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October 8, 2018 by louise

Drapery Ideas for Those Hard to Handle Areas (Part 1 of 2)

Coming up with drapery ideas can be a great exercise for Napa homeowners wanting to update their look. And thanks to all of the options – from colors, to fabric choices, to functionality – it can hard to know where to start with your drapery ideas. And these choices become even more difficult when you are dealing with windows that are hard to handle.

With this in mind, here are some drapery ideas for those windows that are difficult to dress.

Angled Windows

What Makes it Difficult: What drapery ideas work with an angle on an angle?

How to Tackle: The angled windows in your family room perfectly complement your views. But how do you prevent the sun glare from impairing your view?

Windows on an angle can make drapery ideas difficult to implement. But using medallions to hang your drapes can help Napa homeowners do just that.

Even though medallions are stationary window treatments, they can be the perfect solutions when needing custom window shades where rod-hung drapes are not possible. This is especially true when dealing with angled windows, as trying to incorporate rod-hung drapes would be fighting against gravity, resulting in a messy pile and difficult to open or close windows.

Wall of Windows

What Makes it Difficult: How do Napa homeowners install a window treatment without impairing the view that wall of windows was installed for?

How to Tackle: One way to approach drapery ideas for a wall of windows is to consider utilizing a ceiling track. This feature can help block blinding light with fitting in with the overall designs aesthetic.

These ceiling tracks can be either a manual or a motorized system. Depending on large of an area the wall of windows take up, opting for the motorized install can make drawing the curtains as easy as pressing a button.

Window Nooks

What Makes it Difficult: What are drapery ideas and window treatment options for a hard to handle window nook.

How to Tackle: Napa homeowners lucky enough to have a window nook might be looking for a way to dress it up beyond a comfortable seat cushion. If you are wanting to customize the nook, consider mounting draperies just inside the nook to create your own private space.

Bay Windows

What Makes it Difficult: Bay windows have three sides. Which means that they cannot be covered with just one rod. And installing three rods can look less than professional.

How to Tackle: When it comes to drapery ideas for a bay window, Napa homeowners should keep in mind that the hardware used can make or break the design.

When dressing bay windows, your best bet can be using a curved or angled rod. Angled rods are simply regular linear rods that come together at the corners with inexpensive hinges.

If considering this technique, Napa homeowners will want to work with a professional to help measure and cut the custom design (especially since custom orders are often unable to be returned).

Curved French Doors

What Makes it Difficult: Using a curtain rod underneath the curve of French doors would result in being unable to open the doors.

How to Tackle: Just as with the bay windows above, curved rods can be a good solution. By adding a curved rod to a French door, Napa homeowners will be able to showcase the design without taking away from the functionality.

Check back next week for the second half of our list of drapery ideas for hard to handle windows.

September 24, 2018 by louise

The Art of Creating a Layered Window Look (Part 2)

Continuing on our previous post of The Art of Creating a Layered Window Look (Part 1), Part 2 will continue looking at design options that homeowners’ can implement.

If you are considering installing custom window treatments, be sure to reach out so we can help put our expertise to work. We have been working with local homeowners’ for over a decade, uncovering the perfect solution for the space.

That being said, here is Part 2 of the Art of Creating a Layered Window Look.

Think Small (and Big)

When thinking about installing a layered window look, there is no job that is too small. This means that homeowners can (and should) consider designing treatments for even the tiniest of windows.

While this design approach will not work for all homeowners, it is an option to keep in mind.

Be Open to Drama

By and large, a layered window look is the design of choice for “maximalists.” And nothing creates a sense of drama like utilizing luxurious fabrics.

By utilizing luscious materials, you can create a dramatic window presentation that evokes a strong mood and personality which can reflect homeowners’ personalities.

Consider Being Opaque

A timeless window treatment combination pairs opaque draperies on sheers. While this technique will call for two separate treatments, it can be worth the expense.

But not all budgets can accommodate the doubled-up expense. If this is your situation, you can replicate a similar look by sewing some sheer fabric to the leading edge of your curtains. This technique will allow homeowners to create a mock sheer that appears to be poking out when the panels are open.

Layer and Weave

When it comes to a layered window look, homeowners have the option to coordinate within a single space or extend the coordination across the entire house. For example, when a layered window treatment included multiple layers, you can design them with a specific purpose. Doing this will create a coherent custom look that can help pull out and express the personality of the space.

Consider the Kitchen

When it comes to dressing kitchen windows, it is common to see a single valance or shade used. However, these are not your only options.

By placing a valance on top of a shade, you create a layer of softness. As a result, you also create an opportunity to make a statement.

Details Matter

Little things can make a big difference even without our noticing. Take for example the role of window fabric in setting the tone. By selecting a fabric that conveys a sense of security, you create an intimate setting to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

While the layout and architecture of the room will no doubt contribute to the feel of the space, combining with shades and draperies will either enhance (when correctly selected) or detract (when the wrong choices are made).

When planning an update to your windows, using a layered window look can help you create just what the space needs. As you think about what looks you want to implement into the space, factor in the choices that are available to you.

September 10, 2018 by louise

The Art of Creating a Layered Window Look (Part 1)

Creating a layered window look can allow homeowners to flex a little bit of their creativity muscles. Incorporating an extra layer or draperies or installing top treatments will impart a new look and feel for any room.

If you are considering utilizing a layered window look, take the time to do some research beforehand. This will help homeowners to get a feel for what look best suits their rooms (and windows).

And if you need help deciding on the perfect window treatment for your home, give us a call today. We specialize in helping design custom window solutions for Napa homeowners.

Either way, to help homeowners get started, consider how the following window treatments can dictate the feel for the entire area.

Cozy Country Cottage

When creating a cozy cottage feel, consider utilizing a sheer cafe curtain. This design can help proudly illustrate its function when partnered with the lower half of windows. Combine with matching draperies and a valance to add a touch of color, and homeowners are able to completely create a functional and homey space.

You can also create a sense of privacy by covering the windows at eye level. But because of the sheer material, light is able to pass through even when the cafe curtains are closed.

Double Up the Options

When it comes to designing a bedroom space, one uncommon but effective tactic is to use two shades, one mounted on top of the other. When undertaking this approach, you will want to layer a light-filtering shade under a more opaque shade.

This option can be great for budget installs. The two shades give homeowners multiple options for both light and privacy. And if you are considering going down this route, mounting either one or both of the shades inside of the window frame, you will want to make sure that there is enough depth. When mounting, you do not want the shades to stick out past the wall.

Typically, while one inch is the absolute minimum, two inches is mandatory. Especially if you are also installing a continuous cord loop that lengthens as the shade is raised.

Consider Shutters

Leveraging more than one window treatment can allow for multiple configurations for both light and privacy. Incorporating shutters can help accomplish this. For example, using panels allows for complete privacy, while lowering the shutters can create a little privacy, along with exposed upper glass when you want to let light filter in.

Go Light

A layered window treatment does not have to also look heavy. To achieve a “lighter” look, consider the combination of swags, stationary panels and sheers to create a space that feels formal yet airy.

Go Green

And by “green” we mean “solar.” Implementing a solar screen can help protect everyone (i.e. the homeowners) and everything (i.e. your upholstery) from a glare.

Pair the solar screen with a woven wood shade to foster a “beachy” theme (without the sand or cheesiness). And to top it off, consider adding neutral panels that blend in to create that “home” feel.

Use a Cornice

When designing a room, it is important to light from two sides. This can help to avoid the imbalance of shadowy corners and strong glares. To combat a strong glare, consider softening that light by arranging draperies to come together in middle and be tied back onto the walls. When implementing this look, a cornice can be used to tie the entire room together.

A layered window look can change the dynamics of the room. We will continue to explore additional design options in Part 2 of this post.

August 27, 2018 by louise

The Basics of Custom Draperies

When it comes to dressing windows, homeowners have plenty of options with custom draperies. Given the range of accompanying costs, homeowners will have to take into account a number of factors when planning their custom draperies upgrade.

If you are looking to install custom draperies, you have come to the right place! Our team has years of experience outfitting California homes with the perfect design.

In the meantime, consider the following strategies for updating your windows throughout the home.

The Inverted Box Pleat

The inverted box pleat can be a great approach in making a space feel more gender-neutral. To create a tailored, boxy feel, simply keep them closed. And when you want to give off a sleek, uniform appearance, stack them back and allow the hardware to take on some of the focus.

Using Tie-Backs

When it comes to custom draperies, tie-backs are very traditional approach. This can be good or bad depending on what you are looking to create.

For example, when tie-backs are used but don’t have anything for the custom draperies to be tied back from, it can make the room feel overly stuffy. But when the tie-backs have a specific role – be it in allowing homeowners to capitalize on the view or keeping panels back and out of harm’s way – they can be the perfect look for dressing windows.

Implementing Breaks

When making custom draperies, it is common to hear the question: “How do you want the draperies to break?” What this question is actually asking is: “How do you want the bottoms to hit the floor?”

There are a number of options for this design that will depend on the overall situation. Homeowners with pets that shed will want to avoid the “puddled” look and that can create a hairy situation. In situations like this, drapes that break at the floor might be a better choice. This look gives off a tailored, clean feel that will spread across the room.

A Fixed Curtain

Fixed curtains are an option for custom draperies. Just be aware that these designs are not meant to be functional. Fixed curtains are used as a means to visually separate space.

DIY Header

Hardware can be expensive when installing custom draperies. If you are going the DIY path, you can consider implementing a header made from painted plywood or drywall. After making and placing the header, you can install a standard track on the inside. This way your custom draperies will shine while your DIY track is out of sight.

Tech Blinds

Technology spreads to every walk of life – including custom draperies. Remote-controlled blinds can be just the thing for a modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows. A simple one-touch can raise to let light in or lower to provide some privacy.

Consider the Outside

While the priority with custom draperies is given to the function and look on the inside, homeowners will not want to completely disregard the impact on the exterior. When thinking about your designs, consider sticking with a white liner. This look can be appreciated both inside and out.

Custom draperies have to take into account a seemingly endless number of choices. If you are considering upgrading your window treatments, call us today to see how we can help.

August 13, 2018 by louise

Thinking About Upgrading Your Window Treatments? Consider These

Great window treatments involve more than just the fabric. What really sets apart a great treatment from just an average one are the little details. Factors like the trim, stitching and even hardware can make all of the difference in the world.

If you are considering upgrading your window treatments, be sure to consider the following tips.

Stitching Matters

The reality is that not all fabric will hang perfectly. For example, fabrics that are made of 100% polyester have a tendency to billow out. In cases like this, the importance of stitching comes into play. When you have a fabric that is not hanging like you envision, adding the proper stitching in the proper spot can help you to create the exact look you are going for.

Keep Patterns In Line

You can make your pattern truly stand out by matching up the patterns. This is especially true when windows are near each other. For example, when you have stripes on shades, ensuring that they align when drawn up can really make the overall design shine.

But be prepared as lining patterns up can sometimes require extra fabric to achieve. This will increase the cost.

Going Dark

When creating a space that can achieve total darkness, blackout lining is mandatory. This upgrade takes advantage of a heavy fabric that prevents light from penetrating the window treatments when the shades are drawn. There are times when a special stitch is required in order to prevent any pinholes of light sneaking through.

Get Real

When it comes to shutters, you pay for what you get. Your choices of materials range from the least expensive designs of polyresin to the most expensive of solid wood, with composite options in between.

If your budget allows for it, go with real wood whenever possible. This will only serve to enhance the overall appearance of the window treatments.

Now You See It (Now You Don’t)

When it comes to hardware and window treatments, you want to be firmly in the camp of “Now You Don’t (See It).” This is one of those upgrades that you don’t know you have until you see it. Oftentimes, visible hardware can create a visual disruption in the window treatments. By hiding the hardware, you present a very clean and visually appealing look.

More Is Better (Except When It Isn’t)

When creating showstoppers, the choice of fabric is going to be a huge factor. But the truth is that no matter how beautiful a fabric is, it will not look good if it is not used correctly.

The fabric must of course match the function and feel of the room. And once this is accomplished, it must be properly presented.

When upgrading your window treatments, you will have an endless number of choices. Everything from fabrics to construction to hardware will need to be determined in order create the specific look you are going for. Because window treatments play such a large role in setting the feel for a room, make sure that you make the smart investment from on the onset.

When considering how best to achieve the perfect look for your room, give us a call. We specialize in custom window treatments and can guide you through the process.