Window Treatments

Custom window treatments can be terribly expensive, but I believe they are a great investment. Of course, I am biased, as I design and produce them. That said, I find I charge much less than many workrooms, or if you check out some furniture retailers, that also do window treatments, make sure your pacemaker is working, as your heart may stop when they give you their pricing!

The photos above are examples of how custom treatments are the finishing touch to a space. However, if there are no privacy issues, and you have a great view, along with pretty windows, I often encourage my clients to consider just letting the light in and enjoying the view. Perhaps shutters? I have no window treatments in my living room, as we have beautiful windows, woods, and deer for our view. I can look out and enjoy watching the deer eating my flowers......

I do love to "piece" window treatments...as I did in the "stained glass"/Mondrian effect I achieved for the dining room. It is a western exposure, and, yes, the sun will eventually fade and probably destroy the fabric, but by piecing them together and leaving them unlined, I love the light shining through, and the "sweetlight" that fills the room. I do recommend lining silk, as it is expensive, and will break down, plus, I like the way they hang.

I like formal window treatments to resemble party dresses or ballgowns, adorned with trims, baubles and tassels! The only time I won't produce a client's window treatment is when it is $300 a yard silk...for that, I defer to a workroom...

The red floral chintz curtains with the lovely cat, are actually Ralph Lauren sheets, purchased in the clearance bin at TJ Maxx....Also, I am "she who dies with the most fabric" winner...well, I am not quite dead yet, but I have bins of beautiful fabric...When I see a great deal, I tend to buy it up, knowing eventually, I will use it.

I also have found that when you are trying to sell a home, especially in this market, having some pretty window treatments up make a huge difference...we won't tell them they were sheets in another life!

Floorcloths??? What Are They???

Floorcloths are hand-painted canvas, that have been primed front and back with latex paint, and after painting, sealed with a sealant (typically polyurathane).

They can be placed on any surface, ie, stained concrete, (we use that alot in Texas for flooring, keeps the house cool..looks cool, but hard), tile, wood, etc. but not on carpet. They are durable, wipeable, and great for in front of kitchen sinks, (they can just be wiped with a damp cloth, instead of having to launder rugs constantly) kin powder rooms, under kitchen/dining room tables, and on porches (if they are protected from the elements). I do not recommend they be used in bathrooms, as more absorbant floor coverings in front of the shower or tub are safer.

Floorcloths date back to the 1600's, and were the precursor to linoleum. Itenerant artists often traveled house-to-house, painting floorcloths.

Floorcloths can also be adaped to wall hangings if one cannot bear to walk on them (although they are so durable).

Always secure your floorcloth with a non-skid carpet tape, placed around the hem on the underside..or a non-skid mat..do not use waffle-weave, or it will indent through. When placing your floorcloth, make sure the floor is clean. Every few years, a coat of non-yellowing, satin polyurathane is recommended, if it is starting to show wear. Clean your cloth with a mild soap and water, and wipe dry...it's that easy!

Never fold a floorcloth, but rather, roll it loosely.

I am an artist, so I do alot of free-hand work, but you can stencil, do graphic images, and not worry if you aren't great at drawing!

Some of the cloths I am showing are for commercial ventures (such as beauty salons), but not all...have fun with them!

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Since I am experiencing difficulties in setting this blog up, excuse me for a few days, while I take some tutorials...returning with the newspaper in my mouth, and my tail wagging.

In the meantime...smell the flowers, enjoy the wind on your face, and hug your loved ones...