No Stone Left Unturned

Drapery design is not just for inside the home.  Outdoor rooms, patios, lanai's, terraces, cabanas, screened porches.....the outdoors is IN and the choices in furniture, textiles and accessories is amazing!  One small part of the outdoor design equation is the hardware used for drapery treatments that will be exposed to the elements.  Many of the most common styles of window treatment hardware is not intended for outdoor use.  But a beautiful and practical solution is available,  stone rods from Stoneage Rods company. (www.stoneagerods.com)

One new company that specializes in outdoor textiles and furnishings is Jacqulene Inc., this is where I first heard about Stoneage Rods.  Check out their website at www.jacqulene.com and be sure to look at the dog beds, the model is adorable. 

Bold Black and White

Black and white will always make a statement.  The combination is clean, clear and can fit into traditional or modern interiors.  Some of my favorite black and white design choices are white cabinets with black granite counter tops, white cotton panels with black fringe, black and white toile wallpaper or white slipcovers on black painted dining chairs.  Black and white can be very formal (think black tie) or right at home in a beach house.  The simplicity of black and white can be made more exciting with bold color accessories in red, yellow or lime green or turned into a soothing space with soft pink or blue accents.  I love this black and white window treatment for it's great proportions and bold applique design.   (Photo from Domino Magazine, Jan/Feb 2006)

Cafe' Curtains

The old saying "what is old is new again" seems to be the rule for current window treatment trends.  I had not seen cafe' curtains in years but now they are back and popping up everywhere. This is a very versatile style that can be used alone, with top treatments and as an additional layer with panels.  The appeal of this little half curtain is that it allows light and privacy all at the same time. 

The length of the cafe' curtain is traditionally from the mid-point of the window and will line up with the center sash.  Not as commonly used but still attractive is to raise the rod up higher on the window to the next mullion for example.  This gives a generous curtain that allows even more privacy.  The grommet curtains below only cover the bottom third of the window which is just enough to provide privacy while sitting at the desk.  It seems the new version of the cafe' curtain is not following any rules.

                                                        Source: Southern Accents Magazine

Cafe' curtains can be found in sheer or lined materials.  Blackout isn't usually used because the purpose is just privacy and not light blocking.  The heading style can be as simple as flat panels with minimum fullness and clipped-on rings or another flat panel style is grommet panels as seen in the photo.  For more fullness gather by shirring on a rod or use a pleated heading.  In the photo below the spaces between the pleats have been cut at a soft curve, giving a custom touch to the finished curtain.

Barbara Duncan Interiors, Richmond, VA