Italian Stringing

When Joni of Cote de Texas wrote about curtains as her #4 Top Ten Design Element, she mentioned a term I had never heard before: Italian Stringing. It's a method of holding back curtains without any obvious visual means. Well, while at The Jefferson this past weekend I noticed that the curtains in their recently redesigned dining room were just that - held back but without a tieback.
Here's the behind-the-scenes look showing the string and metal rings. Yes, the waitress thought I was a bit strange...

Back next post with more from Richmond, including Mary Douglas Drysdale and Tobi Fairley.

Drapes

Although I have a strong affinity for the use of natural elements in interior design and don't like rooms to look "made up" and stiff, I do have leanings toward a "proper"southern sensibility, that won't allow me to feel comfortable about a room unless the windows are properly dressed. I absolutely love drapes. It's the long flowing swooping fabric in lush silks, damask and heavy linens, always lined. Fringe it. Bead it. Embellish it the more. Then there are tie-backs, and decorative drapery rods, topped off with finials in an abundance of finishes. A well dressed window is like a well dressed woman of a certain age on her way down the red carpet. Glamorus, sophisticated, fabric flowing behind her as she strolls down the aisle....what a statement!

images: Traditional Home

Sources:
One
Drapery Fabric: Florio Collection,Butterfly Vine/Moss and Lady Slipper Vine
Cabinets: Chinoiserie
Two
Drapery Fabric: Translucent Muslin
Three
Drapes: Real Simple Design
Walls: Painted by Design Red
Interior Designer, Gail Plechaty, Real Simple Design
Four
Drapery Fabric: Red, Highland Court and Yellow JAB
Chandelier: AF Lighting, Candace Olson #6772-6H
Five
Silk Drapes: Florio Collection
Chair & Bench Fabric: Nomi Fabrics
Black Leather Chair: John Rosselli & Assoc
Six
Drapery Fabric: Raspberry Silk, Jim Thompson #3159104
Area Rug: Masland Carpet
Seven
Drapery Fabric: Robert Allen, "Hearts Journey/Shadow"
Daybed: Sutton Place
Chair: Baker, Thomas Pheasant #7841