More Articles by Sharon L. Anderson  More Design Solutions

Design Solutions

Difficult Window, Busy Room

Dressing up a difficult window will have a dramatic impact on a room already filled with many colors, styles and accessories.

by Sharon L. Anderson

CHALLENGE: I am working with a client who has a difficult window that concerns me. Currently, it is covered with a Silhouette window shading. The client wants to dress it up and to be able to cover the angled upper window, possibly by flipping some fabric over it during those parts of the day when the sun is intense. I thought of designing some type of drapery panel on a pole that could be used along with decorative hardware. The panel would drop over the exposed angled window, which is currently untreated. I had also suggested window tinting for the glass, which the client then could dress up. This window is located in a room that contains quite a mix of styles. There is a lot of outdoor animal art in the room. There is leather under the window and a sitting area on the opposite end of the room that has two wingback chairs and a chair-and-a-half in a tapestry fabric. There is a floral area rug. The wall color is white. My client's budget for this project is between $800 and $1,200. I would appreciate help in this matter. SOLUTION: This room definitely has a lot going on! I would suggest you steer the client into some type of continuity in her decorating style decisions. The Silhouette window shading is a wonderful window treatment. My first suggestion would be to repeat it on the upper angled window. If the lower window is an inside mount, I would continue that thought on the upper window. Because the wall is nine feet high, operating the treatment will be a problem unless you strongly suggest a remote operated motorized system. Dressing up the window will have a dramatic effect on the room. I would suggest using a flowing sheer fabric designed from the center angled portion of the wall at the ceiling. A rosette or decorative pole placed at the top in this area is also a possibility. Tiebacks, possibly using a rosette or decorative holder, could be used to repeat the style. Always be vigilant for additional design or style ideas for your clients' windows. Be sure to check out photographs that appear in advertisements placed by industry suppliers. The January 2001 issue of D&WC includes a wonderful treatment idea on page three. In the photo, decorative tassels lend an elegant feel to the room without taking away from its furnishings. If you would like additional protection from the sun when the window shadings are open, consider a room-darkening lining, which can prolong the life of any fabric you consider for the overtreatment. As you have indicated, there is a lot already going on in the room as far as color, style and accessories. Whenever a room is enveloped with many types of styles, the key to a successful design scheme is to bring continuity into the space. The use of neutral colors will help tone down this busy room. 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 666 Dundee Rd., Ste. 807 Northbrook, IL 60062-2769 Fax: (847) 498-9299 E-mail: DesignSol@dwcdesignet.com Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience as a professional interior designer in both commercial and residential design. She has taught at numerous colleges throughout California and currently is an educator at Moorpark college in southern California. She is a published author and frequent public speaker.