DIY Pelmet Box

Kids, especially boys, are not concerned with the decor of a play room (Or any room for that matter.) The content of the room is paramount.  If you are anything like me, you want every space to be aesthetically pleasing.

This weekend I followed directions from Jenny over at Little Green Notebook, on DIY pelmet boxes, to pull together the playroom.   

Here are the windows before.

The walls are painted Benjamin Moore Polo Blue.

To start, we drew half of the pelmet shape, on paper, to use as a template.  This is to ensure both sides are the same.

I bought 1 sheet of the cheapest, thinnest plywood Lowe's had.  Be sure to have them cut it in half - it's much easier to carry and work with.  

Once the design was complete we used a jigsaw to cut the pelmet box and two smaller pieces for the sides, which are about 2 1/2 inches wide.

I used liquid nails and a staple gun the attach the sides to the front panel.  

Then I used the first pelmet as a template for the second window.  I had to adjust the width by an inch and the height by 4 inches to fit in between the built-ins.  

Next, I stapled a double layer of batting to each pelmet box.  Be sure to pull it tight and smooth.  

Staple the fabric the same way.  It takes some finagling.  To attach the pelmet box to the window we stapled 2 sawtooth hangers on the back.  Then put 2 nails in the wall to hang the box on.  

(Please excuse the mess, but there was a little nugget lining up his animals while I was taking pictures)

The pelmet box between the built-ins does not have sides.  We simply nailed it into the molding.  

Check out the books on the top shelf.  It's a collection of vintage children's books from the 1920's through the 1950's.  I scored them at a thrift shop this weekend.

Here is a close up of the fabric (Uzbek Jewel).  I purchased over 2 yards on a super sale. 

Both pelmet boxes cost less than $30 to make, with fabric and a 1/2 sheet of plywood to spear.  This was a fun, quick project - the best kind!  Thanks to my mom and my husband for their help!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”  

~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 

Silvery Silk Drapes

I ADORE these drapes!

via Elle Decor 

Searching for an inexpensive version for the office...

Another Sneak Peak

Here are some of the works in progress taking up all my time. Blogging will resume next week!

This CL find got a face lift - a few coats of Benjamin Moore's "Winter Gray" and some polished nickle ring pulls.  

Upholstered the top of a desk with this fabric.  A glass top and nailheads are the next steps.    

Reupholstered a headboard and made 3 new throw pillows.

A HUGE thank you to my mom for all her hard work!  This weekend's projects include silk drapes, a pelmet box, nailheads, glass for tabletops, a campaign chest, and completing a table skirt.  

Happy Friday!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)

Sneak Peak

I am super busy this week, but I wanted to share some more fabrics I am wrapped up in.

"LATTICE BAMBOO" by Robert Allen@Home

Braemore Liang Toile Marine 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"The cardinal virtue of all beauty is restraint."  ~ Elsie de Wolfe

Not The Master Of My Mantel

Accessorizing a mantel is one of the most difficult parts of a living room - at least for me. My living room is rather traditional.  Therefore, I like to mix in some eclectic and contemporary pieces to keep it fresh.  The living room below is the perfect blueprint for incorporating past and present decor.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Design: Jenny Keenan, via southernliving.com

Until yesterday, I had a similar gold leafed mirror over my fireplace, of course I forgot to take a before picture.  I love the mirror; however it competed with a large oil painting (on another wall), also in a large gilded frame.

Clearly I have not found the time to buy my new camera.  

The gilded mirror now hangs in my family room over a white couch with very clean lines.  They balance each other out and look great.  

A mirror above to fireplace is a must because the room is lacking when it comes to natural light.  This subtle six foot silver leafed mirror makes a difference.  The room appears brighter and wider.  Plus, it allows the painting to shine.  

Please excuse the bookshelves, etc.  Everything is in transition - just thrown on the shelves until I have the time to style and organize.

Now to the tricky part - what to put on the mantel?  I will defiantly take ques from the Charleston Charmer above and be sure to share after pictures.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"You can tear a poem apart to see what makes it tick... You're back with the mystery of having been moved by words.  The best craftsmanship always leave holes and gaps... so that something that is not in the poem can creep, crawl, flash or thunder in." ~Dylan Thomas