During every project photo shoot, things get moved around numerous times until they are “just right”.  Setting the scene and telling the story in a photograph is quite the challenge when capturing a room.  Seeing a gorgeous room in a magazine is what inspires us to create the room of our dreams. But capturing that perfect scene for that perfect magazine shot can be time consuming.  Having every detail perfect for that one shot takes patience, an open mind and a stack of options waiting on the side.

The chaise lounge in this living room was photographed using multiple accent tables and pillow configurations.  Take a look at these test shots to see what I was thinking. Which one do you prefer?

#1:  I’m always a fan of the garden stool, but something looks off….so I come in to make the adjustment.

#2: A bit blah for me…we need more color…maybe a different pattern?

#3:  A new garden stool and mixing up the pillows…still not feeling it. The scale of the garden stool isn’t right? Let’s focus on getting the pillows because this graphic pillow overpowers the shot.

#4: Test Shot! Ok, I have mixed in a pop of yellow and now it looks unbalanced. Still not sure about this garden stool, I’m off to look for more options…..

#5: My last attempt at finding the right accent table.  Looks like I found a pillow configuration that has caught my eye! I’m not sure I love the vertical shot, although you can now see the gorgeous drapes with greek key trim.

#6: I really like the horizontal shot because the pop of yellow on the sofa pillow is what I was looking for.   I’m thinking that I need to make one last change. Photographing mirrored pieces can be frustrating, I don’t like seeing the pattern in the shot.

Lucky #7: I think I found my shot! This horizontal shot is my favorite and I think everything looks just right without a garden stool or accent table.  The pillow configuration is soft and they bring in the perfect amount of pattern, color and texture!

I am so excited to be finalizing the finishing touches on this stunning project! Black, white, turquoise and pops of yellow…not to mention tons of fabulous patterns, textures and bling!

Here is a list of some of the sources we used for the home.

Kravet Fabrics / Windsor Smith Riad in Jet

Vanguard Furniture

World’s Away Furniture and lighting

Custom draperies and cornice board with black and white greek key trim

I hope to have the space photographed soon and can’t wait to share the pics.

I was inspired by this image with the black and white cornice board and drapes. When I started on this living room project, it was one of the first images that I put away in my “inspiration file” for the client.  Since we were moving forward with a black and white base for the room, this was the perfect way to pull the room together.

Image Source: Decor Pad

I was there for the installation of my client’s cornice board and drapes. Since their  three 9′ high windows are a focal point as you enter the room, I wanted to soften them and make them part of the room. Before they were stark, harsh and didn’t relate to the rest of the room. I wanted the room to relate to the beautiful view and not take away from it.

BEFORE

Now, the windows are still the main focal point of the room. The addition of the cornice board and drapes compliment them and now tie in with the rest of the room. The view is still visible, now it has become part of the room. We are getting very close to finishing the space! The final touches are on the way!

I looked into a few options for having the cornice board made. Since the wall was over 10′ wide, I decided to use my local drapery workroom to create everything to my exact dimensions.  I wanted the drapes to be stationary and soften the sides of the windows. We added matching roman shades in the windows so there is no need to have drapery that moves to cover the windows. Neat and tidy is the end result.

Here are a few detail shots of the installers placing the drapes up under the cornice board.  You can see where the drapery rod mounts have been attached.

Now they have the drape on a pre-cut curtain rod and they are attaching it to the mounting brackets.

Now that the drapes are attached to the cornice board, the installers are going to place the cornice board on the pre-mounted brackets and attach them.

Even though the cornice board and drapes are not bold in color or pattern, they make a big difference in this space. Now that the draperies are installed, it’s time to finalize the accessories and lighting!  Stay tuned, I will be posting more updates from this project. It’s going to be a chic yet comfortable home when we are finished!