Window fashion trends!

What is Hot and What is Not, in the World of Window Fashions!

Often clients ask what the latest trends for window fashions are. I would like to share with you the latest in terms of style, colors, fabrics and embellishments.

Style:  Full drapery panels are in. The past few years we saw more use of drapery panels on windows, with most unusual pleats and headings.

Roman shades in all known styles (flat, folded, ballooned, and all other types) are very much in fashion. Roman shades are very popular because they are classic: when they are pulled up they create a valance to dress the window, they insulate when drawn down, especially when interlined, and provide privacy as well.

 

Colors:  With the down turn in the economy the past few years, we saw new trends for colors in general, and the window fashion industry is no exception. Bold, strong colors are back! They are used as a pop of color with a more neutral background. Bold Tangerines, Mangoes, Teals, Turquoise, and Reds with grayed browns are being used; these splashes of bold colors are a reminder to the world that there is hope and to look forward to a better future!

Fabrics:  Textural, embroidered and fabrics with natural fibers are in fashion.  Fabrics like linen, cotton, Chenille, printed silks as well as natural silks are preferred over polyester and man-made fibers. Although natural fabrics are in demand now a days, synthetic fabrics are still finding their use in the design world. Clients also are asking for natural fibers, recycled, and (Green) products.

Embellishments:  Embellishing with bold, unique trims is very much in fashion. Using fringes along the vertical edges of a panel or having a plain panel with a one-of-a-kind over sized tie back tassel have become very popular. Having a breaded trim with a striking color in the perfect spot will accentuate an architectural feature that needs to be the focal point of a room. We are seeing more trims with wooden beads, mirrors, metal chains, feathers, and materials that are not usually used as a decorative trim. Pleating, buttons, grommets, and contrast cording is another way to embellish, and now more than ever, designers are using their creative juices to come up with ways to give their clientele head turning, knockout draperies that are totally their style.

Utilize our free design consultation, and free phone consultation! Ask for Susan (630) 420-0800.

 

Texture is an important element in your custom drapery design!

Texture is often secondary to color and pattern when it comes to the over all design of a space or the window treatment itself in any given room. Colors and patterns usually have and immediate impact, but textures add richness to the colors. For example, the richness of deep colored velvet is due to it’s pile, the shine and iridescent quality of silk reflects it’s smoothness, and the firm weave of cottons helps the printed patterns and colors to come out crisper and stronger.

Texture usually describes the way the light plays on the surface of the fabric. That gives a message of how the material feels: its softness, smoothness, warmth, coolness, etc.

Textures have their own feel and they evoke special associations. Like chenille might be associated with warmth, cotton with comfort, or silk with being exotic.

Varying textures is important and will add interest, sophistication, and style to any space. Imagine velvet pillows with satin trim, tweed drapery panels with a contrast in cotton, or an organdy table runner with lace.

Textures might not be the first thing to think about when planing a decorating project or a design for a window treatment, but indeed is a very important design element that need not be neglected!

Visit our interactive website gailaniassoc

Head turning, jaw dropping, breath taking draperies, for a dining room in Burr Ridge Illinois!

The architecture of this amazing home in Burr Ridge, Dupage county, Illinois, was my inspiration!

The curved walls that surround the circular breakfast nook was an architectural feature that can not be ignored!

It all started when I felt that the one curved wall that is shared between the formal dining room and the breakfast area had spoken to me! It just needed to be emphasized, and using the circle as an element in our design was borne!

The fabric selected was Robert Allen from the Larry Laslo collection, Cuff Links, color copper, lined with black sheers. The hardware was Robert Allen Hardware as well, from the Bloome collection. The wall sculpture, is made out of hand blown glass balls, in various sizes and colors. Copper, greens, honey, cream and grays, have all supported the over all design. The room is not yet complete, but the excitement that my client and myself both shared made me write about it sooner. When the room is fully furnished and all put together, you will hear from me again, I promise!

Watch the video below!

Drapery Panels? How would those window treatments work for you?

Drapery panels can be gorgeous, elegant, and affordable too!

With stationary side panels you can create a beautiful, one of a kind look, and be easy on your wallet as well!

Your window can be framed with stationary panels, and you can use separate rods for each side. Take a look at this slide show:

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How about your ceiling? Is it little low? Create height by taking your panels as high as possible to give the illusion of height.

Do you have a high ceiling or perhaps there is an architectural feature you want to enhance? Have your panels start at the very top to draw the eye up toward that special feature. Watch this slide show:

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How about hardware? The jewelery for your windows! There is so much out there for you to pick from: contemporary, traditional, metal, wood, acrylic, stained or painted, ask your designer to show you what is available within your budget. composer

If budget permits, add fringes, trims, tassels, and any embellishments to add beauty, elegance and style. With side panels you can do so much, and create that personal touch that says so much about you!

Here is a video of our work showing many panel possibilities!

Enhance your high windows

Do you have tall windows?

If so, you need to enhance the height and start your draperies at the very top of the window. By doing so you are letting the eye to follow the height, and that will add elegance and sophistication to your room. Call 630-420-0800 for all your window covering needs.

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Check what our clients are saying about us:  gailani_and_associates_interior_design-b202513

Check our Exciting windows site: www.ExcitingWindows.com

Drapery Hardware: Jewelry for your windows!

The sky is the limit when it comes to drapery hardware. How do you decide what type to use?

I will have to ask, are your draperies, traditional, contemporary, transitional, whimsical, or do they have a definite theme?

Also I might ask, is there a space limitation on each side of the window, or above? That can be a factor in selecting one hardware over the other.

For fun let’s go to the link below, the Helser Brothers website, and build your own finial!

www.helserbrothers.com

Call us for your free design consultation. We also offer free phone consultation!

(630)420-0800.

Girls bed rooms! Pink, Pocka dots, bows and ribbons!

It is always a joy to design a girl’s bed room. The creativity is endless, the choices of fabrics and trims are countless and, and the sky is the limit when it comes to design ideas.

I love to listen to the moms describing their daughters personalities, with smiles on their faces, and the fun that is waiting for them during the entire design process! The anticipation for something beautiful about to arrive!

In the past I have used lace for more traditional looks, sheers and silks for transitional designs, and bows, ruffles, and trims for embellishments. We have achieved so many design trends that appealed to the clients. Now I am working for a Naperville client to do a modern whimsical look! I can not wait to see the project complete, in order to share it with you.

View the slide show below and do not hesitate to call us for all your window covering needs (630)420-0800.

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Watch this video

See what our clients are saying about us!

gailani_and_associates_interior_design-b202513

Your home office, is it designed to increase your productivity?

Often working from home is challenging, you have to be motivated, focused, and organized.  Having a well designed office is a must to give you that boost of energy you need to be productive, motivated, and up lifted.

Here are some points to consider:

• Get your office organized! There is nothing more distracting than a cluttered office that will cause delay and aggravation. ( see link below for an organizer)
• Select your color schemes carefully. Choose colors that you like, colors that give you happiness and put you in a good mood. The type of work you do can have an influence on what colors to choose. If you need to be energized pick reds, yellows, tangerines, and colors that have less gray in them, more clear rather than subdued. If your line of work require that you stay calm, then blues, greens, and soft neutrals would be good choices to consider for a calming serene environment.
• Have a theme; select your furnishing and accessories accordingly.
• Vary your texture for comfort and interest.
• Do not forget the ergonomics; treat your spine and joint with TLC. After all safety, comfort, efficiency, and productivity is our goal.

Please enjoy this video of a home office in Burr Ridge Illinois (Dupage county Illinois)

Please call us for all your window covering needs(630) 420-0800.

For an office organizer specialist please call Kim Cosentino (630)968-7557 or visit her web De-Clutter Box

A window seat in a little girls bedroom! Any ideas on how to dress it?

What should I do  with a window seat in a girls bed room?

Here is an idea for you!

This client ( Burr Ridge, Illinois) wanted to create an extra ordinary window treatment for her seven year old daughter. After listening to her and describing her little girls personality, what she likes, the way she plays and so on, this is what we came up with: Create a stage like for her so she can pretend, and play make belief with her friends, how exciting!

Two side panels, lifted to the sides will give that stage feel along the canopy valance. Nice soft cushions, and pillows will add comfort and coziness.

The results: A happy 7 year old, that keeps busy, and enjoys play with her friends. Check out the video below.

Call (630) 420-0800 for more information about our design service.

Living Room, with style and elegance!

This Naperville, Dupage county, living room got a face lift! The client request was to change the room from a very traditional, formal living room, to a transitional, not too formal, with style, elegance and a room that is easy to use for every day living!

We started with selecting the fabrics, the draperies and furniture style, and picked a paint color.  A warm yellow paint replaced the out dated faux finish of the walls, the ceiling got a soft linen white that went well with the walls color,the drapery transitional paisley print, the linen material, the colors, all has contributed to the beauty and serenity of the room.

The number one factor that added to what the client was after,was the drapery design. Two layers of fabric, the paisley layer on top of a second layer of  linen sheers, gave the draperies that feel of a relaxed look. The pleats also had an impact on the overall look. Part of the pleats in the linen fabric was speaking through from under the main body fabric. The cluster of buttons in a rich,warm red, place on the sheers, has truly given the drapes, feel of whimsy!

The drapery hardware from the RM coco company, the deco collection, so beautiful and affordable it was the perfect addition.

Do you have a project in mind? Do not hesitate to call us (630)420-0800

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