At the Window No. 9 - The Italian Strung Drape

Just as in the fashion world where we have all learned you just don't mess with classic style, be it the hard way or by wise advice, so goes the design of window fashion. At some point it all comes back to it being the choice of fabric, hue, and accessory that keeps a classic on trend.

I find this to be the case with the classic styling of the Italian strung drape. Graceful and sophisticated. Best only when well-tailored. Never sloppy, and only suitable when paired with the right layers in a room.

The Italian strung window treatment is a refined look, yet gives the appearance of a relaxed sweep of the fabric. As with any classic, this treatment can be a fail when put in the wrong hands. But oh so right, when done to perfection! I sometimes wonder if there are rooms where this would be so fitting, but the standard stationary panel is presented instead. 

Like a classic, the Italian strung treatment can be so at home in a number of ways. It can be the "Chanel look" jacket with its matching skirt or designer jeans, both with pearls, and still looking amazing.

When the Italian strung drape is tailored correctly, it will look just as beautiful on the back as it does on the facing side.

Pulled high or pulled low, its gracefulness won't falter. Sheered on, board-mounted, or on a beautiful rodding, the Italian strung treatment at the window is still open for your style interpretation. Or in other words, a bit of free form or finely tailored?

Personal Ad: Window where fused sunlight is necessary, but closure is an undesired effect? Meet the Italian strung drape. Match made!

Silk is my fabric of choice for the Italian strung drape, but then again, it is a classic fabric!

Image Sources: Traditional Home, Nicky Haslam, R. H. Rowley, Pinterest, Cote de Texas, House Beautiful 

At The Window No. 8 - Delightful!

Drama, drama, drama.  At the window it doesn't need to shout.

How amazing are these very traditional treatments looking so fresh?

I credited it to using the gold accents around the mouldings.  Great combination!

For those who say they want nothing at the windows so the light can come in...

what's your excuse now?

Look closely at this one or you will miss it.  Those rods over the bar area windows?

Too die for!

We've all seen a window pushed to its limits by hanging higher or wider.

How about deeper?

Loving the transitional fresh feel of these window treatments.

Image Sources:  Jackye Lanham, Bonesteel Trout Hall, Matthew Sapera, Houzz

At The Window No. 7 - Hold Me Back

Just as a lady's delicate ear acts as an intriguing means to tucks one's hair, so does the drapery holdback offer this same intrigue.

The pairing of the holdback with the drapery is one that is like a dance lesson.  Where compliment is of the utmost importance and stepping on toes or taking the lead is not acceptable.

The holdback is the jewelry to the perfect dress, the tie to the perfectly tailored suit.

The style of its dance partner is reflected in its addition.  Vintage or casual it holds its partner with grace.

This dance doesn't need a ballroom, just a window to frame and a fabric to hold.

Image Sources:  Kravet, Samuel & Son, Pinterest, Houzz, HGTV, Good Style, Worthing Court, Apartment Theraphy

At the Window No. 6 - The Lambrequin

The window, the blank canvas of the room.  If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you know I am not a fan of window treatments that make no statement.  The lambrequin does not fall into that category.

The design not only encapsulates the fabric but also the shape.  The lambrequin is not for the weak, it is for the one who knows that a room is not complete unless it is evident that every part of the design was given just as much attention as the inspiration that started the dream in the first place.

Hail to the lambrequin!

Loving the transitional flair.

What partners the roller shade and lambrequin make!

The simplicity almost brings me to tears.

Image Sources:  Elle Decor, Rowley, House Beautiful, Perch, Chez Elza

At the Window No. 5 - Windows with Flair

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you know my thoughts on window treatments. (see Rethinking the Look of Things No. 2 - Window Treatments http://willowbeeinspired.blogspot.com/2011/05/rethinking-look-of-things-no-3-window.html)

So I am always delighted to come across window treatments that show distinct inspiration.

If you need to do stationary panels - don't forget the bells and whistles. Otherwise they are just "run of the mill-looking" package draperies.

Loving the contrast velvet banding and tabs on this treatment and how the fabric selections provide a neutral, yet no boring backdrop to the contemporary artwork.

All I can say is...white done right.

Gawking. Literally. 

Perfect treatment design, just enough trim embellishment, fabulous texture, and wonderful color.

One can never go wrong with a classic done right.

Image Sources:  Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Robert Couturier, Atlanta Magazine, Miles Redd