A Window Fashion is a wonderful creation. It’s a combination of form and function created with bolts of fabrics and rolls of trim all based on an idea. This idea becomes a window fashion all seen for the first time by you and your client on the day of installation. A daunting challenge even among the best of us.
So how do we successfully transform ideas, sketches, torn pages from decorating magazines into stunning Window Fashions? This is not a task for amateurs. As a twenty five year veteran of the industry I will share my methods and thoughts and how I have transform ideas into design.
I need to know as much as possible of the expectations that have been communicated to the client by the designer. What does the client think she is getting? These expectations become our general target, yet we strive for the bulls eyes which represents exceeding expectations. Which to me is the only successful outcome.
As I mentioned before, window fashions are first seen on the day of installation. This is why we must surpass any mediocre form of acceptance and seek to wow the designer and client. To do this we need to know not just the desires of the client but also we must examine the elements and details in the design such as: fabrics and trims, linings and interlining, trims, hardware, function, style, proportions, returns, etc.
Fabrics
Often enough we are presented with fabrics that are not suitable for the design. Fabrics that do not drape well are selected for swags. Railroaded stripes are specified for panels with the expectations of vertical stripes. These are just two examples of potential problems in poor fabric selections. Then there is the careful calculations of ordering the proper yardage based on fabric widths and repeats.
Linings and Interlinings
It is of my opinion that the workroom should make the recommendations as to the type of linings or interlinings needed. Silk of course will always be interlined and treatments that are gathered or pleated with varying changes in heights will require self lining or accent lining so the drapery lining does not show.
The selection of the functional or “hidden hardware” is typically done by the workroom. This is too important to leave to the designer alone. When it comes to Decorative Hardware, the designer makes the selection but I insist on ordering the product. After twenty five years of experience this has become a requirement for all projects we take on.
Function and Style
For non-residential treatments, function dictates form. This means that the reason for the treatment must trump design options. Once the function is determined, only then would the design options be considered. Residential design is typically the reverse. Many decorative treatments have no purpose other than to “dress” the window. With that in mind, there are practical considerations such as in-swinging doors or views that need to be preserved.
Proportions, Returns, etc..
With all types of Custom Window fashions, the details are critical. Drops of swags, depths of returns, shapes of cornices are just a few of the hundreds of details that go into successful drapery design. It is in these details that separate ordinary treatments from amazing Window Fashions.
It is through this step by step careful analysis and discussion with a skilled Drapery Expert that a designer can be sure of surpassing the expectations of even their toughest client.