Susan's Designs » Drapery & Home Decorating

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  • nesting creatively

    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.

I’ve made many top down roman shades over the years but never attempted a top down, bottom up shade until recently. Cellular shades are a  popular alternative to this design but my client wanted some color and pattern in her room.  I found some directions on line http://www.terrelldesigns.com/Instructions/Make-a-Top-Down-Bottom-Up-Roman-Shade that were easy to understand and to follow.

top down bottom up shade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shade open all the way in the up position.

top down bottom up shade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shade down a couple of folds.

top down bottom up shade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shade lowered half way.

top down bottom up shade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shade closed.

top down bottom up shade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shade raised from the bottom half way allowing

for privacy.

  • Julie KichlineFebruary 15, 2015 - 12:02 pm

    Hi Susan.

    This is exactly what I’m looking for, but the local blind store wants an outrageous $ to make them for me and they want to make them with too many rounded folds. I like this simple design. If I give you some measurements, could I get an estimate for creating them, minus the cost of the fabric? (I’m still looking for that.)

    Thanks, Julie

  • Michele RodriguesSeptember 30, 2016 - 1:57 pm

    Hi. what is the price range on these?

  • MaureenNovember 16, 2021 - 1:27 am

    Hi there,

    The website
    http://www.terrelldesigns.com/Instructions/Make-a-Top-Down-Bottom-Up-Roman-Shade doesn’t come up.

    Would you happen to know if it has been update or know of another tutorial?

    Thanks

  • Susan DorbeckNovember 23, 2021 - 3:09 pm

    Hi Maureen, It looks like this particular website is no longer available but you can find more tutorials online by Googling how to make top down bottom up roman shades. There are multiple UTube videos as well as instructions. Regards, Susan

drapery panels

This design utilizes short rods and long draperies, lined and interlined.  The drapery design doesn’t compete with the arch, but instead adds to it with a large amount of fabric (each panel is 1.5 widths) on the wall with a blended look for a pleasing, well proportioned effect.  Many modern homes feature arched windows. Some just have one or two on the front of the home, and others have them in every room. They are sometimes called palladian windows.  Most homeowners want to keep the arch visible, but still have a problem with sunlight.  Sun was not a factor for this homeowner.  The windows just needed dressing.   Short utility rods were used to hang the drapery panels since there was no room between the window and the arch for a support bracket for a longer rod.  These panels are stationary since silhouette blinds provided the privacy needed.

beaded bamboo curtain

Beaded curtains can add a light and airy feel to your home’s decor.  These curtains are made from bamboo so they are unique and beautiful a piece of art you might say.  They are a perfect blend of art and beauty. This hand-woven curtain is made up from bamboo chains.  Stylish is the first word which comes in mind when you see it. A rare piece of art and design and the best thing is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep it clean. All you have to do is wipe it with a cloth and it will shine. Bamboo has an aesthetic appeal, it is totally durable and can be cleaned easily.  Very nicely stained and textured it’s easy to use and hang.  A beautiful blend of imagination, enthusiasm and art.