The great room & custom window treatments

Today, I am excited to show you guys my great room. It's my second favorite room in the house (the kitchen is the first). There are still a few things we’d like to do with this space but I really love how minimal, light and airy this room is.

Written by the husband:

The design: The great room extends the open concept that begins with the two story entry. The entry hallway flows down the center of the house back to the great room. The focal point of the great room including the oversized fire place, mantel and 8 foot tall mirror are centered on the back wall. We made sure the fireplace is viewed prominently from the front entry and the fire place is dead center on the hallway center line. The 19 foot high ceilings in the great room allow plenty of natural light. The height of the ceilings, windows and light colors make the room feel airy and grand.

Products pictured:
Pottery Barn tall vase | Pottery Barn outdoor seahorse sculpture | Pottery Barn Hyannis lanterns
Wall color: Sherwin Williams (sand trap) | IKEA curtain rods

{Pictured: Sofa | Love Seat | Ottoman (all from Havertys) | Tray | Pillows from IKEA}

Custom window treatments: Before the house was complete, we knew we needed to get a jump start on curtains for the house (especially the great room). We knew there was a good possibility that we could purchase the curtains overseas, but we wanted to look at options locally. In doing so we quickly confirmed our suspicion that curtains for just the great room would cost a small fortune. A close friend in Vietnam helped with color and fabric choices and ultimately placed the order for us. We provided a measured drawing for the great room and detailed specifications. Once we place the order, it took about two weeks, including shipping. Shipping cost was not too bad at $200 considering the total investment was for the great room was $800 (including shipping). The heavy curtains hang from near ceiling to floor for a sophisticated, but contemporary look. They are also very functional given they are black out curtains. This reduces heat from long hours of Southern sun.

Opposite the fireplace, on the second floor is the back cat walk. To the left and right, again on the second floor, are expansive walls. Though bare now, we think of them as blank canvases for artwork and a subtle beach theme in the future. We've been collecting beach-themed decorating ideas/pieces for this future project. The great room borders the kids’ play room on the right (I will talk more about this room in a future post). There is also a second wide hallway serving the West side of the house that directly connects the kitchen to the great room. The floor is ideal for entertaining and keeping an eye on the kids from the kitchen. Everyone has a different idea of their "dream home". To us, a perfect home should be the home most compatible with the life you dream of living. This is our dream home - the home was designed with our family's needs in mind.