Advice from Sunshine Designer:
Sharon Weinberg
For decades, the little black dress has remained the supreme must-have of any woman’s wardrobe. Not surprisingly, black is a similar constant in interior design.
Color combinations come and go. Right now, chocolate brown and blue are popular. In the 1990s, it was burgundy, forest green and navy blue. In the 1980s, teal, peach and mauve ruled. But, black… it’s remained.
So, embrace dark colors in your interior design. Adding black fabric to your window treatments does not equate to dark windows. On the contrary, colors become more prominent on a dark background as opposed to a light background.
If all the design components in a room’s ensemble are lighter in color, then adding something black will help create balance as well as add depth.
Call 314.569.2980 for your complimentary in-home consultation with a Sunshine Designer. Appointments are available days, evenings and weekends.
We are immersed in window coverings 24/7 at Sunshine Drapery, and find it easy to start speaking “window” as if everyone were as intimate with the lingo. Window Speak is a new series that will deliver installments into different window covering terminology. If there is a topic that you would like us to cover please let us know.
Today’s Window Speak topic is Trim (picture courtesy of The Smart Approach to Window Decor).
Picot Braid: characterized by the small looped or scalloped border
Flat Braid (aka galloon): available in a variety of fibers and varying in size from 1.5-3 inches, it is characterized by a woven flat braid
Cording: characterized by thick twisted cords that either work alone or are added as an accent to a fabric tieback
Jacquard Border: a flat, woven pattern that ranges in size from 2.5 to 6 inches
Fan-Edge Braid: characterized by the looped cords in an undulating pattern sequence
Fringe: characterized by a “skirt” of twisted cords and available in a variety of styles, including Campaign, Brush, Bullion, Looped and Tassled
Large windows are often a valued architectural element of a home, yet there is the issue of privacy and light control. Here are some winodw treatment tips for dressing some common large window elements:
Cathedral or Palladian-Style
If seeking privacy, use curtains on the lower half installing a traverse or curtain rod at a pleasant breaking point that leaves the upper windows exposed. Or try vertical shades with a swag or valance to soften the effect.
Transoms
Hang a scarf along the transom to break the harsh light of a sunset. Another option is to use shirred curtains anchored at the top of each transom. Of course, you can also use specialty shaped vertical or cellular shades.
Bay or Bow Windows
The first decision is to decide whether to treat the windows individually or as a group. If opting for individual styling, then try matching shades, blinds or shutters – this is a nice place for plantation shutters. Tieback curtains also create a nice effect. As a group, place a curved-bow-window rod or standard curtain rod on the wall above and treat with curtains.
Style is an important part of selecting window treatments for a room, but so is practicality. It is important to consider the purpose and use of each room and to incorporate the right style for the function of the room.
For instance, bedrooms are often layered for privacy and light control – as in the picture shown here.
Read more tips from Buy Owner Blog or visit our Gallery for inspiration. Then, call 314.569.2980 for your complimentary in-home consultation for tips from a Sunshine Designer.
