I've always enjoyed designing custom window treatments for my clients and helping them find solutions for their unique needs. Specialty windows, like the photo below, add a unique view to the room, but they can be especially challenging. Here I would like to walk you through my process from beginning to end and show you how we came to the ultimate solution to solve the problem my client faced.

My client had existing woven wood shades on her windows when I arrived. They weren't enough to cut down on the extraordinary blinding sunlight and the extreme heat that was coming through the upper windows. As a result, the room felt like the air conditioner was barely functioning during our hot and humid summer weather.

My client wanted to finish the window with something decorative that would minimize the sunlight along the top windows but would allow daylight to brighten up the room when the shades had to be lowered during the day. She wanted something special to dress her home office. Here is what I proposed.
​

I almost always prepare drawings for my clients to help them visualize a design that will solve their window problem. I proposed this specialty design to my client incorporating a valance of swags, ascots, and jabots that would minimize the harsh rays and let light shine through beneath. The valances would be lined in white to protect the face fabric from sun damage. The lined stationary bishop sleeve side panels anchor and complete the design.

All that was left was to find a fabric the client would fall in love with. After reviewing several fabric sample books I brought to her home from my extensive library of designer fabrics, my client settled on a beautiful polyester, textured fabric in a gold metallic finish.

Designing this specialty window treatment required a lot of planning as there wasn't room to install bracket we would ordinarily use. We fabricated a mounting board that would follow the contour of the window span including the arch. The mounting board had a fascia to mount the swags, center ascots, and jabots. The drapes were hung from small rods ceiling mounted beneath the side mounting boards. The installation was a success as was the stunning window treatment that solved the sun  light issue for my client. She was extremely happy with the result. It was just what she wanted.

If you have a window challenge and need help solving an issue, you can count on us to help you find the best solution. We have the expertise, talent, knowledge, and resources to  help you achieve the results you are looking for. Give us a call today at
​518-355-0063. We can help!

#Custom Window Treatments #Interior Design #Specialty Window Treatment

It's easy to recognize a well-designed space. A well-thought-out plan is key to a successful design. Here are my top eight recommendations to help you plan a remarkable living room space for your home.

     1. Begin with a furniture plan. Lay out your furniture to allow for traffic flow and for the number of seats required for family and guests.

       2. Select a color scheme. Look for inspiration in magazines or online to get a sense of your color preferences. This information will help you to gain insight on colors your drawn to. Looking at the clothes in your closet is a good place to look for inspiration.
     3. Decide on upholstered furniture styles you like and how you want your pieces to function. Are you contemporary, traditional, or transitional? Research things you like online and collect photos to use as a guide for shopping.

     4. Look for stylish and durable tables that fit your lifestyle, such as accent tables, coffee tables, end tables, stacking tables, and other hard surfaces. Find pieces that are functional, provide storage, and are interesting.
     5. Consider adding an area rug to set the tone for your space. If your furniture is mostly solid, an area rug will add some interest. It will also provide you with colors to work with.
      6. Look for opportunities in the space to create a focal point for the room. Are there large windows overlooking a scenic backyard? Your focal point should make a statement and draw attention to itself. When it doesn't, you can look for creative ways to create one.
​

     7. Get creative with lighting. Use lighting to highlight artwork and as jewelry for your home. You can find unique design elements in all types of lighting found in lamps, chandeliers, and sconces. 
        8. What about the architecture of your space? Can you add molding or trim to walls or ceilings?

If you need help addressing any of these suggestions, I can help you find solutions to fit your lifestyle. Have questions? Give us a call! We are always happy to help.

​New fabric sample books have just arrived at my studio. I couldn’t help but notice this pretty spring color palette of blush, green, and cream. It caught my eye and I just had to take a closer look.

 
I love working with fabrics to help clients freshen their spaces. I imagine this palette on furniture and for window treatments. I often begin a project with a pattern or a texture that my clients fall in love with to use as a springboard to begin the design process.
Starting with the print fabric in the middle of the photo, just for fun, I pulled together this grouping.
First, I imagine using Sherwin Williams SW6422 Shagreen (third paint chip down from the top) on the walls, as the perfect backdrop to complement all these colors.
Then, I envision off-white, embroidered draperies (far right) on decorative hardware to frame a window that looks out to a beautiful backyard.
Now picture this!

• The solid blush, textured fabric on a comfortable sofa
• The abstract, watercolor print on upholstered chairs
• Coordinating fabrics for throw pillows
• A stunning area rug or carpet
• Lighting, tables, artwork, and accessories to complete the look

This palette works to keep that fresh spring look year-round. Wouldn’t this be welcoming to come home to? Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home.
With an extensive fabric library at my fingertips, and extensive resources for fine furniture, fabrics, area rugs, and accessories, I can help you personalize your living space to reflect you and your lifestyle. My process always begins with something you fall in love with. You are my inspiration!
Happy spring decorating!
Terry Kral
Interior Designer, Allied ASID
 

#Interior Design, #Interior Decorating