Seven Layers of Design by Christopher Lowell

One of my favorite decorating experts is Christopher Lowell. Here are his “Seven Layers of Design” rules that will help you do some fabulous decorating. Have fun!

Layer # 1 is paint and architectural embellishments: Paint is the cheapest way to add warmth to your room. Oh yeah, don't forget to paint those ceilings. Architectural embellishments are mouldings and other architectural items. I like to add these elements not only because they add value to homes, but also charm and substance.
Layer #2 is installed flooring. This is wall-to-wall installation, not area rugs which come later.
Layer #3 is high-ticket upholstery items: These are basically any oversized fabric covered piece. Here is a quick tip to remember when purchasing your items. Remember to focus on solid and textured fabrics rather than patterns. Locking yourself into a pattern can be a costly investment, which won't have any return.
Layer # 4 is accent: This is where you can have fun with accent fabrics for pillows, curtains, runners and yes, area rugs. These are the easier pieces to change from season to season or when updating is needed.
Layer #5 is non-upholstered furniture (or the workhorses): Without these workhorses of the room, like coffee, end and side tables, a room simply doesn't work.
Layer #6 is accessories: This is my favorite part. This is where you can inject personal items like photos, books and other merchandise.
Layer # 7 is plants and lighting: Shadow is important to the mood of the room as the light that creates it. Here's a tip, remember, as much lighting should come from the floor as from the ceiling. Plants under lit help make great shadows and add that important living element to the room.

Why Custom?

Why select custom window treatments over ready-made?
Custom window treatments are typically made with higher quality fabrics and linings. There is usually much more attention to details, such as careful pattern matching and placement. Also, with custom treatments you have a much greater selection of fabric choices, so you get a fabric that perfectly complements your decor, and a treatment that exactly fits your window. Additionally, it is a unique treatment that you won't find in your neighbor's home.Just like fine furniture and art, window treatments are an investment that will greatly enhance your home's decor.

Do I need to spend a small fortune on fabric to have beautiful window treatments?
While there never has been a greater selection of gorgeous fabrics, you don't need to spend a fortune to have stunning window treatments. By using professional techniques and a good quality lining, even a moderately priced fabric can look fabulous.
If you have your heart set on an expensive fabric, you might want to consider using it just for the valance or a roman shade. Then use a less expensive, coordinating fabric for the draperies.

So, How's Business?

I've been asked this question alot recently considering the state of the economy, housing, gas prices, and now the troubles with AIG and Merrill Lynch. People are definitely watching their dollars, which is a good thing. Interestingly some of us in window and home decor business are actually seeing an increase in work since people are deciding not to move and to fix up their homes instead. Updating your window treatments or bedding is a heck of alot more affordable than buying a new home. You can make a big impact with a small amount of fabric.

So, what should you look for when choosing new window treatments? There are a few things to consider besides style, such as: light control, privacy, and functionality.

Light Control - either for keeping the brightness at bay for bedrooms or TV rooms OR for protecting your furniture and carpets from fading. Choices include:

• Roller shades in an opaque fabric or a special UV-blocking fabric (see photo at top) that allows you to see to the outside but blocks the damaging sun's rays. I have one of these installed in my formal living room and it work well - it even helps keep the temps lower in that room.


• Natural shades, e.g. bamboo, with a privacy lining


• Cellular shades in an opaque fabric


• Wood blinds with tilt controls


• Window draperies in a non-sheer fabric

Privacy - all of the choices above will also provide privacy except for the UV-blocking fabric, which allows people to view in from the outside in the evenings if the lights are on inside.

Functionality - consider these points:

• Children's rooms should not have long draperies and all blinds should have the child-proof cords. Newer blinds and shades are required by law to have this safety window cord feature.


• Double height windows - if you need to have operable blinds on very high windows, consider some of the newer techie features such as remote control.


• Stationery treatments - if you do not need to open or close the treatment for privacy or light control, there are many options for stationery panels and top treatments.


• Top down / bottom up shades offer many ways to manage the light and privacy options you need.

Style - here's where the fun begins:

• Use combinations of treatments in contrasting fabrics, such as drapes over a roman shade or swags layered on a straight cornice.


• There is an amazing amount of trims available to jazz up even the simplist fabrics and make your design unique.


• Drapes can have different styles, such as tab top, grommets, and different styles of pinch pleats


• Valances can be swagged, pleated, boxed, shirred, gathered.....the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy!

An Interior View is a custom window treatment workroom dedicated to helping customers beautify their homes one window at a time. Check out the products and photo gallery and sign up for the free newsletter at www.aninterioriew.org.

Welcome

Let me start by welcoming you to An Interior View, the home for custom window treatments and soft furnishings. This blog will help me bring you some new window treatment design ideas, industry trends, home decor tips and even some do-it-yourself projects. I'll also highlight any vendor specials such as sales and promos -- I'm a dealer for Hunter Douglas and Graber among others.

Feel free to let me know of topics you would like to learn more about!

Go to my website for more info about my products and to view the photo gallery of my work.
http://www.aninteriorview.org/