Bringing Drama and Elegance to Your Interiors
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like your breath was taken away? That’s the kind of impact a well-designed window treatment can have. As a custom window treatments company in Philadelphia, we’ve seen firsthand how the right combination of swags and cascades can transform a space, adding depth, texture, and a touch of glamour.
My name is Leslie, and I’ve been helping homeowners in the Philadelphia area create truly show-stopping window designs for years. Recently, one of my favorite clients enlisted me to tackle the challenge of her two-story living room windows. What started as a lengthy process of trial and error ultimately led to a design that left both of us beaming with pride.
Designing for a Grand, Two-Story Space
You may remember the cuff-top draperies and slipcovers I made for this client’s kitchen last summer. Well, she was so happy with the way that turned out that we almost immediately began planning the window treatments for her living room. It turned into a lengthy process, however, as we searched for just the right design.
The two-story-high windows offer views of a lake below and allow plenty of sunshine to brighten the interior spaces. The homeowners, of course, didn’t want to block either the view or the light. They also wanted to avoid using drapery panels in the design because they might seem too similar in size and visual weight to the tall columns that stand on either side of the fireplace.
As I explained on my blog, designing on a photo is a great way to visualize how various styles might look on the actual window. Swags seemed like a natural fit for this window configuration, and I started playing around with different variations.
Exploring Options: From Raised Swags to Elegant Cascades
In the first style I tried, I featured raised swags – swags that are pulled up higher on one side and hung from custom wrought iron hardware. These helped to soften the sharp angles of all those windows without obstructing the light or the view.
Next, I layered a contrasting fabric under the first one, creating a more elaborate, multi-textured look. I also experimented with sheer or semi-sheer lightweight fabrics, changing out the hardware to a chunky rod with finials for the top of the arch and large holdbacks for the upper windows.
Simplifying the treatment, I then treated the lower windows with swags and cascades of their own, removing the underlayer. This style had a more relaxed, informal vibe.
As I learned from Calico Corners, swags and cascades can create a classic, elegant look that’s perfect for formal spaces. So for the fifth style, I went for a more formal version of the earlier designs, with pleated jabots and cascades giving it a refined, stately appearance.
Finding the Right Balance
Taking a different approach, I tried incorporating cornices on the upper windows in the sixth style. Their interesting curves acted as a frame for the sky outside, while simple rectangular cornices on the lower windows repeated the color and texture above. Gathered sheer panels added a touch of softness, pulled to the side to keep things open and light.
For the center arch, I suggested using an insert of custom-made Tableaux faux wrought iron. Then, in the seventh style, I removed the lower cornices and added softly draped swags to the upper ones.
Unfortunately, none of the above designs struck my clients as being just right, so we put things on hold for a while. Weeks passed, and it was driving me crazy that I hadn’t come up with anything new for them. I wanted to design something that would make their hearts sing.
A Surprise Solution
Finally, I thought I would just try something completely different – drapery panels. We had ruled them out at the beginning, but maybe we had been a little too hasty. It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. I drew up one panel design – only one – and emailed it off to them.
A few hours later, I held my breath as I clicked to open their reply. “We LOVE it!” were the first words I saw, and all I needed to know. The design work was done; now it was on to the fabrication.
I can’t wait for you to see the final result. By stepping back and allowing my creativity to flow, I was able to land on a solution that perfectly balanced the homeowners’ needs and preferences. And that’s what truly sets custom window treatments apart – the ability to craft a one-of-a-kind design that transforms a space.
If you’re ready to elevate your Philadelphia-area home with the drama and elegance of swags and cascades, I invite you to visit our website or give us a call. Let’s work together to customize your windows and create a look that will leave your guests in awe.
