160 Responses

1. I will buy the riot inducing trademark curtains!!! We are moving and they would be PERFECT in my new house!!! Bring them to Raleigh when you come shopping and we can do a HUGE store credit!! 😉

2. I love, love option 3. Like all of them but 3 tugs at my heart! Di@cottage-wishes

3. Love the Seabreeze buffalo check #1 above, I have several yards of it for a (very way off in the future!) kitchen project. It’s such a beautiful, soft blue and cream.

4. If you don’t want to completely get rid of the drapes in the dining room you could use some of the fabric as a 2″ border on the buffalo check (or use some of the living room fabric in the same way). Extra fabric could also be used as a runner for the table or accent pillow. That way you get a little pop.

   1. i like that idea.

5. I pick # 3 for the daybed. As for changing out the curtains…… I’m afraid for the safety of you and your blog!! (Joking of course) I for one LOVE LOVE LOVE the drapes. I even bought a yard of it to test out and I still LOVE it!! But for all 4 of my windows it’s a bit pricey right now. I do however have to agree with you on the look and style being a teeny tiny bit… Well… Off. No offence of course!!!! Your style and designs are beautiful as always!! By the way…. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the new paint color Curio! It’s perfect.

6. I think you should do what you like! 🙂 The buffalo check would look lovely in the dining room. I think it would look lovely on the daybed too.

7. Love the buffalo check with anything! I may need it myself. Love the drapes.

8. I vote for option 3. The hemp with the French General pillows will be perfect.
   And add me to the choir who would be happy to purchase your former drapes. Love them! And I appreciate you letting us in on your thought process.

9. #1 is lovely. And I called dibs on the curtains months ago:)

10. Do it! The growth of your home, your style and your self confidence is what makes your blog so addictive. Change is good…especially when it comes to Buffalo check.
    Did you ever checkout Fabricguru.com? They have the very best deals on fabric around.

11. I vote for choice 3! And I’d keep the existing curtains.

    1. I agree 😉

12. I personally love buffalo check….in any color! But, I do agree the existing curtains are a trademark style for MMS plus they keep it from being too matchy matchy in the blue shades. Remember your a rebel!

13. I like choice #3 for the daybed….and, as for the buffalo check…agree, I couldn’t say without being in the room and holding the fabric.

14. I love the Buffalo Check for the settee. I think the Hemp Sheet may be a bit washed out with the new curtains. I would love to see the Buffalo Check with the Hemp Sheet used as a crisp piping. Have you ever thought of a ticking fabric? It would look great on an old settee. Very appropriate and vintage! Leave the dining room curtains for now. They’re your signature, and a trademark if you will. But, I’m sure whatever you choose will be fabulous and I’ll love it!

15. If you know me at all you know I’m hoping you go with option 3! I love the quiet calm of neutrals and the opportunity to switch out pillows for pops of color or for quiet neutrals in those too!

16. I like #3 best for the daybed.

    I love the new curtains in the family room, too.

    And…..I think you’re leaning heavily toward changing the dining room curtains, if you haven’t already made up your mind! :). Go for it! I bet you will love it. If not, change it back. The blue and white checks are very pretty.

    Although we do things differently, it’s surprising to me how much your house reminds me of mine. I noticed that you have a blue and white plate pattern on one of the plates hanging on the wall that is the same as my dinner set. It is Finlandia. Of course your home is more beautiful, but we certainly share a love for white fabric. I sew my soft furnishings too, but I really enjoy it. 🙂

    Anyway, I really appreciate your beautiful photos and the calm I sense from you when I read your posts.

    And your little guys are as cute as buttons!

    Thank you for the time and effort you put into your blog to inspire and help others. It is a blessing to many.

    Kelly

17. I love buffalo check, so pretty biased, how about the check on the daybed and make the drapes in the hemp trimmed with the buffalo?

18. # 3…simply beautiful. Make throw pillows with the othe fabric

19. I go with #3 and switch the drapes if you want. The check is awesome, could you keep the original drapes and just change them with the seasons?

20. I guess I’m in the minority – I like the French General (although I’d swap out the rug). I’m not a big fan of checks and in this case I don’t think it really compliments the style of the French daybed. Also, a checked pattern is not one of the easiest things to sew with for a good fit – it’s best for simple uses (like curtains or table cloths or bedspreads). I’d get frustrated trying to keep it from looking off-kilter and matching the squares (because every good seamstress- as my home ec teacher told me 30 years ago – aligns her stripes or checks).

21. My vote also is for #3 on the daybed and blue print pillows. I love the check, but changing THE curtains? Are we ready for such a dramatic change?

22. Option #3! But I like all the fabric you chose..

23. I love pick #3 and the way the pillows would pop. And I’m totally smitten with the Buffalo check for the dining room. It would definitely give it more of a Swedish country look.

24. I love the quiet hemp sheet for the daybed. I seem to lean towards quiet furniture, with loud accessories that I can shove in a closet to shut up when the chaos gets to be too much.

    I adore those curtains, but can totally see how the BC fabric works too. It would be a huge change, but hey, variety is the spice of life, eh Miss MUSTARD Seed? LOL

25. Marian,

    So many of us would love to have those curtains! They are truly a MMS trademark. I think you should have a giveaway/contest with the winner getting the curtains! Or an auction with the high bidder getting them and the money going to your favorite Christmas charity!

    I do like #3 with the idea of doing the pillows in the patterned fabric.

26. I have always thought that the most interesting and appealing homes were a blend of styles rather than a purist form of any one style. I love French style, but also enjoy unexpected elements that don’t follow the rules exactly. You should do whatever you like wherever you like in your home. And, it appears that finding a good home for the current curtain option will not be a problem…

27. I like all three options for your daybed but if I had to pick it would be #3. I love that you could change the pillows around for different looks. I really like your existing dining room drapes but agree with commenter who suggested having 2 sets and changing them out now and then. Best of both worlds.

    1. I agree!!!

28. Hi Marian,
    I’ve learned through my many years of decorating my home, to go neutral for large furniture, accent with the colors. You really don’t tire of it as soon. The check does look best in the dining room in my eyes. It’s lighter, not as busy. I have a new found love for blue these days after banishing it from my home for years. Sara, Ohio

29. I vote for #3 and then go wild with pillow pattern. I also reallllly love the buffalo check (I wish my aunt would send me some!) but I think it would make better drapes than cover the sofa. There’s my $.02. I can’t wait to see your choice!

30. #3 for the daybed and keep your current curtains!

31. I would go natural for the daybed. Then do patterned pillows. Don’t change your dining room! I love, love, love those curtains. They scream Miss Mustard Seed!

32. I love the new curtains in the family room but can’t help thinking the biggest difference is removing the blinds! I bet you get distracted looking out the window – and i predict an increase in gardening posts come the spring ; )

33. I also like option 3 for the day bed, using brighter pillows for pop. More versatile and just looks better to me. I like either fabric for the dining room but the buffalo check seems less formal and the recent chair additions seem a little more formal than what you used in the past to me.

34. I think all the patterns are too busy with the rug. Pillows would make a great option to add a pop of color and pattern. I also think your current curtains in the dining room give a contrast, maybe the plaid would just blend into the color of the walls too much.

    On a side note, how do you keep all that light colored upholstered furniture clean with a young family? I don’t have children and would love it but don’t think I could keep it looking good in my house. One husband and cat would do it in. Do you wash the slipcovers on a weekly basis?

35. I like option 3 as well. I agree that the patterns plus the rug = too much. I love the dining room curtains, so I personally wouldn’t change them yet (sorry to everyone who wanted to buy them!).

36. I also like option 3. Also love the trademark curtains!

37. i like option 2 of both and what Jackie says.

38. I love the check for the curtains and #3 for the day bed and then mix and match some pillows in the patterns.

39. My first thought for the settee was the Buffalo check, but once you mentioned changing out the curtains, I was in love with the idea! If it were me, I would choose the neutral for the settee and the buffalo check on the curtains. I do love the ever-recognizable “MMS curtains”, but sometimes we just want to make a change.

    I’m sure that whatever you decide will be just lovely.

40. Defiantly option 3. If not you will probably end up changing out your rugs. The patterns with the rugs may be to much. Keep the curtains!

41. buffalocheckbuffalocheckbuffalocheck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

42. love the hemp for the sofa.How about a different color for the drapes.Dare I say red. Or a color from the cow painting,green,just a crazy thought.This is why you need your own line of home decor,then you can have all of it in a design center!

43. Obviously go with what makes your heart sing, because that’s what you will love the most. I personally like the first pattern and would pair it with a bunch of neutral pillows because in our house it’s the only fabric that would hold up to our 5 kids and not look dingy after the first month of use. I can’t wait to see what your designer eye has picked out. Whatever it is it will be great.

44. I like to think I decorate well, love fabric, and I am a creative person. With that being said I say the nuetral fabric definately. The other fabrics will take away from the lines and beauty of the piece. You would see pattern and not the sofa. I think the floral would make a few great pillows. As for the buffalo check in the dining room. I got short of breath and NOT because I think you should keep the others. That fabric just speaks dining room to me and with what you have in there it would look stunning! Hard to say if the fabric should go more white or the heavy cream like in swatch 2. It may really muddy the look if the more white version is not used. Now…I am a buffalo check fan big time. For four years I have brought home the same Acorn Buffalo Check from Calico. I couldn’t decide where to use it—breakfast nook, dining, or bedroom. (I have a more nuetral palette with accents of green and ALOT of boxwoods!) I am finally going to be using them as 3 euros on my (new!!!!) bed behind two beautiful floral king sized pillows. (front pillow will be some sort of hemp/stripe number probably). There is MORE than my 2 cents!

45. I’m liking the hemp on your sofa with the patterned throw pillows. I say go for the change in your dining room! I think the check looks great in there.

46. Had you not just changed the drapes I would have said go plain, but I think it will be too much solid if you do the sofa plain too. I’m all over the buffalo check. I think it adds the perfect amount of interest to the room without being too bold. I think patterns add personality to the space and make the room unique. I don’t always think the safe option is the best choice. I don’t know which way you are leaning, but I think the room would come to life with the check 🙂

47. Oh, option 3, with various pillows at different times of year! I have commitment issues, lol. I love your dining room curtains…don’t replace them with something trendy!

48. Way too much blue! It is overwhelming your room and your whole house. You need another color…if you still want to keep the room muted, use the hemp and gray pillows…if you want to add some color, add some raspberry colored pillows.

49. love the new drapery panels! on the daybed, I was drawn to the neutral hemp and using the patterned fabric for pillows.
    as for changing the dining room curtains…I say go for it. Yes, the others are kind of your signature curtains, but the buffalo check is pretty in the the room too and change is good. I love #1 on the swatches.

50. Sometimes I think, how could your home look any better than it already is!! But you definitely have an artistic eye and the changes you make are beautiful. I adore your look and enjoy seeing and reading the updates you make to your home and yourself! You are so inspirational. My favorite sofa pattern is #3 because it is simple, doesn’t compete with the eye candy in the room and makes a statement. I love love the buffalo check in your dining room. It will be beautiful! Gosh I wish I had your energy!! Blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving!

51. I think the buffalo check would look terrific in your dining room and I know everyone would accept the change even if the others are somewhat of your signature design. Times change, styles change and people change, so signature looks can change too, right? Also, I think I would go with the nubby hemp on the daybed and then use your blue and whites on the pillows. Either way I can’t wait to see what you decide.

    1. My thoughts exactly!

    2. Yes, what Sheila said! You can always use the present drapery fabric for another light upholstery or pillow making project (the pattern is wonderful!), then those who don’t care for change will be happy(sorta maybe) and those who do will be as well! Being the latter I love all your options, change is good!

52. Definitely # 3 on the daybed and the buffalo check in the dining room is awesome!

53. My vote is #3 on the daybed with different pillows to add color and contrast. That way changing anything would be easier since it is just pillows, and it allows your rug to stand out as well.

    As far as the curtains go, I say go for it with the checked pattern. That is a beautiful fabric, and I do think it will blend nicely with all of the surroundings. I’m thinking I’m going to buy some of that fabric to put somewhere in my home as it is so pretty. I know the other curtains are “the curtains”, but that is what makes you a great decorator and blogger-not afraid to change things-and I think that is a good quality in all areas of life! 🙂 I think that is one part of you that inspires so many as change of any kind can be frightening. And then when we finally do it, we often find this beautiful result on the other side. (and I’m thinking I just wrote all of that for myself :))

54. Dear MMS, If it was any other fabric other than the buffalo check, well, I might riot with the rest of them, lol. But I LOVE buffalo check. I like the simple hemp fabric on the daybed so I think that’s the way you’re leaning too. Let us know what you decide! Hugs, Anne Boykin

55. Nubby hemp on the sofa…buffalo check in the dining room.

    If there are riots I am zombie apocalypse certified to stand guard 🙂

56. I would go with #3

57. I vote for #3!! Love it!

58. For sure #3. The General fabric is beautiful though and needs to be used somewhere, it’s just too much with your pretty rug.

59. Hemp on the daybed looks great. Buffalo check curtains are terrific idea!

60. Definitely Option #3 with the French General pillows. I fall in love with gorgeous, intricate fabrics too… then sigh with relief when I see a beautiful textured but neutral fabric like the hemp. And as far as the check…. hmmmm….. I’m just not that into it. Don’t know why, maybe it just reads a little too “country” for the look of everything else in your home. Your home just seems a little more subtle, sophisticated in a french brocante sort of way. The check doesn’t intrigue me, if that makes any sense (probably not!). Anyway, bottom line is I don’t live there, you do! So go with your heart, with your gut….. I’m thinking.. just perhaps… you could change it out later if it doesn’t work? 😉

61. It wouldn’t incite a riot, as long as I was first in line to buy the “old” ones! Haha! It’ll look great either way! I know what you mean though with oftentimes wanting to switch things out that were the FIRST of something you’ve made. Once you’ve mastered the craft a little more, you can’t help but see the flaws in your first few attempts!!

    1. I was just about to say the same thing. 🙂 If you want to sell them and Ashley can’t take them, my blue living room with bent metal blinds is screaming for them! I have been searching for the right thing and am so indicisive, you make it look effortless.

       I love the first fabric for your settee, gorgeous. But if you went with 3 and used 1 for pillows, that would be beautiful as well.

62. no. 3.

63. I am a rebel, so I suggest the buffalo check on the daybed. It is a departure from all the other patterns in the den and would give the eye variety. Not a huge fan of the cream as it blends too much into the walls, drapes etc. Ooh, if you did the hemp, you could make a long bolster pillow from the dining room drapes for it.

    Whatever you choose will be lovely. Looking forward to the next change 🙂

64. I vote #3 for the daybed and I think you should totally do the buffalo check in the dining room!

65. #3 for the day bed for sure. You could use the fabric from your curtains to make pillows, perhaps? That fabric really is lovely, but I agree with you. The buffalo check looks better in the space.

66. Another vote for the nubby hemp on that gorgeous daybed and a buffalo check to freshen your dining room–remember the restless eyes of the perennial rehabber/DIYer. 🙂 And you’d have All That Fabric from the current curtain panels to find creative uses for elsewhere. Also, I happen to love narrow black curtain rods. I find that touch of black helps ground a room without a lot of weight to it. Maybe you could “antique” the rods and somehow seal in the new finish?

67. #3 and I say go for the buffalo check!

68. Am I going against the grain by thinking that you should keep the floral drapes in the dining room? I like the pop of the darker blue, which runs throughout your home. I don’t know if you’re going all cream and blue with your furniture, but I think the existing curtains pair really well with your other MMS paint colors. The check would loook great in your dining room as is but they might look washed out next to say a green or red piece. But what do I know?! You’re amazing and you’ll rock it no matter what you do.

69. My vote is for Hemp on the daybed…classic, serene, and it gives you more options to play with pillow fabric patterns. I’d also go with the Buffalo Check in the dining room….classic French.
    I just know you could repurpose your old drapes into something wonderful :).

    Enjoy the process!

70. I love how even small changes make a room feel so much fresher. I love the current drapes in your dining room; the design is so gorgeous. But I completely get the urge to change things up. And the new fabric would look great in there too. Your home is beautiful!

71. It looks like I’m in the minority here but I would use the buffalo check on the daybed. The hemp (especially next to your new drapes) looks too blah to me. With the exception of your rugs it looks like you have a lot of neutrality going on there.
    Love the idea of changing up your dining room drapes, even though I adore the ones you have now.

72. I can hardly eait to see your new curtains in the diningroom……
    between the Three différent ones there, it´s hard to see which one is the best…but they are all GOOD!
    when it comes to the caned day-bed I´d go for choice 3! It´s soooo much easier to change the Picture by adding pillows….
    “Bon courage” with all this!

73. Could you use the dining room curtains to make a tablecloth or even an alternative chair seat option? Or use the buffalo check for a summer curtain option and just store the current ones for use in the winter. I’d use the hemp on the daybed and the busier pattern for pillows to add an dramatic pop.

74. I think the buffalo check will work beautifully in your dining room and I think it will work well with your farmhouse table. The drapes you have now are gorgeous but checks will look great in there also.

    Ok, I’m going to say it, I like the rug in your family room, the design and the color is wonderful . .. I just don’t like it with your stuff. The very bold color and the strong pattern seems to compete (rather than mixing) with other patterns and limit your fabric choices somewhat. That being said my choice is number three for the fabric.

75. I thought the check looked great for the daybed until I saw the hemp sheet 🙂 I vote for hemp on the daybed and either the first or third checked fabric shown in the photos for the drapes…although the middle option may be a better color match for everything else in your room? Fun decisions!

76. Dear MMS-
    I can relate to you so much. I am always changing things in my house. My kids joke that if they stand still long enough I will paint them.

    I love that check in the dining room and the hemp with the patterned pillows on the daybed. You will find a use for the bird curtains. Maybe pillows?

77. Hemp- hands down

78. I too LOVE the plaid on the sofa with a different rug. If you leave the plain drapes I would add some contrast with fringe or something – they look too plain for me! Maybe a chunky white wash wood rod would be the trick. I’m not too sure hemp would be that comfortable to sit on, looks too fragile. The plaid just says comfortable to me!

79. I totally agree with JeanFB, hemp on the daybed and no no no on the buffalo check! Way to country! The “trademark” panels are just so beautiful in your dining room. Why change up a beautiful look for something you are not sure of?

80. I”m in the minority, but I vote for the buffalo check on the daybed. I like the contrast of the casualness of the fabric with the sophistication of the daybed. I think it would also compliment the simple curtains.

81. I would vote choice #3 myself, and I am over the moon in love with your dining room curtains, but if you are itching for a change – go for it! You can always switch back & forth.

82. I LOVE the hemp for the daybed! It pairs well with the curtains and you can see the lovely shape of the bed. The check competes with the area rug but would make nice curtains although I would hate to see the ones in the dining room go…unless they were going to ME! haha! I’m sure whatever you choose to do we will all sit back and say “why didn’t I think of that?!”!!!

83. BUFFALO CHECKS = AWESOME !!!

84. My vote is definitely #3 on the daybed.

    The curtains… I do feel that they are part of your ‘signature’ look. That being said, this is your HOME… your home is meant to evolve over time to suit your ever changing tastes, and needs for your family! There shouldn’t be a riot, you’re not the Hermès storefront changing your signature orange to puce, you need to live there, LOL!

    For the curtains – I think it would be a fabulous idea, since they are so Iconic in the designing/decorating blogosphere, if you DO decide to take them down, to do an eBay auction! The proceeds could go to something near and dear to your heart – a charity? Helping a friend who’s really, really, in need? I think it would be awesome to watch!!!

    Can’t wait to see what you come up with, I’m sure it’s going to look gorgeous!

85. I like the hemp on the daybed and then bringing in pattern and color with pillows. It’s so easy to change the look that way. LOVE LOVE LOVE buffalo check for the curtains. I just ordered chocolate brown and white buffalo check curtains for our dining room which has really pale pink walls and a big white farmhouse table and lots of ironstone. UPS tracking says they are arriving today and I’m stalking the front door waiting for them to come! Currently I have pale aqua blue buffalo checks in there but want to warm it up for the winter. And I love the combo of buffalo check with toile. And I LOVE your blog!

86. #3 for the daybed without a doubt with the accent pillows as you suggested and buffalo check in the dining room. CHANGE IS GOOD! 🙂 Cannot wait to see what you end up doing!

87. Definitely the hemp on the daybed and the first of the buffalo checks for the drapes.

    Pindler & Pindler Torrington Seabreeze

88. I’m almost scared to comment here because I’m obviously going to be in the minority, but here goes anyway….. I love one upholstered piece in a room that makes a bit of a statement. You have lots of blues and whites but I also see greens in your home. Have you thought of maybe a muted green fabric that would make the piece stand out? Nothing too crazy, but something that would add a little pop of color and yet still look like it belongs in your home. The hemp is beautiful but feels a little safe. Just thinking it might be fun to step outside your comfort zone a little bit and see what happens! This web site has some AMAZING before/after upholstery pics. http://www.wildchairy.com Not saying you should do anything this drastic, but it’s a great web site to get inspiration from. This is another one…https://www.spruceaustin.com. LOVE YOUR BLOG! Can’t wait to see what you do!

89. number three it is . .. and the pillows out of the blue print and maybe in some buffalo plaid too to mix it up. The bold blue print fights with the rug but with the plain fabric of the love seat breaking the two prints (too much the same scale) the print pillows would be wonderful!
    I LOVE blue and white everything!

90. I definitely agree with the majority – nubby hemp on DB and pop with color with cushions, throws etc. The buffalo drapes are beautiful in the dining room – the light blue looks gorgeous with the dresser beside the window and the cream color looks so sweet with Ms. Eulalie. I really love the buffalo check.

91. Of course, whatever YOU like & choose will be wonderful. Like many others before me, I would choose the hemp (3) and do pillows in BOTH both #1 print AND #2 check.
    If you go for the checked drapes (my vote is YES), I’d choose the LARGEST check.
    AND I’d double-side them w/ a lining AND the fabric you have (if it’s not light or age rotting) so that you can “flip” them to a different look now & then (or seasonally). That’s what I do in my dining room and a couple of bedrooms.
    If you don’t reuse the fabric for your drapes, you might consider reusing some of the fabric for seat cushions and/or lumbar pillows for the DR and/or pillows in your LR (maybe add a couple of the check, too) – I love a good mix!

92. I love love LOVE the buffalo check so where ever you choose to showcase it I am sure it will be fabulous!! I agree with the first couple of posts! Good Luck on your decision and can’t wait to see the pictures.

93. Hi Marian…definitely #3 the buffalo blue in the dining room drapes would be great..love the nubby hemp for the daybed.

94. I liked the plain sofa done with hemp and using the patterned fabric for pillows. The simplicity was very appealing! You’ll make it work beautifully as usual whatever you choose.

95. Well, personally I like the buffalo plaid from your aunt. The rug (which I also own) is too busy for the 1st fabric. And, although the off white drapes are pretty I liked your other panels you made, and had up before. Good luck. Blessings Paula

96. I like the nubby hemp on the daybed. Could you use the curtains that WERE in your room for the pillows and keep the curtains in your dining room? The check is pretty but I like the pop of color and the design of your existing ones in the dining room. Im sure you will find a use for the check in the future.

97. I like the third option for the daybed, with pillows in that French fabric.

98. One thing you have going in both the LR and DR is a lot of individual pieces of furniture. Thus, you want to make sure your curtains don’t ‘read’ as other individuals. From the photos it seems that the ones in your DR are anchors, which is good. They are strong, which helps ‘allow’ all those individual pieces to go ahead and do their thing. I think replacing them with the large plaid fabric would undo that sense of structure and make you start yearning for a strongly matched table and chairs! What you have now plays off of each other.

    In the LR you create more visual depth of field by having the large scale print rug closer to you and a hazy fabric on the French daybed.

    Love watching you decorate!

99. I love #1 for the daybed for sure!

100. Hi MMS. My vote is #3, the nubby hemp. It’s perfect.

101. I would move the dining room blue print drapes to the living room (don’t like the white drapes you have there) and cover the couch in white hemp. (You may need to swap out the living room rug too). Then make new drapes out of the check that your aunt gave you, for the dining room.

     And don’t forget a new stainless steel stove!

     1. Are you kidding?

102. I vote for the hemp fabric! Beautiful!

103. Good decision to re-pin drapes. Much better to show rod and rings, because they are like the jewelry on an outfit. A suggestion on changing color of rod and rings, think about an aged metal finish like antique brass or antiqued gold. Now, you may want to look at the hem length, they are looking a little like high water pants. They should be just off the floor 1/4″ (makes for easier cleaning) or just breaking on the floor 1-2″. Getting the hem length correct makes all the deference between custom drapes and off-the-shelf curtains.

     I do love your old dining drapes, but the softness of the buffalo check works better with the Swedish/French look you have going. Can’t comment on color selection because I do not trust the color on my monitor.

104. For someone who does not love sewing, you commit yourself to a lot of it…..I vote for plain fabric for the sofa, and use the “busy” fabric for pillows. The color of that fabric is beautiful……(I hate to tell you, but I’m a “green” fan….but I DO love your home.

105. I love the white on the couch, and I love the white window panels especially against the blue wall, as well as the rug. (I just found a french provincial couch in white damask for $50, and am loving the white upholstery.) I also love your kitchen and think it is just perfect as it is with the stove you have:-) Love it!!

106. an idea for you about changing out your metal black rods to brown….I have purchased rust oleum paint in the spray can and the brush on type in a variety of metal finishes. It is amazing and very cost effective. I have done outside porch lighting, my wrought iron patio furniture, metal switch plates and outlet covers as well as outside hand railing. I love the hammered bronze! An inexpensive way for a ” new ” look.

107. Absolutely love the buffalo check – gorgeous! I think the daybed would be awesome in that. As for the dining room drapes- yes they are synonymous with MMS BUT decorating is always about change. Since that fabric is so lovely you could re- use it to make pillows (or hold onto the drapes and switch them out with new ones when the mood suits you!

108. My vote is for the hemp fabric on the daybed with pillows in the French General fabric. Add one pillow out of the buffalo check too!

109. I think I’m with Nancy on this one. Can we see the dining room curtains in the living room… Didn’t you have them there at one point. I know the rug is new but it seems to be the thing that is throwing off the mojo in the living room. Do the new curtains work in your bed room. The living room walls seem to be so light in color that they don’t show off the curtains well. The hemp is my vote for the daybed. Let the pillows be as crazy and loud as you feel like this month. Pillow are easy to change. Although I think you change your sofa and curtains more often then I change my throw pillows 🙂

110. Do you have enough of the check for the living room curtains? I love that check, and would love it in the room, but not on the sofa. Too close to the rug. I’d do the sofa in the white with the FG fabric in pillows and the check on the curtains. I also love the existing dining room curtains, they really make a statement and are your signature and I think the check would tone it down too much, make it look too ordinary. But if you make new curtains for the living room out of the check fabric, you’d have the option of swapping them with the dining room for fun. Otherwise, I’d leave the dining room as is and maybe upholster the chairs with the check? That’s Swedish. And would be adding more interest, not subtracting from what’s already great.

111. Marian, I love all the choices for the sofa, but you know, about the signature curtain– I ADORE them. May I suggest that you AUCTION THEM OFF to benefit a fave charity of your family’s for the holiday? I bet you’d start a HUGE bidding war because so many of us adore the curtains and the fact they are/were in your home, in your book, one of the most popular tutes you ever put online etc… Something to consider!
     Smiles,
     Suzanne in NW Illinois

112. Definitely the hemp fabric for the daybed. I love the new curtains in the living room. They add just the right amount of sophistication! I love the buffalo check for dining room curtains. All your fans are used to you changing things out – that’s part of the reason we love you!

113. I have to first say I absolutely LOVE your blog. I am prefacing my comment with that, so that you know what I’m about to say is from the heart and in no way intended as a criticism regarding the suggested curtain change. Change is good, but so is taking time to truly enjoy what you love. You create beautiful rooms, paint gorgeous furniture, and are constantly on the go…but are you pausing to take time to live in your rooms and truly enjoy the work you have done? I guess all I’m saying is you could, just for a moment, pop your feet up and enjoy the beautiful home you have created for your family – and save that pesky curtain sewing (again) for another time.

     But…if you really hate them and must replace your curtains, please don’t do it with the light colored buffalo check! The current curtains work so well because the darker blue provides a needed contrast to the other lighter blues in the room. The darker blue contrast also ties nicely to the floor color and some of the darker wood tones in the room. Just my two cents and I’m sure whatever you decide will turn out lovely – it always does. 🙂

114. Most definitely the hemp with the french general for pillow covers! I feel that the hemp works the best with the caning. 😉

115. I really do enjoy reading your blog. Don’t know where you find all your energy. However, I think you have too much busy blue going on in your rooms. I can’t seem to find a spot where my eye can rest. Also, maybe introducing a small shot of a different color may help.

116. Hemp for the sofa, although I really loved the quilt on it. Maybe you could put it over the hemp sometimes. I just liked the geometry, colour and size of the pattern.
     Your curtains are a bit high water as mentioned …either a tad above or with a soft break…not so into puddles myself, but being so short makes them look store bought rather than custom. Beautiful header, btw; it looks to be hand sewn. I’m also wondering if you’re going to “train” them at all. I’ve found it makes a difference.
     I’m on the fence with the DR drapes…I think you’re a bit mistaken thinking that pattern is only Williamsburg/English though. (I had the same on a wingback.) It was popular at that time in many places. I do like the contrast and depth of colour it adds to the room, and it looks beautiful with the wood. You could always remake them. While I’m crazy for your DR chair slips a smaller check would have looked charming as well. Decision…decision.

     And when did you mention anything about a stove in this post!? That was a nutty comment. ..you should get rid of the drapes you just put up! What! I guess she didn’t read the prior post.

117. I’ll bet you have shared this info already, but can you tell me where you got the lovely white drapes?

118. I’m loving the buffalo check on the daybed with the white/ivory drapes behind it. I agree with earlier comment that the rug design and color might be throwing off the “mojo” of the room.
     A natural fiber rug would look great with the Buffalo check and wall color….just a thought

119. Well, you certainly have a few decisions to make. If you decide to recover the sofa I think I would go with the buffalo checks as the sample appears a softer, gentler tone and pattern and definitely would give a country look. I do also like the sofa as is with a grouping of pillows which you could use both the check and the other pattern. Mixing patterns as you know but keeping the same colour tones works magically.

     I may have asked before but what camera are you using for your interior shots, they are fabulous and I am looking at all the brands at the moment to purchase myself but a little confused. Are you still using the Nikon 7000 and if so what lense do you use with it?

     Lee 🙂

120. I like the white on the couch, but of course the choice is yours! LOL Every decorating decision you have made in the past has “worked” so go with your gut! 🙂

121. Wow…lots of opinions. There are certainly several options. I think I like the hemp on the daybed with French General pillows but maybe with different drapes (or not). The first option was pretty against the white drapes but a little busy with the rug. The check wasn’t bad.
     I actually like your DR drapes. The check looks like it would blend right in with the corner cabinet. But it’s hard to say just by looking at pictures. You’ll make the best decision…you always do.
     About the white drapes. If they were mine I would lengthen them. They seem a little short. That’s just me.
     Can’t wait to see what you decide.

122. I like the hemp fabric for the daybed. With patterned pillows of course!

123. Love number 3 the best. I’d like to see you take the fabric from number 1 and make a border on the drapes or make a slipcover for the desk chair. I don’t care for number 2 at all. Whatever you do will look fabulous though.

124. First of all, I purchased your book as a birthday present to myself, and I LOVE it. I read some comments that said there weren’t enough projects in it, but the inspiration and motivation more than made up for that. Thanks! Now, if you decide to replace your Williamsburg/Colonial Dining Room curtains, would you consider selling them? I love them! I do so enjoy the photographs of your home and your projects. Thanks for sharing your home with folks like me.

125. Love the blue buffalo check! It’s so much softer. Even though I do love the blue floral motif of of the other curtain panels. That buffalo check is perfect. Time for a switch up! I think what you did to the white curtains was the perfect tweak. The only thing I would do is lengthen them a tad. I like it when curtains puddle a bit on the floor-but then that’s just me!

126. Love the blue buffalo check.. solid color on the sofa. The rug seems to be too strong for that space. Just a thought.

127. Hemp on the daybed, I agree…let pillows make the noise. I think both of the other prints compete with the rug. I love the quiet of the cream drapes and the new improved way you hung them.
     Or swap out the vibrant rug…Buffalo check on the daybed. I always see where the eye is drawn. Everything is so lovely… But at least in the pictures, the eye is drawn down to the rug. If that is your intention, great. Start there and be delighted as you look around.

128. Replacing the dining room drapes with the buffalo check. Beautiful idea. Look at the photos where the fabric is leaned where you would put it. Again, the eye is drawn in a circle to the lovely painting, then the chest, then back to the window. Very pleasing. I think it is also softer against the china hutch in the dark wood. But I think you may paint that eventually, right?

129. The reason why you feel the French General Fabric looks a bit busy next to your area rug is because both are “main (large) prints.” As a rule of thumb for mixing prints (which I love to do) is to view your selections like a meal. Your “main entree” is the fabric with the largest print and it’s usually your road map. Then you have your sides which are median size prints like stripes, buffalo checks, (which I would pick to reupholster your day bed), then you finish with your condiments which would be mini prints, solids, tone on tone. You will always succeed in mixing different prints together by using this approach. Good luck Miss M.

     1. Excellent way to view the combination of colors and elements in ANY situation, Tere Flores! Thank you for making the proportions seem so manageable and clear for us DIY-ers out here looking in.

130. Well, I am not a fan of buffalo plaid…but I think they may be the right change for the dining room.

     I would put the dining room drapes in the living room if you need to change them out. The white drapes are nicely made but looking a bit plain surrounded by so many other solids…need some floral print to compliment the rug. I definitely see the daybed in hemp which will enhance its lovely features and serve as a perfect resting place for gorgeous, comfy pillows!

     Whatever you decide, it will look good! 😉

131. I love the hemp on the daybed and using the French General fabric for pillows would be perfect. I love your new drapes against the blue walls. Have you considered adding a ribbon trim vertically about an inch or so from the edge of the curtains? Some shade of blue would be nice.
     I really love the idea of using the large check in the dining room. I love the Swedish look and I think it would be a nice change. You can always put the other drapes back if you miss that look.
     Everything you do is so beautiful. I’ve used some of your ideas in my master bedroom and it’s really added that extra something that took the room from ho hum to fabulous.

132. Absolutely the hemp for the daybed. It is a French as it comes and your pillows in the contrasting fabrics will really pop against it. Plus, if you get tired of the colors, switching out pillows is much easier than reupholstering.

     Fro the curtains, the fabric you have is amazing. That one you will have to decide with the help of the others!

     Good luck, I know it will be beautiful.

133. Absolutely the hemp fabric for the daybed! I love seeing how you transform your home.

134. use the French general curtains to upholster the settee and go with your buffalo check for the curtains, I think the check is a bit insipid/pale, but i think the bold color looks great on the settee, especiallly when you stand back…oh well…the grain sack is going to get a bit over done, so go for the print!

135. Love the solid sofa in the hemp — and you can add such wonderful pillows for any holiday — go crazy. Your kids would love that too – Your aunt’s fabric for the dining curtains seems wonderful – you can add a pc of solid in each panel to dress it up or down, and perhaps you’ll then have enough fabric? Hey, how much fabric do you have for the dining curtains? You can use recycle that fabric into? Love your eye for the curtain fix in the living room. Just what they needed. Amazing that small adjustment can make such a difference.

     OMG I wish I had your energy. S

136. Love the hemp on the daybed. I would do 1 pillow in the FG to mix with the ones already there. I like the drapes that you have as they continue the calm, quite effect. Let the pillows, rug & blue glassware bring out the color. If you REALLY want to use the fabric your aunt sent then mix it in curtains. Perhaps a panel matching the hemp mixed w/a panel of your aunts fabric. I would stay with the curtains you have but you are the one living with it.

137. I love a check and you are right on point about the Colonial nature of the current drapery print. Be sure to gather the checked fabric similarly to how it might be hung as the gathering often changes the appearance of checked and plaid fabrics since they don’t hang spread out. ( Unless you keep the drapes closed more frequently than open.) My old house had a green and cream check I hated to leave behind. It was lovely, sigh……

138. WOW! Tons of comments…of course; here is my two cents ~

     I adore the hemp fabric for the daybed. It is clean, classic and is the perfect backdrop for the bold, rich French General print (or other blue prints as you happen upon them). It would remain a staple for many, many years and pillows are much easier to change than reupholstering furniture 🙂 Also, I love the new cream curtains. Again they are crisp and clean and brighten up the room. I agree with others that they would look better if they were just a bit longer. I am not a huge fan of the check fabric…almost too country looking and reminds me of Dorothy’s dress from the Wizard of Oz! Ha! If you really do love the fabric you could potentially add some to the cream curtains (a small panel running the length of the insides) but I am still a fan for keeping them plain. And, as for the curtains in the dining room – keep them or sell them to me!

     Good luck with all your decision making! As with every one else, whatever you choose will look absolutely lovely ~

139. Hi Marion, I agree with Nancy’s comments. I do believe the rug is throwing this off. Then any of your choices would work. I love Buffalo Checks. Have had them in my dining room for several years and will never change that . They probably need to be .

140. II LOVE the gingham check… oh my gosh, it’s one of my favorite things. You have to put it somewhere… either the daybed or the curtains. It is wonderful!

     Cindy

141. I would go for choice number #3 for the sofa and note touch the dinning curtains–they are wonderful!

142. Hi Marion, I like the nubby hemp fabric best, especially with the rug. I still love the dining room curtains….but change can be good too!

143. Hi again,

     After reading the other comments re: the new curtains, I took another look and I like the new cream curtains better. I know they are already completed, but if they could be altered, I would hang the rod higher and make a longer curtain. I’m sure they are fine in person, because you have great taste! Thanks for letting us weigh in on this!!

144. I didn’t look to see what everyone else said, but #3 with the decorative pillows in the busier patterns seems like it could work well. You “could” in your dining room or even in some of the other rooms incorporate the check fabric with what you already have and make some pretty valances or swag valances to soften things up too. I don’t know, just ideas. You’re very fortunate though to have these different choices to place near the windows to get an idea of what you would like. I’m sure that your choice will be beautiful and inspiring! 🙂

145. You have such great taste, and such a great eye! Tough decisions. My fave is the nubby hemp for the sofa. It feels like a fancy but still approachable version of your drop cloth slipcover look that made me fall in love with your blog in the first place. It leaves so many options for pillow changes (although I think you of would find a way to not be hindered by a printed sofa in your pillow selections) I love the check as a drape, but the frugal part of me says to keep what you have if you must purchase fabric to make new curtains. Things come to you through gifts, consignment sales, sponsors etc. I would wait until something literally shows up on your doorstep that you just can not imagine NOT putting up on your windows in the DR if you feel the urge to replace them. The check would look AMAZING in there though. But if you have to actually pay for more fabric to make it work I wouldn’t bother. Maybe thats part of why you have such a successful home blog though, because you are willing to search for and purchase the perfect buffalo check when inspiration hits! Whatever you do part of me can’t wait to see the results and another part of me hopes that you don’t change anything because I love it all so much! *least decisive response ever* I should have just said whatever you do will rock!

146. ok one more option LOL! love the nubby hemp fabric for the sofa..old blue drapes for pillows. rug is fine. I would think seriously about making roman shades (or having them made for you) from your blue check fabric for the windows!! thats it…nice, clean, but not ruffley, shades. I am a decorator and home stager….. and I love your home, you’ve done a fantastic job with it all, and I love your energy and spunk!! I’m exactly the same, ever changing decor in my own home and sewing up a storm!……go girl!!

147. Oh please!! Lol, as if the rioters’ opinions matter;) You will go with the hemp on the couch, buffalo on the Windows and possible new pillows in both patterns??? I am taking a stab with that, but just know that I will be thrilled with whatever you choose as it is YOUR HOME,and you are a designer…so it will come and go and I will get to watch you work your magic! Can’t wait to see what you do!! Love ya Marian!

148. I LOVE that gingham. Either for the couch or the curtains. It’s super simple and fresh. Impact but it doesn’t scream and isn’t busy.

149. I LOVE these kind of posts!!!!

150. Hello-hemp on the couch—oh the lovely fun options it will give for a lifetime, really. Adore the buffalo check-I think it lends a Swedish vibe-which is often overall spare in the color range used- love that look. I don’t believe the blue buffalo would read Country in your house with the style of furnishings you have. So using it for curtains? I’d love to see the fabric unrolled and tossed over the currant dining room drapes to get a feel,,,,,I like the earlier idea of blinds,,,hmmm,,, liking that a lot. Okay I have to go see what I’m going to change in my house today :-). PS. I love the white curtains you had made.

151. The buffalo plaids are pretty but I hope you decide to stay with your signature drapes.

152. I really think you should stick with the ones in the photos. They compliment the room so much, and are absolutely beautiful.