Winning Window Treatments
While wider use of fabric in window treatments is definitely trending, according to the experts, there is also a continuing interest in a minimalist look, especially among younger homeowners.
“Fabric at the window is coming on strong,” says Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den Interiors. “Multiple layers are being used to address the need for privacy, light control, energy efficiency, and beauty. Full traversing draperies or panels with sheers are gaining popularity.”
Saying that most of her clients want to simplify, Gail Adkins of Change Magic reports they want window treatments that are easy to maintain and don’t collect dust. “Shutters, woven shades, or tailored Roman shades often meet these requirements for simplicity. Simple fabric panels may or may not be added for color, texture, or interest.”
Suzanne Demirjian of The Fabric House notes that trends include Roman and woven shades, long panels that “kiss” the floor, and cafe curtains on nice metal rods. “Lining is found in nearly every fabric except thin sheers or linen whispys,” she says.
Also very popular, Demirjian reports, is texture in all colors, as well as softness. Clients are seeking “simple but functional design,” she says, as well as valances with “happy trim.” The look might be simply pleated drapes with visual interest on leading edges, Roman shades with banding or flat trim on the sides, or even fabric with beaded tassel fringe.
Speaking to the increasing use of texture is Kim Kiner of Hunter Douglas. “Solids even have a bit of texture and the more trending patterns are designs that in a sense become a texture,” she says.
“Even though everyday luxury is trending,” Kiner says, “elaborate window treatments are not. The everyday style is more minimal, simple, less overdone, but at the same time functional and beautiful.” She notes that Hunter Douglas customers have moved away from harder materials such as wood or metal to softer fabric window treatments, while maintaining an interest in energy efficiency.”
Ramcey Rodrigues of LightStyle Solutions points to the growing interest in motorized shades that can be controlled by smart phones or tablets and scheduled to open and close to selected positions. Ramcey says, generally, the younger the clientele, the greater the interest in a minimalist look.
At Brentwood Interiors, color preferences are blue as both a dominant color and as an accent color, according to David Buffington. “Navy mixed with aqua is a striking combination used in printed and woven designs. Drapery fabrics printed with a subtle metallic sheen give new dimension to window treatments, a look popular in lightweight sheers and linens as well.”
He adds that while simple neutral sheers remain popular layered underneath more traditional drapery, embroidered sheers and slightly opaque wovens with raised crewel designs are beautiful on their own.
Kathy Crowe with Advantage Shutters says plantation shutters offer an excellent return on investment and are still quite popular with her clients, whether combined with draperies or not.
Solar film is another alternative for preserving ambient light without having to dust blinds or shutters, according to Margaret Shrewsbury of Solar Insulation Window Films. “Frosted film is favored for the minimalist look,” she says. “We’ve noticed homeowners selecting different tones and densities of film depending on the location, as opposed to using one film throughout a home.”
There are a number of sources for window treatments including:
Advantage Shutters
Nashville
615/ 833-3425]
Brentwood Interiors
Brentwood
615/ 376-6361
Change Magic
Nashville
615/ 275-9514
Decorating Den Interiors
Nashville
615/ 469-7334
Fabric House, The
Nashville
615/ 837-0000
Hunter Douglas
Pearl River NY
800/ 274-2985
LightStyle Solutions
Nashville
615/ 319-8400
Nashville Drapery, Bedding & Blinds
Nashville
615/ 463-2727
ReFresh Home
Franklin
615/ 472-133
Solar Insulation Window Films
Nashville
615/ 329-2500
Superior Custom Homes & Remodeling
Brentwood
615/ 224-9771