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The Rural Voice, 2000-06, Page 48Don By Patti Robertson Q. Within the month we move into our new home. I was looking at window fashions in the catalogue when a friend dropped in and in no uncertain terms told me I was foolish not to have custom-made treatments done versus store bought readymades. Patti, please tell me what the difference and benefit is in custom-made styles. (I know they are more expensive.) S.P. Goderich A. Congratulations ... a new home! How exciting. There is a tremendous difference between readymades and custom treatments for your windows. To start, readymade curtains and draperies are often made with lesser grade fabrics, hence they are not as expensive, they do not hang and/or fall into place as well therefore styling is sacrificed. Readymades are manufactured in standard sizes and of course, today we are treated to such a glorious array of window sizes that alterations have to be made and/or the treatment often looks ill fitted. Patterns, textures and weaves are selected by the stores' buyers to appeal to the general acceptability of all potential consumers, and then Targe quantities of this fabric are purchased thereby enabling stores to mass market their style. This translates into less cost for the consumer but you'll no doubt see your exact curtains hanging in many a home. Now let's look at custom treatments. Fabrics, patterns, textures and weaves in all their glorious array and endless possibilities are selected to co-ordinate and blend with your decor for optimum effect. Custom fabrics are more expensive because they are high in style, colour and the best manufacturing qualities that will enable Home Decorating t sktmp on cheap draperies the treatment to gang and fall into the styled custom treatment that will last precise style that you have selected. As far as styling goes, the sky's the limit. Once you are dealing with a custom- made window treatment for your home everything will be precisely measured to fit the specific windows being covered in styles that are too numerous to mention. Custom-made window treatments are often three to five times more expensive than a store-bought covering, but couple appropriateness, co-ordination and suitability, available with superior grade fabrics and that adds up to longevity — and a stylishness that endures the test of time. I've used readymades myself and know from experience that we usually change readymades three to four times more often than one changes the picture - perfect custom-made style, thereby rendering the question of cost to a common denominator by comparison. Now I know, building a new home always adds up to tight cash flow in the decorating department, so what I'd like to suggest is that you definitely consider custom-made treatments for your main living areas such as your living room, dining room, family room and kitchen, leaving the private areas of the home (bedrooms, etc.) to be covered with readymades.) This will stretch your decorating dollar and yet start you on your way with beautifully PATTI ROBERTSON'S Unique Residential and Commercial Interiors 135 Victoria St., WINGHAM 357-2872 • Custom-made Window Fashions, Bedspreads & Accessories • Fine Domestic & Imported Fabrics • Select Wallcoverings • Furnishings, Lighting & Artwork to suit any interior... 44 THE RURAL VOICE years and years. Q. Yikes! I just found the perfect wallcovering for our greatroom, it's beautiful but costs $44.99 per single roll. Far too expensive for my budget. How do I find something similar? A.M. – Hanover A. Great question, and as usual I have a strong, educated opinion, which I am more than delighted to share with you. Firstly, let us recognize the fact that the average cost of wallcovering on today's market is approximately $30 per single roll. As a rule you are paying for a specialized pattern design, high style and nouveau colouration, along with customized printing techniques in the more expensive coverings. Wallcoverings can range up into the hundreds of dollars for a single roll. (Boy! $44.99 looks pretty inexpensive now eh?) But wait, I'm not done. Along with superior quality one must incorporate what any covering does for their room; so if it's perfect, how can you put a price on perfect. If it's going to give you the desired effect and you love it, think of the years of sheer pleasure you'll get from living with perfect. Now you may choose to stall your project while you save to purchase the covering (what's an extra month, if it's perfect?) or you may choose to wait until this product comes on sale, often there are three to four sales per year offering 20 to 40 per cent off the book list price thereby creating a bargain. But I would like to make a comparison at this time that I often use myself when rationalizing the cost of decorating products and suitability. What's the average cost of a new car? Let's figure between $17,000 and $42,000 (those SUV's are pricey). Pay this off over four years at approximately $750 per month. At the time of the last payment you'll get way less than half the original cost price on trade in. Now isn't your perfect wallcovering really inexpensive by comparison? I choose the perfect wallcovering time and again over the crazy costs of a vehicle and get years more enjoying and longevity plus low maintenance from the wallcovering. Go ahead – SPLURGE. I guarantee you won't have to remortgage the house!0 Patti Robertson operates Classic Interiors in Wingham.