 Dear Catrina, My husband and I just moved into our new Tuscan style home that has lots of arches over the windows and doors. They look a little bare as is. What are the best options to exemplify this feature? Janice and Bob Anderson – Boerne, TX Dear Janice and Bob, We really have 2 options. One is to use a scrolled art design applied to the window. This diffuses the light and embellishes the window and the treatment below. It’s a resin composite scrolled effect that allows for easy cleaning. My favorite option, though, is an iron metal, and is more cost effective at times. These are hand forged iron works of art, and create a real old-world romantic look that just absolutely finishes out the window. These look so much better than trying to put decorative window treatments over the windows. Before we begin, I also recommend tinting the window beneath if there is a lot of exposure to sun. We tint the window first, and then apply the selected iron to the area. It looks amazing, and when we did that at the Parade of Homes at the Dominion, the builders were absolutely floored with the effect this had. On the other side, the interior side, you’ll then want to look at your window treatments. I primarily use fixed panels with hand-forged rods and hand-sewn rings. Your designer can help you select the best colors. The rods I use are powder coated so the ring slides on the rod with ease and can also be finished with an old world bronze to complete the entire look. |
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 Catrina, We just moved into our home in Cordillera Ranch. It’s beautiful, and a dream come true for us, but the master bathroom leaves a little be desired. It just seems a little too “plain”. The fixtures aren’t very unique, the vanity and countertops are unexciting, and the walls are simply white. What ideas do you suggest to transform this room to make it more seamless with the rest of the house, which has more of French Country décor? Thanks,
Bob and Janet Neimier Bob and Janet,
First of all, it’s important to determine how much you’re going to spend. This will help “set the stage” for the many directions we can go. Secondly, it sounds like your bathroom needs some major color pop. Consult a designer and have her help pick the colors that will flow from the master bedroom to the bathroom. Whether it’s a color in the bedspread, or window treatments…take a color and wrap it into the master bath. For example, if it’s a rust color, paint an accent wall in the bath and this will give you some color continuity. Embellish with towels, a great lamp, and large candles by the bathtub. A matching bathroom rug will go a long way to giving your bathroom some personality! Accessorize your bathroom as well! I tell all my clients that houses are built in layers. Accessorizing is no different. The accessories can determine the look of the room by bringing in warmth, color, and life. Fixtures are a major component as well. They are expensive, but they are easy to have installed. Mirrors can also add a lot to a bathroom. If you want to swap out the plain mirror installed for something much more aesthetic, remove it before painting as oftentimes the mirrors are glued to the walls, which will then require some patchwork. Once off, beautiful iron scrolled mirrors or copper mirrors are always great.Best of luck with everything! Have fun! Cat |
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 Dear Cat,
I’ve got a decent sized pool in my backyard, with a very large patio area. Most of it is in the shade, but the areas around the pool are in the sun. I have a very rustic design theme throughout the interior of my house, and would like that to extend to the backyard. I’m lost as to what options I have to make my patio and backyard the most enjoyable! Barbara Jensen – Cordillera Ranch Barbara, Designing the outside areas is one of my favorites because you have so many options! First and foremost, work with your designer to help pick fabrics and colors for the furniture, accessories, and drapes that will best
complement the colors and themes that you have used throughout the house. From there, let’s talk about the furniture. It must be powder-coated obviously. Being exposed to the elements requires some protection, and the powder-coating also keeps the metal cooler to the touch. Sumbrella brand cushions are my favorite because they will withstand the elements easily, but also because they look amazing. You’ll also want to have your chairs and cushions sealed with Complete-seal brand sealer for maximum protection. Again, your designer can point you in various directions for help with furniture selection. There are many furniture makers in the area (myself included!) that can produce furniture to your exact specifications and to fit virtually any budget. Once furniture selection has been made, begin to accessorize. I like to utilize lots and lots of pots and plants in the garden areas. I was at a pool the other day where the client had planted large tomato plants around one side of the pool. It was so lovely (and low maintenance)! After the pots, look at lamps. They make some amazing outdoor lamps now. Sumbrella makes one where the lights are under the patio umbrella. It’s beautiful. Finally, draperies for the patios is about the hottest thing going right now. Any fabric and color will work fine as long as it is sealed. Beautiful drapes on the outside of the windows is such a dramatic effect for the outdoor living spaces. Creating an outdoor living area that is an extension of your interior, and one that is comfortable and enjoyable is such a great way to complement your home! Thanks,
Catrina |
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Dear Catrina,
I love your store and all of your custom pieces. I would love to say out with the old and in with the new and fill my home with everything from Catrina’s at the Ranch. However, I can’t afford a full furniture makeover but I am still in desperate need of a refresher. Can you give me some suggestions as to where to focus my attention and my money?
Jamie, Fair Oaks Ranch
Dear Jamie,
You don’t have to have an elaborate budget to have exquisite taste. Think of your living spaces. Where do you and your family gather most? If it is the living area, consider a timeless armoire or buffet that will give the room a new look as well as serve a functional purpose. Do you cherish the times when your family can sit down at the dining room together but hate that old table you're gathered around? Invest your money in a custom dining table hand crafted at the height and width that is right for your space and for your family. Whatever your purchase, it should make you smile day in and day out. We believe in creating heirloom pieces for today’s savvy shoppers.
Cat |
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