Welcome to my showcase of design ideas and inspiration for custom home décor, flattering window treatments and other soft furnishings. I have been blessed by being invited into many beautiful homes and meeting the nicest people. I am among the fortunate few who truly enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding profession. Thank you for looking at my work.
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An eclectic style with rich warm tones, balance and symmetry. Here is a window treatment that incorporates many details from the center banner, the pleated jabots, the soft gathers, the contrast lining and tassels all put together to create a unique, eclectic window dressing.
A London shade is a tailored balloon shade, flat across the top of the treatment where pleats are added for fullness. Strings are drawn up at the pleats allowing tails to fall on each side giving this valance a soft, tailored, full look. The London shade pictured here is used as a valance since wood blinds give the privacy needed but they can also be made as a working shade to be lowered and raised as needed. This shade is mounted on a board inside the casing where the moulding acts as a frame. A perfect treatment for this small little nook. Arched windows are considered one of the most pleasing window shapes and are a very noteworthy architectural element. Often if the arch is above the window, like a fanlight, it is left uncovered while the window below has window treatments.
When the entire window is arched, like the one pictured here, a custom curtain rod is used to hang the draperies. In this instance a double rod is used, one for the geometric sheers to control sunlight and provide a sense of privacy. And the other for the stationary side panels. The drapes break at the floor for that elegant, sophisticated look.
These wicker chairs cushions were looking tired after many years of good use. Some new high density foam was custom cut to fit the chairs and new slip covers were made. The whole room is updated and inviting. The neutral palette allows for room to grow. A cornice was custom designed and installed onto this round wall. Side panels were added to help anchor the treatment and to cover up the frames between the windows making a very cozy office nook.
Just because doing the laundry is BORING, it doesn’t mean the room has to be. Have some fun in your laundry room and put an awning over your window. For this awning, we’ve used a circus tent striped fabric in red and yellow and scalloped the bottom edge using the stripes as a guide. A small paper plate was used as a template for the scallops. This awning window treatment was mounted on a board and a valance rod was used to project the bottom edge and give it it’s shape. Underwear stencils and art work add to the fun and whimsy of the laundry room.
A roman shade is a clever modern piece of window covering and it mainly lies in its construction. Operating on a simple cording system, the roman shade pulls up into a series of folds, one upon the other much like an accordion.
Here is a valance that is pleated along the top edge for a tailored look but the bottom hem has a piping sewn into it, flaring out the pleats, giving it a soft and wavy effect. Much like the shape of bells. It is mounted on a board and hung at the ceiling giving the window a neat and tidy look.
An upholstered headboard is a quick and stylish way to bring together the whole bedroom.
White nailheads follow the sleek shape of the headboard and are a great contrast to the navy linen fabric.
The stripes in the duvet cover coordinate with the box pleated valance and the red pleats are found not only in the button back valance but also in the bedskirt. Matching toss pillows and bedsheets make up the bed.
Two different sheer fabrics were used to create this window treatment giving a unique look.
This window covering allows maximum light while at the same time gives privacy when needed with the overall look being that of an ornate iron gate.
When you are deciding on the style of the window treatment, consider the type of window you have. Some window treatments may not be suitable for the for the type of window you have. Some windows slide up and down, some slide sideways and still others swing in and out. You need to select window treatments that will not interfere with opening and closing the windows or the hardware that operates the windows. Roman shades are ideal for these casement windows especially in this bay window. During the day they are up and out of the way, letting in the sunshine and views, while at night they can be closed, or lowered, for the privacy needed. Made from a neutral linen, the black banding gives that dramatic contrast and architectural interest. A matching roman shade is hung over the kitchen sink.
A button back valance is a variation on the box pleated valance. It offers contrasting pleated flaps and covered buttons. This window treatment has elegant lines that work beautifully in a casual, informal decor style. Really a look of tailored simplicity. Box pleat valances are the perfect topper, hang them alone above a window for a decorative flair or pair them with drapes. This button back valance features contrasting fabric inside of each box pleat. The corners of the box pleats are buttoned back to reveal the fabric inside. You can customize your box pleated valance to your exact specifications. Customize the length, width and number of pleats. This valance is made with two face fabrics… your main fabric on the front of your valance (here we used a floral)… and then a contrasting or complementary fabric on the inside of the box pleats (a check was used). The number of pleats and the spaces between them varies, depending on the size of the window, the desired valance length and other design considerations. In some cases, it may be desirable to align pleats with existing divisions in the window space created by moldings or mullions. You may also want to consider the fabric you are using. In this instance we repeated a large motif in each space between the pleats.
You’ll reveal the inside fabric by pinning back the corners of the box pleat with buttons. This is also the box pleated valance pattern you would want if you are planning on making a 2-fabric box pleated valance…. just don’t button back the corners.
This button back box pleated valance is installed onto a dust board… and you can easily modify these instructions to make a window valance of any size… and with as few or as many box pleats as you’d like.
Notice that pillows were made out of the contrasting check fabric. Scraps were used to create a pattern and piping was added from the floral fabric giving the pillows a unique, custom design. A covered button cinched in the middle ties in the style of the valance..
Why cover such a gorgeous view, instead frame it. A pleated scalloped valance covers the drapery hardware but does not hinder the view. Drapery panels give privacy when needed but pull off to the sides when not.
This great room has walls of windows that need no privacy and have a beautiful view whether summer, fall, winter or spring. These two story windows would look bare and feel cold without drapery panels. The fabric softens the room, helps control the echoing and gives an overall warm and comfortable feel without obstructing the gorgeous views.
A beautiful cathedral ceiling and a gorgeous wall of windows overlooking the garden, how do we treat them? A custom rod was ordered and installed a few inches above the middle arched window and high over the two outside windows giving them much more height and the illusion that they are taller. Privacy was an issue especially during the evening hours so the ties can be undone closing the draperies when needed.
The side window was treated with the same hardware and again at the same height.
Take advantage of your tall ceiling and large windows and capitalize on the view. By bringing the sheer drapery panels up to the crown we’ve highlighted the view. Hidden hardware was used to hang the draperies to keep it from looking cluttered and not taking away from the coffered ceiling. We’ve kept this room in a monochromatic scheme and let the view speak for itself. Style and elegance.
The Relaxed Roman Shade works well as a stand alone window treatment. This style features a flat shade with permanent rounded folds (or a smile) at the bottom. These soft folds are achieved by having strings along the outside edge of the shade to raise and lower it and none in the middle. A weighted rod extends along the width of the bottom edge to hold the shade in place. The body of the shade is flat when it is fully closed. Roman blinds, or roman shades, are clean, sophisticated and stylish. Relaxed Roman shades have a smile along Relaxed roman shades are also known as soft shades or London shades. These shades complement smaller windows, less than 48-inches wide, but can be used across a row of windows for greater impact.
You will find it difficult to get up in the morning when you are in this master retreat. We have fifty shades of grey here from the headboard, the pillows and shams, the duvet and coverlet, the bed frame and so on. Pattern placement on a window valance can make or break the design. We’ve created five identical sections on this inverted pleat valance. The size of each section was determined based on the size of the flower that is centered. A contrast band was used both top and bottom of the valance giving it more definition. We’ve also hung the window treatment just under the crown to maximize the daylight and the view. Top-down-bottom-up honeycomb shades give privacy when needed.
In this master bedroom we have put up roman shades for privacy along with stationary drapery panels for softness and warmth. Beautiful by day and cozy by night. We can do a custom shutter to fit any window, any shape, any size. With the 3 1/2″ louver there is plenty of daylight coming thru and the Invisible Tilt feature allows you to open and close the shutters with just a touch to any slat. In this instance we’ve divided the shutter into thirds allowing you to close just a portion of it when needed.
Floating stationary drapery panels – just the right touch for this den. Faux wood blinds give privacy when needed and the stationary panels hung above the transom add warmth and style to the room. Throw pillows added to the sofa add a little color to the room.
Sweet dreams will be in abundance in this master bedroom. Different hues of grey from the upholstered headboard, the euro shams, the duvet and throw, right down to the bench at the foot of the bed bring a cohesive look to this room. The off white tones from the shams and lamp shades are flanking the window We’ve also added that lovely pop of color right in the middle. Plantation shutters are the perfect answer for this small powder room. With the Invisible Tilt feature the louvers can be opened or closed by tilting any louver. We’ve split the tilt so that the bottom of the shutter can be closed for privacy all the while letting light in at the top.
Nostalgic colors, warm hues are comforting and sentimental. Welcome home and have that familiar feeling with this cozy ambiance while dining.
When you have 10 foot ceilings, why not accentuate it. We custom made this shower curtain along with a custom liner to add height and elegance to this tiny bathroom. The pinch pleated drapery panel is hung on a short rod, covering about half of the tub opening allowing it to be tied back with plenty of fullness. A golden palette was used to compliment the dazzling tile. Then a custom extra long shower liner is hidden behind the decorative curtain and glides along a track mounted at the ceiling.
The use of four stationary panels help unify these three windows. All of the grommet panels are hung on a single rod making the window a focal point in the room. The bold vibrant colors are perfect against the light colored walls and ceiling. Roller shades add privacy and sun control when needed. A perfect little haven. Tailored mock roman shade valances, all in a modern paisley print fabric, add to the beautiful view in this master bedroom. Thesevalances are hung right under the crown moulding adding height to each window and keeping more of the view. Add a couple of cozy decorative pillows for just the right touch.
Add a splash of vibrant trim to your drapery panels. While the woven shades give privacy when needed, the stationary drapery panels add softness and warmth to the room along with a little whimsical fun with the kelly green trim.
Pinch pleated stationary panels, hung from the coffered ceiling on antique gold french return hardware is just what this arched window needed. A woven roller shade allows for privacy when needed, leaving the arch exposed.
dining room window treatments Choose a monochromatic color scheme for a spa-like restful sleep. Just the right amount of pillows, from the Euros to the lumbar rolls for comfort.
king size bedding with style We added height to this window by installing a Sheffield valance many inches above the opening. Sill length jabots frame the window and help the treatment from floating in the room. The pattern was matched at each pleat to keep the treatment from looking too busy. From rich browns to vibrant greens, this bedding is inviting and luxurious. A grand window needs a grand treatment. These blackout draperies are hung on decorative knobs that are tied back during the day and let loose for the night. Smart and elegant.
When you want to defuse the sunlight ever so slightly. The hardware for these mesh sheer draperies is hidden behind a custom crown moulding and they can easily be opened and closed using a clear baton.
There is no need for a patterned fabric here, we made our own pattern by banding some ties in a contrast color and adding a fabric covered button. This upholstered cornice board adds balance and bulk to the room topping it off perfectly.
Adding fabric to your windows gives your room a whole new look. A Sheffield valance with strategically placed jabots frame the beautiful lake views. The treatment was hung many inches above the windows so as not to take any light or view away. The pattern was carried thru each section adding to that custom look. This is an easy renovation update. A bold, modern dining room needs a bold window treatment and we didn’t disappoint. An upholstered cornice board along with stationary drapery panels fills the room. We installed it at the ceiling bringing your eye up to the beautiful woodwork. Sheer drapery panels were also added for privacy and sun control.
Are you looking for a custom headboard? This paneled headboard was made up of 36″ X 18″ upholstered panels affixed to the wall using hook and loop tape. We extended the panels beyond the sides of the bed, encompassing the side tables and lamps giving the bed it’s own space within the room. The bedroom now has a bold, modern vibe.
Custom upholstered cornices hung at the ceiling add height the 8′ room and the drapery panels help anchor it.
This themed room called for a custom cornice. The cornice was created by first upholstering it with an off-white suede fabric. Then shapes were randomly cut from a brown suede and glued onto the cornice giving it the appearance of a cowhide.
Muted tones of grays and taupes make up this guest bedroom. We have a 2.5″ faux wood blind installed inside mount just under the eyebrow arch. To add the side panels at this same height would have cut the window too short making the ceilings appear shorter as well. Here we hung the metal drapery hardware 5″ above the arch with the silk stationary drapery panels on the wall on either side of the window so as not to take away any light from the windows. Another bonus to hanging them this way is that the window now appears much wider than it really is. Cordless 2.5″ faux wood blinds control the sun and give privacy when needed with stationary drapery panels added to soften up the room. A designer metal rod with crystal finials add sparkle along with the light fixture. The many shades of gray from the bedding, walls, furniture and floor add serenity and luxury to this bedroom.
Striped fabric is ideal for a roman valance. Since the folds are horizontal they don’t interfere with the stripes. A bias cord was added along the top edge made from the same stripe but bringing out a little more detail and contrast ties finish off this treatment. A little trick of the trade – use a lock seam rod inside the bottom fold to not only help weigh it down but to keep the corners from flaring as well.
A simple little valance that uses the pattern on the fabric for the overall design with a peek-a-boo fabric looking out from the back. A little music, a little fun. Jazz it up with some swags and tails and anchor it all with some contrast side panels. With beautiful lake house views, who would want to cover up the windows? Not here, we’ve enhance the windows and the view by adding stationary panels right up beyond the top of the windows and adding a swag of color to the top. And it’s all cinched together neatly with a tassel. Not only does this treatment frame the beautiful lake view but also brings your eyes up to the second story and gives scale to the great room. A small space is unified with stationary draperies and pleated valances. The muted watercolor tones add peace and serenity. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the view.   Who wouldn’t like a beautiful kitchen sink, bay window with lots of light coming in. Faux wood shades were needed for sun and light control and a curved, pleated valance was added to cover the shade headrails as well as the gap above the windows at the soffit. Roller shades have come a long way since those of your childhood when you would try to raise them and they would spin out of control. These cordless, natural woven, roller shades from Norman Window Fashions go up and down with just the touch of your hand – no springs attached.
Taking our cue from the wall color, we’ve added whimsical blossoms to the window with this Kingston valance. The valance was hung more than twelve inches above the actual bay window giving the illusion of a much taller window and proportioning it to the room. We added jabots (tails) to each end to frame the window and the view as well as give it a little more formality.
Without obstructing the views of this lovely lakehouse a roman shade valance was added over the vertical blinds to cover the unsightly headrail and to add some softness to the window. There were quite a few inches to the arched window above so we filled in the gap adding height to the lower window at the same time. The same valance was used in the adjoining dining room, this time hung just above the french door for access to the deck. A watermark print was used adding more texture and interest to the valance. A small valance with a bold look. We used a large floral motif to make this pleated valance, copying the same pattern on each section with a large flower in the center of each. Grommet drapery panels hung floor to ceiling add warmth to the room keeping in line with the contemporary feel. Roman valances made from the same fabric bring continuity to the rooms. A splash of color brings it all together. Hang you window treatment up at or near the ceiling. Not only will this give you the most daylight coming in but it will also give the illusion of taller windows. This tailored balloon valance did just that.
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by Susan Dorbeck