How the Ripplefold Drapery Style Showcases the View from Your Window Instead of Hiding It!
Homeowners looking to create clean, modern lines in their homes often overlook draperies as a solution. Most of us remember curtains as an overwhelming embellishment that covered the windows of our Grandma's rooms. In the past, curtains were many layers consisting of sheers and draw draperies, topped off with ornate swags and cascades that overpowered a room, not to mention the windows.
Grandma’s Curtain Example
Nowadays, DIY homeowners often default to options like blinds and shades to get the clean lines they're looking for, and they miss out on an incredible opportunity for creating an updated room design with draperies.
So, welcome to our two-part series, Not Your Grandma's Curtains!
In modern design, the big fussy curtains you remember from past homes have given way to a cleaner, sharper line that accentuates your overall look instead of dominating it. In part one of our series, you'll also see how modern draperies can frame the view from your window with soft elegance. (Read part two here.)
"Curtains will just get in the way!"
Deb and her husband Joe struggled to find a way to coordinate custom window treatments with the new, modern design of their room because they didn't think curtains could work. When they first moved into their Portland bungalow many years ago, Deb had sewed their valances, and they were ready for a change and took them down for a cleaner look.
They quickly learned that simply living without window treatments was a difficult option. Their designer, Catherine, explained that their large windows looked like big, dark holes at night without draperies. In addition, many hard surfaces in the room needed softening as they made the room's acoustics harsh and overbearing.
However, they wanted to enjoy the view into their yard during the daytime without being partially blocked by prominent folds of fabric.
All they had in their mind were memories of "grandma's big curtains" that would obscure the natural beauty of both their view and the 1920's craftsmanship of their home.
Catherine contacted us to help them see new options.
Ripplefold draperies accent and support the view rather than blocking it.
Our Window Fashion Designer, Marlys, showed Deb and Joe a sample of the Ripplefold style, and they immediately loved it. Together, they found a unique Kravet open-weave fabric with a metallic look, a soft hand, and excellent fluidity.
They learned that the Ripplefold style does more than create clean, strong lines.
The Ripplefold drapery stacks neatly and compactly beyond the edge of the glass, allowing the drapes to frame and showcase the beautiful view.
Even when the sun pours in, the draperies serve to filter the sunlight.
The fabric also helps soften the acoustics of the room.
In other words, Deb and Joe achieved their clean, modern look while celebrating the natural beauty of their home and meeting their functional needs at the same time.
That's the ultimate goal of a great custom window treatment design! It needs to both look good and make the room as welcoming as possible.
What the Process of Installing Custom Ripplefold Drapes Looks Like
The process of installing custom window coverings is simple, and we pride ourselves on making it as easy and enjoyable as possible. Here's how it works.
DESIGN - Together, we select the perfect fabrics, hardware, and overall style for your home. Many of our clients decide to add other luxury features to their windows like motorization!
CREATION - We have your draperies custom-made in the USA and then install them for you.
INSPIRATION – You get the modern design you were hoping for while still enjoying your view at all times of the day!
In the case of Deb and Joe, on installation day, there were many "oohs" and "aahs" because the fabric drapes beautifully. In fact, they enjoyed the new look so much and decided to soften five other windows in the living room, breakfast nook, and the kitchen with Mock Roman valances. They also added coordinating accent pillows in the living room.
You can IMPROVE the view from your window with the right draperies.
You can actually achieve a design that lives in harmony with the outdoors, and you certainly don't have to feel closed-off or walled-in on a beautiful, sunny day.
Imagine sitting in your comfortable living room and enjoying a view of your beautiful backyard that is framed by the soft, elegant, clean lines of your Ripplefold drapes. Then, when the sun starts to stream in, you close them and still enjoy a connection with the beauty of the outside world. You also notice that the acoustics of your living room has softened. Everything about the space is calmer and more comforting.
Schedule a consultation here to learn more about Ripplefold drapery style or simply call us at (503) 703-4692.
Your living spaces should feel warm, inviting, and reflect your personal style. That’s what we live for, and we love helping people like you enjoy their homes to the fullest!
Next! Check out part two of this series and learn how modern drapery design can tackle the toughest of “must have” lists for both function and design.