Accenting Architectural Details in West Linn
This is the Client Story of Gerri and John.
“Everything Marlys did was so unique. We would have never been able to come up with the ideas that she has. It’s not something you’re going to see in every home.”
Custom-built homes offer the opportunity to create a truly unique environment, and Gerri and John made the most of it in building theirs.
Their West Linn home in Portland is defined by elegant architectural details, particularly the large arched windows featured in their dining room and den.
These practically cry out for a custom window treatment design. If nothing else, no standard pre-manufactured curtains are available for curved shapes like theirs. More importantly, Gerri and John had a specific vision for a life lived in their home that only a custom design could truly honor and fulfill.
A Joyful Journey of Window Treatment Design
Gerri and John quickly discovered one of the most significant benefits of working with a custom window treatment designer.
It's more fun.
As Gerri explained, "[Our designer] Marlys came, and we just had an instant rapport. You know, we talked and laughed, and we had a great time with her."
It's more fun to share ideas and inspirations with someone who can appreciate your home with fresh eyes and the expertise to help you define what you're looking for.
Custom designs should be a joyful journey, one where the stress of the details lifts away in the hands of a skillful designer only to be replaced with laughter, discovery, and confidence that you've made the right decisions for your home.
Answering the Architectural Challenge of the Dining Room
In the dining room, Gerri and John wanted to celebrate the grand arch that towers over the dinner table.
As always, there were functional design issues to consider as well.
They needed privacy from the street.
They needed a way to soften the afternoon sun which poured into the room.
Their design would need to hold all these considerations in balance.
In terms of celebrating the arched window, Adrette's Window Fashion Designer, Marlys Wiegand, recommended they embrace the drama of the window and design the draperies to rise high towards the ceiling.
This plan would require a customized, arched shape for the draperies. Marlys drew sketches to help Gerri and John visualize the effect. As she drafted the image, they could see how two stationary panels could frame the window on either side, shaped by an arched frame and tied back for an elegant effect.
Behind these panels, sheers would provide privacy and sunlight control. They would be mounted on a white track that would basically disappear when they wanted the sheers open to enjoy the view.
For the stationary drapes, Marlys found the perfect Schumacher damask fabric. It featured soft linen undertones that complimented the furnishings in the room. The sheers would be made from an elegant Cowtan & Tout fabric whose textures echoed the details in the mullions of the windows. Both treatments would be custom-fabricated by local artisans in the Portland region.
Ultimately, the custom draperies added a beautiful backdrop that welcomes guests into the room.
Meanwhile, the arched shape and the height of the draperies add an elegant, subtle drama to the window.
Finding a Different Design Solution for the Architecture of the Den
Even though a room may have similar architectural features as others in the house, the same design may not work for both.
John's "Gentleman's Den" is a different experience altogether from the dining room. It absolutely celebrates his love for the outdoors and the Pacific Northwest. Gorgeous wood tones, a stately fireplace, and a beautiful oriental rug are just a few of the details which give it an air of authority and sophistication.
Nevertheless, there was also a functional issue that needed to be considered. Surrounding John's desk were three windows which, if left unchecked, would let in unbearable amounts of light at certain times of the day.
At the same time, this room's arch was to be treated differently. Gerri and John wanted to leave it open and uncovered.
So, Marlys created a design that featured drapes lined just below the arch, creating an air of opulent comfort while allowing the sun to stream through the opening.
The drapes were custom-made from a Robert Allen damask in light green tones that complemented the woodwork. They also blended well with the rug, providing a lovely backdrop to John's mahogany kidney desk.
Meanwhile, we found the perfect fabric to soften the harsh sun that enters the room.
As John describes in the video above, the overall effect truly becomes the "frosting on the cake" in the room's interior, pulling its many visual elements together in a central showcase of design surrounding the desk.
Harmonizing the Bedroom's Interior Design
The challenge in the bedroom was less related to architecture and more to the need to harmonize the feel of the room.
At this point, Adrette's custom bedding services come into play. The soothing, elegant effect of seeing both the bedding and window treatments play off one another is an exceptional experience for homeowners.
Gerri and John wanted to give their bedroom a more updated look. They decided they wanted to shift away from its previous dark, warm tones to cooler ones, giving the room a cozier feel and complimenting the already present wood tones.
Marlys curated a collection of fabrics, trims, and hardware for the windows, bedding, and accent pillows that were all handcrafted in Portland. The fabrics showcased the many tones of blues and taupe in the wallpaper. Highlighting the collection was a Ralph Lauren floral that Gerri loved.
Ultimately, the design created a more restful atmosphere, accented by Paris Texas hardware with a Mystic finish and Mercury Glass finials, adding an elegant final touch.
The Joy of Custom Window Treatment Design Is Truly in the Details
Gerri and John found joy in bringing their vision to life down to the last detail.
Details of their architecture to celebrate.
Elements of design they'd never even considered.
Details of words and images they shared which led to the final creation.
Details of emotion and experience – the feeling they wanted to have each time they walked into the rooms.
One of the joys of a custom window treatment design is having a designer listen to you intently and help you define the details you're looking for. And it also includes having experts tackle the many elements of the fabrication and installation of your new design.
We also feel great joy when our clients come back to us throughout the years as they find new spaces and new homes to transform. It makes our work at Adrette Window Coverings fun and rewarding.
