Neutral Draperies

Our installation of the week this week included lots of neutral drapery panels. The breakfast nook was a beautiful linen mounted on wrought iron hardware from the Helser Brothers’ Artigiani line. 

All of the panels are interlined with bump, which is a really thick cotton added to give body and protect your fabric.

The living room panels were banded on the leading edge and the top with a contrasting fabric.

They frame the outside view perfectly…….

Here is a close up of the Euro pleat and the 1 1/4” rod with cannonball finial.

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. 
Contact me to provide you with up to date window treatments that you are excited about.

G is for Grommets

The ABC’s of window treatments

Grommets are a popular heading for drapery panels, valances and shower curtains.  They can be made of brass, nickel and plastic and come in many finishes to match your rod. 

Barry Dixon used organic linen to make grommets panels for this living room.

                                                Image via Traditional Home

Jonathan Adler used grommet panels as a bed treatment and mounted the hardware to the ceiling.

The panels in my study are made with black grommets to match the black wrought iron rod and finials.

If you want to use grommets outside make sure they are made of brass so they don’t rust.

                                       Image via Jaqlene

                                 Image Sunbrella Mist

If you are going to try these I have 2 suggestions……

1.  Always use an even number.  I plan on 8 per width of fabric.

2.  Have a big strong man with a big sledge hammer because it takes 150 lbs of force to set the large ones.

Or you could just send me your fabric and I’ll make them for you !

D is for Drapery Hardware

The ABC’s of window treatments

 

Panels are a big trend in window coverings right now and a very important part of the treatment is hardware. 

Rods range in diameter from 1/2” to 3” and can be made from wrought iron, steel or wood.  They have typically been round but now are available in square for a more contemporary look.

                                      Photo Amanda Nisbet

                                        Photo Amanda Nisbet

There are many finishes and colors…………. black is always a popular choice.  The white poles below contrast against the dark grey walls.

                                                                 Photo J & S Drapery

We used these glamorous 3” silver leaf poles in Palm Beach for MAMS Designs.

We finished installing the house with a couple of hours of daylight left !

What ever your style, there is drapery hardware to fit it.

Installation of the Week

Wouldn't you love to have space in your home to turn into your dressing room ?  That's what my client did and I made these lovely drapery panels for her new room.  The fabric was a cream colored linen with blue floral embroidery.

We used hardware from Helser Brothers' Artigiani line.  It is their leading line of iron drapery hardware and has over 40 finials, 10 custom finishes and rods ranging from 7/8" to 2" diameter.  We chose the crown finish and it is so glamorous !

I have to share pics of her pet chickens, they are so cute........

The "leopard" chicken was my favorite !

Which Drapery Hardware Should I Use ?

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when trying to DIY their window treatments is choosing the wrong hardware.  The rods that you can buy at stores like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware are usually adjustable and not the right scale for your window. 
I like to use 2” or 2.25” wood poles for drapery panels.  They are also available in 1 3/8” and 3” diameters.
The Select Collection, and the NEW Select Limited Collection, offers a choice of stunning finishes for poles, traverse rods, brackets, finials, and rings. This collection provides a variety of beautiful drapery hardware and accessories of superior quality with lustrous finishes and amazing detail at great prices.

  The European Ambiance series recreates the extraordinary look of fine old world decorative finishes. The richness of color and detail in each finish provides endless possibilities for enhancing your window treatment. All European Ambiance Finishes may be ordered for any poles, finials, brackets or rings.  Ask your design consultant to explore the many different ways that European Ambiance Old World Custom Finishes may be used in your next design project.

The Gifer Decorative hardware line offers three different collections in different sizes and finishes.  These are a good choice when you need a smaller scale rod with a more contemporary look.

Kirsch is a brand that I have used for  many, many years and have been extremely happy with.  They offer blinds and shades as well as basic and decorative hardware. 

Artigiani is a line of iron hardware offered by Helser Brothers, with over 40 finials, 10 custom finishes, rods ranging from 7/8" to 1-3/4" diameter, and plenty of accessories.
        Isabella is a line of solid wood hardware by Helser Brothers that offers old world hand-finished quality with elegant and versatile options for the most discriminating buyer. Smooth and fluted rods combine with a classy array of finials to set the scene for any window treatment. Every piece is available in 10 fashionable finishes and in both 2" and 2-3/4" scales. 

Images from USC, Kirsch and Helser Brothers.

Even if you are using ready made panels you could splurge on nice hardware for a big impact !