Best Dressed

This article explores the resurgence of window treatments in home decor, drawing insights from Karen Hardy, owner and founder of Accent Interiors. Hardy, who started her interior design journey by creating custom drapery for personal use and then for friends and family, eventually transitioned her passion into a full-service interior design studio. The article highlights that window treatments are experiencing a significant comeback, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This renewed interest is not solely for aesthetic purposes; functionality plays a crucial role. Homeowners are increasingly seeking window solutions that address practical needs such as light control, privacy, and ease of operation, moving beyond merely decorative panels. Popular trends in window treatments include designs with beautiful banding along the leading edge and specific pleat styles. Valances are also noted for their popularity, with clients preferring tailored options that reflect their personal style. Layering, a trend prevalent in the 1990s, is also making a return, albeit in a sleeker, more refined manner, often incorporating elegant trims. Hardy advises homeowners to first consider their specific needs and goals for dressing a window. This involves determining whether the treatment is primarily for aesthetics or if it needs to serve a functional purpose, such as brightening a room, darkening it, or enhancing privacy. Understanding these elements is crucial for selecting the most appropriate type of drapery and achieving the desired outcome. The article also provides a glossary of key terms related to window treatments to help readers understand different styles and components. These terms include distinctions between drapes and curtains, explaining that curtains often come in pairs or panels and are installed over blinds, while drapes are typically made from lined, heavier fabrics with a more formal appearance. It clarifies the differences between Roman and balloon shades, with Roman shades lifting neatly into folds and balloon shades featuring more formal, pouf-shaped bottoms. Definitions are also provided for swags and jabots, where swags are lined fabrics hanging in a drooping curve and jabots are folded fabric pieces creating a zig-zag effect down the window sides. Furthermore, the article differentiates between a valance, a short fabric piece covering the uppermost part of a window, and a lambrequin, which is a longer valance with sides extending further down. Lastly, "fabric repeats" are explained as the measurement of a fabric pattern before it reiterates, both horizontally and vertically. In essence, the piece emphasizes a shift in consumer preference towards thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing window treatments, guided by professional expertise. #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #HomeDecor #AccentInteriors #KarenHardy #DecoratingTrends #FunctionalDesign #Textiles #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #HomeDecor #AccentInteriors #KarenHardy #DecoratingTrends #FunctionalDesign #Textiles #HomeFurnishings