To Line or not to line!

Now a days, not to line custom draperies is unheard of! The only time I would not line is when providing cubical curtains for a medical building. The question is what type of lining to use? The selections are several, and vary from very inexpensive to top of the line blends of cotton and poly. There are several choices of colors and of course room darkening or black out linings.

How about interlining? Interlining is the material that is inserted between the face fabric and the lining. It is widely used in Europe and I made it a standard to use in my drapery designs.

Interlining gives an opulent rich feel to the drapery, adds volume, and helps dress up the draperies.

Interlining also protects against the weather elements such as the damaging rays of the sun and the heat that the it generates. It prevents the patterns in the fabrics from bleeding through, especially when using a contrast fabric in cascades and jabots, and i helps to make the true color of the fabric show and not get faded out from the sun light outside during the day hours. Interlining is great for providing extra insulation, especially when the draperies are drawn a cross the window for total coverage.

Using interlining will create an ambiance of elegance, beauty, and the royal feel that you will not see in the average home.

Call us at (630)420-0800. We provide in-home free consultation and free phone consultation as well!

For more ideas visit out interactive site gailaniassoc

Here are some photos of interlined draperies:

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You might have a hidden treasure right at home, and not know it!

When my client from Naperville, IL (Dupage county) called me to redo her living and dinning areas, I was excited, motivated, and pumped up with energy!

I arrived to her place, a beautiful home with large windows, lots of sun and space, we sat down to discuss her needs and her vision of what she wanted the spaces to look like when we finish the project.

She wanted roman shades with stationary side panels for the windows, fresh paint, a new sofa, a rug, the reupholstering of two chairs and accessories!

When we talked about budget, we came up with a plan! We can do it in stages, and we can save by going on a treasure hunt right at her own home! You will be surprised at how many items you can find that can be reused, refurbished, and with a magical new face lift can be transformed into a brand new piece. I was especially excited to see a curio cabinet over stuffed with items. These very special items can be used as accessories here and there, which means reduction in our unnecessary spending on decorative items. The main budget can be used on the windows and new a couch.

A collection of china cups and saucers were buried under other items and they were well hidden in the curio cabinet! A flow of ideas came to my mind: why can’t we use them as our decorative items around the two rooms? My client welcomed the idea, and I had my wonderful handyman make me tiny shelves, then paint them, hang them on the wall in a special composition to have balance, and voila! The new look was fresh, unique, and economical!

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Please also visit gailaniassoc for more ideas on window treatments.

Do you like to sew? Great! We have the fabrics, trims, tassels and even patterns!

That is right! If you like to sew your own window treatments, and feel confident enough to be your own seamstress, we can assist! We carry a vast variety of fabrics, trims, tassels, and even drapery patterns. We offer design consultation, to help you put together your design project, from selecting the colors, rearranging the furniture, to picking the right fabrics for your windows and upholstery. We carry fabrics such as, Robert Allen, Kravet, Fabricut, Kasmir, RM COCO, Carole fabrics, and much more.

How about the drapery hardware? That can be a challenge! We carry products made here in the US and imported products as well. We have hardware for every style, taste and budget. see the video:

We now also offer a free phone consultation–a new added service–to benefit our clients, and help transform their houses into dream homes. Add the WOW factor to every little corner!

Please visit our website for other services we provide.

Also visit gailaniassoc

Window Covering Ideas for your home!

Window coverings can be the focal point to your rooms. It adds warmth, beauty, and luxury. Whether it is simple or elaborate, it provides texture, color, and pattern.

Here are some illustrations of window fashion ideas!

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For creative window Treatments, call (630) 420-0800.

Take advantage of our free phone consultation!

What kind of pleat style do I want for my draperies?

There are so many different styles of pleats or heading available for your draperies. Please check the slide show below and also make sure to see the video from RMCOCO.

We carry all RMCOCO fabrics, trims, and hardware call us (630) 420-0800

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Woven wood Shades

 

 

Woven wood blinds, are gaining popularity in the Chicago land area! Here are three things you should know about woven wood blinds:

• They are woven from natural grasses, bamboo, and various reeds. That is why they are considered “green” window coverings because they are sustainable, renewable and eco-friendly window treatments.
• They can be used in a casual setting, such as sun rooms, boat houses, and marina homes. Or if a more sophisticated setting is what the client is after, then they can be combined with other materials like silks, brushed cottons, and wool to achieve elegance, and beauty.
• They are now available in various colors and textures to give the consumer vast assortments to choose from.

Call us (630) 420-0800

Watch the video below, and let us know, which style you like best?

Call us today! (630)420-0800

French country style treatments for your windows!

Enjoy the video! Call (630)420-0800 for all your interior design, custom draperies, and custom bedding!

 

 

Tips on how to create beautiful top treatments without breaking the bank!

What determines the cost of any window covering are the labor cost, materials used and the installation cost.

Here are some tips to consider when you are planning your next window covering project!

• The design:  the simpler the design, the less expensive the treatment will be. Flat valances, inverted pleat valances, shirred and pinch pleated on a board, or a cornice board is considered less costly to fabricate. You can add a little touch to a simple flat valance by adding a contrast trim, tassels on each end, or perhaps some buttons in a coordinating fabric.
• The cost of the materials:  The variety is endless when selecting fabrics. You can find gorgeous cottons, silks, and woven blends at an affordable price. Mixing textures, or adding coordinating inexpensive trims, will give you that designer quality look at an affordable price. Another tip is to perhaps splurge on the hardware, and choose a modestly priced fabric. The rich, opulent look of the hardware will make up for the simplicity of the style and your choice of the fabric.
• The installation cost: One way to cut on the installation cost is by choosing economically installed treatments. Cornices, and board mounted valances, are less expensive to install than sheared or pleated on a rod.

Finally, the best way to save money is by work with a professional, who will help you avoid costly mistakes, direct you, share expertise and resources, and respect your budget and work within it.

Do you have a project in mind? Are you concerned about cost?

Call us ( 630) 420-0800 We will give you a free estimate!

www.gailanidesigns.com

www.excitingwindows.com/gailaniassoc

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Embellishments! It can set the mood of your space!

Have you explored the vast verities of trims and embellishment out there in the market?

There are literally thousands of different types of trims, domestically produced or imported from abroad.

One must not under estimates the impact of trims, cords, buttons, and tassels can do to your drapes or even your room!

Buttons: Are fun, it can create a casual feel, it can be masculine, or even whimsical, and sometimes even can add a tailored feel.

Bead trims: There is so many types, crystal types that are more formal, wood, shells, metals, and ceramics that are less formal.

Cord trims: Ideal for finishing off pillows and bedding, and great for cornice board. Although from experience I do not recommend it for the edge of panels, the stiffness of the cords can cause the panel to twist.

Brush Fringe: They come in so many varieties and can be fun, whimsical, the various colors of the threads will help bring in some colors otherwise are not there with out the fringe.

See the slide show below and let me know which one you like best?

Call  ( 630) 420-0800. Or email gailaniarts@yahoo.com

 

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