Drapery ideas

Southern Living, Mar 2003 by Duran, Megan

Deciding on window treatments can be an intimidating process. Here we offer two great suggestions.

Decorators Emily McDaniel and Lisa Bright teamed up to create fresh new looks for window panels in a Birmingham show home. "We tried to do as many innovative and creative things as we could," Lisa explains. "We wanted to add a little fun, a little uniqueness, and create a great look that people could easily adapt for their own homes."

Although not everyone can afford to have a designer decorate their home, Emily suggests that window treatments may be one place to let professionals take over. "Sometimes people don't realize that it's just as cost effective to have a designer and workroom do your curtains, especially if there is risk of mistakes being made with the fabric," she says. "If the homeowner has experience sewing, she can still have a professional come in to help measure and give ideas." MEGAN DURAN

Dining Room

Emily and Lisa designed a cornice treatment in the dining room. The actual cornice was made wider than the window, which suited the room's size. They stapled three swags and two panels inside the cornice. You could also use self-- fastening strips for easy removal.

Artist Beth Morris hand-painted the cornice to emulate the fabric and then applied a chocolate glaze. Other options would be to paint it to match your molding, glaze it, or accent the bottom with a flat braid to give a more finished look.

Bedroom

Faced with a series of long windows, Emily and Lisa created the illusion of one continuous bay window by hanging inoperable panels between each set of windows. Instead of using rods, they had hooks custommade and attached them to the molding.

An elegant patterned fabric is paired with separate silk swags, which are weighted down by beaded tassels. The decorators suggest always employing a workroom when using silk because of the fabric's high cost.

BASIC CURTAIN TIPS

* Curtains should be full, even if they aren't operable.

* Length depends on personal preference and the amount of traffic in the room. Floor length is good for high-traffic rooms. Emily and Lisa usually opt for a drag, which is about 4 inches longer than the floor length. Puddle length is even longer than a drag and can be difficult to clean around.

* Curtains should be hung at least halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling.

* All panels should have off-white linings to protect the fabric from sun and allow the curtains to hang better.

house plan

Brookwood, the latest design by John Tee, provides relaxed country-style living that is versatile in any neighborhood setting. With a covered front porch, two decks, and French doors on the front and back of the house, it's perfect for enjoying the view of the outdoors.

Upon entering the house, you step into a free-flowing foyer that opens into the dining room and family room. This space combines with the vaulted ceiling in the family room to create a comfortable place to entertain large groups. Reflecting the growing trend in which the kitchen is becoming the home's new living room, the combined kitchen and breakfast room will also accommodate gatherings of family and friends. The master bedroom and bath are included on the first floor as well.

The bath features amenities such as a garden tub, separate shower, double vanities, and a walk-in closet. Accessible through French doors off the front porch, the guestroom has its own private bath and could also serve as a home office.

The second floor has two bedrooms, each with a private bath. The playroom is great for a children's retreat. With access to a back stairway, the unfinished loft and bonus room provide many possibilities for expansion.

BROOKWOOD SL-0303-948

* Designed by John Tee of Atlanta

* 3,100 square feet

* 4 bedrooms, 4 baths

* Ceiling heights:

9 feet first floor,

8 feet second floor

* Basement foundation

HERE'S HOW TO ORDER

Working drawings are priced as follows.

5 sets-$615

8 sets-$705

Reproducible set-$1,050

Each additional set-$75

Shipping, handling, and taxes will apply.

CREDIT CARD ORDERS

Call 1-800-755-1122, or visit southernliving.com/ houseplans.

DRAPERY IDEAS

Page 172: Window treatments by Lisa A. Bright, Bright Creations, Trussville, Alabama, (205) 655-5025, and Emily McDaniel, Traditions by Emily, Trussville, (205) 655-1544.