Window Treatments

Simple is the word for today’s window treatments, according to area designers. Light and airy is the desired look in window treatments,  
according to Anna Aycock of Designs by Anna Aycock. “Some are using roman shades in soft  fabrics or woven woods for a more natural look,” she says.

Amy Heimermann of Retropolitan reports, “I’m hearing much more demand for simple window treatments that make the most of the windows. Many homeowners are opting, also, for no window treatments at all, especially in downtown spaces where the view is the thing. I do see lots of shades, but again, the thing is simplicity and modernity.”

“In traditional settings, the trend continues to be utilization of panels and valance treatments in the more formal settings and going with top treatment and cornices in casual areas,” says Brandy of Ta-Dah Designs. “Contemporary styling also continues to become more popular with the younger clients who want a ‘less-is-more’ look with cleaner, straighter lines.”

Camille Moore of Interior Treatments reports, “I’ve been working with a lot of sheet linen in the past few months. I’ve seen a big jump in cafe style curtains, often under draperies. This works well in a window in which you need some privacy, but like the natural light flooding the room. Roman shades are still a top choice as well. In addition, with the Green trend, I’m working with lots of linens and natural, nubby, fabrics and colors that tend to be earthy, natural colors.”

According to Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This, “In contemporary spaces I’m designing simple window treatments like wooden shades or
roman shades. Horizontal blinds (Venetian blinds) come in a wide range of colors,  materials, and sizes. The popular styles are metal and wooden blinds that are available in different slat widths. Wooden blinds lend a dignified and refined formal look to windows, making them a  popular choice for traditional and modern styles of homes. The wood color variations available blend beautifully with a room’s furniture.

“Window treatments with longer, looser pleats (five to six inches long) are more popular—they look less prim and proper than shorter, tighter ones. And extra-long fabric puddled on the floor has been replaced with floor-length draperies,” Sweeney says.
Lynda Mosley of The Fabric House reports that traditional treatments include mainly panels with trim and usually roman shades or blinds for light control and privacy. “Contemporary windows are usually a more minimalist look with simple panels or roman shades,” she says. “We are seeing fewer layers per window, however decorative rods and rings are still popular. Minimalist treatments usually play down hardware with streamlined rods.”

Saying that she is still making a lot of panels and roman shades, Deborah Woods of The Fabric Junkie, adds that there is a trend toward softer shades such as London and scrunch shades. “We are using a lot more trim on these window treatments, as well as a lot of decorative hardware with our treatments,” she says.  Combinations in window treatments range from linen and silk fabrics, bamboo shades and silk or velvet fabrics as panels, and canvas or duck mixed with silks.

Tanna Miller with Trends & Traditions says two of the hottest growing trends in window treatments are woven wood shades and functioning drapes. “I think the woven woods appeal to our sense of richness and functioning drapes lend much-needed versatility for weather and light control. Windows are my specialty. I draw the designs to scale and make my own patterns plus have craftsmen who can make absolutely anything.”

For contemporary and transitional designs, according to David Buffington of Brentwood Interiors, customers are expressing an interest in simple sleek rods and finials over shutters or blinds.  “Panels on either side of a window give the room a finished look, while using solids or geometrics keep the design simple.” He adds that large decorative rods in new finishes are the most popular drapery hardware.

According to Kathy Case of Advantage Shutters and Closets, “We’re seeing a lot of interest in woven wood roman shades that are made up of textured bamboo, reeds, and grasses. Each is sold as either light-filtering or combined with blackout backing. These are very rich and versatile window coverings that bring out the beautiful tones in floors and woodwork.

“Shutters are gaining more popularity done in a dark brown color, say Case. “New homes are using this rich cocoa color in trim both outside and inside. We also can provide two-tone shutters, one color inside and one color outside to coordinate with the color.”

Saying that you wouldn’t use everyday flatware with your best china, Keith Bryant of Budget Blinds suggests that beautiful window treatments deserve equally impressive window hardware. “We offer everything from modern metals to natural bamboo, rods, hooks, finials, and flourishes to add the perfect finishing touch.”

Budget Blinds offers a variety of window treatments ranging from plantation shutters and blinds to shades and draperies.

Designs by Anna Aycock
Brentwood
615/794-7561

Drapery Cottage
Shelbyville
931/ 684-4594

The Fabric House
Nashville
615/ 837-0000

The Fabric Junkie
Goodlettsville
615/ 851-1007

Interior Treatments/Camille Moore
Franklin
615/ 794-9249

Just Design This
Auburntown
615/ 464-2755

Retropolitan
Nashville
615/ 429-5000

Ta-Dah Design
Hendersonville
15/824-0888

Trends & Traditions
Nashville
615/ 399-0661