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| Plantation Shutters to Love |
Plantation shutters...always loved 'em as a window
treatment and for the design interest but never experienced
the pleasure of their company until this fixer upper.
We just installed a custom built set from Riverwood Shutters
for the the window in our master bathroom and absolutely
💕 them!
So much so that we know there will be more
in our future, which is what this post is all about.
What's all the fuss about...why not just hang
a curtain or Roman blind?
Some history on plantation shutters follows,
yet feel free to scroll right by and pin away
with abandon should you be allergic to history.
Why all the plantation shutter fuss?
Control, mama.
"Closing the louvers maintains ventilation while giving you the option of privacy and sun blocking capabilities. The simple ability to slide the louvers open and closed gives you the ability to control everything from light to air flow."
Why are they called plantation shutters anyway?
"The origin of plantation shutters that are currently used are from the early colonization of the US. Spanish settlers that founded plantations brought the knowledge of the convenient and adaptable window treatment with them. They made the plantation stand out by painting them white and creating wide louvers. Usually reserved for sugar or cotton plantations, the shutters eventually became a stylish but practical way to control air flow and sunlight. Today, while still recognized as a symbolic tradition of the South, many people appreciate the creative ingenuity that has remained almost unchanged since the colonies sprung through the Americas." (Source: James Hurt)
I suspected this was the history of the plantation shutter,
but then I learned more about the American market of
plantation shutters influencing Australia...so interesting.
"In the 1980’s the Plantation style shutter was introduced to the Australian market. This shutter has its origins in the U.S.A. Australian designers were inspired by the grand houses of the cotton plantations. Flat timber blades were put into frames and used in the breezeways of these plantation houses. In Australia these shutters were made from either cottonwood or pine...They had flat blades and a timber rod stapled on the face to adjust the blades to close in an up position. Most shutters were oiled or had a clear lacquer protective coating. Western Red Cedar timber was used and larger blades became popular. The timber tilt rod, stapled to the middle of the blades, was replaced by a metal, semi concealed blade connector. These were better suited to fitting with the open nature of Australia’s love affair with light and the clear view of the great outdoors." (Source: Guide to Shutters)
(image at top, Signature Shutters of Houston)
What follows is a collection of pretty spaces featuring
mainly the white traditional plantation shutters,
but folks are decorating with natural wood shutters
and darker hues as well, and a few of those
examples are in the mix as well.
I'll start with some snaps of the
plantation shutters we installed in the master bath
at our fixer upper.
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| Above is the BEFORE. |
As for the tub and shower area of the bathroom
before the redesign, the only elements we were digging
were the western exposure and beadboard
on the tub's platform...the bathroom faces the
street, which is not ideal, but still better than
if it was our bedroom facing the street.
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| Plantation shutters from Riverwood Shutters |
As you can see above, I redesigned that window bay to
make way for a larger shower and a petite clawfoot tub.
These plantation shutters make such a huge difference
and were a breeze to install...the only part of the
installation where I was involved was the measurement,
and I was nervous about it, but guess what?
Nothing at all to shudder about...perfect fit.
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| Let us discuss some design issues: do you see the reflection of a pedestal sink BEHIND the door? Why? And the half-Madonna-cone-bra sconces...also, there were no light switches in the bathroom. Nope. They were located in the adjoining bedroom, because...? |
While we're considering the before/after of our
bathroom, may I share a trio of humorous sidenote secrets?
See how the Jacuzzi faucet and taps look white?
Secret No. 1
Yeahhhhh, right. They were spray-painted for the
marketing photos...and notice the little picture frame
accent under the "makeup counter?" Hmmmm.
That is actually access to an attic which was home
to multiple mice families.
Yep.
Secret No. 2
After extermination,
my Mr. Clean husband felt compelled
to climb through that access (me outside it holding a
flashlight pointed inside) to scrub every inch of
it with a wire brush and bleach...I kid you not.
So if ever we sell this place, oh my lord, I hope
a future occupant appreciates we did much more
than casually spraypaint over the unlovely!
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| The dreaded white plastic room deodorizer you see in every vacant/as-is property for sale. |
Before.
After.
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| Riverwood Shutters in our bath |
Another secret regarding the antique leaded glass
window you see above on the left.
Secret No. 3
I bought the window and a few others at an antique shop
years ago, and two of them were installed as interior windows
in our prior home, and I finally found a place for this one.
This window is attached with hinges so it can easily
be opened or removed. On the other side of the vintage
glass is the shower with a deep shelf.
This way, natural light from the
window illumines
the shower.
We continue our regularly scheduled programming...
on with the plantation shutters show.
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| Phoebe Howard |
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| Pin Me, I'm Gorgeous. |
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| via Centsational Girl |
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| Frederick Architects |
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Neutral Laundry Room   |
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Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere |
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| Privacy + Light |
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| Signature Shutters of Houston |
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| via Homebunch |
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| Signature Shutters of Houston |
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| Calusa Construction...not shutters but louvered doors can be chic |
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| Muskoka Living...isn't the grey stunning? |
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Signature Shutters of Houston |
adding plantation shutters to your own home design.
If you missed these recent posts, be sure
to click over to the latest lovely:
All this gloomy weather is not my fav, yet
I cannot complain since the barren trees just
outside my plantation shutters make it possible
to see gorgeous woodland creatures and
colorful birds, reminding me this
season is purposeful, fruitful, and wondrous.
Peace to you right where you are.
