Let’s continue our journey through this extraordinary 114-year-old Victorian home renovation in Atlanta! Have you been following along? So far, we’ve explored the romantic Paris Hotel Suite and the magnificent Queen’s Room. Now, we’re stepping into a space that celebrates another kind of royalty—Hollywood royalty.
Designing custom draperies is always a rewarding experience, but working on the Elizabeth Taylor Suite was particularly special. The homeowners envisioned a guest bedroom infused with old Hollywood glamour, and the draperies played a crucial role in bringing that vision to life.
The inspiration for the space was Elizabeth Taylor herself, with her signature love of lavenders and purples dictating the color scheme. The homeowners had already transformed an adjacent guest bedroom into a Parisian-inspired retreat, and they wanted this space to feel equally special while standing apart. Elizabeth Taylor’s affinity for luxury and drama made her the perfect muse for this project.
Glamorous Window Treatments
To create a sense of Hollywood opulence, every design element was intentional. The French doors required window treatments that would soften the space and provide privacy when needed. To achieve this balance, I crafted simple yet elegant lavender velvet Roman shades that provided just the right amount of texture and function.
On the other window, we leaned into the room’s lush aesthetic by installing full-length velvet panels that gracefully draped to the floor, hung from sleek golden rods with acrylic finials to replicate the glam of gold and diamonds throughout. This interplay of fabric and hardware added a modern touch while staying true to the old Hollywood glamour theme.
Working with the plush velvet fabric was a joy. Its rich texture and weight allowed the pleats to hold beautifully, creating a graceful, uninterrupted flow. Every pleat was meticulously hand-formed to ensure perfect uniformity, and the addition of sheers in a delicate “white diamond” pattern added an extra layer of refinement—a subtle nod to Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary fragrance collection.
Theatrical Luxury Elements
Throughout the space, the homeowners infused elements that paid tribute to the actress’s legacy. Gold accents, a black lacquered cabinet by Jonathan Adler, an acrylic bench and chair, and a bright white faux fur rug all worked together to evoke a sense of theatrical luxury. The flush-mount crystal chandelier from Horchow cast a dazzling glow, adding to the ambiance of glamour and indulgence.
One of the most striking features was the custom-commissioned portrait of Elizabeth Taylor by Amilcar Ferreyro of Barcelona. Based generally on a photographic portrait of the actress from 1953 (though the artist took many liberties to make the work his own), the painting was positioned to be seen down the hall from across the house. This stunning artwork, framed in an ornate white lacquer frame, set the tone for the entire suite.
Adding to the glamour of the room, the homeowners curated an assortment of vintage portraits, signed memorabilia, and a full collection of Elizabeth Taylor fragrances to complete the experience. There were even replicas of some of Taylor’s most famous jewels — the Taylor-Burton tiara, the Krupp diamond ring, and her iconic chandelier earrings — allowing guests to feel like they had stepped into a world of classic Hollywood royalty.
A Cinematic Experience
Every element of the space was chosen to immerse guests in the nostalgia of Hollywood’s golden age. As you step into the Elizabeth Taylor Suite, it’s easy to imagine yourself transported to another time, draped in silk, bathed in the glow of a chandelier, and enveloped in the aura of an era where glamour was effortless and elegance was paramount.
Designing these draperies was not just about fabric and hardware; it was about capturing a story. And in this case, the story was one of timeless elegance, cinematic history, and the allure of a bygone era. Seeing it all come together so seamlessly was a true labor of love—and one that I hope will continue to inspire everyone who steps inside.
Stay tuned for our next room reveal, where we’ll take you into yet another uniquely themed space in this extraordinary Victorian home transformation!
Drapery Fit for Royalty: A Stunning Transformation in a Formal Sitting Room
