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There's a lot (as in A LOT!) more to window treatments than just curtains vs. shades–especially when you're looking to achieve an elevated look in a luxury home.
My clients are often shocked yet delighted to learn how much we can do to customize the look and functionality of their window treatments. Whether we want something to bring softness and character to the space or we’re looking for something that completely disappears into the ceiling or wall when it’s not in use, there’s nothing we can’t achieve for our clients when it comes to creating the perfect way to treat their windows.
Floor to ceiling draperies
Most of the time, I specify more than one layer for my clients’ windows to give them greater flexibility over privacy and light control. This is especially true if we’re using draperies. I layer a full coverage or sheer drape on top of shades–either lined, unlined, or blackout–depending on the space.
For bedrooms, we always aim for room darkening so a full coverage drapery with a blackout shade would be the most likely option there, for example.
I often opt for draperies in solid colors or with a subtle ombre effect. Sometimes I like to use a color that fades into the wall color so we get the softness of the drapery without disrupting the line of the wall.
However, I’ve also done some gorgeous draperies in large, bold patterns, either jacquards or embroidered. These have been major hits with my clients and they continue to love their draperies for years to come. It all depends on what the homeowner is looking for and what’s right for the space.
And always, always, draperies should be floor to ceiling or they just won’t look as chic and sophisticated.
Motorized window treatments
I can’t even begin to express how huge motorization is right now for window treatments. The majority of our window covering installations are motorized now and our clients all say they’ll never go back to non-motorized options.
I find that to be such a testament to the massive impact even the smaller luxuries in our homes have on our enjoyment of life!
Hidden window treatments
Along with motorization, a fair amount of our drapery installations involve hiding the rods and hardware behind a wall, soffit, or in the ceiling so the only thing visible is the drapery fabric or shade itself.
An additional option is to have the shades disappear into the ceiling and drapes disappear behind a panel when opened, giving the illusion there are no window treatments at all! It's a subtle detail that makes a major difference in providing a luxury look and feel. For me, it calls to mind the movie Holiday, when Kate Winslet pushes a button and the shades open and disappear to reveal the California sunshine outside. What luxury!
Natural blinds
Despite the growing popularity of hidden options, natural blinds are still going really strong. They're a classic mainstay and there’s always something fresh being introduced into the product lines.
I especially love them for their organic nature and the visual warmth they add to a space.
Today, you can opt for woven wood shades with a room darkening layer that operates separately. This way, you can enjoy the sun playing through the wood when you want and fully block out the light when you want.
I always love giving my clients options and I want them to be able to enjoy the beautiful ambiance that’s created when the light is diffused through the wood shade. It’s nice to also be able to give them the ability to darken the room entirely when they so desire.
Sheer & honeycomb shades
I have long loved and often specified the Silhouette and Pirouette shades by Hunter Douglas. Silhouettes simulate wood blinds and Pirouettes simulate shutters. Although HD categorizes them both as ‘sheer’ shades, the light control they provide varies with the fabric options.
Shutters were very popular in the 90s and early 2000s. At RHD, we've been stepping away from those for the past 20 years or so and leaning towards Silhouettes and Pirouettes because they're softer, lighter, and less imposing. We love that they disappear up into the header when opened. Now that they also come with motorized capabilities, they're especially lovely for my clients!
I also love the Duette honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas and I specify these often for my clients, as well. They now offer fabric options and wider vanes that look super sophisticated, making them just right for my clients' modern, elevated interiors.
For shades in general, I prefer the top down, bottom up option, especially for baths and bedrooms, as this provides the greatest flexibility for light control and privacy.
Roman shades
Depending on the aesthetic of the home and the clients' personal style, we may opt for a Roman shade instead of blinds. When we do, we’ve typically found a very special fabric specifically for that room and a Roman shade is the perfect way to incorporate it.
The exact design of the Roman shade is determined by what the application calls for. We might introduce an interesting banding or we may choose to have the shade drape to a soft fold with a generous dip in the center. It all depends on what works with the architecture and the aesthetic of the interior.
Since Roman shades are visible whether they’re drawn up or down, we use them when we want to give the room a sense of coziness and warmth. In a way, they're almost a horizontal drapery application, softening both the window and the wall.
In some cases we use Roman shades along with draperies in a space. For example, in a dining room with French doors that call for panels we might opt for Roman shades on the windows in that space for variety.
There’s nothing simple about choosing the right window coverings for our clients’ projects to give them the sophisticated look they want plus all the functionality they need. But the impact the right choices have on the look, feel, and functionality of their spaces is well worth the effort! We love nothing more than creating something completely custom for them knowing it enhances their life in ways both large and small on a daily basis!
Are you looking to upgrade your home’s window treatments as part of a larger design project and want to talk with us about working together to make it happen? Contact us here.
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