Weekend Inspiration: Over Sized Curtains

Trying to be creative with Window Treatments on a very large scale can be challenging.
Modern architecture and very large windows can pose a dilemma for designers trying to create a comfortable space, not to mention the *technical* aspects of installation, materials, and cost.

This Weekend Inspiration as I scanned my Pinterest Boards once again, these overscaled & over sized window treatments just caught my eye.

Talk about making an impact!
I am definately going to use these the next time a client mentions that the windows are too large or too big for window treatments. Some of these rooms would not be at all as interesting or comfortable without them.. Don't you agree?

via stylemepretty.com

architect James D'Auria

via blog.diggerslist.com

via Houzz - Alexander Johnson Photography

via honeyandfizt blogspot

and this example - WOW!

Susan Ferrier of McAlpine Booth  Ferrier Interiors

and still grand, but still a little closer to home ..

Veranda - Giannetti Home

via the decorista tumblr

Carlyle Hotel - Design: Champalimaud / Elle Decor

via Atlanta Homes Mag

via lifestylefiles.tumblr.com




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On a side note: A Huge Congratulations to the GIANTS for their last minute victory!!

and Madonna!
I really thought the stage and lighting was incredible.
Check out my Facebook album with some highlights of last night's show.

Wishing you all a great start to your week!

Window Treatments: Solutions for all shapes and sizes

Ever walk into a room that has great windows but wonder how you are possibly going to add any window treatment?

J Bilhuber

Today's post aims to share some top tips as well as a few very creative examples of designs with window treatments that are decorative AND functional.

1. Making a Shorter Window look Taller
• When wall space above the window is possible, install the curtain rod at least 6 inches above the top of the window frame. If using a valance or pelmet, this is another very effective alternative as you create the illusion that the window continues behind the pelmet or valance and it does not block any of the light or view.
2. Making a Narrow Window look Wider
• Install the curtain rod beyond the width of the window making sure to begin just at the edge of the frame while not covering any part of the window. When curtains are opened they will not obstruct any light while simultaneously make the windows appear wider.

Mary Gilliatt's Room by Room Decorating

/ Kelly Hoppen

Photo: Simon Upton

Jay Jeffers

Tobi Fairley / Elle Decor, decorator Suzanne Rheinstein

via Lonny

via decorhappy.blogspot com

Paul Costello

Janie Molster

by Kirsten Kelli via Veranda/ Quadrille



Kelly Hoppen



and if you haven't yet submitted your Lonely Window picture onto the Dec-a-Porter facebook page - Don't waste another minute.

Read this post more details about The Curtain Exchange giveaway

*credits: Drawings - The Ultimate Interior Designer by Ruth Pretty - Buy Here

Valances and Pelmets: Contemporary solutions

Continuing on from yesterday's theme of Classical Window Treatments, and more specifically Swags & Tail designs, today's post aims to inspire you in the use of Valances and Pelmets within very contemporary design schemes.

Princely Lodgings in Edinburgh (1840)

Both options can be useful in unifying a wall of windows within a room such as in this example (above) with this beautiful gilded detail. These are sometimes found at flea markets such as Brimfield, or smaller ones across the country and have been used as wall art or headboards in more modern design schemes.

Valance: Soft horizontal treatment made entirely of fabric mounted at the top of the draperies. Serves primarily to disguise unsightly tracks, fittings, drapery headers, hardware and rods, etc while still creating a decorative tretament. These may be pleated, shirred, gathered or with flat panels and occaisional pleating..

Pelmet (or Cornice): Firm horizontal boxlike structure, where the lower edge may be shaped, and it is mounted on the wall at the top of the draperies/window. It too sheilds the hardware and they are quite often padded, upholstered or painted and can be trimmed with any number of pass. This option tends to require much less fabric.

Celerie Kemble

Celerie Kemble / Miles Redd

Whether very structured, with added trims and swags these fixed elements are absolutely suited to the use of geometric patterns that are so much part of our design schemes today.

Tobi Fairley - Southern Living December 2011

Celerie Kemble

Details Count!

The amount of detailing in this one example is incredible. Even the underlayer of the top valance is another patterned fabric. Just beautiful.

In the softer examples, the fabric can be pleated, embellished with trims or monograms, or simply pulled straight across a window opening in order to create an interesting valance for your window treatment.

Jan Showers

Jay Jeffers/

J Bilhuber

/Pinterest

K Hoppen

House & Home

Especially in very modern condominiums or in spaces where there are wall to wall windows, sometimes are only alternative to window dressing is to create a valance..

and why not try it solo, for a very sleek look!

J  Bilhuber / HB Designer Visions Showhouse

This choice of window treatment should be seen as an opputunity to introduce and element of color, pattern or design which you want to reinforce and accentuate in the design.

Be Bold, Be Brave..

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Ohhh... 2 more days till we announce the big giveawy. Much more #curtainlove coming your way.




Credits: Pinterest , Curtain Design Directory