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Design Solutions

Scouting tips for finding the perfect decorative rod.

by Sharon L. Anderson

Question: I have exhausted my sources for decorative rods and accessories for window treatments. My questions is: Where can I find interesting window treatment accessories? Too many of the ones I have seen lately have been too small and boring. Answer: I agree with you! Sometimes, decorative rods all seem to come from the same mold. However, some manufacturers and designers of drapery hardware are becoming more creative with decorative finishes and finial designs that seem unique. Let me give you some ideas on shopping for unique designs and theme-related decorative rods. Be forewarned: You must not be afraid to get your feet dirty on some of your shopping ventures. • Checking out the not so obvious: Many unique and wonderful design pieces for window treatments will come from salvage yards for architectural elements. Usually large cities will offer this unique shopping experience! Another great place for unique shapes would be your landscape and garden shops. Creativity is the key. But also think in terms of installation. Can the unique bracket, whether it's made from plaster or cement, be installed in a professional manner? Yet another great idea is to seek out the major antique fairs and flea markets in your area. Not only will going to one be a real treasure hunt, but you even might find it is a haven for interior designers like yourself! Antique embellishments, antique decorator rods, antique hardware pieces from stairways are just some of the unique items you can find. • Be creative: I once toured through a local showcase home in my area (as I do on a monthly basis to keep up on trends). I was walking through the study in this wonderful mansion and the most wonderful window treatment was there! The theme in the room was sport fishing. The draperies were designed using a colorful plaid fabric. It was a medium-weight cotton. The decorator rod was a 100-year-old fishing pole that had the most wonderful personality! It was left in its original state. It looked fabulous. The draperies were hung with decorator rings in a wood stain to match the fishing pole. The room carried the theme of sport fishing throughout the wall accessories and an area rug with a fish design in its center. It was simply creative and unique. Do not forget to thumb through designer magazines for more unique and exciting ideas. • Use your own talent: Create a unique decorator rod either by faux painting or rubbing on a unique finish. This is another idea for tying together the unique design of a room's theme! Good luck and I hope you can use some of these ideas! 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) 498-0231 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.