Portieres ideas

Practically, this drapery hung in doorways to stop drafts (and dampens sound) between rooms—but portieres also offer a romantic, inviting transition by softening doorways. Most were frequently made from tapestry to match the wall hangings and give some decorative cohesion to the room, but portieres might also be made of strung beads, tassels and decorative cording, even seashells (for your beach bungalow). They remain an appropriate accent for the Arts & Crafts home today.

This week has been busy with a job that is almost ready to be photographed. There are several components, one of which is Portiere drapery panels. These photos illustrate our portiere fabrication method, which has been used on the draperies that haven't been photographed yet. "Portiere" drapery, traditionally, is heavy draperies hung across a doorway (derived from French "porte" which means door). The fabrication method takes into account the fact that they are seen from both sides... there…

Why I installed a portiere, or doorway curtain in our 100 year old house, and how form follows function.

A portiere is a hanging curtain placed over the doorless entrance to a room. It's name is derived from the French word for door, porte. The portiere, (rhymes with affair), or door drapery, was a common practice known to have been in use in Europe in the 4th century. The portiere was first used in castles to ward off the drafts between rooms. The practice of using them reached England by way of France and they became quite common in wealthier households during the Victorian era where heavy…

I think it's best if I tell you about the origins of the portiere (Ha-I had never heard of them... my good friend Whitney, who is part French, very kindly told me of portiere's when I first started my interior design business). from wikipedia A portière is a hanging placed over a door or over the doorless entrance to a room. Its name is derived from the French word for door, porte . From Asia it came to Europe at a remote date. It is known to have been in use in Europe in the 4th century…

This special post features some of the... And the absolutely magical early spring flowering trees. I adore these color palettes from nature!

Practically, this drapery hung in doorways to stop drafts (and dampens sound) between rooms—but portieres also offer a romantic, inviting transition by softening doorways. Most were frequently made from tapestry to match the wall hangings and give some decorative cohesion to the room, but portieres might also be made of strung beads, tassels and decorative cording, even seashells (for your beach bungalow). They remain an appropriate accent for the Arts & Crafts home today.

One of the many highlights of my book tour was visiting my sweet friend, Dottebob Andes, in her chic Philadelphia-area home. Prior to my visit, I was aware that Dottebob and I had a lot in common, especially our shared love of "the classics". (That would be classic décor, not classic literature- although perhaps we have similar taste in books, too.) Like me, Dottebob, who is a well-regarded decorator, has an appreciation for bright colors (especially blue and coral), prints, Chinoiserie, and…