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Design Solutions
Cozy and Stylish
Energy-efficient window treatments that offer privacy will help
your clients feel right at home
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE: I have a client
who has just moved into a 1920’s style Spanish duplex that
has a big, clear glass arched living room window. There are three
other smaller windows in the living room as well.
What sort of treatment would you recommend I present to her for
the arched window that would complement the 1920’s style, yet
afford maximum privacy?
SOLUTION: My first thought
would be a beautiful lace treatment, authenticated from the period.
The only problem is lace is not energy efficient and would not offer
your client nighttime privacy.
So, I will offer a couple of alternative solutions for you:
The first would be a treatment such as a soft shade treatment or
a Roman shade that has been custom made in a lace pattern. This
would offer privacy and energy efficiency at the same time.
The second suggestion would be to follow the lines of the window
and design an inside-mounted drapery in a beautiful tone-on-tone
medium-weight damask fabric. You should line the fabric to give
your client added privacy and energy efficiency. To finish it up,
choose a beautiful iron decorative rod to enhance the design of
the additional windows.
CHALLENGE: I am working with a client who lives in a
log home. Currently, they have white lace sheers on the windows
in the living room, which is quite large—in fact, it makes
up half the house.
What do you recommend for window treatments in a country setting?
The client is ready for a change, but I’m not sure which direction
to take her.
SOLUTION: Depending on your
client’s personal taste and style, I would go for a warm and
cozy look, yet I think you should upscale that country look some.
Gone are the days when country style was just small floral prints.
I also would consider energy efficiency in this log home. Many of
the newer window treatment options can serve two purposes: one,
beauty; and two, energy efficiency. I am sure the weather is quite
cold at times. Your customer will thank you when they start seeing
a big difference in how their log cabin stays warmer with energy
efficient window treatments.
My suggestions would be as follows:
Consider two-inch wood blinds. They are more energy efficient than
lace sheers and will add the upscale look of a modern log home.
There are various finishes to choose from. You could also add an
overtreatment in a medium-weight fabric—choose a floral, tone-on-tone
or patterned style. This, again, will add to the energy efficiency
of the window.
The color choices will be numerous, as well. Let me suggest a few.
The colors to the right of the color wheel (the reds, yellows and
oranges) tend to be the warmer colors. But this does not mean you
need to choose from these colors. Colors such as burgundy, deep
reds, tans and soft gold are just some of the choices.
Your final color selection will all depend on the existing colors
in the cabin. Look through design magazines with your client to
see what colors they prefer and try to find fabrics that they like
in those colors. Color preferences are personal and I would never
try to push my clients into colors with which they do not feel comfortable.
Shutters may also be a possibility, depending on the windows and
if there is the appropriate space for mounting. They also offer
a wide array of wood choices from soft white to various stains and
finishes.
Remember, for energy efficiency on any window, two- to three-layer
treatments will help. Also lining the fabric assists in energy efficiency.
Hard treatments such as blinds, shades, shutters and verticals are
great insulators.
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: DesignSol@dwconline.com
 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 in
numerous books and publications. |
