The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)
What decorative trim is elegantly understated and timeless?
A simple, quietly understated 1” wide trim embellishes a dust ruffle, created with a Bob Collins classic chintz fabric, in Palm Beach.
What decorative trim is timeless, tailored, and exceptionally cost-effective? It can be used to enhance curtains and valances, adorn upholstery, pillows, dust ruffles, and even grace your clothes, hair bands, hats, shoes, and ponytails? Now, that’s a notable roster for ONE kind of trim, wouldn’t you agree? Any ideas of which trim I am referring to?
It is a grosgrain ribbon! (Pronounced: GROW-grain)
Grosgrain is a very versatile ribbon and has a distinctive ribbed appearance that goes across the ribbon, which enhances its durability. Its textured parallel ridges have a matte finish. Therefore it is not flashy or shiny, and is more durable than satin or silk ribbons.
Grosgrain, as early as the 17th century, referred to a garment fabric that was black and durable. In the 1920s “grosgrain ribbon” was introduced, and now, there are a multitude of colors and printed designs available. I like to think of grosgrain ribbon as having a “distinguished appearance,’ which is one reason it continues to embellish evening wear too, like the bow on a gentleman’s formal black evening pumps.
And, how about these golden grosgrain earrings!!
Consider applying a 1” to 2” wide grosgrain ribbon along the leading edge and across the bottom hemline of your curtain panels. Choose a complementary color to the fabric design or room scheme… or simply choose a neutral color, like white.
These curtain pull panels have 1 ½” white grosgrain ribbon applied one inch off the leading edge of both panels.
I specify a grosgrain ribbon trim to be sewn about ½” to 1 ½” off the leading edges on a curtain panel. How you place it depends on the pattern of the fabric, the height of the room, the width of the curtains, and the formality of the design scheme. So, it is a matter of deciding what proportionately works well overall in reference to the placement, size, and color of the ribbon. Two or more smaller ribbons can be used too. Have fun, be clever and think outside of the box when designing with grosgrain ribbon!
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Holly
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I have used Samuel & Sons grosgrain ribbons for years for my clients. Grosgrain ribbon can also be easily obtained on the internet too, like this roll of 2” white ribbon.
My Palm Beach Secrets!
The next time you visit Palm Beach, a marvelous place to have lunch outside on the ocean’s edge is The Four Seasons Hotel, about six miles by car from Worth Avenue. The service and food is delightful. It is well worth the drive… and well-behaved dogs are allowed!
GIVEAWAY!
Last week I featured the very talented Mara Sfara. She has been gracious enough to offer this lovely painting exclusively to my SLL subscribers and social media followers! The painting, Three Great White Egrets, is oil on linen and valued at $4,200. Click the button below to enter! We will be choosing our winner at random on Valentine's Day, 2/14/22. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter, once confirmed. Best of luck!