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Pelmet 2.0

January 11, 2013

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Not too long ago (at all), we DIYed and upholstered a pelmet in the cutest little cub print fabric.  I think it was described as “cheeky” among a reader or two.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier this week–there was an accident or rather an error on our novice upholsterers part?  Thankfully the pelmet itself is still in tact and sturdy as ever, but the fabric tore right at the inside corner of the decorative indent we cut.

On BOTH sides.

Obviously the first photo is a lot worse than this second one, but the first tear started small and just kept growing like a crack on windshield–so we knew the other was on its way. Bummer.  There was a ton of tension in that corner–it was really awkward to upholster–and the fabric just wasn’t strong enough or stretchy enough.  We contemplated covering the edges in ribbon, but didn’t love look.  So, with sad little hearts we reupholstered it.  Actually, we were kind of okay.  I mean, we loved it.  Of course.  But it is just fabric. And (!!) I can still make a cheeky bolster pillow for Greta’s bed with the remnants.

When picking a fabric to RE-reupholster with, we knew we were looking for something with a little stretch and a lot of durability.  So we decided on velour.  White velour.  It’s pretty, soft and cozy and really not coming through in these photos at all. Stretching it into those tight corners was a lot easier than last time so we are hopeful we won’t have to reupholster again.

As a sidenote, I am still trying to get used to the new wall color.  I think the white pelmet really makes things fresh and crisp, but the wall color detracts from that freshness a little.  We’ll see how I feel after the grasscloth goes up–since it was chosen specifically to coordinate with it.  Am I opposed to painting the walls again?  Absolutely not.  Painting is my favorite thing!  Walls, canvases, Greta’s little fingernails–I love it all.  I actually have this dream about documenting painting the same room with the same decor, 50 different colors just to see how it changes the vibe. I think it would a cool experiment.

Lastly, after all of your supportive comments on the curtains post, we are 100% adding a pop of colorful trim to the curtains.  Especially now that there is a big sea of white to break up.  It’s on the agenda for this weekend, along with grasscloth, art and a few other surprises.  What are you up to?

Happy Weekend, friends!

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What do you think?

  1. Cassie A. says:

    So glad the pelmet is still intact!! I agree with a previous poster… nailhead trim would look AMAZING on this. So glad you’re still going to be able to incorporate the cub fabric in the room. It’s so playful!! Can’t wait to see the art next! Great work!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Maybe you pulled it too tight? You do change things over and over a lot…I guess that is how we find our style

  3. I wish my husband was supportive of me repainting our walls! We were first time homeowners a little over three years ago, so it’s been a bit of a creative process figuring out my decorating style, and some of that involves painting rooms multiple times until I settle on the right color – when I first painted our bedroom, about 5 months later I realized it was the color of yellow poop, literally. So I repainted with some paint we had on hand that was more neutral with yellow undertones, but truth be told it was more of a quick fix and not something I really like at all. I’d really like to repaint that and a bathroom we remodeled 2 years ago because since then the rest of the first floor has evolved with a pretty consistent paint scheme and those two rooms don’t mesh at all. This is horrible, but what I’ll probably end up doing is just repainting while he’s gone for a long weekend working. Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

    And for the record, I found your blog a couple weeks ago and love you and your husband’s style. You even inspired me to create a little bit of modern art for my babe’s nursery, which turned out surprisingly good. I also discovered that painting and beer go hand in hand.

  4. Grasscloth! Grasscloth! Grasscloth! I cannot way!!! ;)

  5. Rebecca says:

    Two step forwards – one step back…that the nature of home renos..
    How about some nail heads on that pretty pelmet??!! I just reupholstered a chair this week and nailheads take it to the next level http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Tutorial-for-How-to-DIY-a-Pelmet-or-Box-Valance-The-Creativity-Exchange.jpg

  6. Sad! I love the whole window treatment thing you have going on. So sophisticated. The crazy mom in me is screaming for some blackout curtains but I forget it isn’t sunny all the time like here in FL. Blackout curtains are a must or your kid will be up until 10pm every night in the summer!!

    • Ahh! I have been meaning to mention we got new blinds for her room. They are 2 1/2″ white faux wood blinds that are light-blocking. They work pretty good for this north facing room, but I’m not sure how they would do in a room that gets lots of direct light.

  7. Emily says:

    I’m sad the cub print is gone, but the new look is great. I can’t wait to see the pops of color and the prints you chose. And I’m dying to see the grasscloth go up.

  8. I’m surprised the fabric tore. I really liked that cub fabric. The white pelmet with the new curtains looks fresh and lovely. Thank you for the re-paitning-a-room-fifty-times-if-you-have-to support! I think it will help with my current kitchen dilemma (which I’ll be posting on blog later today). I am very excited to see this room come together. I have been planning my daughters big girl room for months now and have changed my mind five times. I think I’m set on my last decisions but who knows with me! She turns 2 in four months. How does time fly so quickly?!

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