Custom Drapery Treatment

Custom drapery window treatment is used for privacy and enhancing interiors. It is also used for light control, noise control and energy conservation. In today’s market, consumers have a choice of ready-made, made-to-measure and custom window treatment.

Custom window treatment allows you to blend various components in the interior to create a complete unifying composition. It also adds uniqueness and elegance to otherwise bare windows. A good design for custom window treatment is not just about how pretty the draperies look over the window, but rather the type of window it’s for, craftsmanship, style, quality of fabric, convenience and function. How these distinctive parts fit together in perfect harmony are the true details that make custom drapery unique. Custom drapery also provides a rich fullness to an area, and luxurious soft folds that can disguise unsightly windows. 

Do’s     The design for custom drapery should be able to echo the shape of the furniture and also the architectural features within the room. To successfully create a distinctive window treatment, you have to be able to apply the principles and elements of design, as well as other features to create a work of art.

For example, balance, which is one of the principles of design, gives the room a sense of repose and completion. It also helps to determine how and where elements are placed. Symmetrical balance creates a formal effect, where asymmetrical balance creates a more casual look.

Texture, another element of design, also plays a key role in custom draperies. To create a casual feeling within a room, it is best to use fabrics that have a rough visual texture. On the other hand, smooth fabrics suggest a more formal look.

Don’ts   All the components of a window treatment, such as panel width and length, valance depth and rod size, must be in harmony with the walls and other windows in the room. As such, do not divide a window in half. Do not add more sight lines by stopping treatments at architectural features like window sills or even chair rails. More importantly, do not force a design on a window.        

Designer tips on how to create beautiful interiors

Create a Focal point

A focal point is a dramatic feature in a room that immediately draws attention. It is a visually appealing element with texture or color. The focal point of any room should be the cornerstone around which you arrange your furniture. The architectural focal point in most rooms is either a fireplace or built-in bookcase. If your room doesn’t have a focal point, substitute large-scale pieces, such as mirrors or artwork, or use freestanding wall pieces. You can also create an accent wall by painting one wall of the room a deeper color than the other walls (use a contrasting color to make the accent wall stand out) and accessorize it with artwork or mirrors. For a more dramatic focal point, accent lighting (i.e., track lights) or wall washers can be used.    

Use of Color

Color is a key element that adds visual interest and excitement to a space. Color can be introduced into a space through the use of furniture, accessories, artwork or wall coverings. When applied on walls, a monochromatic color scheme gives the room an illusion of a much bigger space. Colors with cool undertones, such as blue and green will give the illusion of openness. Whereas, warmer colors like red and yellow give the illusion of less space. Use vivid accessories, like vases, pillows, flowers, etc. to add a splash of color to liven up a room.

Dimension/Measurement Guidelines

With a builder’s measuring tape, determine the length of each wall and draw out the floor plan on graph paper using one square for each square foot of the space. Mark out the window and fireplace and leave an open area for door, indicating the direction the door will swing. Note the dimensions along the walls of the space. Record the dimensions of all furniture pieces. Then create your own furniture template by drawing the furniture pieces on a Post-it or stock-card. Cut them out so that you can position them on the floor plan as needed.

Space Planning

Space planning is the layout of an interior space to accommodate your needs. An efficient layout of a space is achieved by conducting a spatial analysis on the primary use of the space. For an efficient layout, consider the following factors when doing a spatial analysis:

1. How many people will be using the space? (Also, take an inventory of existing furnishings.)

2. How would you like the room to function?

3. Do you want a place for kid’s games, board games or desk work?

4. Do you want to play piano, watch television, dine or read in the space?

5. Which activities need to be closely related?

6. Which activities can be isolated?

7. Can activities share the same space?

These area requirements can be translated as circles or blocks on the floorplan when creating a layout for the space.  

Budget

Every project should begin with a realistic budget. Refurnishing a home requires planning in advance how much money and time will be invested in the project. As such, it is always advisable to develop a master plan in advance determining how much will be invested in the different aspects of the project. For example, how much will be invested in furniture, accessories, lighting or drapery?

Questions to ask yourself before starting:

1. How do you want to use the space?

2. How do you want to feel in the space?

3. What items do you have that works in the space (furniture, rugs or accessories)?

4. What items do you have that you hate?

5. What items do you have that ares a maybe?

6. If you could create your ideal or dream space, what would it consist of?

Dramatic Lighting for Bathrooms

The appropriate lighting in a bathroom is as significant as any other room in your home.   The solution to creating a dramatic lighting  in a bathroom is to implement different lighting techniques and utilize appropriate fixtures that will radiate even illumination.

There are two main source of light that can be used in bathrooms –  natural and artificial light.  Windows and skylights are great window options that can help pipe natural light into a bathroom.  If the bathroom faces away from the sun, you can benefit from skylights that reflect natural light directly from the sky.  Likewise, you can have ample natural light streaming into the bathroom through a window. The larger the window opening or skylight, the more natural light that comes into the bathroom.

Artificial light is the second source of lighting most people use to illuminate their bathrooms.  The effective way to use artificial light in a bathroom is to create layers of lighting.  Layers of lighting produce magical lighting results.   This can be achieved by using different lighting techniques – task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting. 

Task lighting helps you to perform daily grooming rituals.  The most common mistake people make in installing task lighting fixture is that they place the fixture directly over the mirror.  This cast shadows under the chin, eyes and cheeks thereby making daily grooming routine a much difficult task.    For best task lighting result, use vertical fixtures or wall sconces installed on both sides of the mirror for even illumination. 

Ambient lighting provides the bathroom with an overall illumination.  Ambient lighting gives an ample amount of light for general brightness.  Central fixtures like chandeliers, pendants and ceiling mounted fixtures are great lighting options for ambient lighting. Accent lighting adds a dramatic impact to the space. 

Accent lighting is used specifically to spot artwork or a fabulous powder room feature like a unique basin, tile work or wall treatment.  This form of lighting technique is provided by track or recessed light fixtures.

Light bulbs and dimmers play a significant role in lighting design.  Halogen bulbs are fairly inexpensive, last longer, offer a good color rendering as well as provide a nice sparkling effect.  Dimmers work well with any light source.  They help conserve energy as well as give you access to control overall mood lighting in the bathroom.   

VANITY GLAMOR

Furniture Shopping Tips

With the holiday season fast approaching, your design goal for the upcoming season might be to furnish your home for holiday parties or a family reunion.  If shopping for furniture is something you love to do, below are few furniture shopping tips that would help you shop smart.

Be creative with your space planning layout for the room.  Take measurements of the room to ensure that the furniture pieces would fit perfectly in the room without looking overcrowded.  Always make sure you have ample space for circulation and also enough door clearance for delivery of the pieces.  

Determine what furniture style suites your design concept.  There are various furniture styles on the market.  Shop from a store that carries the style that best fits your design scheme.  An original furniture piece speaks volumes and it comes at a high price tag.  If you choose to purchase knockoffs of successful designs, check them carefully to ensure that they are in excellent condition.   

Invest in furniture pieces that best fit your lifestyle.  If you have children or pets it is advisable to purchase furniture pieces that would withstand abuse and spills over the years.   Select durable fabrics, stains or finishes that would withstand dirt and spills.  

It is best to sit and feel the furniture before you make the final purchase.  Well fabricated furniture pieces are usually roomier.  The arms and legs are more substantive.  Inspect the furniture pieces closely.  An expensive coffee table, accent table, ottoman, chair, sofa, or chaise is fabricated with more raw materials such as springs, frame and cushion than a less expense piece.   The cushions should be neatly upholstered.  All cushion contours should be well-shaped and filled out evenly with down or down blend.  A squashed appearance is due to insufficient stuffing.  Look for loose screws or padding that are not sewn in correctly and springs that are exposed and unprotected.  The hallmarks for well fabricated furniture pieces include less apparent welding, better sanding, flawless finishing, concealed hardware, unobtrusive seams, securely attached details and buttons.

NESTING TABLE

Casual Decor

Casual decorating is often associated with a French country, a rustic, or a shabby chic décor.  A room decorated in a casual style is comfortable, homey, inviting and whimsical.  A well decorated casual room has long, large and horizontal furnishing instead of vertical and tall furnishing.  If you have a laid back lifestyle and enjoy being in a quiet relaxed atmosphere, below are tips you can use to create a casual style for your home.

Furniture:  Invest in soft, comfortable and oversized upholstered furniture.  A slip covered sofa is an ideal furniture piece for a casual style.  Furnishings made with iron, rattan or wicker are other great choices.

Color:  Develop a color palette around a neutral or a soft pastel color scheme.  Use colors mostly in tan, beige and off-white.  To add a punch to the color palette add darker tones such as paprika, moss green, crushed berries, or navy blue.

Fabric:  Tactile fabrics in interesting weaves fabricated from natural fibers like cotton, linen or wool are great fabric choices for a casual décor. 

RUSTIC PANEL

Harmonic Mix

Interiors with different period or style furnishings turn to compete with each other for attention.  This in turn defeats the design objective for creating a harmonious eclectic décor. 

To create a harmonious décor, it is always best to limit your styles to two or three per room and unify them by a common element such as color.  Although the furnishing pieces might be from a different era or may differ in style, choose pieces that would complement each other in the room.

Larger furnishing pieces like a sofa, sectional or accent chair upholstered in a monochromatic hue or tone would help anchor the room.  A monochromatic color palette would give you the liberty to make more dramatic color choices with artwork, wall covering or decorative accessories. 

GLASS ACT

Coffee Table Magic

A coffee tabletop is a great surface to arrange trendy decorative accessories or fresh flowers to reflect each season’s trend through out the year.   Instead of using the coffee table as a surface to place knickknacks get the best usage out of your coffee table through out the year.  Change your table top arrangements several times during the year to revamp your décor.   

These minor changes might be just the magic touch your room needs to revitalize the look of the space without breaking your bank.  For example, a stack of hardbound books or design magazines placed neatly at an angle strikes a casual but yet a classy setting.

For visual interest use unique decorative objects of varying size, height, texture or color.  It is best to use a collection of related objects with varying characteristics.  For example, you can use a collection of ceramic vases with varying height or size.  Great decorative accessories to place on a coffee table include books, vases, floral arrangement, fruits, candleholders or decorative trays. 

THREE TIMES THREE

Rug Affair

Purchasing the wrong rug for any room can definitely through off the look of the room.  Selecting the appropriate is rug is based on color, pattern and size. 

Color:  Select an area rug that picks up some of the color palette in your overall color scheme of the room.  It is  best to select a rug that would complement the wood tones of the furnishings in the room.

Pattern:  Prior to purchasing a rug, identify the details, shape and lines of basic decorative accessories and furnishings in the space.  Take note of the details, shapes and lines of your vases, table lamp, coffee table, accent table, ottoman or chandelier. These basic shapes and details can be used to relate to the overall design or motif on an area rug. 

Size:  Select an area rug that is large enough to accommodate all your furnishings.  It is best if the legs of a dining chair does not sit off the rug.   As such, take measurements of the furnishing and add an allowance to accommodate additional floor coverage.  The allowance needed should be based on the dimensions of the furnishings as well as the overall floor dimensions.  For example, if you want the area rug to go underneath the sofa, purchase a rug that will give you at least six inches floor covering from the front edge of the sofa.

Trend Alert – Ideas on how to apply the hottest color trends to your decor

The hottest colors for Fall 2007 are purple, dark chocolate, navy blue, steel, misty blue, black and white.  Despite the fact that each new season comes with a new color trend, the reality is that most of us cannot afford to redecorate our homes with every season’s hottest trends. 

To help you incorporate the hottest trends into your décor, below are helpful hints that you can use to spruce up your décor without breaking your bank.

It is always less expensive to invest in soft furnishings like pillows, throws, beddings, and rugs.  With each new season’s color palette, you can invest in a few of these soft goods as decorative accents to add a fresh  look to your space.  These new additions may be the punch your room needs for a trendy décor.

Invest in new lamp shades for either table lamps or chandeliers.  This idea is another less expensive way to add a trendy pop to your décor. 

A small space like a powder room is a great space to apply your design creativity.  You can revamp the design by either painting the walls, investing in inexpensive towels or decorative accessories in your favorite color for the season.  This is a very cost effective way to redecorate any small space.

 BEYOND A DIVIDER

Virtual Chocolate

The yummy taste of chocolate brown is a great color to apply to your décor.  Chocolate brown is one of the trendiest colors for fall 2007.  A chocolate brown color palette looks fabulous with a wide variety of other colors like moss green, current red or crisp white. 

Dark chocolate when paired with crisp white color palette gives an irresistible Zen feel to any decor.   If you are a chocoholic and would like to treat your interior to a variety of delicious chocolate hues, below are helpful hints to satisfy your craving for a chocolate interior:

• Develop a design concept using chocolate in contrasting colors and textures. 
• Paint a focal wall in chocolate brown or cover the focal wall in chocolate soft suede wall covering.  This is a perfect idea for a living room or powder room.  
• Include furniture pieces upholstered in chocolate brown or stained in espresso finish in your design concept.  Upholstery furnishings can be in leather, suede or fabric.
• Bring the pure luxury boutique hotel look into your bedroom by using dark furniture accompanied by the finest organic cotton sheets and plum pillows.
• Drapery treatment fabricated in brown dupione silk, plaid, strip or damask will add depth and texture to your décor. 

SASSY BOWL