SHENZHEN AND DRAPERIES

Last week I had a marvelous day with girlfriends at Lo Wu and made it a point to look into drapery making while there.  I don't do draperies for my customers, but I can help guide you on choices of what and how. In the past, I've always made my own draperies, but this time moving to HK I was lucky enough to find a flat that already had beautiful silks - so no need to change out. 

After a 10 hour day in Lo Wu.... not bad they're still smiling!

MUST DO BEFORE YOU GO:  know your exact measurements of your window.  It's also helpful if you have a photo so they can copy.  Remember, what you see is what you get.  I like to have the curtains drape on the floor about 2-3" instead of stopping just before the floor.   Most pleated curtains are 2x your width.  They can go up to 3x your width - but that's a waste of material and money.

Here's a couple of recommendations:

Shop 1039 Jianxiu Curtain Fabric Shop  - it's a HUGE store with loads of fabric hanging on the walls.  One of the few times you can see the entire thing instead of viewing it from a book.

Thai Silk about $210 rmb - and the quality is good.  There was a knock off upstairs cheaper and it looked it!

Sheers are a great way to save.  They can be 110-120" wide vs the 54" and with our beautiful views - why hide it.  It diffuses the strong sun but gives weight to the room.  Add a straight valance in front with small pleats if you want to add color .

These are wicker/fabric that's housed on a roller - a plastic pulley.   It's $478 a sq meter. I think it included the entire unit.  It's a nice semi-transparent look - and then surround it with drapes.  The drapes don't have to close - just a 'faux' drape. 

 

 This is bamboo shades - much cheaper - but on a cord pulley system.  $128 rmb sq meter.  The photo below is not what I would choose - but think of a straight valance (this hides the pulley) and a more commercial weave.  See the photos below. 

 

Love the ribbon trim going down the linen drape and the bamboo shades.  Notice how high the hardware is on the ceiling - this makes your ceilings feel taller.

Hardware can be purchased with your curtains - not a great selection - but you can always spray paint.  Then just hire a handy man to put them up. 

Another good source is SHOP# 3066  Baoshiheng Curtain Shop.  It's on the corner by the restaurant on the 3rd floor - and multiple pillows hanging on display outside.  The higher up you go in the mall the better the price.  My girlfriend did her entire flat in Roman Shades from here for about $4200rmb. 

Roman Shades with Trim

Roman shades with a soft bottom

Again, the reason I don't do draperies is it involves the purchase of fabric.  Fabric is such a personal choice -  too time consuming for me to go look, make a presentation and go look again if it's not your cup of tea.  Trying to back into a fabric choice is even harder if your decor is already on going.  
Bottom line - keep it simple.  That's why I love Linen  - since it's light weight and loosely woven, it allows lots of sunlight to filter through while still providing privacy.  Linen in Shenzhen runs about $35-60rmb a meter depending upon the weight for 54-60" wide. If you buy a lot you can get the price down. A higher grade can be purchased in the Western Market for about $220hk - and of course there is still Sham Shui Po.

Here's another one of my favorites.  The accent border.  You could add a smaller accent - like gross grain ribbon - between these two.  The bottom should be about 20-25% of the length.

You can save money if you don't line it, however, if you want a gorgeous expensive and flowing look - spend the money .  Drapes don't hang as nicely when they're unlined.  Dupioni silk - line it - because you don't want this beautiful fabric fading by the sun. 

Nail Head Linen Curtains from West Elm

But, I have to admit, I'm seeing more and more natural weaves being shown unlined in the magazines. I know -  you save money that way.  

SECRETARY DESKS

Antique Secretary Desks /writing desks have their origin in the 17th century as small traveling desks. After that they started appearing in various sizes and styles. In 1750, British furniture designer Thomas Chippendale designed some remarkable secretary desks that reflected the influence of the Gothic style. Victorian antique writing desks are very popular and among the most sought-after of antique writing desks especially if signed by the maker. Antique writing desks and antique secretary desks are a popular choice among writers for the convenience they afford and the visual appeal.

This is an item we have made

A small space secretary desk can be the right solution for many rooms. I enjoy having a desk to write out bills, work on a computer, and draft letters. However, finding an ideal space in the home can be a challenge with a desk. Further, a desk often does not blend in well with the remainder of the surroundings. For those people with lofts, flats, or small apartments, it's a double whammy. I have never been a big fan of having a desk in the main room of these living spaces. It usually does not flow well. At least today laptops have taken care of issues such as large computer towers and cables while trying to maintain an attractive overall room appearance.  Here are some solutions.

These are the traditional and gorgeous antique Chinese versions - using the Chippendale style. 

Determine how much floor space and ceiling height you have. Secretary desks are distinguished by their small footprint but often have tall upper-half bookcases, so measure carefully if you have small doors and elevators. 

We've made a version of this with glass doors

Before the Hardware is added and the mirror backing

Choose work-surface mechanism that is best for you. Secretary desks have hidden writing surfaces that either flip open, slide out on supports, or appear to be drawers.  Another one we've made below using and old English antique as it's inspiration and it's gone Shabby Chic distressed.

Unique carved item found at the factory

SKIRTED TABLES

 The skirted table concept is inexpensive and so under used.  It's a fabulous option for a small space.  Very clean but not dull.

I've used 2 saw horses from Ikea and a piece of wood - there is also a table on wheels at Ikea I've skirted.  Currently I stack my suitcases inside each other and  stored underneath where no one is the wiser.  This can be done in your living room or hallway.

   For an office I've taken 2 filing cabinets as a base and added a topper with high gloss paint or veneer.  Then stapled the fabric directly to the table top and hot glue a gross grain ribbon on top to hide it.

 The next idea for the TV is great. Baskets hold the CD's and a simple shelf unit underneath.  Cover it with glass or a mirror in a hallway for the glam factor.  I think this TV is actually mounted on a door - but think Chinese Screen.

This is for the bathroom and can hide an old cabient - but with a dark wood topper this would be a devine piece with it's Greek Key motif and pleats. 

 An old bookcase can be covered and everything neatly hidden.

  

It's all about the details - the ribbon trim and mirrored top.

TULIP TABLES

This table, which was designed by Eero for Knoll in 1956, is so genius that it will never go out of style and has remained a design icon since-frequently popping up in decor magazines and all over the blogosphere. 

The Tulip table is the perfect example of form following function and resulting in a beautiful design. It works with so many different looks - straight up mid-century modern, space-age, eclectic, mixed in with antiques, as the only white thing in the room or in an all-white room, the list goes on. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen it paired with a chair that didn't look great with it, whether it's the matching Tulip chairs or a cafe chair.

Elle Decor

I don't like matchy matchy so taking the clean lines of the tulip and blending them with an old wood antique is more my direction.  You could surf the internet for an hour and find countless examples of combinations - all shapes, sizes and colors. 

Actually - you don't have to surf - I've already done it. 

Love the brown wood, the walls, lamps and the table.  Eclectic and  working it.