DIY Certain Curtain Separation

After moving into my 700 square foot open loft, I instantly realized that I needed to separate my living quarters from my sleeping quarters. I thought through the obvious ways; standing screens, large armoires, tall furniture, but I eventually set my mind on curtains. After a little googling, I came across an Apartment Therapy article on How to Hang 30' of Curtains for $40. Their story sounded familiar to my situation; open loft needing separation but still having a desire to let some light wash through the space. I wasn't necessarily fixed on a $40 budget, but I did need it to be fairly inexpensive. I read through the How-To's, got the main idea of how it all works, then took my own approach.

The Materials:                                                                                              

Wire Rope 1/16: Home Depot                                                                                                     

Screw Eye #210 Zinc: Home Depot                                                  

TurnBuckle Eye/Hook 5/32" by 4-3/4": Home Depot                      

EZ Tap-N-Lock Wall Anchors: Home Depot                                 

Bleached Muslin 36": Joann Fabrics

Stitch Witchery 1/4": Joann Fabrics

Keyring: Corner Store

The Tools:

Cable cutter

Drill and appropriately sized drill bit

Hammer

Scissors

Iron

1. First draw out a plan of the space you wanted to segment, noting the actual lengths and heights. For me, the curtains were going to follow an L-shape with three connections to the wall, and one connection between the wires.

2. Then decide on the effect you want from the curtains. I took notes from Restoration Hardware, deciding to do the Rod Pocket (C) curtain as this would hide the wire, having Standard Pleats (2) and a True Puddle.

3. Next was to find the curtain. When initially looking for curtains I was drawn to the rough and carefree texture of linen, yet with the coverage I needed as well as the unusual height, traditional linen curtains would have been incredibly expensive, therefore I kept it easy. After visiting Joann, I found the light and gauzy Muslin fabric that was perfect to make the curtains I wanted.

To Construct the Curtains:
You will need:
    - Cloth
    - Stitch Witchery 1/4"
         1. Cut the cloth to the desired length (including a half inch on the top to create the pocket, and the  
       chosen additional inches on the bottom for puddleing).

         2. With the use of an iron and Stitch Witchery, create a pocket at the top of each curtain.

         *If desired, Stitch Witchery could also be used on the bottom of the curtain to create a tailored   

         edge. With the cloth I chose, very little fraying occurred and what did simply added to the rustic  

         charm of the curtain.

         **If using Drapery Rings instead of a Rod Pocket to hang the curtains, this step 

             could be skipped, unless the tailored effect is desired.

To Hang the Curtains:
To hang the curtains between two walls you will need:
   -2 wall anchors if attaching to hollow walls or masonry
   -2 screw eyes (that fit the anchors if anchors are being used)
   -1 turnbuckle eye/hook
   -wire rope with several additional inches than what is necessary
         1. If using wall anchors, insert them into the walls using the instructions given with the anchors
        (most commonly by drilling a pilot hole and hammering the anchor in).
         2. Screw one screw eye into anchor/wall.
         3. Cut the wire rope several inches longer than the actual distance between walls with a cable      
             cutter.
         4. Tie one end of the wire to the second screw eye and screw it into the other  
             anchor/wall. I followed the knot used for tying picture wire to d-rings.

         5. Run the free end of the wire through the curtains.

         6. Using the same knot, tie the unattached end of the wire to the eye portion of the turnbuckle.
         7. Connect the hook of the turnbuckle to the second screw eye in the wall/anchor, suspending the    
             curtains.

       *If the curtains sag, unhook the turnbuckle from the eye screw, shorten the length of the
             turnbuckle by screwing in the hook and reattach to the screw eye in the wall.

If connecting one wire to another you will need additionally:
   -1 wall anchor
   -1 screw eye
   -wire rope with additional length
   -1 keyring
         1. Insert the wall anchor.
         2. Tie one end of the wire to the screw eye and screw into the anchor/wall.
         3. Attach the curtains to the wire
         4. Tie the free end of the wire to the keyring.
         5. Connect the keyring to the suspended first wire.

    *Unlike the first wire, this wires length will not have the ability to be adjusted by the turnbuckle, so    

      the length of wire should be a little more precise, and slight sagging should be expected.

And there you have it, internal curtains to claim your space, create character and show off your crafty abilities. While I missed the $40 mark made by the "Home Hacks", I still kept it affordable, at $151.72 before tax

A Light Separation

While the screen is a sensible and traditional separation of space, there are more creative and economical ways creating distinct areas. Hanging cloth is one of these ways. Now, when initially thinking about hanging curtains within a room, the thought of a Modern Family episode comes to mind, when Claire and Phil Dunphy try to show the harsh reality of daughter Haley's foresighted move-in with boyfriend Dylan; "at first it's a blast, buying a dish rack, hanging a sheet up to turn one room into two, allen wrenching a bookshelf called Lenurik because you couldn't afford the Seluurg...", but the internal curtain isn't just for the young and broke. Shown below are example of how hung cloth not only separates space but also adds character to the entire environment.

Such as the the photo above, the one below separates two distinct rooms in a light and airy manner

Curtains do an awesome job of creating closet space, whether its an entire wall of a loft as below, or a small nook.

While curtains most definitely separate space, they too create luxury and character for a space. Shown below, the heavily pleated and thick material creates an intense feel for the room.

A fairly modernistic and clean separation is applied below, with a clear right angle and obvious segregation of space.

A unique and whimsical application can be taken with prints, like the awesome swimming elephant, or the faux room farther below.

Creating Space

Let's talk about space. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a well segmented home, personally defining space showcases a creative touch that will not go unnoticed. There are many ways one can go about adding their unique decorum, highlighting the features of any room as well as it's intended use. Today we will focus on one of the easiest and most obvious ways to go about it, the screen. The screen not only stands as a partition that can hold place as a temporary wall, but it just as well can stand to add depth, texture and character to any room.

Beginning with a classic screen, the one above from thebellacottage.com gives an antique feel with its subtle and muted colors and raw textures. Fairly reasonable, the Darling Screen goes for $1095. 

For a more extravagant feel, the screen below from laylagrayce.com catches the light and opens the space with its beautifully buttoned antiqued mirrors and its gold (or silver) leaf finish. It's beauty, however, does not come cheaply. The three panel mirrored screen is listed for $3900.

Just because we are working our way up the totem pole, I have to continue with an Oly creation. Found at shopcandelabra.com, the four panel screen below is constructed of a metal frame with again your choice of gold or silver detailing. What makes this screen so inspirational is the lace-like qualities of the capiz shells, that allow light to pass through in a soft and delicate manner, illuminating the piece. Price is given upon request. I dare not request.

For a slight switch in focus, a more economic and creative solution to separating space can be done in the Mio fashion. Found at allmodern.com, the Mio Culture Nomad Architectural System is made of recycled double-walled cardboard pieces (nine colors available) that can be fitted together in an open or closed fashion, giving the buyer control of size, shape and pattern. Pricing begins at $56 for 24 modules , which creates a 4.5' square open screen or a 3' by 4.5' closed screen.

A Lighter Note

Lets end this week with some fun and unexpected finds for a VERY non-traditional wall trophy!

Small deer head trophy made of Legos! By David Cole for $28, comes unassembled with instructions and a diagram.

Some super cute mustached felt animals found on etsy by Alcreatures. The rabbit goes for $70, the moose for $179. Others are available as well!

Another plush, but more exotic creature, the unicorn by Cherrybox Studios, available for $80 at shanalogic.com.

Last but not least, the octopus, or tentacle at least. Handmade by ArtAkimbo, the one below is listed for a whopping $3500, but smaller ones are offered in the $300-$400 range. Can be customized.

Have a great weekend everyone!

DIY Faux Stag Mount

It was about three and a half years ago when I moved from my tiny one-bedroom apartment to a large loft with soaring ceilings. This is the time when faux mounts started to grab my attention. Gorgeous hand carved deer heads, stark white porcelain trophies, intricate wire constructed mounts all drew me in, and I so badly wanted one to hang in the thirty-foot entryway of my new apartment. Unfortunately, I didn't have the money to put down on a fake deer head, so I got creative.
1. I found an ebay maker and seller of a resin mount

 This mount is sold for $45.99, with $15.95 shipping. It comes in three pieces, the antlers detach.

2. Now, get creative. I kept it simple, with a glossy white spray paint: Homedepot.com, $3.87. However, the possibilities are endless. Not only can you do any color you want, you could mix and match colors, you could hand paint, you could decoupage, you could mosaic, you wrap it in yarn, in twin, in wire. ANYTHING!!!

                                                                   

3. If you choose to spray paint, make sure to do this outside, or somewhere with excellent ventilation. Place down paper, or as I did, spray within a large box, to prevent the paint from damaging the floor or other items nearby. For some spray painting tips, click here.

4. And there you have it, an awesome faux trophy for $65! Not too shabby. I recently moved out of my massive loft into a smaller one, yet the mount works perfectly on the brick.

***Several things to mention:

1. While the mount on ebay is a great price for a good item, the antlers of mine do not attach snugly. I have had to repair several breaks from the unstable attachment while moving the piece, however, when on the wall, it is solid. I have added glue to the place of attachment for extra stability.

2. While finding awesome trophies online, of which I listed yesterday, I came across mounts that were made in this fashion being sold for over $100. I am not trying to ruin anyones entrepreneurial attempts with this post, and for anyone who just doesn't feel like being creative, that is still a reasonable price for a wall trophy.

Wall Trophies

Now, I am fully aware that this is nothing new, in fact, it is quite stale. I don't know if it's my Montanan roots, but I find faux animal trophies to be extremely attractive, and a constant curiosity for myself. There is a plethora of shapes and materials creating a humane connection to mans hunting, gathering and bragging traditions that can work with any room.

They can be as simple and elegant as a hand carved wooden head, returning a natural feel to the faux approach. The intricacies of the carvings show true talent and craft of the artist, and therefore tend to be on the more expensive side. The mount above is a large show-stopper from natalienorcross.com, going for $649. Two similar yet smaller mounts are available for $429 from Natalie as well. Another hand carved mount (below) can be found at honeyshine.com for $485.

To help modernize the idea of a faux mount even more, alternative materials and finishes can be applied, allowing the mount to fit into a diverse array of settings. The head below, from aandgmerch.com, is made of an eye catching aluminum for $199.

For a clean, Parisian approach, porcelain creates a modest and cooler application. The  rhino from michelevarian.com for $298 is a piece I love. A unique and quirky, yet surprisingly subtle addition to a space.

A softer approach can be done with cloth. Rachel Denny from Portland does an incredible job of introducing cute knits in a variety of colors, making the mount feel less trophy, and more pet-like. A perfect way to introduce a different texture and color to a room. (There are no direct prices on the site, yet I've read elsewhere they tend to go around $650.)

For a different approach to color and texture, the heads below create a very unique expression and construction of the traditional trophy. Made in Germany, and sold by utilitydesign.co.uk, the MDF shapes come un-assembled, but claim to be simple to put together with no use of glue. There are currently seven different models, each going for £27.50, roughly $35.00.

The mounts below are not only great constructed pieces for the wall, but double as hangers. Found at yliving.com the papa buffalo, $195, and the cub, $99, are available in white, black and orange. Other animals are available as well!

For something simple and economically reasonable, the trophy wall decal presented below is a great way to add to a plain wall, and is perfect for a smaller space. Not only is it trendy, but it is also a great way to avoid damaging the wall with holes! It is available in MANY colors for a low $22 at etsy.com.

While there seems to be a trophy out there for every taste, there is always the option of making your own. Be sure to check out tomorrows post, where I present a DIY wall mount trophy for  under $70!

Where the Madness Began

As an undeclared Architectural Studies student in college, I spent many hours looking over homemade flash cards with palaces, skyrises, gardens and parks, memorizing people, places and techniques all within a historic culture and story. As my mind melted through the hours of studying, I would eventually call for a break. While my mind declared a rest, my interests pulsed for more shape, color and experience, therefore I would look at the micro environment online. By micro, I mean the built environment within our dwellings; the furniture, the art, our overall personal habitat that is created through small pieces that come together as a whole.
The issue with the internet, as all know good and well, is that there is an immense amount of crap. The trick to finding what you want without knowing exactly what you want, is to tap into a vein of gold. From there you can continue to find new and better sites with new and better products without having to wade through the excrement of the world wide web. That is what led to my exciting, and way too time consuming interest of finding incredible pieces, and finding some of them for a reasonable price.
It was my gold piece, betterlivingthroughdesign.com, that opened the web for me, and introduced me to some key pieces that grabbed my attention and expanded my interest.
This is a "Thank You" to all those involved in BLTD, and a preparatory, "Here's to the future!" for you and I,  to help create a new nugget of gold for the built micro environmental socity, and to college procrastinators alike!