Susan's Designs » Drapery & Home Decorating

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    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.

Posted in valances

Corner windows are best suited for drapery design that treats the windows as a whole. This bold, contemporary fabric is perfect for a box pleated valance, the tailored style doesn’t compete with the geometric pattern. The window layout plus the the fabric selection would never be available in a ready made window treatment. Note how the pattern seamlessly continues around the corner and how the inverted pleats are lined with the same contrasting cord fabric, it is the use of these fine details that make the window treatment truly custom.

Another perfect example of the need for custom made windows treatments is evident in this bay window with a sliding door wall. The fabric continues perfectly around the bay, without interrupting the pattern motif. Here the valance is mounted right up at the ceiling allowing for any discrepancies in the windows and door heights.  The valance allows both the door wall to be opened and closed without obstruction and allows one to walk through the door wall without hitting their head on the valance. Both style and design make this window treatment a true trendsetter.

by Susan Dorbeck

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  • Annette SeversonAugust 23, 2016 - 12:02 pm

    Hi, I am looking for a material to make a valance for the top of my patio door in a room painted green, and I really like this. Can you tell me where to get the material?

Posted in drapery panels

Pinch pleated draperies, are the most traditional style of drapery. They are often referred to as French pleated or a 3 fold pleated drapery panels. Draperies are a highly functional yet stylish window treatment for large door walls. The panels can be hung from a variety of hardware, a decorative rod with rings to a traversing drapery rod, allowing the drapes to open and close. Drapery panels offer excellent privacy and insulation, helping to seal warm air in during the winter months while keeping out the cold and keeping the heat out in the summer months. Draperies are perfect for any decor and style making them a tried and true window treatment.

by Susan Dorbeck

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Posted in valances

This floral pattern is accentuated by the curved inverted box pleated valance. The flat tailored style allows the beautiful floral motif  to make a statement. The box pleat style is simple enough that it can be used in a room with many windows, like this kitchen.

Without any window treatment the room is overpowered by the windows. The floral pattern brings the beauty of the outdoors inside, creating a soft edge to the hard windows.

By making the inverted box pleated valance a little shorter the same style can be used for the sink window in the same kitchen. The shorter valance still allows the larger scale of the flower to work in proportion to the window size. All the valances are trimmed in a contrasting cord, accenting the curved edge.

by Susan Dorbeck

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Posted in valances

A jabot is the term used for fabric that drapes vertically from the sides of a window dressing. The jabots are formed by pleats, gathers or folds. The are used to soften the edges of a swag or valance which covers the top portion of the window. Visually, they  appear as though they are a continuation of the swag or valance, especially when made from the same fabric. Jabots can be draped from the top edge, as is shown here, they can be hung from underneath or even drape around the ends of a drapery pole. Jabot panels can be made in a variety of lengths and widths, they can be self lined or lined with a contrast fabric. With the variety of jabot styles available they are anything but simply just jabots.

by Susan Dorbeck

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Posted in drapery panels,valances

The combination of a bay window and door can create a window treatment dilemma. The choice of  drapery design that can be used on the door may seem limited, however, if the drapery is hung directly on the door it can be open to endless possibilities.  This tailored inverted box pleat valance works well on both the door and bay windows, the inverse curve at the edge of the valance adds contemporary style. The inverted pleats are accented with a contrasting black fabric, pulling in the simple tied back drapery panels and window valance together. The fabrics circular motif compliments the wall, sofa and drapery panels bringing a unified look to the home.

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by Susan Dorbeck

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