The Rural Voice, 1998-09, Page 58Home Decorating
No problems, just windows of opportunity
By Patti Robertson
Patti,
1 enjoy your home decorating
column in The Rural Voice, and I have
picked up ups and ideas. I am
wondering if you would do an article
on window coverings. I have two
specific concerns. Firstly, the long,
skinny, farm kitchen windows with
heavy wood trim that adjoins the
wainscotting, without curtains are too
bare, but cooking odours and oils are
also a concern. The room is very dark.
My second concern is a large front
window with an old stained glass
transom at the top. Where would you
suggest the curtains be positioned and
would sheers be the best choice?
Bonnie H.
Mount Forest.
Well Bonnie, if the truth be known,
I've been avoiding an article on
window coverings since I see so many
possibilities with every style of
window — there are so many ifs, ands
or buts. One of my specialties is
custom and original design window
treatments. I do these on a daily basis,
so let me start by suggesting we take
stock of a few
guidelines
which should
assist anyone
tackling their
own window
treatments.
First, decide
what you want
your window to
do — frame a
beautiful view,
provide
privacy, hide an
unsightly
building or
fence or
disguise ugly
Plenty of
solutions to
problems
trim or architectural problems within
the window area. Do you need to
balance uneven placement of windows
or even out the disproportionate height
between various windows? Unsightly
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radiators or air conditioners can all be
incorporated into the needs a window
treatment must provide the occupant.
Consider your room size. Are you
trying to expand the look of your
space or do you need to create an
interesting focal point with your
window dressing, thereby catching the
eye and attracting attention to the
window area?
When are you at home? How do
you enjoy that time of the day? Early
morn, sipping coffee while gazing out
at your floral beds or in the evening
safely tucked in behind a gloriously
patterned damask drapery? Do you
like the breeze to blow through the
window or do you prefer air
conditioning? These factors need to be
considered before we can find what's
right for your home. Do you have time
to maintain fussy styles or are easy
care treatments more to your liking?
Do you want a single -layered covering
or is a multi -layered dressing more to
your taste? Oh yes, let's not forget the
budget, what can you afford to spend?
Once we've passed the basics we
now need to remember the principles
of design to achieve the best style for
your window. Keep with the
decorating theme and style you have
chosen for your decor scheme. Pay
close attention to balance, scale and
proportion in choosing your treatment,
and always remember it is more
appropriate to use more of an
inexpensive fabric when dressing your
windows than less of a more
expensive fabric. As a rule use two
and a half times the fabric in
relationship to the width of the area
you are covering.
Now the fun really begins. Flip
through magazines, catalogues and
decor stores to collect as many ideas
on the types and styles which will suit
your needs. And if you have not been
out and about lately, you are in for a
tremendous surprise as there are many
interesting, tactile and sophisticated
styles for window dressing available.
Now Bonnie, back to your
windows. To keep odours at bay and
to allow maximum light into the
kitchen, you should consider venetian
blinds in the 1" profile, the newer 2"