072a0%3A867119393&click_sum=08f7b7cb&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=euro+pleat+drapes&ref=search_grid-1100795-1-4&frs=1
I just made pinch pleat drapes almost identical to your link using instructions I found on YouTube. They came out really nice and were double width so I had my hands full. Good thing I have a ping pong table in my basement! Would it be too forward to ask if I could see your method? Just curious to see the different ways they are made. I admire the skill of drapery workroom people!!
I love using spoknflower fabric. I use it for quilting, making pillows and curtain panels. I love that they have different fabrics to choose from for each different project. Good luck can’t wait to see yours.
Excellent idea! Don’t you love it when a plan falls together.
What about pulling one of the green or teal colors found in your print and paint the back entryway with that color. I love the green you have now it’s just not the correct green to go with your beautiful print.
What a great idea! I knew you would find something.
Absolutely brilliant! Can’t wait to see it!
I hope you will highlight the portion of your curtain-making process where you make the flat tabs (not sure how else to describe it) with vertical trim that meet in the middle if the curtains on either side were closed. I line and make my own curtains, but I am not sure how you’ve done that. I’d love a tutorial on that portion of the process!
Brilliant! Curtains are IDEAL!