My client’s home featured a gorgeous kitchen with wide windows offering spectacular lake views. My job as a window treatment designer was to add some softness, color, and warmth to a room that was filled primarily with hard surfaces. Of course, preserving the view was of great importance, also.
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| Breakfast area – before |
Using my computer design program, I came up with several renderings of design options for the windows in the breakfast area, including a variety of valances. But the client and I both agreed that the best design for this space would be drapery panels framing the windows. We decided to have some fun with the panels, though, and do something special, something that would really look “custom.”
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| Computer rendering of the chosen design |
I designed these custom drapery panels with an attached valance, a contrasting cuff top, and a skirt at the bottom, accented with banding.
The existing banquette was upholstered in tan leather and a deep red floral chenille. Taking our color cues from the chenille fabric, my client chose a brown, red, and tan stripe fabric, along with a tan brushed cotton sateen and solid red sateen, to use for the coordinating slipcovers and window treatments in the room. Here’s the final result …
The two parson’s chairs were slipcovered in striped fabric, and have gathered skirts and ties.
The stools at the island bar were given slipcovered cushions, which add comfort and style to the simple wooden stools. The cushion tops were quilted to add interest. The gathered skirts match those on the Parson’s chairs. When I make skirted stool cushion covers, I attach ties underneath, so the cushions can be tied securely to the stool, and they won’t shift around during use. On the inside bottom of the cushion, there is a zipper opening, so the slipcover can be easily removed for cleaning. They stay put when they’re supposed to, and come off when they need to!
The drapery panels were hung from 3-1/2″ metal holdbacks. The contrasting red cuffs were edged with 1/8″ red welt cord. The attached valances were trimmed with a pretty tassel fringe.
The 24″ striped skirts were accented with a band of red sateen along the top edge. We kept the center section of the panels light, using a solid tan brushed cotton. This helped to keep distractions at eye level to a minimum, so the water views would continue to take center stage.
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| Detail of attached valance |
My client is very happy with the way her new window treatments and slipcovers have enhanced the beauty and functionality of her kitchen and breakfast area. Sounds used to echo in the space, but the new soft furnishings have made things feel cozier and warmer.
The cotton fabrics help keep things casual, but there’s no denying that the unique style of the draperies sets them apart from the ordinary.
One Comment
Beautiful Work Leslie! Love the cushions on the bar stools!