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Design Solutions

by Sharon L. Anderson

Q & A from the cyberspace mailbag.

QUESTION: My client has a daughter whose bedroom has two casement windows on a slant along the eaves. Do you have any recommendations for treating them other than shutters? The perfect solution would allow air in through the bottom at night. ANSWER: If the look of wood is what you are after, you may want to think about installing wood blinds with two-inch slats. They can be specified in specialty sizes and shapes that would allow them to be installed on slanted windows. Blinds would allow air in at night when they are slightly raised or the slats slightly tilted. You also might request hold down brackets from your supplier for the bottom of the blind. The brackets will keep the window treatment from flapping around in a slight breeze. Otherwise you might consider micro- or mini-blinds. There are so many new finishes and colors offered this year. QUESTION: I am working on an older home for a client who wants to remodel it to bring it to life. My current project is the living room, which has two windows next to each other under a cathedral ceiling. She would like me to wallpaper this room, but I am not sure how to go about it. Should I paper all the way to the ceiling or stop at the eight-foot mark? Any suggestions? ANSWER: First, think about the type of pattern you will be using on the walls. Usually, a large room will be complemented by the use of patterns and colors that are larger in scale and deeper in shade. However, there are several ways you can go: • You might want to complement the room with a lighter shade of color or just a hint of pattern. • You might consider using two different but coordinating wall covering patterns to break up the large wall areas. Start with one pattern on the lower half of the wall to about four feet up. Then divide the area with a paper border, a chair rail or a wood molding. • The upper portion of the room would not feel so large and high up by adding a wood molding or border paper along what would be the eight-foot ceiling line. Doing this also will frame the wall and add some interest and character to the room. • Think about a creative faux finish on one of the walls to create a focal point. • You might consider using wood molding or border designs vertically to divide the space into sections. QUESTION: Do you have any ideas for covering an arched window on the inside of the casing? I would like the client to continue showing off the architecture of the window. Where can I find arched curtain rods that are fairly inexpensive? ANSWER: Arched windows are beautiful and you are right about wanting your customer to show off the architecture of this window. You have some options, such as: inside mounted shutters, wood blinds, micro- and mini-blinds, and soft shades. All of these options assume there is ample room to inside-mount these window treatments. The necessary hardware may be specified for inside mount from your supplier, but first double check your inside casing measurements. Window hardware companies offer custom shaped hardware. If you are not an experienced installer, you might need to check with one to be sure the rods you want to use can bend to your specifications. You also might check with your drapery workroom. A lot depends on the type of window covering you choose. Most manufacturers will custom cut for an arched window. There will be an upcharge for doing this, but it is well worth the extra cost. 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 is currently is an educator at Moorpark college in southern California. She is a published author and frequent public speaker.