Period furniture can be sensitively restored or designed and reproduced by the wildthings select team. Our team are involved in the restoration of furniture at the kClub and many more period properties. We also supply source and restore furniture . VIctorian and georgian properties in Dublin and across the country are being lovingly restored by their lucky owners . We are lucky enough to be involved with many of the curtain, drapery, blind and shutter installations in these properties. Careful attention to detail is required with measuring, fitting and making up of period drapes or curtains . Our curtains are traditionally made, hand sewn and interlined How it all works .... Step 1 Survey of the property. An evaluation of the space by an expert interior designer. Measure the space and discuss rails ,poles, fitting styles for window treatment and best options available. Step 2 Choose fabrics for curtains or blinds . Many options available. Some of my favourites being silk from Designers Guild , James Hare or Kandola Other companies leading the way are Colefax and Fowler, Manual Canovas and Osborne and Little. The use of passimenterie / trimmings is always a fabulous way to achieve an authentic period look. The trimmings below are from Wemyss Houles a French company with an amazing range of products. Layering or adding a border to a leading edge is a great way to achieve a double layered curtain look without the expense of a double rail or pole. Step 3 Order and look forward to final fitting. Step 4 The big day.......fitting days are always exciting and full of anticipation. the finished product always worth the wait. SOME IMAGES BELOW SHOWING SOME OF THE OPTIONS Poles can be traditional and even moterised to update period properties . Motors are concealed so why not have the extra luxury ? So Victorian curtain or Georgian curtain lovers,,
whatever your looking for there is every reason to get the right result. Your options are endless . Call Paula 086 8595060 Whatever shape or size your window is there is always a solution to dress it . We just love shutters here at Wildthings and even though they can be made in any colour the most popular is white and ivory. We have several shades so there is always a suitable choice. Most of our clients prefer solid basswood however vinyl is very durable too and we are happy to recommend them. Some free advice though.... beware of mdf or ldf shutters they are too heavy for the purpose intended and the doors put too much strain on the hinges. We don't sell them at all for that reason. Some shutters fitted in Dublin this week.
This project recently completed shows a good example of tier on tier shutters . The top half of the windows opens out and the client wanted easy access for practical reasons. The bottom half remains closed for privacy or open to facilitate cleaning of the windows for a more open view. The shutters are 63mm blade size in basswood and the colour is ghost.These shutters worked very well with the fabulous new kitchen and we are pleased to report another very happy client. Having recently visited Dromoland Castle and loving curtains and drapery as I do , here are some of my observations with hints and tips on achieving that 5 star look. The curtains in Dromoland castle were surprisingly made by an English company . They specialise in period homes and have a fantastic reputation , however I am delighted to say that from the electric rollers in the dining room to the fabulously interlined curtains, Wildthings offer the same standards quality of workmanship and attention to detail. How to achieve the "Dromoland " look. 1. Use good quality fabrics . Linen is huge at the moment as are checks, tartans and stripes in wool or wool mixes. 2. Always use thermal lining or interlining in curtains or roman blinds. Traditionally it was the weight of the drapes kept the cold out 3. Puddle the curtains on to the floor. This looks elegant and stops draughts . However when the curtains are closed it can look a little untidy but fabulous when open and tied up. 4.Line the curtains in a light resistant colored lining or in a contrasting fabric. The dining room in Dromoland Castle was lined in blue and some of the windows surround a semi enclosed atrium so the curtains look really well on both sides. 5.Put plenty of fullness into the width of the curtains . We normally use 2.5 times the width of the window and pleat to the size of the window. For extra luxury and where the budget allows it, 3 times the width is the way to go. 6. Mix and match patterns and colours to achieve a relaxed look. Some fabrics shown below to get the "Dromoland" look Fabrics from de la Cuona Linen jacquard's inspired by the cathedrals in Italy & distressed 100% linen Fabrics from Voyage Highlands collection Try any of the above with this amazing embroidered linen from De la Cuona, french grey painted walls from the "Little Green" range of paints and own your own unique 5 star interior style. Obviously the options are endless. Enjoy decorating and go a little wild. Paula x This lucky client in Meath is about to get new curtains. The room was dated and a makeover long overdue. I will post before and after photos when we are finished / we cant wait and our client is excited to see the transformation. The room at the moment has yellow painted walls and that will be changed for the designers guild kashgar wallpaper shown above.There is some fabulous mahogany antique furniture in the room and the addition of the designers guild Octavia silk rug complements it beautifully. It brings new colour and life into the space while maintaining the old world charm. The brown leather sofas will be brought to life with the addition of some designers guild octavia cushions. The curtains at each end of the room will be changed to full length rasberry silk interlined curtains on a 50mmm wooden pole.
The work is in progress at the moment and I look forward to showing you all the completed project soon. Paula x Whats going on in your world? Are you in the mood for new paint or Wallpaper? Blinds or curtains? Maybe some shutters? Here are a few ideas from projects we are working on this summer. Our first ever internet client from our current website contacted us recently to revamp her bathroom and two bedrooms. We are delighted in particular to have the opportunity to make the bathroom or "little loo" child friendly. We are also delighted to have an ongoing relationship with our clients. There were two little ones in the house 2 years ago and now three. If they each use the bathroom 3 times that is 15 visits a day to this special little room. The problems with it are ..... 1. The tap too hard to turn on and off and regulate. 2. The sink has no overflow and the stopper is usually half closed so flooding is a problem . 3. The children cant see in the mirror. 4. The tiles are hard to clean and are finished at the wrong height visually and practically. 5. The children want towel rails and toilet roll holders 6. It should be a space that is nice to use and aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. We are going to build the sink and radiator into the panelling as such to give undersink storage and a shelf over the radiator. It will be a little bathroom for little people, that they will love to use and help in the quest for Independence. The adults will love it too. A bathroom to grow with the family. We are looking forward to showing you the real after photos. Images of a before and after revamp shown below. This lucky client was hugely emotional and delighted with the almost finished room. Some furniture to come still, cushions and a mirror. The old sofas were recovered and the curtains updated on a thick bay pole. What do you think? Walls painted colortrend spinifex. Our client in Dublin couldn't believe the quality and weight of the curtains.Good curtains or proper curtains as I call them are just the ultimate finishing touch to any room. More to come soon.
Have a great summer. Paula x If your curtains are sooo last season or just need a little revamp here are some tips to help you get sorted. Cleaning
Who throws red wine on their curtains? Well whoever does is beyond help they should just give up drinking. However any minor marks chocolate or grubbly little hands can be removed in most cases with the ever important baby wipe. Every home should have a stash of these for little emergencies. Test on the inside hem first. The best thing to do for regular maintenance is dust or vacuum at a low setting with the soft brush attachment. Never dry clean or wash, yes never. Your curtains should not be that dirty. At best hang them out on the line to refresh and blow out any cobwebs so to speak. Watch out for birds though we don't want any unnecessary "accidents". If you insist on dry cleaning be very careful where you send them. The stiffener used to create the pleats usually looses its shape and wont be the fault of the cleaners, it just happens. Fading Fading happens in time to the leading edge of most curtains. A good tip is to alternate left curtain to right and vice verse occasionally. A window blind will help prevent light damage and good lining will protect the rest of the fabric. If the damage is bad a contrasting border could be added to the leading edge. Re hang Often its good to stand back and have a good look to asses why curtains are not sitting right. Usually it is because the pins are put in any old way. You know, the painter comes, curtains come down, pins go missing and they go back up any old way. Replace missing or broken pins and put them all in at the same height. Even one in the wrong place will make your curtains look crooked. Check poles & rails. Metal poles can be sprayed with silicone spray which is available in good hardware's. It is specially formulated not to stain fabrics. Now I didn't say spray on the fabric..... you spray the pole or rail and runners to reduce friction and get the gliders to run smoothly. if the pole or rail was put up crooked , take it down and do it properly. There is nothing worse! Did you know a lot of first arguments take place over this ? Make sure your relationship is on solid ground before you try this or it could be curtains for you my dears. I hope this helps. Paula x Trimmings are back, just like deconstructed cheese cake by a gourmet chef, the trimmings menu is now vast and options endless. There are so many new braids and bobbles and from all the major fabric companies, that the options for unique design are limited only by your imagination. The image below is a selection from the new Osborne & Little collection. The selection of braids, cords and fringes featuring embroidery, knitted beads, pleating and distressed metal coins add the perfect finishing touch to contemporary Osborne & Little fabrics. The colours are inspired by the French Riviera. navy, sky, aqua, peacock, coral and purple as well as calm neutrals such as linen, cream, taupe and stone. The Trend range below are my favourite at the moment. The yellow tones are perfect to bring something new and different to party. I'm really looking forward to using the 2" braid on the leading edge of ivory linen curtains. it would also be fabulous on the bottom edge of a roman blind.The good news is they are available in lots of colours and start at only €22m Why not get started by adding some trimmings to your existing soft furnishings. a cushion perhaps?
Whatever way you use them just enjoy. Paula x Among the many brands I love and adore, Casamance and Camengo are in my top ten at the moment. This french company is sophisticated and elegant and offers a lot to those of us looking for luxury for less. Camengo is a more affordable brand with prices starting at €35m for fabric and €40 per roll for wallpaper. The lovely Mathieu from Casamance paid a visit last week to show us the new collection. Here is a sneak preview. Colourful,fresh, vibrant and ever so usable describes this new range called Tamaris. Not only is there fabric and voile for curtains, there is a fantastic range of upholstery fabrics in matching shades too. Think Mojito in the sunshine...........and your there . The Tamaris range has a fantastic collection of matching wallpapers. The sample books are on the way and I for one am looking forward to using them. Hopefully we can all look forward to a colourful, and maybe even a sunny summer too. Paula x www.wildthings.ie
Silk and velvet are so hot this season that I decided to show you just a few of my favourites. Here is just a small range of the amazing Kandola silks. It is hand woven and available with or without swarovski crystals. Crystals can be clear or coloured allowing a unique fabric to be created to your taste. Silk is a fabulous natural fabric that catches the light and reflects a luxurious finish wherever it is used. We always interline our silk curtains to protect them from the light. These silks are also available without the crystals. Check out the amazing green and greys .The green makes a bold statement while the greys create a neutral backdrop for an injection of colour elsewhere. Crystalised hand crushed velvets again from Kandola are a stunning choice for curtains. Lots of my clients just cant refuse it, as the effect is simply stunning.The colours are good but my one issue is it doesn't come in ivory. Apparently it just doesnt crush well. So there you have it, if you want it you will have to decorate around the colours available. We used the pearl grey recently with ivory crystalised wallpaper. It is also available without the crystals for those of you that would prefer the luxury without the bling. This is the pearl hand crushed with clear crystals and ivory crystalised wallpaper. The tie back has a crystal finish too . The fabric drapes beautifully and is soft, flowy and elegant. There are so many more velvets, some smooth and glossy others soft and textured . It is incredible the choice we have now and how reasonably priced it is. Some start at €35. The Kandola crushed is €45 and €85 with crystals . kandola , Designers Guild , Osborn and Little and James Hare are just some of the many brands that are nailing this look with great success. For more on velvets or silk just give me a call Paula 086 8595060 You've been giving out for long enough.... looking for some easy ways to glam it up? We spend so much time in the bedroom we all deserve a comfortable relaxing space. Some of the easiest ways to get it right are staring us in the face. Before you read on without spending a penny try and guess the first 3 things I would recommend without spending a penny. No scrolling down......... Ok, I wonder how many got it right? 1. Declutter By this I mean be ruthless. get rid of all the clothes you never wear. All old and worn favourites. Those flares were grand in the seventies, oh and the parallels were lovely in the eighties. Put all things from the dressing table in baskets or put them in a cupboard . Better still throw out all old and out of date cosmetics. Pack the summer clothes away, yes it is over and not due to come back for a few months yet. 2. Light it up Light a few candles. I am not mad into scented ones with the exception of the fresh cotton, jasmine or lavender.These give a wonderful fresh smell but each to their own.. you know what you like yourself. Please always light them in a glass hurricane or somewhere safe on a non inflammable surface away from soft furnishings.Another top tip is to always buy a good brand, cheap candles can explode and cause fire. 3.Flower Power Fresh flowers or foliage. Grab a few sprigs of evergreen shrubs and berries from the garden or put a flowering orchid plant in front of your dressing table mirror. Spend a few quid if you can on a few tulips, there is little nicer than these symbols of Spring to come. Now when you have all this done you could consider the following. Lighting What is your bedroom light like? This is a great little fitting to give that Hollywood touch. This one is great value at only €125 and is one of the best antique reproduction chandeliers on the market. The droplets are cut glass as is the centre. The frame work is available in antique white , chrome or brass. They are also available in 5, 8 and 12 arm options. There are also matching wall lights for these chandeliers for only €75. Acrylic and very light iron versions can be found in diy stores. It is a good idea to put all bedroom lighting on a dimmer switch.( reasons obvious of course) Wallpaper or paint Try just one feature wall or go all out and do the whole room. 3 rolls of wallpaper should do an average feature wall and 7 a whole room. There are so many to choose from so it can be daunting. My suggestion is to pick one that will work with your existing bedlinen and find a supplier that will help you choose. Take pictures of your furniture and bedding and show it to your chosen retailer. Furniture If your furniture needs updating, depending on your budget of course, you could change the bed or for a new look on a small budget try replacing the lockers only. These little baby's are only €169 and are available in antique white , silver and gold. A good tip is to put a little mirror over the locker to make the room look bigger Most bedroom furniture ranges come with lots of different combinations, tallboys, blanket boxes , dressing tables etc Have a look at our storyboard below for some inspiration.
Happy decorating. Wishing you all bedroom bliss. Paula x |
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Welcome to our interiors & lifestyle blog. We'll be posting regular articles about cutting edge trends in interior design, as well as some descriptions of work we've just done. Most of the posts are from me but we will have guest posts too. We will talk about my house and yours and tell you what we are wild about at the moment. There will be plenty of hints & tips & a bit of fun stuff too. Thank you for following our blog. You did, didnt you ? Paula x Blogging about all things interiors & moreCategories
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