When Pricey is (K)not a Good Idea

This is the end result of a master bedroom we just completed for a retired couple in Barrington. My photography doesn't do it justice - it's better in person! The wife really wanted green to be her main color in the room, despite the protests of her husband! So to keep them both satisfied, the green could not be too pastel. Nor did they want it too dark. If you've searched for green fabrics recently, you know they currently are not easy to find. Originally, we did find three beautiful choices all within one book. The drapery fabric we chose is Robert Allen Ponderosa Pine/Fountain (and also used in an accent pillow).

Ponderosa Pine/Fountain by Robert Allen

We chose to use the light fabric at the window, over the newly installed wood blinds, to keep the windows light and bright, while using more of the green on the bedspread. More practical, plus more impact visually.

Kilties/Fountain by Robert Allen

Kilties/Fountain is used in two other accent pillows. The customer wanted a throw bedspread, so there were several yards of fabric involved.

Her first choice was:

Knot Along/Dew by Robert Allen

Knot Along/Dew out of the same Robert Allen Color Library book. Beautiful fabric - except for two major challenges - 1. it is 85% linen making it a costly choice and 2. it is 85% linen making it a very wrinkled choice for a bedspread!

I liked the idea of a tack quilting for a fabric of this type, but I needed a more user-friendly and a more budget-friendly choice. 

Using a basic cotton duck from Carole Fabrics (Daydreamer/Chambray) and using a tie tack quilting in a white of the same pattern (Daydreamer/White), we achieved a look that was similar but of a better scale than the original choice. 100% cotton will perform beautifully in both looks and wear and we were able to stay within budget! 

And, both wife AND husband were happy!

"Once You've Gone Custom..."

"You'll never go back."

I heard this declaration many years ago, when I was just starting my interior decorating career. And it's true! After you've seen and felt the real thing, the off the shelf stuff is just a poor imitation.

Why?

Breaking it into 3 main reasons:

1. Choice
There are certainly more options out there with online shopping, but with custom - the world is your oyster! I carry 1000's of fabrics right in my van with access to 1000's more. Any shape, length, width or configuration is yours if it is physically possible!

2. Quality
Double turned hems on a drapery give it weight and substance. Two and one half times fullness minimum gives you a luxurious richness that will cover your window with dramatic folds that play to the light. Ready made drapery won't offer you anything close to that.

3. Finish
With a quality drapery, you always need a quality installation! A professional with the proper tools and a keen eye that can install the rods at the proper height, dress the fabric to make it look camera ready and allow you not to have to break a sweat is worth every penny and more! Your window treatments will be with you for many years to come, why not have them look their best?

I recently completed a job for the front window of a fabulously popular restaurant in downtown Barrington. The interior is cozy and warm, with a bit of a Tuscan flair. The owner had originally installed ready made drapery panels that he purchased as a temporary fix from a popular home furnishings chain. Unfortunately, the rod sagged, the panels dragged, the white lining streetside did nothing to add to the first impression of the eatery and the panels themselves were constantly being pulled and played with by the children of the restaurant patrons.

Looks like their laundry is hanging in the window!

When the restaurant owner called Eddie Z's, we worked with him and determined how to give him a better version of the same look. Chocolate brown velvet, this one from RM Coco, still was a great choice as the drapery fabric, but pleating the drapery allowed us to board mount and secured tiebacks keep busy little hands from undoing the beautiful folds. The custom length sits just above the sill and a chocolate brown drapery lining from Carole Fabrics makes the drapery look as appetizing from the outside as it does inside. All in all, a delicious design!

Nice and subtle - blends right in!

Think about making a design reservation for your custom look - you'll be glad you did!