100 Windows - #97

This is a picture I found on the internet to show a client who had exactly this arrangement of windows and furniture.

As we had already put woven wood shades in other parts of the house, I thought it was a natural to add them to the windows in the dining room.  The printed drapery panels add softness and also a touch of elegance.
Later, I was delighted to find out that this picture was taken by my friend here in Virginia, Bob Narod.

100 Windows - #80

Today I am sharing one of my all time favorite valances.  I saw this in a model home and it was love at first sight. Sometimes valances look like they are missing their better half, but this one looks great alone.

I love the sculptural quality of this top treatment! It is so simple and yet it's not!

How much fun would it be to mix fabrics on this style? And while the button is perfect for this particular valance, I can imagine so many other things that could take it's place.

It even looks good from a distance.

100 Windows - #34

Not all swags are created equally.  This swag is called an Aspen Swag.  It's a little bit like a boxed swag.  Since it has no cascades on the side it makes a great valance. And it also fits in tight spaces since it is board mounted.

This is an Aspen Swag I did in my son's room when he was a teenager.  The plaid fabric takes all the formality out of the swag, yet it dressed up the woven wood underneath. It was easy to install in a place such as this where the window is so close to the wall. Style note: this was the ONLY window in the room!

100 Windows - #25

Ah, you thought I'd gone missing didn't you?
Well, I'm back.
In honor of a meeting I went to yesterday on making safer Roman shades (and other types of shades and blinds as well) I thought I'd present this one:

So sweet!  But please don't let that blind you to the hazard lurking within.
The cords on these shades present a very real choking hazard.  Usually it is the cord that raises and lowers the shade, left to dangle or pool on the floor, but the strings that are visible on the back of the shade are sometimes the culprit.  And besides children, guess who else is at risk of strangulation? Pets! Especially cats!
The product I saw yesterday is called Safe-T-Shade.  It eliminates the pull cord, and has a part called a Ring Lock on the back that keeps those cords from being pulled out into a loop large enough to choke.  Safe-T-Shade can be retrofitted to most shades and blinds, including roller blinds and woven woods, and even those with a continuous cord or chain loop. (And as an extra bonus, the mechanism, called the Fashion Wand, makes it easier for seniors, or people with diminished hand strength, to raise and lower their blinds.)
Now if you promise to make sure all the blinds and shades in your home are safe, and all your cords are currently tied up, I will show you the rest of this room in a model home.

Even the CLOSET for goodness sake!

Today you got a lesson in safe shades AND mixing fabric patterns!

What a Difference a Shade Makes

Here are just a few before and afters, showing what a difference simple woven wood shades can make to a room.
My clients had taken down their off-white fabric Roman shades. They had blended right into the wall color. Hoping for a kiss of color, they chose this Matchstick style from Horizons in a color called Pecan.

It actually had an orange undertone that complimented some copper accents they had in the dining room and a large sectional you can't see in the living room.

Dining Room Side - Before

Dining Room Side - After

Dining Room Bay - Before

Dining Room Bay - After

 

Dining Room Full View - Before

 

Dining Room Full View - After