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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-10-20, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1999. PAGE 23. J^tome Improvement Creating decorating drama If eyes are the windows of the soul, then windows must surely be the soul of a room, more reflective of its personality and style than perhaps any other decorative element. Never before have there been so many options for dressing windows to marry fashion with function. Not only do window treatments satisfy such practical needs as ensuring privacy, controlling light, framing (or blocking out) views, and conserving energy, but they also enhance the room's design scheme, provide warmth and charm, and serve as its focal point. With so many choices, it's not surprising that so many people feel intimidated about making window treatment decisions. The design experts at Laura Ashley, offer the following tips: • Window treatments should complement the overall decorating mood of the room. Don't choose an overly fussy traditional treatment for a tailored or contemporary room. • Take advantage of the range of patterned and solid fabrics, available for window treatments that co-ordinate with the rest of the room's decor. Or buy a few extra yards of fabric and sew them yourself, using the wide array of home sewing patterns available for virtually every style of window treatment. • Draperies can either frame the window or cover it - and they are the most popular choices for every style, from traditional to country to Fresh, French door look contemporary. Sometimes the simplest drapery panels are the most elegant - either pleated or gathered on a rod with a header, or suspended from a decorative rod with hooks or rings. Make sure that you use fabric generously - at least double the width of the window - or the drapery will look simpy. For an opulent, full look, they should be lined. Rather than letting the draperies end abruptly at the floor, allow the hems to gracefully "puddle" or fan out slightly on the floor. • Draperies can be layered with other elements, such as fabric or matchstick roll-up blinds, balloon shades, Roman shades, Venetian blinds or shutters, the combination of "hard” and . "soft" window treatments is especially interesting. • Top treatments can be used alone or combined with other elements, either in matching or complementary fabrics. Valances can be softly gathered, pleated, scalloped, ballooned, swagged, draped, or formed into scarf's, poufs or rosettes, even made from wooden cornices covered with fabric. Especially popular today are simple swags and jabots which cascade down the sides of the windows, sometimes with contrast linings. Top treatments used alone are good choices when you want to maximize light and views, or for smaller or oddly-placed windows where more elaborate treatments would be too much. • Use a continuous treatment to unify adjacent windows, like bays or comer windows. • Window treatments can create optical illusions or correct architectural flaws in a room. For example, to create the effect of a higher ceiling, position curtain rods just below the ceiling rather than over the window frame to draw- the eye upward, and use window treatments to create a strong vertical line. If windows are narrow, use draperies to create the illusion of width by having curtain poles extend beyond the window frame, and hang the draperies to frame the window rather than cover it. If the room lacks architectural detail, choose more elaborate layered window treatments to create interest. Differently sized windows in the same room, a common problem, can be minimized by cleverly co­ ordinating window treatments. • Lace or sheer panels work well in many rooms, letting in light but ensuring privacy. Many lace panels are available with scalloped edges and "engineered" designs. They're best hung from a clear rod. • For draperies for French or sliding glass doors, hang the curtain rod above the frame and extended beyond it to allow the doors to open easily. Valances or fabric-covered rods work well here. • Finish off your window treatment by choosing among the vast array of decorative hardware and trimmings to complement your fabric. Drapery poles, finials, rings, Continued on page 24 F cW.H. AVard (Xetal (products ri - ^ool & Yard fencing - Qron Gates & (Ratlings - Spiral Staircases c-| - XInique furniture <Esn«nau - Toting - -CreationsLITius,525-4803 - J^ax.525-9657 ^jondesboro SAVE 35%* on Clearly the Best! Superior engineering and distinctive styling to offer you "Clearly the Best” windows for your home. - Free Estimates ~ * Otter in effect until November 30, 1999 JR CONTRACTOR T Custom Homes • Complete Renovations Pole Barns • Roofing • Siding Decks • Drywalling Phone or Fax 887-6283 Jonathan Stoll RR #3 Brussels, ON NOG 1H0 Continued from page 22 supply or home center. The newest styles are now available prehung, complete with door jambs, hinges and hardware. Wing's prehung French doors even include a six-minute step-by- step video for easy installation. The only tools you'll need are an electric drill, hammer, level, saw. nail set and screwdrivers. For most styles, the glass is pre-masked with shrink-wrapped plastic film, ready for painting or staining. For a fresher, brighter look for your home, French doors provide a quick, affordable answer that's right in style. 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