Susan's Designs » Drapery & Home Decorating

Masthead header
Susan's Designs bio picture
  • nesting creatively

    Welcome to my showcase of design ideas and inspiration for custom home décor, flattering window treatments and other soft furnishings. I have been blessed by being invited into many beautiful homes and meeting the nicest people. I am among the fortunate few who truly enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding profession. Thank you for looking at my work.

corner window

roman valance with ties

A roman valance in a corner window above the kitchen sink.  Two sections mirroring each other with a series or horizontal pleats giving dimension to this treatment.  Contrasting ties, purely for aesthetic reasons add much depth to this valance.

  • DianeMarch 2, 2014 - 8:36 pm

    I love your Roman valance, how is it hung, especially how it wraps on the sides?

  • Susan DorbeckMarch 2, 2014 - 9:23 pm

    I attach this valance with hook and loop tape to a board wrapping it right around the sides of the board returning it to the wall. There is quite a bit of weight to the fabric because of the folds. I press (iron) it at the corners for a crisp look. Please don’t hesitate to call me for a further explanation.

A rod sleeve.  It is exactly what it sounds like.  A tube of fabric to cover the rod much like a sleeve.  There is no lining required for this treatment as the fabric goes around the entire rod.  To determine how to cut the fabric, measure your rod from top to bottom, add two inches, double that number then add seam allowances.  For example, if your rod is a two and a half inch continental rod, you would add two inches to that for 4 1/2″ then double it totaling 9″, then add one inch for seam allowances (half inch on each side) for a total of 10″.  If you window is 54″ wide then you would cut three ten inch pieces (if your fabric is 54″ wide) and sew them together end to end giving you a very long approx 160″ X 10″ piece.  Hem both ends and then fold the strip in half with right sides together and sew.  Turn right side out and you will have a sleeve to gather on a 54″ rod.

rod sleeve

A custom rod was made for this doorwall (9″ deep) to cover the hardware as well as the entire mini blind when it is raised keeping it out of sight when not needed.

rod sleeve

A conventional 4.5″ continental rod was used over the kitchen sink to coordinate with the door wall and to conceal the mini blinds (hidden) giving a clean, uncluttered look.

padded cornice

This is a very large room with an expansive window.  It needed a window treatment that could hold it’s own, command the room and the views.  With the large oversized furniture, accessories and throw rug a padded cornice with nail heads was the perfect solution.  This cornice was built much wider than the window leaving room for sheer panels that add softness and whimsy to the room.

padded cornice

The small side window was given the same look but since it was right in the corner we made it just the width of the window with narrower panels along the sides.

padded cornice

Multi layers of padding were fitted onto the cornice while constructing it allowing the nail heads a good indent for a plush look.

bedding

bedding

swags

When the weather turns cold this is the go to room.  Slip under a cosy warm feather quilt made with ultra suede on the underside and a rich tapestry on top.  A corded trim rests along the seams adding that decorative touch.  Pillow shams and decorative toss pillows make up the bed during the day and a handsome pleated bedskirt hides a multitude of secrets.  The swags are attached with buttons to boards covered in the same blue ultra suede tying in the bedding to the rest of the room.  The swags also pick up the blond wood of the armoire as well as the carpeting giving the room a very cohesive look.  Snuggle up and enjoy.

Choose warm colors rather than neutrals to create a cosy environment.  Neutral colors reflect the outside light giving you grey/blue tones throughout the winter months were as warm, dramatic colors will inspire you.  They can also help you to become more motivated and confident.

scalloped pleated valance

scalloped pleated valance

In this kitchen the fiery orange walls were paired up with a dramatic bold stripe in these scalloped, pleated valances.  In the bay we hung the treatment right up at the ceiling, unifying the windows.  Above the kitchen sink the valances were hung 8″ higher than the windows adding height and daylight.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
  • NatalieMarch 7, 2014 - 7:42 am

    Hi there,

    I’ve been looking for a valance like this for a while. Could you tell me where this one came from? Thanks.

  • Susan DorbeckMarch 7, 2014 - 7:47 am

    Natalie, this Sheffield valance was custom made in my workroom for a client, with rich warm toned fabric that coordinated with her kitchen and walls. I would be delighted to help you with one of your own. Thank you.