Let me start off by saying that window treatment installation day is one of my absolute favorite days in the Design Process. There’s something about custom made and beautifully executed window treatments that really transform a space. When new window treatments are installed, everything feels more luxe and elevated - and definitely more cozy!
Here’s a lovely office we created for the lady of the house that features custom window treatments. We made them with a simple creamy white linen blend fabric, a small band of green grosgrain ribbon, and a wide blue band of navy velvet to finish them off.
More often than not, I opt to go with a simple banded or color blocked design for drapery panels and/or Roman shades.
In this project, we added a simple band of orange to these custom drapery panels and valance to add another layer of detail and unify the room’s color palete.
So, why, you might ask, do I favor banded or color blocked curtains?
There are few reasons. First of which is that they feel fresh and streamlined. As a person who likes to decorate with antiques, pattern and color, banded window treatments inject a modern element that firmly places a mostly traditional room in the “now”.
How beautiful are these blue banded linen curtains? The client had blinds installed within her windows during construction but the transom windows above were letting too much light in. We added a wall of blackout lined curtains on a traverse rod for function and beauty!
Here’s an iphone image of a recently completed powder room. The simple white linen shade with a band of orange is the perfect complement to the Chinoiserie wallpaper, and facilitates a feeling of clean - which is a good thing in a powder room!
Another iphone shot on installation day. This room is so pretty it almost hurts. We created a very fashion forward look on the window treatments by applying a few bands of white linen to these blush linen drapery panels. This touch of modernity is wonderful in such a pretty and feminine space. And bonus - they’re blackout lined and fully operational with a decorative traversing rod that neatly opens and closes them with a cord draw that is located behind one of the curtain panels. Function and beauty and well considered details make me happy!
Another reason I like to go with a simple banded or color blocked window treatment over a patterned fabric is that the patterns can get pretty obscured by the pleats on the curtains.
This is not my work, but you can see how the floral print on the curtains is not shown to its best because the folds and pleats are breaking up the pattern. And overall, the window treatments feel heavy - and dare I say - dated? They are obviously impeccably made, but I prefer something that feels simple and fresh.
And finally, it’s pretty easy to work with simple window treatments. Goodness knows custom window treatments are a substantial investment, so going with a style that lends itself to a number of different directions will serve you well as your personal style evolves.
How gorgeous is my clients’ Master Bedroom? Again, simple white linen fabric is punched up with brilliant blue banding, and that keeps the room feeling fresh and crisp. Simple dashes of bold color can be impactful without being overwhelming!
And so now you know why I go to banded curtain styles over and over again. And I’m not saying that I never use a patterned fabric for curtains, because I certainly do, but I will never not love the style and simplicity of banded window treatments!
Looking to refresh the feel of your home? The Green Room Interiors is accepting new clients for late fall/winter of 2022. Contact us and tell us about your project and how we can help!
