Like fashion, home decor trends follow the season and in many cases take style cues direct from the runway. The latest prints, jewelry and design aesthetics find their way into our homes as a bold print for window treatments, metal detailing on furniture or a change in preference to natural and organic fibers.
2015 drapery trends see a continued shift toward more streamlined design styles. The days of dramatic valances, tufts and swags are over, with homeowners preferring panels with simple pleating or none at all. New age fabric blends that are more durable and long-lasting are gaining traction. And window treatments continue to play an important role in increasing a home’s energy efficiency, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Are you planning to update your window treatments this year? Here are six high-impact drapery trends you won’t want to ignore.
Bold Prints and Natural Fibers
Bold and vibrant prints are making big design impacts in custom drapery, with geometric shapes and ethnic patterns like the Ikat continuing as favorites. Florals have staged a comeback, and we’re not talking about 90’s chintz. These updated patterns feature beautiful watercolor flowers or edgy graphic blooms. For the more neutral design scheme, natural fibers like linen and bamboo add a wonderfully rich texture to windows treatments.
Cornice Boards
Add instant drama to your windows by placing cornice boards above your windows. Made from wood or covered with fabric, these decorative window treatments pair perfectly with drapery and add the appearance of height in your space by catching the eye and then pulling it up. Keep this trend from feeling over-the-top by choosing styles with clean lines and simple shapes or upholster the cornice with the same fabric as the drapes for a streamlined look.
Extra Long Panels
Just like pants, drapery hems that are too short or too long are considered a major fashion faux pas. Which is why we’re a bit surprised to see a shift toward panels that go beyond the slight break and “puddle” on the floor. This trend works surprising well for decorating schemes that are high drama or whimsical, where rule breaking is encouraged.
Hardware
Silver-toned hardware has reigned supreme in home decor for the last decade or so. However, with brass back in vogue, we’re seeing a preference shift toward drapery rods in warm metal finishes, like gold, bronze, copper and rose. These metallics add instant richness to your window treatments and coordinate well with a wide range of fabrics.
Embellishments
Adding embellishments to your window treatments is like choosing a great handbag or statement necklace for an outfit. Up the wow factor of your custom drapery by adding interesting embellishments like decorative tape along the edges or nailhead trim on a cornice board. We love the classic Greek keystone trim that comes in a variety of colors and adds that special touch to understated panels. And the embellishment that’s losing favor? The drapery tieback.
Layering
Drapery, shades, blinds and shutters each function a bit differently which is why dressing your windows in multiple layers has become so popular. When you add another window covering to the mix, you gain increased privacy and light filtering, while at the same time adding more visual interest to your windows and overall decor. Just remember to choose window treatments that complement, not compete with each other. We love the juxtaposition of bold prints with understated wood shutters.
Cover Image Credit: Coddington Design | Houzz
