Window Treatments.....a team effort

As an interior designer I find that designing custom window treatments is both one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of my business. Design school does not teach much about the details of designing window treatment. I found seminars and conferences that focused on window treatment were invaluable as well as a good work room and installer. Creating a successful custom window treatment is a careful collaboration. Communication is key.

How do I begin? I use a combination of sketches and photos to help the client visualize how the treatment will look in her home on her windows. We select the fabrics that will compliment her room. Sometimes the type of fabric and price of the fabric can help decide what treatment to choose. For instance, heavier fabrics are better used for certain things like cornices. If price is a consideration, then I find ways to use smaller amounts of it in a creative way.

The next step is careful, very careful measuring. After that I work with closely with my workroom to figure yardage and pricing. Once the proposal is approved then I order the fabrics and trims, write the work orders. I make sure the fabrics are the same as the sample by getting cuttings for approval and attach them to the work order.
What could go wrong? Sometimes the fabric is discontinued, or out of stock. Sometimes it can take weeks. Sometimes it is the fringe that we must wait for and it can tie up production for a long time. Sometimes the fabrics arrive with flaws or get damaged. There can be errors in measuring or estimating the number of yards we need.

So, follow the saying, measure twice and cut once. Check and double check everything and make sure you, your client, your workroom and your installer are all on the same page. Then pray! I always get what I call stage fright before each installation, no matter how simple or how grande.

Window Treatments ...an elegant focal point

A window treatment can enhance a focal point or it can be the focal point. In this room it is both. Window treatments can be formal or informal, tailored and simple or multi-layered and complex. They can help create a certain style or look for your room. They can add color, pattern, elegance and drama. Simply by the design, fabrics and trims you choose you can tie all the elements of your room together. It's magic.
This living room has so many things going for it. It has a high ceiling with a coffered tray that is faux finished to further accent the design. The view to the incredible pool area is the true focal point of the room. The furnishings are beautiful. The old world sofa with ornately carved frame and tapestry of fabrics and trims takes center stage. But without window treatment even all these elements seem to be detached. When we added the swags and jabots with side panels, not only did the room come alive but the view became even more important. The fullness of the fabric in drapery treatment, the attention to detail with the banding and row of double fringe and the puddling of the panels on the floor all work together to make this treatment lucious and elegant.

Completing this installation now sets the stage to add all the important finishing touches like accessories, plants, lighting and art.