|
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Pull It Together
Creating balance and a unified look when neither exists.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE:
In my client’s master bedroom, there are three windows.
Two of the windows are part of a hinged patio door. This means that
the door gives the appearance of being a French door in which both
sides open, but only one actually does—the other half is stationary.
The third is an actual window. My problem is that these three are
spaced closely together. The door is in the center of one of the
room’s walls and the window is about two to three feet to
the left of the door.
My client is having trouble figuring out what type of window treatments
to go with in the room. I want to be sure to give the impression
that the room is balanced, even though it isn’t. Also, the
door leads onto a covered patio and deck area, so we need something
that will not hinder the client from using the door.
I am strongly suggesting that the window treatments have some room
darkening aspect to them because it is a bedroom we’re working
on. I also want to create something elegant, because it is the master
bedroom.
SOLUTION: Considering
the hinged patio door is used so often, a functional yet appealing
window treatment solution is very appropriate for this space. Not
knowing the decorating theme of the room or the colors you and your
client are working with, I only can offer some suggestions based
on styles of window treatments that would be suitable for many different
themes and color choices.
Based on the fact that the door is in the center of the room and
the window is located to the left of the door, you do not want to
select a window treatment that will keep the room unbalanced. I
would suggest a treatment that would blend in with the wall color
as much as possible.
Window treatments that seem more architectural in nature such a
shutters, two-inch blinds or even a soft treatment such as a horizontal
soft shade or a vertical blind would be a good choice. The privacy
issue for a master bedroom also will be solved by using these types
of suggested window treatments.
If you need to place a treatment directly on the door that swings
open, hold down brackets would be required so the window treatment
does not flap and make noise as the door opens and closes.
A good design would be one that is transitional and will appeal
to the many different furnishing styles that could be found in a
master bedroom area. Be sure to base your final presentation on
your client’s choice of color, styles, textures and patterns.
CHALLENGE: I’m
working with a narrow window 12 inches high above all the windows
in my client’s home. There are about eight inches of wall
space between the windows. Is there a solution other than blinds?
Is there a way to add a fabric window treatment as a topper in between
the two windows?
SOLUTION: This type
of window—one that is installed above other windows—certainly
can prove to be a challenge. When working with the odd placement
of windows near each other, it is sometimes best to treat the entire
combination as if it were one large window.
Not knowing what is on the windows below (I would have to assume
there are no window treatments on any of the windows), I would start
with a valance treatment at the top of the narrow windows that would
create a nice header for the full, completed window treatment. I
would then add a secondary treatment for the larger windows such
as drapery panels or tied back fabric treatments that flow all the
way down to the floor, depending on the window size.
You also could create just a valance treatment that would extent
across all the windows if your client would like to keep the windows
below open and untreated.
Carefully think about the type of fabric you choose if you were
to place a fabric treatment above the larger windows. If you choose
an opaque fabric or anything other than a sheer, your client will
not be able to see through to the smaller windows on the top.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles written
by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions
we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions
Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question
you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson@adelphia.net
Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the residential
and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently a faculty
member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has been featured
i |
