Best Window treatments for bay windows & how to find window treatment fabrics.

People often ask how to make their bay window stand out, or how to draw attention to the architecture of the bay window through window treatments. Here are some ideas on the best way to find window treatment fabrics, or paints that will help your bay window stand out.

Paint the trim or the bay window area in a paint color that coordinates with your favorite designer fabrics in the room. Notice how it draws attention to the bay window, it invites you to relax in the area!

• Ceilings can feel more impressive by adding decorative paint techniques such as a faux paint or custom medallions.
• If the windows feel too short, you can add roman shades or a valance. Be sure to hang them very high so you won't block your view. Notice how these window treatments draw the eye up to create the illusion of taller windows!
• Add a round rug, (or oval) to follow the architecture.
• Faux paint or decorative paint can be on window frames, a window seat, or the bay area walls - to draw attention to architecture.
• If the shape of the furniture is complimentary with the shape of the area it's helpful, notice how the round table fits well in the space below. 

AFTER
Bay window with new window treatment valances & a yummy color added by recovering the chairs. Notice the bronze faux paint on the ceilings. This draws attention to the architecture. 
This Greensboro NC homeowner loved the silk fabrics! 
 The window treatment "frames" the bay window for a nice finished look. 

BEFORE
The bay window needed valances above windows

This bay window treatment is hung outside the window. 

To find fabrics, think about your favorite colors. This yellow inspiration fabric on the cushion above helped the homeowner select a wall paint color, rugs, accessories, etc. 

The photo below shows their drapery fabric selection (a bronze silk with a decorative braid). We helped the homeowner visualize the bay window treatment by spreading out the fabrics and showing her dimensions with a tape measure.

Three important design tips:

1) To find window treatment fabrics know that it's helpful to have the interior designer spread out the fabric bolt. 

2) Viewing fabrics in small swatches can be misleading - this can lead to costly mistakes! 

3) Create a pattern or sketches, etc. so you'll get a better visual for the size and scale. 

The decision process was easy for this Greensboro, NC homeowner,once we spread out drapery fabrics next to her rug. To find window treatment fabrics, it's best to spread them out in the room, and consider how they affect the adjacent areas. 

Before and After, how to add color to a room. See these room makeovers!

Color is a great way to update your home! Especially on porches, sun rooms, and through kitchen accessories.

• Color can be done on a budget. Consider painting your walls, reupholstering cushions, or updating art & accessories.
• Color can be changed to reflect the season (especially through throw pillows or accessories).
• Color can cheer up your home! You don't have to limit yourself to neutrals like taupe,  especially when things can be changed for little expense. People often comment that they crave the addition of color in their home, to avoid a drab environment.
• Color can help make your home "flow" from room to room. In the adjacent kitchen we added accessories which repeat the color, (see bottom photo). 

Greensboro homeowner's sunroom

Before reupholstering

Our Inspiration fabrics

Above, this Greensboro, NC homeowner asked us to update her sunroom, by using her favorite colors. We mixed and matched furniture (notice we did not purchase the matching end tables & cocktail table). This created a more "custom" look and gave us enough room to add comfortable chairs, since the manufacturer's glass top cocktail table & end tables would've limited us, as they were much too large. Also, glass top cocktail tables are not as safe, or child friendly. Notice the addition of window treatments panels, which can be pulled to block the harsh evening sun.

If your sunroom has a tongue and groove ceiling make sure you text the stain colors on the actual wood. Often sunrooms end up with a tongue and groove ceiling that is too orange. This photo shows a nice brown tone, or you can whitewash it with a strong gray green white wash (to tone down the orange in the wood).

Colorful fabrics will make a cheerful statement that sets the mood for a sunporch. See below.

Ready to add color to your home but can't decide how to proceed? Beautiful fabrics are always a great place to start, they can give you the inspiration you need!

The cheerful blue & green fabrics create a  soothing environment on this porch. 

For designer room photos (BEFORE and AFTER) type in the SEARCH box above, for a few examples

kitchen update

add color

recover furniture

window treatments 

flat screen tv 

How to combine decorating styles, husband versus wife, with designer room photos.

I'm often asked how to combine two different decorating styles (example, when a husband's style is completely different than the wife's style). Believe it or not, it can easily be done, so that both people are happy with their surroundings.

Here are some recommended tips for combining decorating styles. If you have a wife, husband, roomate, or anyone else who has a say, these tips will help you combine styles.

1. Each of you should make a wish list (separately), keeping in mind your budget, room size limitations, and the way the room must function.
2. Browse through magazines, and pull photos of things that appeal to you. Note specifics such as "love this color" or "do not like this sofa because it's too contemporary".  Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!
3. Now you can work together to view each other's photos & lists, in order to make a joint list. It can be very specific such as "uncluttered" to less tangible such as "a warm and welcoming environment".
4. Express where you can compromise, versus which things are of utmost importance to you.  

Still having trouble? Consider a one hour consultation with an experienced Interior Designer. They can pinpoint ways you can find styles that appeal to both of you!  Years of experience help them learn ways to get people to communicate and compromise.

Masculine wood tones for husband's design style 

 Above: an example of blending wood and masculine tones with a clean, contemporary style, with eclectic accents.

Chair fabric - Wife noted as her color preference
Dark island  - Husband's noted as his wood preference
Combining styles can work with proper communication  

Above: a combination of "light and bright" with "rich dark woods", see the kitchen island & dining table.  

Man cave photo with sitting area in basement

Above: an example of combining "comfortable area for lounging" with a pool table for entertainment.

Combining decorating styles may seem challenging at first, but know that if you research it and avoid impulse purchases, the entire family will be happy with the rooms for years. If the husband and wife make a list of what's important to them, and look through photos to find styles they can both live with, the process will run smoother.