The Base Layer

I just spent the first half of the day (after early morning tutoring and getting four kids off to school) at the Hunter Douglas Premiers 2011.  I have been freshly informed about all things Hunter Douglas and ready to take any questions you may have.

One of my favorite products this morning was the Designer Screen shades line.  Not only is Hunter Douglas a leader in the industry for mechanisms, they now offer PowerRise (you can lift the shade with a remote control) on their roller shades.  (As well as a hardwired option.)  A perfect solution for some of the super high windows that are found so frequently here in California. 

The designer in me as well as the mother in me is a big fan of all things cordless- which is also an option in designer screen shades.  I feel like they are getting better and better at having very current fabrics and styles.  When I first got out of college- in the late 1990's- there were still a lot of 1980's pastels- but not any more- they have one great color after the next. 

They are a perfect solution for layering window treatments.  They add a level of textural interest and functionality- that can be covered with drapery panels and Roman shades.

OK- now I am starting to sound like a commercial- I just wanted to let you know that I can field questions if anyone is in the market for blinds or shades.  :)

Nursery Window Treatments for Amy

I just love your blog and knew you would be able to help me. I have no idea what direction to go in with regard to my nursery windows. I have 4 windows at three different sizes and heights. Please see the attached pictures for a clearer picture. I need to cover the windows as they are east facing and we live in Houston. It gets very warm and bright in this room. I have blinds on the only standard window in the room, but can change to whatever would suit the room. I tried to sketch measurements in regards to the walls. Any ideas for window coverings would be greatly appreciated. With so many sizes and heights in relation to the floor, I am at a loss. Thanks so very much!

Amy

Dear Amy,

I will tell you exactly what to do.

1. On your large window, do a drape that goes to the floor. Use tie backs and ribbon to give the look shown in my lovely Sharpie drawing below. Have the drape always pulled to the right, framing that side of the room. Make sure it is lined and weighted.
2. Use the same fabric on the small square windows- having Roman shades made. Do a flat fold style, as shown below, or a relaxed style- as shown in this picture.
3. On your other window- first ask yourself if you can move that bed out into the room. I don't like it pushed up against the wall. If you can- you can use straight panels on that window. If you need to have the bed there- use a Roman shade on that window- same fabric on all.
4. Use a patterned fabric, or a trim, as seen in the photo below. (OK- so you can barely see the Roman shade- but look closely for the pink trim. I also liked the wallpaper tree in here- and the pink ceiling... photo from msn lifestyles.)
5. Here is a close-up on the tie backs- you can find the same products with little airplanes or flowers to make them more juvenile, if you'd like.
6. Layer your window treatments with Hunter Douglas designer roller shades. They come in varying levels of opacity- and have child-safe lock in place chords. This layer will give you the block out that you need with the sun, and when pulled up they are very small. On your larger window with the arch- you can have it totally covered by the curtain. That is why I have you using the tie backs- with the fabric up there it will act as a valance covering up the roller shade- which I would mount inside mount- but will not fill the top arch. Comprende? This is much less expensive than having a shade custom made for the odd shaped window. When thinking window treatments for a bedroom- always think in layers.
   

Congratulations on your baby! Have fun with the nursery!

Mrs. Holland's Master Bedroom

Dear Christine,

I found your wonderful website while looking for ideas for tall window treatments for our new home. We haven't owned a home 22 years! My husband worked 2 jobs for many years and I work with disabled individuals. We raised our four children and our youngest son is now about to enter his 3rd year in college and we felt it was time to now do for "mom and dad".

One of the pictures enclosed (the one with a potted ficus tree) is the master bedroom, which has a sitting area. Do you have any suggestions as to some type of window treatments for these tall windows?

Dear Mrs. Holland,

As you can tell from the post so far- I am breaking up your e-mail into different posts. Let's start with your master bedroom. When you have windows stacked vertically, I almost always treat them together. Don't put a blind on the lower and not the upper. Don't put drapes on the lower and not the upper. I see this done frequently- and whereas there are always exceptions, most of the time I think it is a mistake. It is a mistake from a design standpoint- as well as a practical one- as the most damaging sun rays are those that would hit higher- through the upper windows-fading your flooring and textiles.

From what I can see- you have a nice view- so let's not cover it too much with shutters or a heavy treatment. So- first of all- let's add a blind- with the small size of the upper window- go with a blind that has a small head rail. I like using Hunter Douglas's Designer Screen Shades. They're a great look, have a small head rail, add texture, and are not overly expensive. Select a color as close to your paint as you can find. To that I would add a crown moulding/ sofit/ valance. I would have it go from the ceiling to the top of the window, and cover your drapery hardware. It should be painted the same white as your trim. It seems, from your pictures that you can easily go wall to wall with this. Then add drapery panels. Make sure your draperies are lined and weighted- and if you need "black out" have them interlined. Your screen shades will give you diffused light and partial privacy, whereas the closed drapes will be for total privacy and insulation. So- for selecting your fabric. I would go with a print. Here are some ideas- favorites anyone?Lee Jofa 1 Remember with draperies that the pattern is generally "squished"- find a pattern that you like all squished. With the pattern above- add a touch of blue to your bedding.

Lee Jofa 2- Lee Jofa 3. I like mixing yellow with taupe. They compliment each other beautifully. Use a print with yellow in it, and then add a beautiful yellow pillow to the bed.

Robert Allen I selected some bedding for you as well. These are all found on Dillards.com. Any favorites readers? #1 #2 #3

Something to notice about my selections for you. You have a beautiful crisp white trim. I selected fabrics and bedding that have white in them. This makes a huge difference. Use white. Enjoy your beautiful new home- and keep posted for more ideas for your home :)

Christine