"Recently, we spent a long time discussing the practical, solar control aspects of window treatments: sheers, solar shades, venetian blinds, plantation shutters and so on.
That's all well and good, and a prime requirement, especially here where the sun can be so intense. However there is another reason to treat windows, which is somewhat less practical and considerably more design oriented. Which, naturally, is relating to the embellishment of windows.
Material treatment of windows can be stark and serious, or it can be exuberant, lavish and over the top. Both have their location and depending upon the nature of the space, the architecture, the customer and the budget plan, each can be proper.
Some of the easier treatments, and ones which easily provide themselves to the more casual aspects of living here on the Florida coast, are roman tones. These treatments include panels of material which are supported by a (generally) flat valance at the top, and then a series of horizontal pleats providing an ornamental component when in the raised position, and a (generally) flat panel when reduced. The panel can be truly flat, or it might be produced (pun meant) to have irreversible pleats sewn into the face fabric, or a series of ribs stitched into the face material. All of them have a pattern of rings connected to the back panel or lining. This fabric not only secures the face material from direct exposure to the sun, however allows the more resilient support material to supply a surface area to connect the rings which in turn enable passage of the cording, which raises and reduces the shade.
The fabric for the face product can be almost anything that appropriates for the room interior. In numerous cases, we look to use soft and neutral materials, to not accentuate the tones, but rather have them be more background to the other more dramatic and dominant style aspects in the room.
We nevertheless, frequently offer subtle components on these sorts of shades. Making use of material banding, trimming tapes with subtle contrast embroidery can add great information touches to otherwise plain treatments.
Roman shades work particularly well on windows that do not come down to the flooring. We frequently install them with a valance that extends over the window case. If the home is contemporary and does not consist of casings on window openings, these shades work well to offer some richness to an otherwise plain opening.
For full-height openings and french or moving glass doors, we frequently like to utilize a remarkable and well-scaled ornamental pole with finials. From this rod we then hang complete and voluptuous drapery panels. These can be either fixed panels or ones that can in fact close, for both sun defense in addition to privacy.
The variety of poles, rings and finials readily available today runs rather a gamut. They can range from basic iron or metal rods, with wrought finials, to elaborately sculpted or turned wood poles. We typically call these to be ended up with colors and patinas to balance with the other woodwork or furnishings pieces in the space. Often metal leaf is applied, either silver or gold, and given a gorgeous glaze to make it appear to have grace and age, instead of be glaringly intense and new looking. We want them to blend instead of yell out their existence.
The materials suspended from this armature then is actually what we wish to focus on. As soon as again, the fabric here may be subtle and rich, possibly linen or silk, however elegantly wrought, using almost dress-making information. Edge trims, contrasting hem fabrics, can be part of the completing scheme.
Additionally, the fabric itself can be an effective and bold damask, a significant print, or maybe a vibrant woven to make a substantial statement in the space.
The material can be pleated at the top, where the rings are attached, or can be folded over to make a hem, with a decorative trim component at the bottom edge. There are just a million ways to supply variation and uniqueness to one's interiors.
Another method to supply passing through panels is to provide a decorative valance at the top of the panels. These can be easy, flat fabric-covered ""boxes"" to protect the passing through rod and mechanisms from view, or they can be elaborately shaped at the bottom with scallops and curves. Another treatment is to provide a basic fabric valance, with maybe box pleats at the center or 3rd points, or maybe a series of box pleats at periods, just as texture or for interest. One can continue in the ranges and possibilities.
If we are part of the early planning process of a new house, or are embarking on a grand renovation, we typically have a drape pocket built. This includes setting up the crown molding out about 10"" to 12"" away from the exterior wall surface area, which permits the installation of the drape tracks for sheers and the ornamental drapery panels on the ceiling. This enables the mechanisms and the tops of the pleats to be concealed, so the fabric simply comes down straight from below the crown molding. It is a clean -looking and customized approach when the customer does not desire elaborate ornamental drapery rods. This treatment works particularly well in bedrooms, however not so well in multi-storied spaces, where the drapery panels would end up being awkwardly long.
All of the above drape treatments can be motorized, and when it comes to our big homes, we constantly suggest having this done to simplify the process of leaving your house for a prolonged period.
Other treatments in our vocabulary of design possibilities are more elaborate treatments that we use in standard houses, such as boodles, jabots, heavy bullion fringe, and large passementerie tassels and tie-backs. These are such fun to do, but typically are not required in our more unwinded Sarasota places."