Custom window treatments are the finishing touches that elevate a room’s aesthetic, akin to how jewelry enhances attire. Window fashions have been integral to our company since its inception, beginning as a drapery shop-at-home service. Today, they remain a cornerstone of our comprehensive interior design offerings.

Our expertise has been exemplified in books, print and online magazines and is evident in our extensive presence in various media over our five-decade history. No better example is the most recent book by window fashions authority Charles Randall. He is the award-winning author of the best-selling window decorating series: Window Fashions, first published in 1986 with sales of more than one million copies. His 2020 book: Designer Window Fashions features 98 photos from 36 of our Decorating Den Interiors designers.

After months of collaboration with Charles, we’ve finalized an update, incorporating new photos, including many from our latest International Dream Rooms, evaluated by interior design journalists from across the U.S. and Canada. The cover of his latest book showcases a winning room and draperies from our latest competition. Buy the book on Amazon

With this topic at the forefront of our thoughts, here are some Dos and Don’ts compiled from our collective experience and insights shared by Mr. Randall.

DO consider the type of window you have

Whether it’s an arch, a bow or bay, a corner, a double-hung, French doors, a picture or another type, your Golson Designs professional can help you select the type of custom window treatment that will work best.

DO remember that window treatments are not just about beauty

Though a simple window treatment may cover a bare window, it might not cater to all your needs. Window treatments extend beyond mere aesthetics; they encompass privacy, sun shielding, sound dampening, and beyond. Your Golson Designs consultant will engage you with tailored inquiries to pinpoint the specific features and advantages you seek.

DO consider the wide variety of options for your window treatments

Draperies introduce softness and texture, while also serving as sound absorbers and insulators. They can be drawn closed or left open, among other functions.

Top treatments offer boundless options, encouraging both designers and clients to embark on imaginative journeys. Sometimes, all it takes is a cornice or valance to inject vibrancy into a space. And with intriguing names like cascades and jabots, the possibilities become even more captivating.

Whether standing alone or serving as a striking complement to other window treatments, shades offer a diverse array of shapes and configurations. Fabric shades, often referred to as “soft” shades, boast crisp edges and a tidy appearance. They can discreetly recede when raised, allowing architectural features to shine, or become focal points themselves, adding striking emphasis to the space.

Shutters and blinds can fill a variety of roles. They can interface with any interior due to the range of colors, materials, stains, and decorative features.

When one concept is not enough, DO explore the beauty of combining different types of treatments.

DON’T forget to consider decorative hardware and trim

These elements customize your treatment and add individuality. The range of materials available is huge and amazing.

The most important DON’T is don’t forget to call your Golson Designs professional for the best in custom window treatments.

Contact us or call (407) 902-3011 today

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The post Window Treatments: Dos and Don’ts appeared first on Orlando Interior Designers | Golson Designs.

Sparklers are a favorite among children for brightening up a July 4th evening. What child doesn’t like twirling around a sparkler to see what patterns they can make? They’ve even become prominent at weddings and other celebrations.

Adding sparkle to interior spaces doesn’t always have to be literal. It doesn’t always mean adding glimmering lighting or silver or gold metallics. Sparkle can come from something with less bright sheen, but unusually decorative.

In the encyclopedic book Designer Window Fashions, author Charles Randall writes: “Decorative hardware is a means to add emphasis. With many choices in materials—wrought iron, steel, glass, carved wood, and more—to rings, tiebacks, holders, rods, scarf brackets…your choices are many.” Since Decorating Den Interiors’ roots are in window fashions, it is only natural that many of our designer colleagues use hardware as jewelry on fabric like jewelry on a dress.

Medallions come in many styles and shapes. The large shimmer gold medallions (above left) add sparkle to drapery panels made of elegant lilac faux silk. The panels were cut with an angled header with just three pleats—one for each medallion. The diamond-shaped medallions (above right) are both decorative and functional—they accommodate the inside and outside angles of the window. A beautiful grey blue floral linen like fabric was used to play up the navy walls and the white wainscoting and trim. Simple panels were used to frame out the view but do not cover much of the windows.

Metallic drapery rods capped off with glass finials are another way to add sparkle. The gold and crystal in the above left add pizzaz to the two-fabric drapery concept with one-third of the panel being a rich damask and the rest of the panel being a silky solid fabric. Finials also come in a wide variety as exemplified by the custom-made exaggerated scroll finials in the above right.

The setting above is a large glamorous, traditional master bedroom. The icing on the stunning draperies is a dramatic black iron drapery hardware with large filigree finials. For those not familiar, filigree is metal work created by molding a length of wire, usually gold or silver, into an ornate pattern. In this case: Black set against lighter colored wall. And the cherry on top: A grand filigree statement built into the center of the rod.

It need not be metal or glass to add sparkle. Just look at the effect of the upholstered buttons on the tiebacks above left. On the right is a spectacular shaped cornice with a black and white toile. Toile gained popularity as a printed French fabric in the late eighteenth century, and the classic aesthetic remains popular today. Both make the window a piece of wall art.

One last tip. Look at how two simple, but exquisite, mirrors can add sparkle to this bedroom. The reflections of the window treatments extend their beauty.

If you would like help adding sparkle to your home, contact Golson Designs or call now (407) 902-3011.

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The post Adding Sparkle to your Window Fashions appeared first on Orlando Interior Designers | Golson Designs.