AboutCatherine Eveler Expertise As a window treatment designer & fabricator I can answer most questions relating to style, trends, color & design of window treatments, as well as questions regarding installation (with the exception of shutter installation). Motorization is also an area of interest for me.
Experience I have 30 years experience in soft treatment fabrication and established my own business in 2001.
Organizations Society of Decorating Professionals
WCAA
Education/Credentials BS in Mechanical Engineering
CHF training in soft treatment fabrication, as well as ongoing participation in seminars, etc.
BA in French Lit.
Expert: Catherine Eveler Date: 6/16/2008 Subject: what type of window treatment
Question I have a family room located in north part of the house. One window facing north and three windows on east side. All are standard size. I receive the morning sun from the east windows.It can get pretty warm in summer months. The winter also brings in drafts. However we enjoy the view to our backyard with pool view and pine trees. The room is occupied quite a bit, inlaws and friends. We have a ranch style home with kitchen connected somewhat to this room. There is really not one particular style or flow within the house although my husbands taste leans toward rustic cowboy whereas mine is french country. Our kids love comfort and coziness of home furnishings. Is there a fabric and style of window covering that will tie all this together and give this main room a comfy feel. We also want to take in consideration function and energy efficiency of the window treatments. Would using a natural weave work even though I love pattern fabrics such as paisley or geometric I'm afraid it will look to busy and cluttered. Husbands opinion: northern look such as moose and pine tree wife's opinion is geometric, paisley or sometype of pattern that say french country.
Answer Hi Rovy,
The best solution to block out drapes (and too much light) is the standard drapery--and they are also very much back in style. You do not say how large the room is, or whether your other furniture is solid, but I think a solid would be really boring on all of those windows.
Lining is the most important element for durability & energy-efficiency. The quality of the lining will determine how long your draperies will last. The best lining is only used on custom-made drapery (because it costs more,of course).
Why not compromise and use a french country pattern in a rustic color which I'm guessing would go with the other colors in the room. You can also downplay the actual curtains by choosing a color-way similar to that of the wall.
In addition, I would choose a wrought iron pole, either solid or adjustable, with rings and a fairly simple finial.
I make custom draperies (and decorate) for a living. If you are considering custom I would be glad to design them for you, as I do ship all over the country. In any case, if you have more questions or would like to send a picture my email is harmonyathome101@hotmail.com, and my websites are harmonyathomedesign.com & harmonyathomecurtains.com
Sincerely,
Catherine Eveler
Harmony at Home
866-417-2770
