If you’ve been following along on the journey through this historic 114-year-old Atlanta home, you’ve already seen some truly special spaces come to life, from the romantic Paris Suite to the regal Queen’s Parlor, and even an entire room inspired by Elizabeth Taylor. Throughout the home, we’ve woven in unique design elements to give each room its own identity while maintaining a sense of continuity.
But the Den was a bit different.
Unlike the other spaces, which leaned into elegance, fantasy, and guest-ready charm, this room had to function as part of the homeowners’ everyday life. It wasn’t just about making something beautiful, it had to be cozy, practical, and above all, livable for the homeowners, Jeff and Mark. They wanted it to be a true retreat by day and a movie theater by night.
This was a space where comfort met drama, where rich colors and bold fabrics weren’t just aesthetic choices, they were solutions to real design challenges. And like the rest of the home, it all started with the windows.
A Vision Sparked by Color and Contrast
While Jeff is the usual visionary on design decisions, this time he left the vision of this room to Mark. Though Mark had an aesthetic in mind for the room, he couldn’t quite pull it all together until the deep French Blue paint actually covered the walls; that’s when he could truly see it come to life. That’s when the magic happened.
As we sifted through fabric samples waiting for one to speak to the room, a bold, geometric black fabric with a soft gray diamond pattern practically jumped off the fabric book at us. It didn’t just complement the French Blue, it echoed the diamond motif we used in the Elizabeth Taylor suite and we knew it was the one. Sophisticated, dramatic, and unexpected, it instantly elevated the space.
Dramatic Drapery That Sets the Tone
We ran the drapery from floor to ceiling, wall to wall, making it an immediate focal point. With six individual panels across the French doors, each could be opened independently for flexible light control. On the adjacent wall, the drapery panels stacked fully off the windows, creating the illusion of a wider opening and inviting daylight to flood the space.
To soften the view on the wall facing the neighbor’s brick exterior, we layered in sheer white panels with a delicate chevron pattern. This subtle touch filtered the light and view while keeping the room feeling airy. Matte black metal hardware completed the look with a sleek, modern edge.
“When the drapes are open, the light floods in beautifully,” Jeff says. “But when they’re closed, it’s like stepping into a movie theater.”
A Room Designed for Real Life
Beyond the visual impact, every detail was carefully chosen to bring both function and comfort to the space. The dark bronze hardware on the built-ins and cabinetry added to the quiet elegance of the room, complementing the moody color palette.
The homeowners brought in a large sectional with a chaise lounge, perfect for evening lounging, and paired it with an oversized black-and-white cowhide ottoman for a touch of playfulness. And just below the television, a custom built-in bench with a walnut top offers extra seating and smart storage for blankets and more.
“We use this room every evening, and it’s as comfortable as we imagined,” Jeff shares. “When the drapes are closed, it feels like a movie theater but better, without the need for movie tickets.”
When Drapery Becomes the Design
This project is a great reminder that custom draperies can do far more than filter light. They can set the tone for how a space is used, felt, and remembered.
This Den became more than just a room with great window treatments. It became a retreat, a theater, and a space that reflects the homeowners’ style and needs, effortlessly balancing luxury and livability. If you haven’t already, be sure to explore the other rooms featured in this incredible home. And we’re not done yet. More spaces and their stories are coming soon, so stay tuned. Or better yet, sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when new blog posts go live!
Hollywood Royalty Reimagined: The Art of Drapery in the Elizabeth Taylor Suite
