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

A window treatment is often the most eye-catching aspect of a room.  It’s the feature that gives the most scope for creativity.   Some windows are beautiful in and of themselves and in such cases one must ensure that the window dressing complements rather than obscures the window or the views.  In this bay window, wooden blinds allow for privacy and give darkness when needed for slumber and a sheffield valance tops them off.  Hung at the ceiling maximum light and views are allowed while also hiding the tracks from the blinds.sheffield valance

Sheffield valances are characterized by their front pleats and scalloped edges.

by Susan Dorbeck

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Posted in accessories,bedding

life is but a dreamlife is but a dreamfaux roman valancemonogramed pillowspillows and shamsThe master bedroom’s vintage, romantic palette and it’s elegantly whimsical presence is centered around the king sized bed.  A gorgeous, generous duvet made from a rich damask centers the room.  Lush, plush, comfy pillows are at the head of the bed while whimsy monogramed pillows with a soft faux fur (on the backs of the pillows) to snuggle with at the foot.  The arched windows let in full light during the day and at dusk the pinch pleated draperies can be pulled closed along the contemporary hardware.  The side window sporting a honeycomb shade for privacy was topped with a mock roman shade and adorned with sparking beaded trim.  No surface was left untouched in this dreamland oasis.

by Susan Dorbeck

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Posted in roman shades

You’re looking for that perfect home with lots of room for the kids and pets.  You’ve spent weeks going thru model homes but the right one is illusive.  The kitchen is great in this one but the bedrooms are small.  The master bedroom is exquisite here but the back yard is teeny.  Finally, there it is.  The perfect house, your home.  The family room is just off the spacious kitchen so you can keep an eye on the kids while preparing their dinner.  You and your family move in and everything is perfect, until that is, the first sunny day.  The kids are squabbling, not getting along; what’s wrong?  There it is, the television is totally obscured by the sunlight.  Their favorite show is on and they can’t see a thing.  What are you going to do?

A roman shade is the perfect answer.

roman shaderoman shadeHere we have mounted the roman shade inside the boxed window allowing it to hang flush with the wall.  When drawn up all the way it acts like a valance, adding texture and color to the room.  When pulled down, the roman shade provides the sun protection and relief needed for all your activities.

by Susan Dorbeck

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