Give your curtains the star treatment!
Okay, so we all have them, right?? Timeless pieces that we've stared at for so long that we've simply grown tired of them... But then the nostalgic, eclectic (or, in my case, pack rat) mentality just can't bear to part with them. Well, that's where I was with these celadon velvet curtains. GORGEOUS... but I'd moved on. So we decided to give them a little face lift by adding a beautiful layer of hand-painting to them. I absolutely LOVE them now!!! Of course, we went for a pretty over-the-top, intricate design... but you could do your own version of this, using a stencil to create an all-over pattern... go as bold or as delicate as you like! Maybe stripes are more your gig? Painterly vertical stripes would be stunning, and certainly make a modern statement in a small space! Almost any kind of paint would work here really... acrylic, oil, etc. Or maybe you want to add a new ribbon trim or tassel fringe? Whether you're a seamstress, or not... no problem! (I personally love the no-sew option of a hot glue gun!) Even changing up your tiebacks, or trying them on for the first time, can make a huge difference in the silhouette of your window or doorway. I figure, what have you got to lose?? If you're going to take them down and tuck them away, you might as well try to reinvent them first... Who knows? You may just fall in love with them all over again!! (p.s. Even Gus couldn't help himself and came on over to show us his latest truck obsession!!!)
posted by Tracy Porter Blog
75 Comments:
Hi Tracy.. I found you via Decor8 a few weeks ago when she posted.
I am so glad I did!!!! I just love your designs and style! And I especially love this idea of PAINTING ON VELVET!!!! I would not have thought of it. But I have a perfect pair that I think I would love to try! Thanks for the ideas!!!
Jennifer (www.PinkyBrownInc.blogspot.com)
The draperies are beautiful. What a great idea. I think the scale of the pattern is important and you got it just right! Love it!!
Gorgeous, just gorgeous!
Oh how I wish I could paint, but then again, if I could I probably would never get anything else done!
Once again, I am leaving here inspired, ready to look around my house with fresh eyes, thank you.
Tracy I just love you, and your kids are just adorable!
Oh wow, GORGEOUS! I mean, really, come on. How do you come up with all these good ideas! Tracy, those are beautiful.
I am now looking for ways to incorporate this in my home:)
PS. Love Gus's head full head of white hair. He is so adorable!
This is my FAVORITE thing! What an awesome way to create something personal, one-of-a-kind, just plain ol' faboulous! Oh... I am SO doing this in my home!! ;)
p.s~ Tracy,..I can't spell worth a darn either,..it's us "right-brained" people ya know?
Hi yall,
I'll have to say that being so techically challenged frustrates me cuz I can never find the blogs.
I commented one time as anonymous and a pop up said my comment would be reviewed before publishing. never saw it... I read all these wonderful things and love the personalities of the blogging family. I mean being your pals is expensive....but at least my face is flawless thanks to the smashbox primer and my nightstand has one of my fav books Paris Hotels, etc.
Someone please help me figure out how to find the continuing stream of blogs. MERCI
Greetings Texas Francophile from one Texan to another. Glad you are back. The streams of blog are archived after so long so you do have to "search" for older topics. But they are on the right by month. The comment "..your comment has be reviewed" is normal; so don't get intimidated. Your comment will show up after a while. Don't give up! Glad you're looking "smashing" with the primer. **Speaking of products! Katie - found the Avenda Potion and really like it. Great tip! It's Friday and there's always a skip in our hearts around here. Love the weekends: hubby home, puttering in the yard, reading. Ta-ta...
This video is so beautiful. I love the view through the curtains and the colors by the stairs. For about a year I have been trying to talk my husband into painting our oak railing black. This is a great visual and I am going to have him watch it. Also have any of you read Charlotte Moss's decorating books? I have her Winter House book because in Minnesota it's winter for a long time. Anyway, she has black trim in her house. It is sooo cool.
Tracy, Thank you for sharing with us and for using your creativity to inspire others. It shows a giving heart.
Welcome Texas, you'll love it here. Are you by chance from Houston? if you say "yes" I am going to scream!!!!!!!! My best blog buddies are from there. Listen to what Virginia told you, she is very techy- One of those right brain-left brain people.
So glad....so glad you like these. I have had these drapes for probably 16 years...I think I bought them through pottery barn? They have been in 20 different spots in our home....I just was sooooooo tired of them, and they were too washed out for all the powerful new color! Today our staircase ( that you see in the video) is getting an oriental delicious~ scrumptious ( can you tell how excited I am....!!!!!!) runner and brass bars....our current carpet is literally shot and truly so pathetically stained from the boys and traffic that it had to go!!! I think the runner will hide all that little boy ( dirty feet, mud, sand, juice box, sticks , food crumbs) goodness.....all that pattern is good for stains....don't you think! I am all about the theater......if I can hide stains, then I will!! In our home I surely cannot avoid them, too much energy!!!
xo
oh, and if you have not checked out Pinky brown ....(www.PinkyBrownInc.blogspot.com)
so cool, Jade thanks for having us on your site, so sweet of you.
Jade has a really cool sense of style....very inspiring. I know you will love it, Melissa has gone already I see!!
OMG, I'm so excited it worked....I found yall again. Artist don't scream i'm from DALLAS. Thank you for the tip Virginia. Ok I'm behind (last time i'll be that way)what is Avenda potion where do i put it, where do i get it??? Tracy those red interior doors are the best. my living is that color red and i love to sit and playlike i'm miss queen of quite a lot (from a napkin of mary englebrit)...anyway thats a fab idea. its trying to be spring here one day 80 one day 40 so my roses need my attention (66)food, prune, etc. i'll move my creative talents outside for awhile. i love to make gorgeous flower beds and jewel boxes. hands in dirt trumps hour with shrink. Wow i'm so excited to be a part of smart, and kicky chicks!!
Congrats Texasa in figuring it out! Now you will have to visit often. I too am itching to get outside in the garden,can't wait. Spring is already here in N.C. I walk everyday and the last week have not needed a coat or sweater. Yeah!
Tracy, a question for you: Did you paint the drapes or one of your staff or did you hire an artist? Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FYI I raised 2 children and 4 pets on Oriental Rugs. They are well worth the money. NOTHING shows on those rugs. I have literally dropped pins etc... and could not find them with all the pattern. They look as good today as when we first bought them. A great decision Tracy for the stairway.
Artist, you keep reading my mind. I was wondering the same about who painted on the drapes.
Tracy, do tell. Are you a jack of all trades AND master of ALL?
Yes, Texas, welcome. I am fairly new to Tracyville, but so glad I found my way. You will love it here. Artist was going to scream b/c Virginia and CC, (is anybody else missing her lately) had the wonderful opportunity to meet. Meanwhile, her and I are way over here in the southeast...all alone:(
PS. I think the whole state of Texas has found out about us!
LOVE those curtains!
Oh, welcome....Texas Francophile!!!
(I too live in Texas)
Melissa...you may live in the southeast but you are such a sweetie...you are close at heart!
Tracy, I am so thrilled to have found your website! Such a feast for the eyes, mind and spirit! I absolutely love your style and admire your talent and boundless energy.
Thank you so much for all of the information and inspiration. You seem to truly live your commitment to enhancing the joy and beauty of daily living and that is amazing - no contrived, unattainable order and perfection here! And, you always encourage personal expression with such enthusiasm...How refreshing is that?!
What a wonderful family and company you have too. In terms of the beautiful products you offer, will you be shipping to Canada sometime in the near future?
I enjoy reading your blog, and the comments of everyone in your family of bloggers, as often as I can. Such a delight - kindred spirits all! Many thanks.
Aw, thanks CC. I do feel close:)
Welcome, Stephanie. I must say, I do feel that we are kindred spirits here. There is no other group like this one!
Tracy, We would love to hear from you again. Things must be very busy there.
The oriental runner is in, brass bars and all I LOVE IT! Really makes that part of the house gorgeous!
no I personally did not paint the drapes one of the truly awesome artists that works for us did. I used to paint and do literally everything when we began our company, but it is just not human for me to be all things. Our team is wonderful and we try to find people with very diverse talents. The curtains ( while they are painted by a remarkable artist) I think are still inspiring for anyone that wants to take up the brush,....you could stencil or sewn on or glue on gorgeous goodies....oh, how i love the glue gun....! Do you don a glue gun much.....I find it to be my quick fix for nearly everything....I actually sometimes glue things right onto my walls.
The best thing about a glue gun is it peels right off when you are ready. Tracy you must show us the stairway. Beautiful beyond words I'm sure. How smart to invest the $$$ and talent in your own home instead of a rented space. I do have a question...In the curtain picture of your home, one side is indigo , what is the color of the other side? I know it's dark and yummy but I can't tell what color you added to the mix. Also, I still want to see that foyer wallpaper. It was to die for gorgous!!!!!!! And those lamps...were they vintage? I guess you can tell I'm an artist. I get so involved with the details. LOL
Storms in Dallas today....great day to peruse my magazines and Tracy Porter catalogs. Tear sheets are carefully being filed in correct categories in accordian files purchased from Barnes & Noble as discussed. Having a fun day.
Melissa, hello! I've visited your website and your work is wonderful. (I plan to visit your new blog momentarily.)
Artist in NC, you ask all the questions I'd love answers to as well! I was amazed when I saw the photo on All The Best, having just viewed the foyer on Tracy TV - beautiful and dramatic!
Tracy, all of the changes are a thrill to watch - I love that you emphasize design 'evolution' and 'theatre' in your home. BTW, I was unable to request a catalog. Is there any chance that you will be shipping to Canada soon? I live just 380 miles from Ripon...;o)
Dreaming with a Tracy Porter catalog must be a perfect way to spend time on a stormy afternoon - I'm envious Texas Francophile!
Texas, you have the program down to an exact science. Good for you! Love those folders.
Stephanie, welcome. I bet it's cold up there. If you have a question I will probably ask it, I'm the nosey one here. So glad you gals have joined us.
Texas Francophile - way to catch on to the TP Blogging tips. Don't you know that all of us most likely sport 1) a huge basket by our bedside filled with the TP catalog & magazines galore 2) our accordian file 3) books scattered throughout our homes. Happy Easter to Tracyville - may Sunday be a blessed day and one filled with love, laughter and a smattering of chocolate.
I must say, though I love to create and all things art and decor, I really haven't used a glue gun. I must add this to my repertoire though. I can see where I might develop an addiction to it:)
Texas Francophile, I recently learned (thanks to my Tracyville Gals) the importance of the accordion file. I am so glad to be using this system to store my inspirations in:)
Stephanie, thanks so much for visiting my site! I do hope you enjoyed it:)
Melissa my dear, being a fellow artist, your glue gun should be attached to your hip!!!!!
Oh, yes we ship anywhere in the world that can be reached by a truck. My dear Canadian friend we would love to help you, call up our sweet cust. service gals if you need a quote on something our website cannot calculate $$ for shipping gout of the USA. We would love to help you though! thanks so much for asking!
Yes, A very Happy Easter to all of you. I made 14 easter baskets this week stuffed with so much candy and goodness, I'm not sure who loves it more, me or them....jelly bean for you...a few for me.....my teeth may rot out of my head after making those baskets!
xoxo
Such great news Tracy, thanks so much!! I'll start fine-tuning my list right away! Have a wonderful Easter. It's a special one this year - the earliest it will be in our lifetime (except for those alive in 1913, when it was last on March 23rd). It won't be on the 23rd again until 2228! It won't be on March 22nd again (the very earliest it can possibly be) until 2285! (The last time it was on the 22nd of March was in 1818.) This info was in our local paper recently. I think we'll be searching for Easter eggs in the snow this year!
Artist, many thanks to you. Going back into the archives, I have gleaned so much information thanks to your eye for detail and inquiring mind! And yes, it is still quite chilly here. Up until last week, I was able to cross country ski right from my front door every evening! But the robins are back, it's raining today and some patches of grass are appearing. Lovely to here about the spring weather in the south!
Melissa, I definitely enjoyed your site!
Stephanie, It is 78 today and I just got back from a ladies lunch on the patio. I can't imagine still being in snow. My kids would love it! My daughter just got home from skiing in Wyoming.
Katie I wore the messy bun to the luncheon and also my embark eyes. Love that shadow as liner.
Tracy I am still waiting to hear about that paint color on the other side of the drapes. And PLEASE show us the foyer wallpaper. I can't imagine making that many baskets. I do have a wonderful tip...Use tulle as your Easter grass in the bottom of the basket and you won't have that grassy mess all over the house. Plus, it looks heavenly, like a cloud of pale color. I need grandbabies!!!!!! There are no more baskets at my house. But... my young adults will all be home with their significant others. Happy Easter all!
Tracy, I know you have been busy getting ready for all the fun at your house saturday....I have been dreaming about the "big basket" you are making....can you adopt me into your family for the week-end so I can search for the golden egg too?? :O)
So happy to read all of the updates. WOW! Stephanie, I can't imagine skiing right out of my front door. What fun!
Speaking of fun...Tracy, what fun to fill 14 Easter baskets. I know all that receive them will be totally delighted!
Artiest, I wish I would have known about tulle earlier (our kiddos still get baskets but they are now teens....a bit more challenging for the Easter Bunny! Tee hee). Like you, I'm not a fan of "Easter grass" so I put green yarn at the bottom of our Easter baskets. It was a fun alternative and not as messy. But, tulle ....I bet that is fun too.
As we enter in to these next few days of the Easter season....may each of you be blessed and and find much joy on a glorious Easter Sunday!
78 degrees and lunch on the patio...Oh, to dream!
Hi CC! This winter has been a lot of fun indeed. We may be skiing into April, as our trails are still packed down and solid (though no longer reaching the front door). And, it's snowing right now...!
All this talk of wondrous Easter baskets has of course inspired me - my sons will be thrilled this year. Priss, I think you've asked the question a few of us have been thinking...
A Very Happy Easter to everyone!
Hi all - Steph so glad you got the word that TP stuff can be shipped to you. Now you feel more connected. I'm thinking i'll ask the Easter bunny for a set of the TP mugs that are in the catalog. I'm trying to drink 2 cups of green tea/day per Dr Oz. soooo what better way than in one of those fab mugs.
Going to a fam reunion Sat. Going to make Texas Martini. I'm sure the TX girls have had it. shrimp, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, etc. etc. and I have a huge martini glass to serve it in.going to put the chips in an easter basket. how chic. Blessing to all and a Happy Easter!
Tracy, thought I'd let you know that we have chartered a plane and will all be arriving Saturday in time for the hunt. LOL
Hey Texas....that martini dish sounds scrumptious! my sister-in-law lived in Corpus for 30 years, and occasionally does tex/mex for us, but she hasn't done the martini. I will have to ask her if she knows how to do that! wish we could all have a taste! have fun at the reunion, and hope the Bunny brings the mugs!
Oh girls:) Ya'll just have me giggling all the time!
Artist, what time shall I be expecting the plane to arrive for me in Memphis? I am getting my winter clothes back out for the trip... OH HOW I WISH!
Seeing as my husband and I don't have any kids of our own...YET...I can't wait to have our house filled with all the "eater bunny" chatter while I'm busy decorating and filing baskets. Ladies, do count your blessings and appreciate all of the miracles you all have received:)
Tracy, I sure hope you are going to post some pictures of Easter time at the Porter home. Especially some shots of those baskets you've been working on!
Tracy...Artist...I bought my first class ticket for the airplane ride! Tee hee
* Texas Franco-LOVE the Dr. Oz and his plan for life. I need to remember that green tea tip! And, yes, you NEED the mugs. Operative word: need versus want. :) The shrimp martini dish is yummy. Have a blast with the fam.
* Stephanie - re British decorating mag. Wish I could help...I usually remember or write them down. I bet Tracy will pipe in on that subject.
* Priss - thrilled you have your Mom home. Spring, Easter - new beginnings for all.
Sorry Stephanie, I don't remember a British magazine conversation. Have you gone back through the blogs? You do know you can do that by clicking on the titles at the right side of the screen.
Good luck!
Wait... I'm still back at 'Texas Martini'! - sounds VERY yummy!
I think Priss was wondering about the British mag. (Perhaps Tracy mentioned a few at some point.) I know the British version of 'Country Living' is the one I find myself looking through the most. :)
Thanks Stephanie...I will check out the British C.L. (Priss)
Yes, Tracy....Pictures PLEASE!!!
Priss...so happy that your sweet mamma is HOME! What a blessing...your basket is already filled, isn't it??
Stephanie, I hope you have sunshine this weekend! Does the Easter Bunny ski?
Hi TP~
You can't imagaine what the Easter Bunny left at our farm for our blessed little Grandson, Silas! Why he left "Patches" the beautiful real life rocking horse from Tracy Porter. We are still trying to figure out how that bunny used all if his furry strength to get Patches across of the snow and into the great room. But ALAS! When Silas strode through the door in all of his 19 month mightiness and Patches was looking him right in the eye...well first came Silas' tears of joy and then came Grandma and Grandpas.
Life is indeed good with those little screams of delight as Silas rides Patches across the meadows of his imagination.
Can't wait to see you soon T-
xo
sue ellen
Thank you Artist - hope you have a very sunny weekend as well! We had bright sunshine all day today... Thanks ladies for sending it my way!
Virginia, I think you may be right about Texas NEEDing the TP mugs. Although I'll have to pace myself, I'm pretty sure I 'need' the Artesian Road dinnerware...
Oh, yes...pacing ourselves is mighty hard, Stephanie. The ladies on this blog get so excited about all things TP that we tend to egg each other on. :)
.....I do get British House and Garden, but I am not "crazy" for it, it 's good but Maison Francaise is better. ( I mentioned this in an above blog).....oh!! SE, the rockin horse, too much fun, so glad the baby guy loved it. ( girls these are no longer on the the site but it was the most fabulous rocking horse, old fashioned and so cool)!!
* the Texas martini sounds to die for, we do a very similar one in the summer....I usually put them in a cute clear votive cup , salt the edges...and add a cool spoon,we serve them on a big tray, perfect appetizer love the martini glass idea...so festive! ok, now my mouth is watering! ( well, I love anything in a martini glass!!!)
* Priss hope your mom enjoyed a lovely easter....how wonderful that she is home.
xo
Tracy, do I dare ask when there will be new videos? We just crave all the info and inspiration you will give us.
Ah yes, Stephenie, the Artesian Road Collection is my absolute favorite as well. It's so...well...artsy:)
I hope everyone had an amazing easter filled with many blessings. I know, just thinking about the cross and the resurrection reminds me of how blessed I am!
Tracy, thanks for the mag. suggestion...can't wait to check it out. I did not find the british Country Living, but did get The English HOme, which is kinda neat. Thanks for the thoughts on my mom everyone. She is doing well, and it is very good to have her home!
Tracy, I was thinking about how much we love / crave seeing your home...I am wondering....if you could peek inside one person's home, whose would it be? (From Priss...having trouble being able to post under 'name')
Priss that is a great question for Tracy. Who influences her? I know the world around us does but what person?
Melissa..you are so right...I feel so very blessed.
-Priss
That is a wonderful questing, Priss. You and Artist always come up with these great thoughts and questions! I would love to know what person is an influence to Tracy's style and also life!
hmmm, good question...a little of this a little of that...hard to put inspiration on any one thing for me, I adore Wallace Simpson...you know.... "The duchess" everything about her makes me squirrelly.....I bought some books years ago from Sothebys, when they were auctioning off their personal items..( so sad) and I treasure these books. History is hugely inspiring to me those sorts of ladies.....Diana Vreeland, Babe Paley...you know....
If I could peek in one persons home.... I suppose
i would say that to see inside Tony Duquettes home would be really killer....( do you girls own this book yet) one of my spot on favorites. Yes, new videos friday....thansk for asking....TTFN!!
xo
I always look forward to Fridays in the blog world, thanks to TP!
Can't wait for Friday. Hope we see more of the house. Tracy this is going to make you jealous (so sorry) I am gardening today. I just filled my courtyard with blossoms and ferns. Spring at last!!!!
Thanks, Tracy, for your info on how history has influenced you. I do not have that Tony Duquette book. He has quite a website, tho, a fascinating life indeed...
I am just now building my collection of personal influences in the world of design and art. Tracy, you are on the top of my list:)
Artist, won't you come to my house. I have a blank canvas (my yard) for you to work with!
What do ya say?
Tracy, I know your Grandma Lucy was French. Are you fluent in french? Just wondering if you can read french, since the magazine is in french. Great pictures, but not being able to read it would drive me nuts.
(from Priss)
melissa, wouldn't it be fun if we all lived in the same place? CC, Virginia and I talk about this all the time. Email helps but being together would be a hoot!!!!
You are gardening? did I read that right!!! As I am slipping on ice and donkey dung.....you are gardening!! WEll....I will just have to live vicariously...I am getting lots of seed catalogs...oh...love those! Keep sharing...love to hear any gardening goods!
Yes, my sweet grandma Lucy was French...I lived in Paris for 2 years straight out of high school and was pretty fluent then...I will honestly tell that now my trench is horrid. I don't speak it everyday and have lost so much vocabulary...my grammar was never the best to start with. I do love the magazine anyway. I am going to Paris this year with John and my brother and his wife....I eventually need to share my must sees in Paris with you guys. I have a juicy list...I love Paris...i reallly soak it all up ...all the little nook sand crannies...are just so good! I love any travel...ok....TTFN!!
Artist,No kidding! I would love the chance to sit around a very "boho chic" decorated table, sipping wine, and laughing our little hinnies off.
Of course, you would have to all hide your TP belongings, b/c I would be ripping them off of you and taking them home with me;)
Artist,No kidding! I would love the chance to sit around a very "boho chic" decorated table, sipping wine, and laughing our little hinnies off.
Of course, you would have to all hide your TP belongings, b/c I would be ripping them off of you and taking them home with me;)
Ohh, Ohh, Ohh... IDEA!
We should arrange a Tracy Porter blog/fan club/addicts conference. Once or twice a year.
Tracy, Katie and Sarah could all speak...offering their decorating insights, make up and hair tips, tricks of the trade.
Wouldn't that be so fun:)
Tracy, last Christmas we gave my daughter a trip to London and Paris. She had an amazing time. I laughed in the video when you preferred "chunnel". She most certainly preferred London. I think it was more young and hip,she is 23 years old. We in Tracyville are going to want to know all about your upcoming adventures. I was there many years ago. I'm sure it's all very different now.
Prissanna, I am loving that name. If you click name/url at the bottom a page will pop up for you to write Priss. You won't have to stay anon.
As far as gardening goes I am having a love affair with hydrangeas. Planted several yesterday. Can't wait for those big floppy blooms. I am also into boxwoods as borders because of the order they give a garden. I'd love to hear what you plant Tracy. Don't get green with envy but it is in the 70's today and is suppose to be 80 tomorrow. Ta Ta.
Melissa...sounds like you can add 'party planner' to your list of talents! Good ideas!
-Priss
Tracy, had the best time at the Tony Duquette website...wow, my horizons have been expanded...I'd never heard of him, so thanks for sharing. I can see his influence on your design and philosopy... with the table scapes, embellishments, colors, layers, and all...what a fascinating man he was.
-Priss
Melissa - A Tracyville Convention has to occur! Oh, can you imagine how many notes we'd be taking in the company of Tracy, Sara and Katie! Ladies of Tracy Porter, Inc., pick a date- any date, give us time to plan. We'll be there.
I would for sure come to a Tracy Porter Blog/ fan club/addicts conference sounds like a blast. I don't think it would help our addiction though. It would probably make it worse.
Artist, I love hydrangeas. They are so old fashioned and fun to dry. I hang a bunch from my potrack or put them in vases. You are so blessed to be enjoying flowers and gardening right now. I literally have 3" of snow on my deck and in my yard. We need some warm days to melt it. A friend came over this morning and brought me a bunch of hot pink tulips. I put them in a mason jar and they bring me happiness.
I have never been to Europe, but I adore Paris. I've always wanted to go. I took french as a second language but I've never been able to use it. I will just have to live vicariously through you ladies :)
Artist, hydrangeas are some of my absolute favorites! They are so big and so pretty. I love they varying colors as well. I would love to see pics of your wonderful work in the garden!
Tracy, I'm headed of to check out the Tony Duquette myself!
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