ASK DEB NELSON: FULL LENGTH DRAPERY

In a few 'Ask Deb Nelson' articles, I have had questions about window treatments. Every window is very different and will likely need it's own assessment for the best type of covering to use. I always like roman shades, but in some traditional, classic homes a full length drapery panel is a better look. I always like a drapery with a pleat on a rod and ring, I think it adds more detail to the drapery but typically is custom made, so you need to invest a little more. In the window treatment above, I like that it shows the combination of a drapery and a blind. This is also something you can do if you want to add a more layered look and use the blinds for privacy rather than closing the drapery. You can also notice the rod is hung higher than the window and it's wider than the window frame. There are many things to consider in regards to the hardware; from exactly where and how it's hung, to how it functions with the drapery.

There are many places to buy pre-made, flat panel drapery, this means you don't have the pleats on the header of the drapery, but you can save money if you can get the correct length and width of panels.  In terms of the fabric choice, you can add a lot of detail with a patterned fabric, but if you're not sure what to do, a solid linen or cotton fabric that coordinates with the wall colour (like the room below) is usually a safe bet.

Here is a look again at a custom drapery:

Image source: Lonny magazine

Style of Header

You can purchase pre-made, flat drapery panels:

Image source: Pottery Barn

Hardware

Hardware is also important to think about, this is an antique brass rod with the ball finial. There are many finishes available, so the colour choice depends on what you prefer and the other accents in the room.

Image source: Restoration Hardware

DEB'S DIY: CREATE A COLOURFUL VASE

This is an easy DIY and all you need is a clear vase and some decorative paper. The idea is to line a clear vase with patterned paper – it can be any kind of paper – maybe left over wallpaper, wrapping paper, etc. You can use the vase to hold items, like rolls of wrapping paper or branches (any dry arrangement that doesn't require water). Another fun part of this DIY is that you can use it over the holiday season with your favourite wrapping paper, or for a children's birthday party and match the wrapping paper in the vase to the theme of the party. The options are endless! Here are the simple steps:

Use a clear, clean vase.

Make sure the paper is wide enough to wrap in the vase. Use the vase to measure the height of paper.

Use a pencil to mark where you need to cut the paper to fit.

Place the paper in the vase, I put the 'cut' edge of the paper at the bottom of the vase. I also used a bit of clear tape on the inside to keep the paper taped in place.

ASK DEB NELSON: CAFE SHUTTERS

Window treatments can be tricky – depending on the window, light control you need and the privacy you're looking for – the perfect solution may not be obvious. Sometimes you may not have any privacy issue, but a window treatment like decorative drapery panels can add warmth and fullness to a room. These panels don't even have to function.

In other cases the issue may be privacy, I'm showing the image above of my dining room. Here I wanted lower window privacy where there is a lane outside, but there is actually an ocean view at the top of the window that I didn't want to block. So I opted for lower cafe shutters and on the upper half of the window a custom roman shade. This solution works perfectly for this window, although I don't close the roman shade that often, only sometimes in the evening after dark. I also love interior cafe shutters, they provide a lot of options for light control and can be fully opened, fully closed or fully closed with the louvers open. It can be hard to find shutters, mine are old antique ones that I had repurposed and customized to fit here.

Here are a few more rooms with interior shutters.

INSPIRED BY WHITE

It's no secret that I like white, actually I love white! I've painted more than a few spaces in white – top to bottom. I find white is a great backdrop and lets the art, rug and furniture shine. Here are a couple of small vignettes with white, showing how nice it can work to show case the items in the space.

Images above (3) from Domino Magazine, top image from Deb Nelson Design

USING BASKETS IN DECOR

Baskets can add a beautiful look to your home, and they're also very functional. They're great for storage in entry areas, bathrooms, open shelving – any where you need to tuck things away. I like the texture and character they add. Here's one of my favourite lidded antique baskets, and a few others that look great and are really functional.

Huge baskets tucked under the console table.

The tree is kept in a large basket.

Shelves on the right are filled with a variety of baskets.

Great place to keep your firewood too!

Love the look of this basket under the bed for books.

So whatever the style or size of basket, you can probably find a place to display it and use it. I love it when style and function meet!