Winter Furniture Trends

"Just recently, we invested a long time speaking about the useful, solar control aspects of window treatments: sheers, solar tones, venetian blinds, plantation shutters and so forth.

That's all well and good, and a prime need, specifically here where the sun can be so extreme. But there is another reason to deal with windows, and that is rather less functional and considerably more style oriented. And that, obviously, is pertaining to the embellishment of windows.

Material treatment of windows can be plain and severe, or it can be exuberant, rich and over the top. Both have their location and depending upon the nature of the area, the architecture, the customer and the spending plan, each can be suitable.

Some of the simpler treatments, and ones which quickly provide themselves to the more casual aspects of living here on the Florida coast, are roman tones. These treatments consist of panels of fabric which are supported by a (normally) flat valance at the top, and then a series of horizontal pleats offering an ornamental aspect when in the raised position, and a (generally) flat panel when lowered. The panel can be really flat, or it may be made (pun planned) to have long-term pleats stitched into the face fabric, or a series of ribs stitched into the face material. All of them have a pattern of rings connected to the back panel or lining. This material not only secures the face fabric from direct exposure to the sun, but allows the more resilient support fabric to supply a surface to connect the rings which in turn allow passage of the cording, which raises and lowers the shade.

The fabric for the face material can be nearly anything that is ideal for the space interior. Oftentimes, we seek to utilize soft and neutral materials, to not accentuate the shades, however rather have them be more background to the other more remarkable and dominant style aspects in the room.

We nevertheless, typically provide subtle elements on these sorts of tones. Using fabric banding, cutting tapes with subtle contrast embroidery can include nice information touches to otherwise plain treatments.

Roman shades work particularly well on windows that do not come down to the flooring. We often install them with a valance that extends over the window case. If the house is modern and does not include housings on window openings, these tones work well to supply some richness to an otherwise plain opening.

For full-height openings and french or sliding glass doors, we often like to use a significant and well-scaled ornamental pole with finials. From this rod we then hang full and voluptuous drapery panels. These can be either repaired panels or ones that can in fact close, for both sun protection along with privacy.

The range of poles, rings and finials readily available today runs rather a range. They can vary from easy iron or metal rods, with wrought finials, to elaborately carved or turned wood poles. We frequently call these to be finished with colors and patinas to harmonize with the other woodwork or furniture pieces in the space. In some cases metal leaf is applied, either silver or gold, and offered a lovely glaze to make it appear to have grace and age, instead of be glaringly bright and new looking. We want them to blend instead of scream out their presence.

The fabrics suspended from this armature then is really what we wish to focus on. As soon as once again, the material here might be subtle and rich, perhaps linen or silk, however elegantly wrought, using almost dress-making information. Edge trims, contrasting hem materials, can be part of the completing combination.

Alternatively, the material itself can be a powerful and vibrant damask, a dramatic print, or maybe a vibrant woven to make a considerable declaration in the space.

The material can be pleated at the top, where the rings are connected, or can be folded over to make a hem, with an ornamental trim element at the bottom edge. There are just a million ways to offer variation and originality to one's interiors.

Another way to offer traversing panels is to offer an ornamental valance at the top of the panels. These can be easy, flat fabric-covered ""boxes"" to protect the traversing rod and mechanisms from view, or they can be elaborately shaped at the bottom with scallops and curves. Another treatment is to supply an easy fabric valance, with possibly box pleats at the center or 3rd points, or possibly a series of box pleats at periods, just as texture or for interest. One can go on and on in the varieties and possibilities.

If we become part of the early planning process of a new home, or are embarking on a grand remodelling, we often have a drapery pocket built. This includes setting up the crown molding out about 10"" to 12"" far from the exterior wall surface, which permits the installation of the drape tracks for sheers and the decorative drape panels on the ceiling. This permits the systems and the tops of the pleats to be hidden, so the fabric simply descends directly from listed below the crown molding. It is a tidy -looking and customized method when the client does not want elaborate ornamental drapery rods. This treatment works particularly well in bed rooms, however not so well in multi-storied spaces, where the drape panels would end up being awkwardly long.

All of the above drapery treatments can be motorized, and in the case of our large homes, we always suggest having this done to streamline the procedure of leaving your house for a prolonged duration.

Other treatments in our vocabulary of style possibilities are more intricate treatments that we utilize in standard houses, such as swags, jabots, heavy bullion fringe, and large passementerie tassels and tie-backs. These are such fun to do, but frequently are not called for in our more unwinded Sarasota locations."