There is a lot happening at Gallerie B central at the moment (hence the lack of blogpost action!). I am working on some great projects and can hopefully share some beautiful ‘after’ images with you soon. In the meantime, I thought it might be helpful to share some tips for a decorating area that is not always straightforward…… choosing window treatments. Selecting what style of curtain to go on a window is not always a simple decision. Consideration needs to be taken into several different factors such as the direction the window faces, how the room is used, the decorating style of the space and the type of fabric being used. I used BQ Design to manufacture all my curtains. Earlier this year they used our home as the backdrop for their catalogue photoshoot. Here are some images from this photoshoot along with my Tips For Choosing Window Treatments.
Sitting Room:
This is our front sitting room that I wanted to have an elegant and luxurious feel. I used fully lined curtains in a soft linen fabric hung from a timber silver gilt rod. In winter, this has been a cosy space for us in the evenings with the curtains closed and gas fire going. The large window is at the front of the house and faces west so to increase privacy and help with the strong afternoon sun, I added a sheer roman underneath.
Image via Lisa Cohen
BQ Design also swapped my curtain for their own Home Range one for their catalogue photo. I really like the different mood that the deep blue brings to the room.
Image via Lisa Cohen
Living Room:
While we wait for our trees to grow a bit taller along the back fence, we needed some privacy from our neighbours, particularly in the evenings when our lights are on. I chose a curtain in a soft white linen fabric to work in with the casual Hamptons feel of the space. They have a one pass lining which allows light to come in but still achieves privacy. A whitewash timber rod was selected.
Image via Lisa Cohen
BQ Design swapped in one of their Home Range sheers for the catalogue photo. I also love this light and airy look that a sheer curtain can achieve.
Image via Lisa Cohen
Master Bedroom:
For my bedroom there were two criteria; full blockout and creating a luxe ‘hotel’ feel. I used the same white linen fabric (which has a gorgeous herringbone pattern through it) on a timber silver gilt rod with a full blockout lining. I had a bit of fun with an accent trim on the Roman blind for the door out to the verandah.
Image via Lisa Cohen
Here is a close up of the trim detail.
Girls’ Bedrooms:
Roman blinds are a great way to add personality to a room. They are the perfect option for a patterned fabric which can be a feature when the blind is fully closed. The fabric for the girls’ blinds was chosen first and the rest of the room decor was built around it. Full blockout lining was used.
Miss 12’s bedroom….
Miss 9’s bedroom….
Study:
My study faces west and receives the full afternoon sun. Although I love this about the room, it is not always ideal, particularly when it hits the computer screen. I wanted to block out the sun but still have full light so I selected a Roman blind with a sheer lining. These blinds also have no batons behind them so hang very softly and are less formal than the usual Roman blind style. I have always loved this fabric and having them as Romans allows the pattern to be a feature of this room.
Image via Lisa Cohen
Kitchen:
One of my favourite things is to add a soft furnishing such as a blind in a kitchen as a way to soften all the hard surfaces. I’m always a sucker for a geometric and loved the opportunity to use this fabric for the Romans in the kitchen and adjacent window. These windows get the north sun so I added a full lining to help block out some UV rays in the warmer months.
Image via Lisa Cohen
Bathrooms:
Plantation shutters are a great option in bathrooms. The blades can be manoeuvred (if privacy is needed from overlooking neighbours) while still allowing in natural light. They have a clean line which suits a bathroom space. I have used a timber style from Hometec in the girls’ bathroom and my ensuite, which has been pre-sealed to protect against moisture. They are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
In summary, before selecting a window treatment, make sure you consider some of the factors I have mentioned. Such as direction the window faces, how you use the room, the decorating style of the room and the fabric you want as well as its composition. I have only shared options that have been suitable for my home but there are many more including roller blinds. It can be overwhelming and of course I am biased (!) but an interior designer can help you choose the optimal product and fabric to achieve the best outcome.
If anyone has a window that they need new curtains/blinds for but are unsure of what to use, feel free to email me a photo and I would be happy to make a suggestion ([email protected]).
Belinda XO