Esther Ellard · Inspired by Experts ·Mar 16, 2025

Balancing Bold & Soft: How Linen Roman Shades Added Warmth to this Cozy Yet Modern Mudroom

By Esther Ellard

One of my most favorite things to do is delve into the thought process behind the design. Today, we are focusing on a Faux Mudroom and Media Room that we designed when building a custom home for our clients in Georgia. This was a multi generational family home and these two particular spaces were meant to be a faux entry for the younger parents and their thriving family. They came to me knowing that they wanted it to be a space that their own family could hang out in with a large sofa and a drop off zone. Let’s dive into how I made this happen and why the Window Treatments were an important step of the design process.

Designing Functional and Stylish Spaces

During the drywall phase, we knew that the drop off zone and media room needed to have a balance of function and style. We opted for Oversized brass wall hooks with three on each side and leather woven benches to create the base for the faux mudroom. By adding an accent wall color, we gave the illusion of this very functional drop off zone that the family could use in their daily routines. Inside the media room, we created a behind the sofa dining area of sorts with a walnut stained console table and white oak bar stools. The large U shaped sofa would give the family plenty of space to stretch out and lounge while watching TV or having meaningful conversations. By not adding in a coffee table, we purposefully gave them more space for the kiddos and dogs to be able to play on the floor or just run around. The entire space was designed for accessibility, durability, and cohesiveness.

Choosing Colors and Materials

From here it was time to nail down colors and materials. The goal was to make the spaces feel intimate and cozy without feeling stuffed. For the accent wall color on the faux mudroom side, we selected SW Pewter Green which added a rich, earthy tone to the entire space. For the Custom built in cabinetry and TV wall, we chose SW Tricorn black as a bold and grounding effect. Essentially, it would make the TV blend into the design instead of stand out. The white oak barstools introduced warmth and a natural element as it contrasted the console table. All of the color choices were anchored by the rust colored oversized sofa that was a play on the mom’s love for all things leather.

Nail Down Colors and Materials for Cozy Mudroom

Lighting and Window Treatments

My most favorite details came next - the lighting and window treatments. For the lighting, I wanted something that was fun but not too overwhelming. The idea was to really let the fun and vibrant personality of the family shine through in the design. For that, we opted for a white glass and brass globe light fixture that was all fun with an elevated twist. For window treatments, I was going back and forth between a solid and pattern but ultimately landed on TWOPAGES Linen Roman Shades in Sand Beige. Not only were these the perfect color but everything about them made these the right choice to complete this media room design.

The TWOPAGES Linen Sand Beige stands out against the dark built ins while keeping the space light and inviting. The linen fabric itself adds softness and a natural feel, balancing the structured built ins and bold color palette. These shades were also kid friendly and functional as they are easy to raise for privacy and light control. These linen roman shades are durable and easy to maintain which was a must for this high use space.

Take a moment to look at the image below and picture this space without the Roman shades or maybe with some ceiling high curtains. That would have completely thrown off the design and taken away from the family friendly atmosphere that's full of fun and personality. Small changes, like window treatments, can completely transform a space. The contrast throughout this design isn’t just about color but its about texture. By selecting the TWOPAGES Linen Roman Shades in Sand beige, I was able to mix in moody vibes with light, natural elements to keep the entire home inviting.

*Design and Styling; Effortless Designs

*Photographer: Rustic White Interiors

ABOUT WRITER

Great shades!

We love our Twopages Cinnamon Natural Jute Bamboo Woven Shade. The true color is a bit darker than photos depicted online but I got the sample booklet and anticipated that. I do really like it.

Amazing Workmanship and Embroidered Trim!

Two Pages has upped their game. My drapes came in a lovely branded zipper bags with a lovely message inside. Delivery was so quick! I have over a dozen curtains in my home from Two Pages. I recently upgraded my Isabella Paper White curtains in my living room to Isabella Paper White with R31 Trim. Oh my goodness- GORGEOUS!!! Firstly, my original Paper White drapes had a blue tinge to them, a very stark white. Which was fine, but I don’t know if they changed the sourcing, but the Paper White colour is now a lovely True clean white that is more soft, I LOVE the white. The R31 trim sample that I ordered in advance, also matched the trim tape on the curtains. Customer service was good to confirm with my enquiry that the sample did indeed match, as the website colour depicted was a bit different. It is a stunning sky blue (not aqua like the website picture). Moreover the workmanship and specifically how the tape was sewn onto the drape, was straight and aligned nicely with the thread. I was nervous when I ordered, because I saw a review where you could see that the sewing had gone outside of the lines and looked sub par; but I can assure you, the trim tape is sewn on beautifully. I plan to order Jawara Pink with Q21 or K61 next; which will make it 20 pairs of drapes from Two Pages that I own, LOL. The trim tape itself is such good quality, wide and stunningly embroidered. They rival designer named ones. I WISH I could order the trim tape itself so that I can add it to a throw pillow and at the bottom of my slip covered dining chairs, to coordinate the rooms. My style is Modern French Country I would say. Thank you Two Pages for my exquisite drapes

Hello! Thank you for your support! Open this link and you can order the trim border samples: https://twopagescurtains.com/products/choose-any-5-trim-border-samples-for-8 . If you would like a custom length of the trim border, you can contact support@twopagescurtains.com, our customer service team will assist you.

Obsessed with this texture!

Love how our shade turned out in both texture and color! It compliments our creamy white trim and oak floors perfectly!

Excellent curtains

I ordered the custom Liz linen curtains for my living room and dining room. Got the lightest liner as recommended by customer service because I was worried about fading of the curtain. Color is burlywood birch. They are beautiful curtains. The hook thats included makes them adjustable in height so you can make them longer or shorter as needed. Will definitely order again.