Window Treatment Trends Sept/Oct 2011

photo courtesy Rickenbaker Design

With the recent emphasis on decluttering, paring down, and simplifying, it follows that many clients are asking for simpler window treatments, according to Gail Adkins of Change Magic Interior Redesign.

“They’re asking for woven shades, simple panels, and streamlined hardware. Using less fabric, fewer swags and layers makes it easier to keep dust under control,” Adkins says.

Bohnne Jones with Decorating Den Interiors says that window treatments today are generally designed to create a cozy space. “Panels create a softness that hard window treatments alone cannot achieve,” she says. “Few clients want layers upon layers of costly materials, but layers continue to serve clients by offering more choices. Blinds provide privacy, light control, and can offer energy savings. But they can look impersonal or cold in a large space. Side panels create a softer, cozier atmosphere as well as sound control. Some customers select traversing panels and skip the blinds to reduce costs.”

Reporting that her work tends to be  on extreme ends of the spectrum: elaborately traditional or clean and high functioning, Tanna Miller of Trends & Traditions says, “My favorite work is with unique window configurations or applications so I can create one-of-a-kind designs.”

Miller reports that damask continues to be a favorite fabric with the traditional crowd, but with a couple of twists: large scale patterns and textural changes. “While wholesalers are pushing solid natural linen, I find that middle Tennesseans prefer pattern. Embroidery or retro-geometric designs are favorites here. Ikat imitations are popular in all style groups.” She adds that there is buzz about grey fabrics, but the selections are not plentiful.

Noting that highly functioning panels are in greater demand this year than simpler ones, she says, “to reduce cost and decisions, home owners like the idea of using a drapery for privacy as well as decoration.”

Anna Aycock of Designs by Anna Aycock says, “My clients are using sleek and clean looks on windows. Panels that clear the windows and add a touch of color to the room are popular. Petite pleat sheer shades are also a wonderful, clean look.”

Noting that extensive fabric choices allow designers and homeowners to have the best of both worlds is Danielle Rickenbaker of Rickenbaker Design. She says, “I have seen interest in pairing a traditional fabric with a contemporary style, or vice versa. This can achieve an updated traditional look.”

Rickenbaker adds that blending treatments from room to room is more important in today’s open floor plan homes. She notes, as do others, that blues are extremely popular this year, alone or paired with earth tones.

Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This says most of her traditional clients are choosing shades or roman shades paired with simple panels, often with a nice lining. “It’s simple but elegant,” she says.

Decreased drapery budgets and increased concern over allergies, especially in children, are causing some homeowners to seek simpler window treatment designs at least in bedrooms, according to Meg Thomas of Healy & Associates Interior Design. “Stationary panels require less fabric and cost less to fabricate,” she says.

“We’re seeing a big shift toward transitional and contemporary window treatment designs,” she says. Attributing part of the movement to Nashville’s growing urban living options, she says the “less is more” rule applies with an emphasis on quality.

There are a number of local sources for window treatments including:

Change Magic Interior Redesign
Nashville
615/ 275-9514

Decorating Den Interiors
Nashville
615/ 469-7834

Design by Anna Aycock
Brentwood
615/ 414-5694

Healy & Associates
Nashville
615/ 460-9500

Just Design This
Amanda Sweeney
615/ 578-4738

Rickenbaker Design
Nashville
615/ 657-9662

Trends & Traditions
Nashville
615/ 399-0661