Window treatments are as essential to walls as pictures, art and even paint. It seems everyone loves their windows, especially here in the Chihuahuan Desert where we have beautiful weather and lovely landscapes upon which to gaze. With the vast array of choices out there nowadays, the hardest part in deciding on a window treatment is in the selection itself.
There are several things to consider when you are making your selections. First and foremost is style. A home is a reflection of its owner and hence an expression of that person’s individuality and taste. Since we spend a lot of time in our homes we want something that we won’t easily tire of as well as something that enhances the ambiance we are trying to create. For instance, we might want something bright and cheery for a kitchen window and something more soothing and subdued for a sitting room or den.
Once you have decided on a style, you must determine whether you are adding the treatment solely for aesthetics or for function as well. If you are simply adding drapery to offer color and soften the lines of a window, there is less to consider. However, if you are interested in light and heat control, more thought must go into your choices. Drapery alone can be used for decorative purposes and functionality, or you can use drapery that is designed singularly for visual appeal combined with any number of functional blinds to meet your needs.
Las Cruces Interior Designer Sherry Franzoy takes every aspect of what the homeowner is seeking into consideration when helping them make decisions regarding window treatments.
One bedroom treatment Sherry designed demonstrates the use of both blinds and drapes. To regulate heat and light, Sherry began with rich cherry wood blinds adorned with vertical chevron-patterned decorative tape in a coruscated olive and gold. The tape is not only pleasant to look at, but also adds function by hiding the strings of the blinds as well as preventing light from entering though the holes. Complimenting the lovely cherry tones of the wood are the stationary sienna festoon and elegant upholstery-weight goblet-pleated fabric drapes in a heavy floral pattern with tones of pine, creamy ecru, candied ginger and amber.
If function is not a concern, sheers make for a beautiful option in window treatments. A sheer in a beautiful eggplant shade is the perfect compliment for a floral tapestry valance that includes the same color along with onyx and olive. Swagged to the side with a corded tieback and attached oversized tassel gives a very simple but truly recherché look.
In a small room like a kitchen or bathroom where drapes might overpower the space, a good option is a valance. Sherry chose a carved wood rod finished in gold with black shadowing that gives it the look of metal. She then placed an intricately detailed sconce in the center for balance. An iridescent crinkle fabric in emerald and ruby was finished with an exquisite beaded trim. The result is a look that is both polished and timeless.
So, whether you use an interior designer like Sherry to help you customize your windows or chose to do it yourself, remember not to rush the process. Take your time, shop around and in the end you may find you enjoy looking at your windows as much as you enjoy looking out of them. |
