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Showing posts from 2011

New Year--New Look for an "In-Great-Shape" Bathroom

This bathroom was in perfect condition.  The Glendale homeowner so wanted to remodel.  But the faucets, tile work, tub, shower curtain rod and light fixtures were in excellent condition.  No need to spend money on remodeling this room was the bottom line. Ami selected a timeless toile fabric for her window treatment and shower curtain. I used the fabric to its "best ability".  The design was box pleated and trimmed with a black and white check on the bias.  The shower curtain is functional under the tabbed valance and the window treatment, a London shade, is perfect for the space.  Take a good look at that tile work trimmed in glossy, black, thick, rounded edged tile.  Ooow--you would think I  loved tile. (I really loved the fabric choice.)  I appreciate quality and loved to be able to accessorize this great bathroom.  It shines as if it were brand new.  I guess that shows that quality lives on.  It was a stunning complimentary addition to their "in-great-shape"

Kitchen Window Looks Complete

 The homeowners have a view from every side of their home.  It is beautiful.  Not much needs to be said or done when it comes to making these windows look great.  You enjoy the view so much, I think you might not even see the treatments.  However, I was asked to do the treatments for this home.  My son actually built this home.  It was a great project and the attention to detail is what makes this home stand out above the rest.  This is the kitchen window.  I kept the treatment simple as you can see.  Bold fabric, beaded trim, slight scallop all on tension rod. Breakfast room has two french doors in the bay that walks out to the patio.  Using the same fabric on black rods I made sure not to cover up the view in any way.  It was just perfect for the space.

Enriching the Study at the Window

This window is about to be transposed.  You can see the view of the neighbors and that was too close for comfort. The office/study is used by both of the homeowners.  It is a 60" wide window neatly tucked in between built-in bookshelves.  The first order of business was to add wood blinds to the window to filter the light, give quick control of the light and provide absolute privacy when needed.  There will be neighbors soon.  Sorry for the poor quality photo.  So much light pouring in.  But we soon solved that issue.   The addition of cordless 2" wood blinds was a great way to control and filter light.  The next layer was two side panels in a soft gold crushed fabric with contoured tie backs.  It was trimmed in bold flat trim and matching cording. A shaped cornice was added as the third and final layer.  It copied the curve of the window and capped the treatment.  Cording was applied at the top and bottom edges of the cornice.  The fabric was a rust velvet. This photo sh

Simply a Hobbled Shade

This window is in a two story entry way above the front door.  The window is about 72" tall.  The space was enhanced with a hobbled shade out of beautiful appliqued fabric.  The design was spaced three circles across the width of fabric and each were about 12 inches in diameter.  By folding it up and tucking away some of the rust color it brought the appliques closer together showcasing the beautiful fabric and giving the space a lot of punch. Isn't that a beautiful hobbled shade?  It added a lot of rich color to the entry way and the homeowner was thrilled with the design and placement.  I was happy to have it installed and another happy client. 

Beautiful Bathroom Window

 This bathroom window is in a home in Lafayette Square.  Historic and beautifully furnished, these clients were great to work with.  The fabrics were selected by the homeowner.  I found the beaded velvet ribbon trim.  The colors were perfect. Together they made a lovely treatment.  The side panel was on one side and it was tied back.  The other window (not shown) just had the valance.  Thanks so much to Cindy for allowing me the opportunity to sew for her.  She has a beautiful home.  The master bedroom was my next project.  Photos to be posted soon.

It IS All About the Fabric

So many times the window treatment is just there.  Hanging from a rod like it should and covering the upper portion of the window.  Looking perfectly in place.   But, then, there are times when just the right fabric is in just the right place.  That happened this week for a client of mine.  She chose the fabric, I fabricated the treatment and the installer installed it.  It has a lot of punch, adds character to each room and ties all the colors together. In a successful window treatment, sometimes the designer gets the credit, sometimes the fabricator gets the credit and sometimes the installer gets the credit.  This time I think the fabric gets the credit.  It was the selected ingredient that gave this treatment all that it needed.  So the homeowner who chose the fabric is the winner!  Congratulations Denise.  Great choice.  You win.  Two free pillows coming your way.  Of course, you will have to select the fabric.  More of the same would be great. If you love this fabric, it is

Dining Room Window

This post is going to illustrate the process of a window treatment and how it comes to completion.  First off, I was fortunate enough to have wonderful clients, Sarah and Jeff C.  They have a beautiful home with architecturally beautiful windows.  This dining room window faces the street.  I photographed the window at the beginning.  See the great shape and size.   They wanted some privacy in the evening while entertaining and yet wanted the light to come in during the day.  We installed an embroidered sheer that was fully operational and solid colored pinch pleated stationary side panels. Then came the fun part.  I designed and created a pattern for a wide slender swag which was a mirror image of the arch at the top of the window.  It was to stretch from side to side, allowing the upper arched area of the window to reveal pure, undressed light.  So starting at one side with the swag, my terrific installers moved to the other side to complete the installation of the swag

Simple Southern Draperies

While traveling in the deep South recently, we stayed at a B & B.  That seems to be a fun thing to do.  I am always interested in how they decorate and the comfort level of the rooms.  We went to eat at the recommended, local restaurant.  These were the drapes in the windows.  I just had to go to the car and get my camera.  If only I was staying longer.  I could have offered my services. They were in need of an upgrade.  But as I sat there and ate my fish, I realized that they did cover the window--and that was the purpose. However, when I have you as a client, I will tend to the design, add some color, proportion, customized detail and also cover the windows, if that is what you have in mind. Visiting the restaurant, gave me a fresh, new perspective on what  I do.  Again, I was reminded that there will  always be a market for what I do. Just wished I could have stayed a bit longer--or left a business card.  I have shipped my work before.