From Shutters to Soft Elegance: A Living & Dining Room Transformed
Written by Wilma Kulyk, Owner of Sensational SEAMS
More light, a softer view and a little courage with colour. For our longtime clients Barry and Sharon in Newcastle, custom drapery, beautifully detailed cornices and a bold green chair brought new life to two familiar rooms.
A Familiar Home, Ready for a Fresh View
We’ve had the pleasure of working with Barry and Sharon before, so it was a delight to help them reimagine their living and dining room. The shutters had been there when they moved in years ago. Now, they were ready for something that let in more light and opened up the view.
With a gorgeous baby grand piano at its heart, this room deserved window treatments that felt warm, cozy and inviting, with a touch of luxury for welcoming guests.
Before: shutters limited the light and view in the living room.
Before: the dining room was ready for a softer window treatment.
The Inspiration Was Already in the Room
Sharon loved her wingback chair, with its bold navy background, bright green accents and floral pattern. It became our starting point for choosing fabrics that would bring the room together.
Barry’s recliner was wonderfully comfortable, but its colour wasn’t their favourite. I encouraged them to try a bright green upholstery fabric: a bolder choice that would feel right at home beside Sharon’s chair.
Sharon’s much-loved wingback chair inspired the colour palette.
Barry’s chair was comfortable, but its colour needed a fresh start.
Custom Details, Made with Care
Creating the cornice boxes was a wonderful challenge. I carefully selected the areas of embroidered fabric that would show off the richest colour and pattern, making every placement count.
We chose a plush solid fabric for the band on the cornice and the main drapery panels. As a finishing touch, I surprised Barry and Sharon with a favourite “Caterpillar Trim,” adding depth and dimension to the design.
In the workroom: choosing which embroidered details to feature.
A closer look at the custom cornice taking shape.
Embroidery, plush banding and “Caterpillar Trim” add depth and dimension.
A Softer Way to Enjoy the Light
We replaced the shutters with Hunter Douglas Duette® shades with the Duolite® system. The sheer upper portion softens daylight and helps protect the baby grand piano from UV rays while preserving a gentle view outdoors. The lower fabric adds privacy when needed while still allowing daylight into the room.
Layered with the custom drapery and cornices, the shades give Barry and Sharon the practical light control they wanted, with a much softer finish.
Soft light and a view outdoors, with privacy where it is needed.
The same fabrics and details carry through into the dining room.
And the Green Chair? They Love It.
When the freshly reupholstered chair came back, Barry and Sharon still weren’t quite sure about the colour. Then the drapery was installed, and everything made sense: the colours, the patterns and the texture.
Now they love the chair and are glad we stretched their comfort zone a little. Each piece has its own character, and together they feel beautifully at home.
The bold green upholstery gives Barry’s favourite chair a new personality.
Once the drapery was installed, the colours and textures came together.
The full reveal: two connected rooms, beautifully brought together.
You are the best at what you do!!!!!!
Client Testimonial – Barry & Sharon
We are so happy with the results. You know how, in your mind's eye, you have expectations, but this is one time the result far surpassed our expectations! You are the GREATEST! Once again you have done a "Sensational" job and have made our room more than a renovation but in reality it has become an "event". You are the best at what you do!!!!!!
From Overlooked to a Favourite Place to Be
Today, Barry and Sharon are enjoying a room they once spent little time in. It has become a favourite, filled with light, warmth and details that feel like them.
It’s such a delight to work with dear clients again, building on the window treatments we’ve created for their home and finding new ways to bring their vision to life. Thank you, Barry and Sharon, for trusting us to be creative and try something a little bold!
Until next month,
Wilma & the Sensational SEAMS Team
Ready to Transform Your Favourite Space?
From custom drapery to shades and those finishing details, we’ll help you bring your room together. Let’s start with a complimentary in-home consultation.
