Eddie Ross & Ballard Designs Inspired DIY Curtains

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It is no secret that I adore Eddie Ross. I’ve been a fan since he was on Top Design. I had the honor of meeting him and being on the same BHG Live! holiday special with him in October 2015 (see the recap here), and it was a DREAM come true. I’ve learned a lot from Eddie over the years- he taught me how to make an ornament wreath, gave me the courage and know-how to shop smart at thrift shops, and overall inspires me to collect beautiful, unique things for a chic, curated look.

His book, Modern Mix, is my go-to for decor styling and thrift store tips. I’ve read it cover to cover, and I can safely tell you it is NOT just all about pretty pictures. You will learn a lot- seriously, buy his book now.

All that said, you can see why I was thrilled to participate in Jess’ (from Domicile 37) challenge this month, and it’s all about how to achieve that oh-so-desireable Eddie Ross aesthetic. Think eclectic, curated, colorful perfection. I don’t know how he does it, but he is damn talented (and so nice!).

I’ve been swooning over his collaboration with Ballard Designs, as I told you all about last week. Totally obsessed. You see, I like Ballard Designs well enough, but throw Eddie into the mix and I’ve reached new fangirl heights. I want everything he uses to style the spaces featured in the catalog and online, but the item I coveted the most were the coral/peony colored drapes featured in the dining room. I COULD NOT stop thinking about those curtains.

When I priced out a pair for my office, the total was about $260+. In the catalog, Eddie trims out the panels with a lovely ribbon that costs $16/yard. I love Eddie, and I love Ballard, but I was not going to fork out $400+ for a pair of curtains.

I scouted all my usual online stores to find a comparable coral/pink curtain panel that wouldn’t break the bank, and I hit the jackpot on Amazon. I found beautiful coral blackout drapes for only $13 a panel. I mean, it cannot get any cheaper.

Then I had to find a pretty trim. I looked online at jacquard trim, but the prices ranged from $7/yard on up, and I wanted these curtains to be under $50 total. D and I did our usual Walmart shopping, and I went through the ribbon aisle just in case they had anything, and I found 3-yard (9-foot) spools of black and white Greek key ribbon (similar to this one) for $3 a roll. I needed 4 rolls, but they only had 3. Boo.

Originally I was going to use stitch witchery or heat and bond to adhere the ribbon to the curtain using an iron, BUT given that the ribbon is not all that thick…it melted. Not one to be easily discouraged, I whipped out my handy dandy glue strips (which I quickly ran out of) and my Elmer’s permanent double-sided tape (which is ridiculously strong), which worked beautifully. 

DIY Ballard Designs & Eddie Ross Inspired Curtain Directions: 

• Decide where you want your ribbon. I placed mine about 2″ inches inward on each side and used a curtain ring and measuring tape to mark my spot. 
• You lay the double-sided tape on the backside of the ribbon (leaving the adhesive backing on the other side), flip it over, remove the backing a bit at a time to reveal the adhesive and smooth it into place and enjoy! 
• If it goes slightly crooked you can easily move it. 
• Leave about 1-2″ at the top and bottom to tuck it under for a finished, polished look. 
• Iron your panel (don’t throw it in the dryer- trust me on this!) to ensure it hangs beautifully.

The Greek key ribbon is totally temporary, so if I find a ribbon I like better I can easily switch it out. I do love it though, true story.

The final purchase was curtain/drapery rings to achieve my Ballard Designs & Eddie Ross inspired look, and once the rings got a gold spray paint makeover, I was good to go. You need about 9-10 rings per panel.

I hung them using a pinched pleat look that took me way longer than I thought it would, but I am so satisfied! I need to find one more spool of that ribbon so I can finish my other panel. I also would love a black/white pattern roman shade for the window just to really amp up the look.

The total cost was about $55 with tax for the panels, trim, and curtain rings. That is a HUGE savings, so I am a happy girl. With the $350+ I saved, I can splurge on the cut pedestal vase, acrylic drapery rod, and leopard ottoman featured in the catalog.

I think Eddie would be proud. The pic below was taken at night, so the curtains look a bit more pink than they really are. The panels are a true coral color.

I still have a ways to go for my office makeover, but I’ll definitely be asking myself, “What would Eddie Ross do?” as I make my decisions. I want to be more daring and inject more personality, patterns, fabrics, gorgeous thrifted finds and colors into my home.

Catch more Eddie inspired home decor ideas with these other bloggers I adore. Be back tomorrow with tips for entertaining for newlyweds. It’s my wedding anniversary month, so I am all nostalgic about weddings. See ya tomorrow, lovelies!

This is Our Bliss // Casa Watkins // Maggie Overby Studios // 

Up To Date Interiors // 

Domicile 37 // Monica Wants It // Homeology Modern Vintage // 

Scotch & Nonsense