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.

This inverted box pleat valance is a statement in style; it is tailored, simple and timeless. The warm neutral color of the fabric compliments the floral wallpaper. The size of the fabric pattern is also key to success. When pairing fabrics in a room the color palette should be the same but the size of the pattern must vary. In this instance the floral wallpaper is very large and busy but is complimented by the small checked pattern in the pleated valance. Both are of the same color family and together they balance the room. The inverted pleats fall neatly at the corners with one centered on the valance creating a crisp clean look. The inverted pleated valance is hung from a board and attached with a hook and loop tape. This attachment makes removal of  the valance for cleaning purposes a breeze. The tailored box pleat valance is the perfect design choice to finish off  the 2″ wood blinds in this window.

This before and after shows how simple it is to refresh your room. The original  drapery panel was both bold and difficult to open and close. By simply changing the design of the the drapery panel and toning down the fabric the room was refreshed. Even the existing oil rubbed bronze drapery rod was re-used.  The new warm toned striped fabric was made into two separate pinched pleated drapery panels that were hung from metal rings to allow ease of opening and closing the drapes. The new fresh look gives the room a defined richness.

The tailored Roman Shade is a perfect topper for this kitchen window. The arched top gives a simple shade more curve appeal which accentuates both the kitchen cabinetry and the window, creating the perfect touch of design and softness. Trimming the shade with contrasting ribbon is not just for style but function as well as it covers and hides the seams.   Glass beading along the bottom edge gives the Roman Shade an elegant finishing touch. Curved Roman Shade