Window Treatments: Plain Jane or Fussy?

Okay, let's get one thing straight....Plain Jane happens when you do either nothing with your windows and they cast a naked stare when you enter the room, or, when there's an opportunity for something spectacular and you chicken out and go boring (hear me snore...).  Enough said.  Let's talk about Fussy.  Much more interesting.

The work of Phoebe Howard

By fussy, I simply mean fuss over the decision of how to dress your windows and actually consider how your choices will enhance the overall feeling of your space.   Can't you just feel all the rough, sea-grassy texture in the photo above just by looking at it?  You are immediately transported seaside, no matter the address of this house.  If there were fabric on the windows, you might look at the same picture and say "nice chairs." Instead, you enjoy a visual feast that makes you feel something.

This next picture has solid white panels with a blue border on the leading edge (the edges where the drapes meet).  I assure you that Pheobe Howard, one of my absolute favorite designers, didn't choose white for lack of creative inspiration.

The work of Phoebe Howard

White panels are perfect here for several reasons.  Here are two: they don't compete with the view, and they work in harmony with the other whites in the room to offer a "grounding effect" for all that gorgeous blue.  Large amounts of white allow your eye to "rest", thereby making this space emotionally and physically comfortable.  Try to envision even a small blue pattern on the windows.  Can you say overwhelming?

Great design evokes feelings (am I hitting you over the head with that?).  Successful window treatments, whether custom or ready-made, demand thought.  They matter.  If you care about how your room feels, that is (ok, I won't say that any more).  Enjoy these other great images of window treatments.  Can you see why they work?

The work of Phoebe Howard

The work of Phoebe Howard

Talk to you soon,
Carol