Creative mediums often inspire one another. Fashion trends influence interior design. Music fuels writers’ imaginations. A painting’s color and composition drives a landscaper’s vision. Books spark a creative rush for designers.

Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer, and Stephanie Freeman, senior design consultant, find their share of literary inspiration for Custom Drapery Design projects. Books on the history of textiles or design and volumes on color hold obvious influence for designers. In some cases, though, the memories surrounding the purchase or receiving of a book deliver just as strong of a creative nudge.

Whatever the reason, Brenda and Stephanie welcome the spark a book ignites in a design for their clients. They share a few of their favorite design-related books below.

Brenda Baxter

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• 5000 Years of Textiles by Jennifer Harris: My inspiration books are because of memories relating to the purchase. This book was purchased as I traveled to London and toured an art and design museum. I love the details and history of textiles—for example, tribal textiles, tie-dye, ikats, silk brocades, embroidery, velvet silks and felts. On this same trip I found a fabulous book study of French Toile at the Versailles. Unfortunately, I purchased the copy in FRENCH …

• The Art of Manipulating Fabric by Colette Wolff: I received this book as a gift while at the International Window Coverings Expo. It has been a fantastic reference when finding the perfect word or description for unique fabric applications, such as decorative pleats, circular flounce, pleated ruffles, shirring and gathered edges and cross-tacked tucks.

• Classic Fabrics by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill: Within my copy of this book, you’ll find sticky notes marking fabric descriptions such as faded floral linens, delicate small patterns, wools, textured weaves, study of the highest quality of silks, brocades, damask, art needlework and crewel work and the craftsman’s skill of passementerie. The study of textile is one book “subject” I cannot put down.

• Classic Fabrics by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill: Within my copy of this book, you’ll find sticky notes marking fabric descriptions such as faded floral linens, delicate small patterns, wools, textured weaves, study of the highest quality of silks, brocades, damask, art needlework and crewel work and the craftsman’s skill of passementerie. The study of textile is one book “subject” I cannot put down.

Stephanie Freeman

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• Farrow & Ball: The Art of Color by Brian D. Coleman: I love color! I am always excited when a client is ready for color in a project, especially if it is a fun and unusual mix.
• Pierre Frey: Inspired Interiors by Serge Gleizes: This French textile design and manufacturing company produces both traditional and modern styles with centuries-old techniques. The designs are glorious showstoppers, and I can’t think of a more exciting line to draw inspiration from for that special project.
• The History of Furniture from William Morrow & Company: This is one of only a few textbooks I saved from design school. It reminds me of the link design has from past to present and of the respect we should pay to classic furniture. Classic design never goes out of style.
• Beautiful: All-American Decorating and Timeless Style by Mark D. Sikes: This designer resonates with my own personal style, which is both modern and tailored, while classic and full of personality.
• The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small, edited by Kath Stathers: Inspiration comes from everywhere, and my favorite way to gain design perspective and inspiration is through travel. You might be surprised how unique cuisine, exotic locations or international architecture can inspire a client’s design.
• Barcelona: Tile Designs by M.A. Hernandez: This book offers a more specific example of inspiration through travel. While in Barcelona last year, I learned about the tile designs used throughout the city—sidewalks, building entries, floors, walls, even ceilings! I brought home a rescued concrete tile to keep the city’s influence close.

Do you wonder how a book might inspire a new design or interior facelift in your home or office? Contact us today to set up your consultation.

2019 Custom Drapery Designs Highlights

As 2019 accelerates into a new decade, we look back with gratitude toward each of our clients and pride in the custom designs they allowed us to create this year.

Custom Drapery Designs focused this year on the things we do best. It shows in the exquisite couture details we’re known for, the challenges we overcame in some of our more unique homes, the opportunities we seized to brighten spaces with splashes of color and the attention we placed on the “extras.”

Stunning Details

Since our inception twenty-five years ago, CDD has made couture details a priority. While this focus carries through in each design we complete, these projects stand out for their exquisite custom specifics.

Reminiscent of an elegant lady on her way to a ball, these draperies deserve a closer examination. Each layer and element combines for a stunning finish. Blue taffeta silk panels frame the two-toned Chinoiserie printed sheer in this East-meets-West style. The combination also adds depth and functionality to the custom draperies, while the Cowtan & Tout scalloped trim and antique gold bespoke hardware provide the design’s crowning jewels.

Taking inspiration from a chandelier in this breakfast room, the steel rings along the dark wood rod and finials tie the existing décor in with the client’s new draperies. The mixture of Euro pleats and a flat-fold Roman shade works well, while the addition of the wide trim on the lead edge takes the entire design up one more notch.

These designs offer perfect examples of how small details can add volume to a project. The thick trim along the heavy drapery fabric gives the entire panel a textured appearance, while the all-over depth of the wool panel finds added intrigue with the ornate finials.

Talk about drama!

This two-story treatment adds elegance to the space, but it’s the details that really make it all shine. The blocks of navy and silver modern damask pattern from Fabricut break up the large panel, and the thin silver cord from Vervain Fabrics adds a sparkle to the seams. Platinum short rods top it off and match the fabric’s accents.

What do you get when you add a wide geometric braid to the fabric splice between an aqua woven linen and a luxurious silk? A vibrant finish! Add to these elements an elongated pinch pleat, and we believe this is one elegant design.

Samuel & Sons trim provides a perfect border for this detailed Scalamandré fabric, while the Roman shade creates the optimum style with which to showcase this pairing.

This embroidered fabric band by Anna French takes a simple box pleat valance to a higher finish, and we love how it accents the linen.

Exquisite couture details come not just through chosen materials, but also through the treatment of them. In this Roman shade installation, we utilized a scalloped detail at the hem, mitered corners on the framed trim, and a detailed silk dupioni French welt. Those little things add up to a big finish!

Challenging Projects

Whether it’s tight corners, an odd-shaped window, or unusual architecture, we love challenges!

Instead of shying away from tackling the tight corners in this master retreat, we chose round acrylic hardware to define each window and increase symmetry throughout the space.

Custom rods in this master bedroom allowed us to carry the draperies across the massive windows. The addition of custom shades allows for privacy or shading when needed and opens up for the windows’ full effects when desired.

Not every treatment can be installed into the surrounding wall. In this kitchen, we found ourselves challenged by the fragile marble tile along either side of the window. Using a simple yet elegant tension rod to hold a light, airy café curtain brought needed privacy with beauty—all while maintaining the integrity of the accompanying tiles.

This unique window shape afforded us the opportunity to play with height and mounting. We hung this asymmetrical panel on wood-toned medallions mounted at an angle along the upper window.

Brightening Colors

As in the example above, we find small splashes of color carry mighty effects. The neutral background of this Brookdale fabric by Fabricut still catches eyes thanks to the scattered purple-hued flowers in its design.

The bright colors in both fabric and trim combine to make this custom Roman shade the most lively element in a whimsical nursery.

Finishing Touches

Quite often, the brightening features of a design come in its finishing touches. Pillows, bedding, upholstery and more may bring needed pops of color into a room to round out an entire design.

Vibrant accents abound in this custom drapery and Roman shade pairing. The colors and prints in the pillows, trim and bedding bring the entire look together.

Custom pillows make the asymmetrical window design shown above in our challenges section look like a match made in heaven with these gray swivel chairs.

Exquisite couture details pop out again in bedding accents like these custom pillows that perfectly complete this bedroom, turning it into a retreat.

Pairing a neutral side with a busier Modern Mosaic pattern from Kravet provides added depth to a design, while the velvet pumps up the volume on texture.

From overall elegance to exquisite additions, Custom Drapery Designs has delivered custom satisfaction to each client in 2019, and we look forward to even more in 2020. 

Call today to set up your in-home consultation and experience CDD’s attention to detail in your own space.

Inspiration crosses geographical boundaries and transcends time. When Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer of Custom Drapery Designs, traveled to Denmark and Sweden, she found herself surrounded by ideas for designs back home. The seamless melding of traditional and modern aspects in design captured her imagination.

A Land of Color

As she meandered along the Nyhavn Harbour in Copenhagen, Brenda soaked in the medley of bright colors of the houses along the canal. The vivid façades of the townhouses make these havens of 17^th and 18th-century history appear fresh and modern.

Brilliant colors continue through much of the design and landscape—not surprising, considering the Scandinavian countries provide some of the best views of the Aurora Borealis. Such natural majesty is guaranteed to spark creativity in anyone who observes the Northern Lights.

A Land of Whimsy

Another frequent feature in design and architecture and inspiration for many of the colors are flowers. These carefully planned details add whimsy to counterbalance the bold colors around them.

Denmark’s national flower is the Marguerite Daisy. This lovely little blossom pops up in architecture and designs across the country. With its dainty petals and graceful curves, the Marguerite Daisy pairs well to soften harsh metal or add dimension to interior designs.

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A Land of Grandeur

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Brenda discovered many architectural layouts and fabric styles that embrace royal embellishments. Denmark’s coat of arms, with its three lion heads, appears in everything from building fronts to interior design.

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Roughly hewn wooden doors with rich tones, accented with metal, open to interior luxury created with custom fabrics in rich textures. Marble and gold leaf are frequently used design materials, adding further flair. Touring the Design Museum of Denmark is a must, and inspires with fashion and furniture exhibits that span the last century.

A Land of History That Lives

Traditional meets modern in Scandinavian design. Brenda noticed this in a collection of Scandinavian chairs through history from the 1920s through today. Each one would look fantastic in a modern home’s design.

One company captured this approach—and Brenda’s eye. Furnishings by SLETTVOLL exemplify the clean, fresh lines of traditional Swedish design. Rustic accents and modern metal top off the pieces and make them the perfect additions to any home—Scandinavian or Texan!

Do any of these images inspire you? Can you picture Scandinavian styles or a traditional-meets-modern design in your home? Schedule your in-home consultation today!

Twenty-five years ago, a young mother found an outlet for her creative passions—sewing pillows, bedding and draperies for family and friends. Thanks to a friend’s encouragement, that mom founded Custom Drapery Designs and discovered a way to combine creativity, entrepreneurship and family. This businesswoman is Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer.

Passion. Determination. Focus. Commitment. Drive.

With these five entrepreneurial tools and a quarter of a century of commitment to excellence and exquisite couture details, Brenda and Custom Drapery Designs stand tall and strong with mighty plans for their future.

Passion.

Brenda’s passions for careful attention to details, family first and fellow women entrepreneurs shine forth in all she does.

In each and every project she’s led—from some of her earliest luxury pillows made for her parents to the dining room design that earned her first place in an international design competition—Brenda finds ways to incorporate tiny touches that add up to a masterful design.

From the beginning, she committed to family first in her business model. Her three children grew up with her business and discovered ways to play and imagine with fabric scraps or bolts. Brenda has always scheduled time for the important things like lunch dates with her elementary-aged children, dress shopping with a teenage daughter, wedding events—both in 2018—with her two sons or long weekends with her daughter, now a junior in college.

It was this model that inspired Brenda to hire other moms, enabling them to work while keeping time with their children paramount. In 2010, Joy E. Rancatore, freelance writer—now published author and owner of her own publishing company—began her partnership with Brenda by assisting with website content and written materials.

Stephanie Freeman, lead designer, joined the CDD team in 2014, bringing with her expanded interior design services to complement and enhance the existing full service window coverings, upholstery and soft-goods firm. Together, she and Brenda have presented clients with some stunning reveals.

The most recent addition, Kristen Badowski, social media coordinator and office manager, joined in 2018. Prior to joining CDD, Kristen had an eleven-year career in technical marketing, pausing to focus on raising her two children. Now that they are in college and middle school, Kristen decided to focus on her love of graphic design and photography by joining CDD. She loves the day-to-day management of the company’s digital assets and creation of content to show off CDD’s latest and greatest projects.

Determination & Focus.

Every design provides Brenda and Stephanie new challenges to overcome and opportunities to embrace. They approach each with determination to make the finished product the best possible.

This same focus has earned both multiple design awards. Most recently, Stephanie participated on a team of professional designers that won second place at the local IDS Dallas meeting’s SWATCHED contest. Competing in the interactive design exercise—and then placing—is yet another reflection of her talents.

Brenda’s determination to always push herself and her design abilities aided her in achieving her first design competition win all the way to first place in Decorative Trim and Hardware at the 2018 VISION Design and Workroom Competition Awards Gala. These honors come as no surprise to those familiar with her high quality of work and focus on every detail.

Commitment.

Along the way, Brenda has maintained her commitment to her clients, striving always to dig deep into their needs and desires before presenting them with materials, colors and sketches to take their dreams one step closer to reality.

Through tragedy rose another commitment—this one to a cause. Brenda’s firsthand experience with the heartbreak that ALS brings to family members and how it affected her father during his battle with it brought her to be a champion for the cause of finding a cure.

On October 26, she will participate in the Dallas Walk to Defeat ALS in memory of her father and on behalf of all the families who are currently battling or might face it.

Drive.

The same drive that pushed Brenda on the late nights and early mornings of building a business after a full day of being mom continues to steer the CDD ship. The whole crew eagerly awaits a showroom expansion in 2020!

Would you like to speak with Brenda and Stephanie about how their vision can bring your dreams to life? Schedule your in-home consultation today!

Custom Drapery Designs lives out a passion for customized designs and the details that make them spectacular. It’s part of our name, after all! Custom means quality. When we sit down with a client to discuss their needs and then piece together a unique plan to fulfill those requirements, we focus on three main steps in order to deliver a custom design that showcases high quality.

Careful Attention to Detail

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When we consider the details, we take into account the room’s architectural challenges or highlights. We find solutions to those challenges and accentuate the positives. Sometimes, this requires custom-made hardware with special angles, unique solutions to mask off-center windows or exclusive hardware to hide the drapery’s “nuts and bolts.”

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Uniquely YOU

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Each client brings us his or her style preferences, and we strive to match that in every custom drapery piece we create. From monogrammed details to inspiration from worldwide travels or artwork, our designs reflect each client’s lifestyle and experiences.

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Our choice of colors and patterns fits the tone and aesthetic desired by each client for a specific space. Each aspect joins together to create a truly one-of-a-kind design, thanks to the many options we find in fabric companies such as GP & J Baker, Anna French, Cowtan and Tout, Zoffany and Samuel & Sons.

Materials Hand-picked for Every Design

We don’t follow a one-style-fits-all approach, so each piece of a design is carefully chosen and matched with other details to create a completed look that’s both cohesive and unique. Careful selections of everything from fabric to embellishments and hardware drive our designs.

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Color and texture play equal roles in our fabric choices. One example of a versatile fabric can be seen above in the wool fabric swatches from three of our favorite companies: Holland & Sherry, Ralph Lauren and S. Harris. Such a strong textural component pairs magnificently with powerful accents such as the large tassels pictured above.

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Great custom draperies rise to outstanding with the careful addition of hand-picked embellishments and trims, like the ones pictured above. In the images, we paired fabrics and trims from various companies for full exploration of possibilities for our clients. Brimar tassel trim highlights Vervain fabric with natural colors, while Samuel & Sons trims and embellishments add stunning texture and pop and Stout trims pull out the very best hues in Thibaut fabrics.

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Hardware often provides the icing on the cake of custom designs. More than simply tools with which to hang drapery panels, these pieces—whether wood, metal or other materials—complete a design’s look and feel.

We love to play with varying combinations of trims, fabrics, embellishments and hardware. Thanks to companies like The Finial Company, Kravet, Fabricut, Brimar, Lee Jofa and GP & J Baker, we’re always delighted with new combinations and unique styles.

If you’re ready for your own quality custom design, contact us today. We look forward to creating exquisite couture details for a design that is uniquely YOU!

Start to finish, each design deserves a team effort. Designers, installation team and clients work together with art work, inspiration pieces and architectural features to create the perfect final presentation. We’re sharing this process through a recent dining room design.

Listening to the Client

As with many of our projects, the design inspiration began with our client. She had been considering an update for a while and knew she wanted to showcase a transitional style. When she discovered some art work with rich copper tones balanced by other metallics, she knew it was the catalyst for a stunning presentation. And, we agreed!

Setting the Stage

Stephanie Freeman, lead designer, began with a rug to set the stage for the rest of the room’s features. She considered the existing table and chair suite and fabulous chandelier. 

With those and the inspirational colors in mind, Stephanie selected a modern rug with a cream base and accents of metallic tones. Rugs often make the greatest impact in a space, so they make a perfect foundation for the rest of a design.

Accentuating the Positives

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Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer, fell in love with the carved wood trim throughout and tall arches above the windows. She chose to accentuate these architectural styles with custom draperies. For the initial client meeting, Brenda brought multiple metallic sheers options.

“As I observed Stephanie and the client reviewing rug options, art and accents, I began to pull beautiful embellished bead and sequin artistic sheer patterns. We landed on an amazing bronze raindrops sequin sheer. Adding to the flavor, I included an accent bronze silk strie dupioni on the bottom hem. For a touch of class the French pleat seemed perfect,” Brenda recalls.

Adding on the Layers

“Dining rooms are always heavy on hard surfaces, so adding textiles adds warmth and color,” Stephanie explains. Instead of a traditional table runner, she focused on the transitional style choice and created custom runners for the two host chairs. These pieces utilized the metallic color palette in an embroidered linen fabric. The runners drape over the backs of the chairs to fall with an elegant break on the floor for an unexpected touch.

With two expansive empty walls, Stephanie sought artwork big and bold enough to fill them. She chose a set of mirrored wall panels by John Richard that perfectly covered the largest wall.

The final piece of this puzzle will be some sconces to provide added sparkle. She paired the wall art with a slim iron table with show-stopping crystal and gold accessories atop it for a stunning union.

The second wall earned a pair of glass-embedded pieces by revered artist Mary Hong, one of the client’s favorite creatives. The client then suggested the use of acrylic risers to add light play and height beneath the slender metallic leaf Stephanie chose as the table’s centerpiece.

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Sprinkling It with Custom Details

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Brenda measured the chairs to determine an ideal height for the draperies’ bronze bottom accent. She paired the draperies with custom rods and finials in a sleek tarnished silver finish, adding an additional metallic element within the drapery design. These small details add great drama to a design.

Installing Draperies for Maximum Flair

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The most intricate of custom draperies and most impactful of accents cannot reach their full potential without professional, precise installation. Our team mounted the shimmering draperies tall and slightly above the arched windows in order to highlight that architectural bonus, allowing it to filter through the sheers. Top to bottom, each panel flows elegantly into a slight break on the floor.

Bringing It All Together

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By featuring art with texture and dimension in addition to custom fabrics, we bring great depth into a room’s design. This leads to spaces that fit the clients’ style and life, that are comfortable and inviting and that lead the eye to wander over every exquisite couture detail we pride ourselves in including.

Are you ready to embark on your own updated design? Contact us today to set up your in-home consultation.

The year may only be half over, but Custom Drapery Designs has already produced many stunning reveals for clients. Here are a few custom design highlights!

Custom Details 

CDD’s focus on exquisite couture details sets us apart and gives our clients the higher caliber designs they deserve. It’s in the little flourishes that a room finds its edge.

Rods & Finials

Inspired by other furnishings in this client’s bedroom, the square acrylic rod and gold rings and finials top off the design with an elegant, yet modern twist.

Quite often, a client’s odd-shaped rooms inspire our custom details, like this curved traverse rod.

Trims

Color blocking, as in this master bedroom drapery, takes the concept of trims to another level by pairing fabrics together in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

This drapery design epitomizes the stunning effects of couture details. We began with natural linen for the panels, used cartridge pleating and added the dramatic Maize accent band on the lead edge. Pair this with the dark rod and shiny metallic finials and rings, and we achieved a final look that takes its inspiration directly from modern art.

For a more subtle look that packs an equal amount of punch, we chose this delicious braid trim from Samuel & Sons—perfect for a dining room facelift.

Custom Treatments

Not every window requires flowing draperies. Valances, swags or shades could be the tools to highlight their best features.

Valances

To add depth and dimension to this bedroom design, we created a tailored box pleat valance to add style to simplicity.

This custom valance exemplifies how we bring high quality details together to make something unique. The Ralph Lauren chesterfield plaid fabric overlay gets accents from leather trim and decorative nail head trim from Samuel & Sons.

Swags

In this impressive bathroom, we created a custom look as bold as the room’s architecture. The arched swag treatment utilizes a center jabot and presents in long cascades. Adding to the drama, we layered motorized Roman and Austrian shades for light control, privacy and ease in use.

Shades

Clean and crisp with its bright blue happiness, this fabric pairs perfectly with a classic Greek key trim to create an ambiance of peace and joy around this breakfast nook.

This custom relaxed Roman shade in a master bathroom brings just the right amount of style and drama through its inset, inverted pleat, accent fabric and decorative trim. It also matches with the master bedroom draperies, spreading unity throughout our client’s home.

Custom Draperies

From airy sheers to luxurious satins, custom draperies style any room’s windows and dress them for their very best success.

Dining Rooms

Stunning custom draperies begin with fabulous fabrics from companies like Zoffany. From there, we pair them with furnishings, trims, rugs and upholstery to produce a cohesive design.

We adore the wispy elegance found in this euro pleat sheer drapery. It balances beautifully with the shimmer of the chandelier and the natural texture of the upholstery.

Bedrooms

Another example of simple elegance comes through in these bedroom panels. The beauty in draperies often shines in their ability to accentuate the architecture and furnishings around them.

These color-blocked draperies match with other bedroom décor and pair well with the custom cornice board.

Media Rooms

In this media room, we faced the challenges of evening out the inconsistency in size between a small window and large wall and of blocking out light. To handle the first issue, we hung the treatments in such a way to create the illusion of a more fitting window size. To manage the light issues, we paired a Roman shade with coordinating draperies and utilized blackout lining on both.

Custom Upholstery

Whether you’re in need of brand new custom furniture and rugs or want to give prized heirlooms an update in fabric, we’ve got you covered!

On occasion we find the need for one more element to tie each aspect of a design—draperies, upholstery, furnishings and décor—together. For this dining room, that piece was this octagonal rug. It mimics the shape of the client’s room while highlighting the gray of the custom-upholstered chairs and tying in with the baby blue of the adjacent living area.

Whether a client inherits a gift of family furniture that deserves a slight modernization or finds the perfect piece of furniture in a less-than-ideal color, we can help!

Contact us today to discuss your custom design needs so we can work on your 2019 reveal!

When spring cleaning uncovers a desire for an update, Custom Drapery Designs makes the process simple from call to completion. Here are some tips for what you can expect during the custom design process.

What questions can you expect during the initial phone consultation?

Before CDD visits your home, we will chat on the phone about your goals. During this talk, we want to know what you have in mind. If you’ve been searching on Pinterest or other websites for ideas, we’d love to hear about that. Send us your inspiration boards if you’d like!

We’ll answer any questions you have and ask some of our own. Here are a few of the most common ones we ask our clients:

What practical needs would you like met through this design? Light filtering? Privacy? More ambiance?

• What is your personal style?
• What is your home’s architectural style? Would you like this design to make a bold statement or blend in with the existing styles?
• What colors do you have in mind?
• What types of fabrics do you like or dislike?
• What is your general investment range?

If you’re not sure how to answer some of these questions, that’s okay! We will guide you to determine both your needs and your desires so we can fulfill both.

What can you expect during the in-home consultation? 

We do a phone consultation first, so we can bring sample materials, sketches and other items for a more productive in-home consultation. You’ll be able to feel the fabrics and better envision the hardware in your space. We will talk more about your goals before we sketch some ideas and take initial window measurements.

What inspires the design?

In addition to listening carefully to our client’s preferences and personal styles, we study the home’s architecture as well as any trim already around the windows. During our visit, we note the art, area rugs, furniture and other pieces of décor. Finally, we take in the landscape outside the window to ensure we capitalize on your view.

Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer, collects inspiration around the world during her travels and through conferences, expos and markets she attends throughout the year. She and Stephanie Freeman, lead designer, keep their fingers on the pulse of trends in the design industry in order to serve and inspire you.

What should you expect from your design proposal?

During the in-home consultation, we will schedule a presentation meeting within the following week. At that time, we will present your design proposal.

This proposal comes in the form of a design board, complete with fabrics, hardware and any lining or trims to be used. We provide sketches of the plan, as well as an estimate.

How long does a typical design take and just what does the “custom” side of the process look like?

Once the proposal has been approved, we begin ordering materials and schedule a professional measurement. With those final dimensions, we order custom hardware that will fit your space perfectly.

As soon as all of the fabric materials arrive, production begins in the workroom. Stitch by stitch, your draperies take shape. This custom process typically takes around six weeks before we’re ready for installation day. 

How do Brenda and Stephanie work together?  

Brenda and Stephanie collaborate on creating custom drapery. Brenda often brings Stephanie in to specifically handle all of the extras—like accent pieces and finishing touches—to give your space added dimension and take the design to another level.

This video comes from a recent installation where we combined Brenda’s flair for draperies with Stephanie’s eye for accents. You will see how the client’s existing pieces inspired and drove the design. Keep scrolling to see how items from the past paired beautifully with new custom designs to produce a luxurious—yet livable—dining room.

What can you expect on installation day?

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You can expect a great deal of hustle and bustle and excitement as we stagger our installers so everyone cooperates within the space. We each do our parts, so that it comes together seamlessly for one big unveiling.

We look forward to these days and delight in the joy on our clients’ faces when they see their renewed spaces for the first time.

Are you ready to schedule your consultation? Contact us today to get started on your own custom design.

Friendship and Inspiration at the IWCE

Friendship and fashion; inspiration and trends—Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer of Custom Drapery Designs, looks forward to these benefits each time she attends the International Window Coverings Expo.

Brenda, Lori Carpenter and Marcia Boatwright comprise a trio of design trendsetters who have made the IWCE an annual meeting point.

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Brenda shared, “For years I have travelled with two industry friends, Lori and Marcia, to the IWCE. We have so much fun sharing ideas and inspiration. One evening after a full day of seminars and trade show events, I laughed at the sight of the three of us, energetically sitting shoulder to shoulder, sharing our notes. This friendship and mentor-ship is extremely special, and I am very thankful for their friendship and for the IWCE.”

Lori, an Authorized Hunter Douglas Dealer, owns The Grapevine Home in Ash Flat, Arkansas, a full interior design studio that she started in 1996. Marcia comes from Ada, Oklahoma, where she operates Blinds, Drapery, & Design, a Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer and full service interior design business.

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Friends since 2009, the business owners traveled from their respective states to the 2019 trade show and conference in Nashville. Spring’s soft blossoms balanced the sharper lights of the city’s nightlife to provide endless inspiration for the thousands of designers in attendance. Brenda coupled the sights with topics from each of the panels and discussions to bring back a renewed excitement and the latest trends to share with her clients in Texas.

“Jana Phipps was brilliant when educating on trends within embellishments and how fashion translates into design. I started my education and career in fashion and have always been fascinated with how the two so closely relate,” Brenda said.

Jana certainly brings the two together, utilizing trimmings and vintage jewelry to produce something extraordinary in her technique of Trim Alchemy. The “Trim Queen,” as most people in the industry know Jana, shared tips of how to embellish a design with various types of trimming in order to add pattern, contrast, self-expression, color and an artisanal feel to any design.

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Trends of special interest to Brenda include the “floating” look achieved with acrylics, wider tapes and braids accented with pearl embellishments, mini tassels and a window pane effect on upholstery created by inset grosgrain ribbon. She found further inspiration in the use of leather in drapery through the Bespoke Leather Collection by Sarkis Studio.

Another highlight for Brenda came during her one-on-one chat with Grace McNamara, president of Window Fashion Vision Magazine and IWCE, and friend of CDD since 2009.

Brenda thanked Grace for another incredible year of industry trends, connections and inspiration.

Taking honorable mention in the boot contest rounded out Brenda’s experience with a fun and fabulous finish of which any Texan would be proud.

We’d love to share some of these new inspirations in your home. Contact us today to set up your in-home consultation! In the meantime, scroll down for more photos from our wonderful trip to Nashville.Contact Us

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Photo Credit for the above two images goes to Kerry Woo Photography.

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Color surrounds us every day; but it doesn’t stop there. It infuses us, stirring up emotions and evoking memories of people and places that have made us who we are. More than anything else in our homes and offices, color sets the tone and palette for our feelings, productivity and life.

Color choice may be the most powerful tool in our custom design arsenal.

Color is … Client-Inspired

When it comes to interior design, the power lies not with choosing “hot” tones or trendy shades; it lies instead with our clients. Stephanie Freeman, lead designer for Custom Drapery Designs, explains how this works for her.

“I watch the client very closely to see their immediate reaction to the materials I am presenting. Even a subtle change in expression will tell me which colors and patterns inspire them.”

Stephanie Freeman

This focus on client choice makes the end result completely worth it, according to Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer of CDD.

“While presenting the design, when the client’s smile and expression become apparent—I know I’ve fulfilled their vision.”

Brenda Baxter

Color is … In the Details

Brenda and Stephanie love those client reactions. They make all the hard work and attention to detail that goes into each project worth every moment. Often, these results are achieved through the custom couture details for which CDD is known.

“Even adding a pop of colorful trim on an otherwise neutral treatment can be enough to make the client’s eyes light up and bring the design to life.”

Stephanie

The power of color relies on strategic placement more than overpowering amounts. Utilizing fabrics and trims with a higher color saturation leads to couture quality materials.

“Color direction is customer inspired, yet I take it a step or two further by embellishing with a variety of hues and elements of texture for the additional ‘wow’ factor!”

Brenda

Color is … Popular

Pantone, the standard for color trends across design, fashion and graphics industries, promotes a color every year. Living Coral has been named the 2019 Color of the Year, and we love its bright, cheery tone.

We’re not alone in our appreciation!

“Just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life, vibrant yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral, embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.”

Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

Color is … Lasting

Trends do come and go, of course. While we find it fun and challenging to incorporate new colors in our designs, we also know certain colors stand the test of time.

Neutrals offer a canvas on which to toss a few power pops of color.

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CDD clients frequently gravitate toward various hues of blue. Over the years, this has been the color that keeps filling our homes with warmth and beauty and witnessing all the memories made there.

Color is … YOU

Every person finds himself or herself instinctively drawn to certain colors. Sometimes, we use that natural bent to learn more about who we are.

Do you like red? You’re probably passionate, maybe a little courageous.

Are you sentimental or artistic? Perhaps violet’s more your color.

Whatever color you’re drawn to, CDD has the perfect design for you. Take a couple minutes to determine your ideal color palette, using this handy quiz from House Beautiful, then contact us today to set up your in-home consultation.

Let’s put some color in your year!

As designers, we look forward to all the shiny trends a new year brings. We consider the many exciting ways we can incorporate new styles, materials and textures in our custom designs. But, we also know the best designs aren’t here for one season and gone the next.

The greatest designs are timeless, not trendy.

Custom Drapery Designs focuses on a commitment to finished styles that last. To achieve this goal every time, we begin with our clients, seek out only the highest quality materials and trust the outstanding team that’s made us the successful full-service soft goods firm we are today.

It all begins with our client.

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Our clients are the heart, soul and inspiration behind each project we tackle. We begin with an in-home consultation where we view the space with the homeowner and discover how they use this room (or rooms) and what their desires are for the design.

From there, we sketch out everything—draperies, custom furniture, bedding, accessories and whatever else is required—and return to our client with our vision. We bring our plan along with fabric swatches, trim samples and hardware options. These tangible offerings make the exquisite couture details we’re known for come alive.

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Timeless designs showcase the heart of a family and the purpose in their home. This is what we strive for by building our design foundation on the client consultation. And, it doesn’t stop there. We remain in constant contact throughout the creative process to ensure our client’s preferences are met in each stage.

Fine quality materials make designs timeless, not timeworn.

Because our designs are client-driven, we want them to still look fantastic when the children who live there are grown. Our clients deserve to settle into their custom pillows as comfortably when they retire as they do when they finally get home after a long day at work.

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That is why we only use the highest quality fabrics and trims and the most lasting woods and metals as the hardware to support them. These details are what makes a design sing, and we want this tune to be one that lasts a lifetime.

A business is only as strong as the people behind it.

Our team excels at what they do. Beyond that, they love their jobs.

Brenda Baxter and Stephanie Freeman, our designers, thrive on connecting with clients and finding the perfect materials to create a finished product that exemplifies the family’s heart and accentuates all the positives of the home itself.

We have only the highest caliber workroom. At the helm of these sturdy, trustworthy tools and machines, our artisans take pride in each stitch, every layer and all the tucks and pleats that make our products unique.

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Once all the pieces have been completed, our installation team brings it all together to produce a spectacular final product. They take their time to protect the client’s home while paying careful attention to the details of the design. They steam each panel and adjust every tassel until everything hangs, lays, covers and rests perfectly.

By the time a design is complete and ready to be viewed, homeowners often find themselves speechless.

CDD … timeless, not trendy.

For a quarter of a century now, Custom Drapery Designs has served homes and businesses with style. Through our stellar custom service and couture details, we strive to remain as timeless as the designs we create.

Thank you for opening your doors to us and allowing us to make your space a reflection of who you are—for life. Contact us today to set up your consultation and begin your journey toward timeless design.

Every design project we tackle comes full of challenges. Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer of Custom Drapery Designs, shares a few common ones as well as how she approaches each one.

Exquisite couture details blend fashion with function.

CDD gives careful attention to detail on every project. Each step in our behind-the-scenes construction considers both aesthetic value and functional durability for our clients. This focus continues through the installation.

Ease of movement and lack of space shouldn’t hinder beauty of design.

We listen to our clients because they know both their style and lifestyle needs. Sometimes these necessities lead to extra custom drapery challenges in the design’s installation. That just gives us the opportunity to take the puzzle we’ve been given and move pieces around until we achieve a spectacular finish.

Behind-the-scenes features elevate custom drapery designs.

Brenda and her team commit to going the extra mile in their custom drapery work. In this video, she highlights small details that elevate a grand design. This installation in one of the Texas A&M­–Commerce libraries combines working with the right blend of fabrics, lining with proper layers, adding a micro welt with the fabric splices, mounting to the ceiling and allowing draperies to cascade to the floor. Now it’s your turn! Contact us today so we can transform your custom drapery challenges into exquisite solutions.

Custom Drapery Designs spreads its styles beyond the windows to deep within the heart of a home and finds ways to incorporate the best and brightest fabrics throughout a client’s design.

We’ve seen how unique windows require special custom designs and even how bathrooms can benefit from a fabric touch. This creative reach encompasses furniture as well, through custom upholstery.

Often, small pieces, such as an ottoman or two, bring a bold update to a small space. This entryway begged for something special. We loved the curved ceiling and saw great design potential in the inlaid space on either side of this wooden door frame.

This space runs alongside the dining room CDD won an international design award for earlier this year. The Italian plaster artist who turned that room’s ceiling into a masterpiece, worked the same magic on this entry’s ceiling.

After the owners saw the finished design of their dining room, they knew their entry needed to match the glamour. So, they asked CDD to give them a breathtaking view across their dining table as well.

As with most of our projects, it all began with a vision shared with our client through sketches and fabric samples. Custom embroidered panels utilized this exquisite Holland & Sherry fabric. Each panel accentuated what had been an odd recess on either side of the door, transforming them into works of art.

Topping off the look, custom-designed ottomans added to the depth and detail of the design. Ottomans provide a small and simple—but powerful—pop to a room. They hold the capacity to add dimension, color or functionality to a room.

In this bedroom, the clover-shaped velvet ottoman with elegant beaded Scalamandré trim hit all three uses. The trim matched well with the upholstered bed frame while the violet in the bedding and the ottoman provided a subtle color splash. The exquisite couture details we included in this design bring elegance to the bedroom.

Soft elegance crowns this bedroom design with its velvet queen headboard. We adorned it with diamond button tufting and nailhead trim. The custom pillows round out the updates with perfect pairing, making this a design to sink into.

Each design we do brings us new challenges and opportunities. This room’s grand architecture and stately woodworking and glass panes demanded a sophisticated touch. Again, a custom touch made all the difference. With the carefully chosen fabrics and thoughtful placement of nailhead trim from Thibaut Design, we gave this room the furniture it deserved.

These pillow-top ottomans include casters for easy moving and pair perfectly with the custom Barley Twist wingback chairs. The soft chenille upholstery works well with a Tuscany finished twist wood accent and pewter nailhead finish. Each little detail complements and accentuates the next.

We do love those exquisite couture details, and this entryway provides a shining example of them. We added platinum legs to this custom bench for extra elegance. The nailhead trim carries the silver sheen throughout the design. Adding a little glitz to the custom pillows gave one final shimmery layer to top it all off.

The custom cube ottomans in this sitting area add both function and texture. The Pierre Frey fabric perfectly covers these pieces. This company knows upholstery fabric and has been producing high-quality options since 1935.

When we design a space, we like to envision the family living life and making memories in it. That’s something we can easily picture in this room.

How about you? Would you like some custom upholstery to spruce up your home or office? Contact us today to set up your in-home consultation.

Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer of Custom Drapery Designs, accepted a well-deserved honor at this year’s VISION Design and Workroom Competition Awards Gala. CDD earned first place in Decorative Trim and Hardware at this prestigious international design competition.

“I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with amazing clients who allow me the freedom of creative expression. This project began with the client frustrated with the room’s arch angles. The finish custom design softened the various arches with eye catching iron art combined with beautiful flowing silks and trim embellishments,” said Brenda.

This design’s richly flowing drapery begged for the exquisite couture details CDD includes in every project. Brenda chose a tassel braid decorative trim from Brimar along the lead edge. Matching medallion holdbacks and tassel tiebacks pulled the luscious coverings back on either side.

The waterfall of overlapping swags demanded an exquisite top. A custom wrought iron floral accent from Gaby’s Shoppe, an artisan iron company in Dallas, produced the perfect accompaniment to the custom arch cornice board.

To see the complete design and read more about the fabrics used in the custom draperies, see this post about some of the unique window designs CDD has tackled.

This honor, presented and sponsored by Window Fashion VISION magazine, makes CDD’s third recognition from this competition. In 2009, they brought home both first place in Drapery and Trim and the Award of Excellence.

Custom Drapery Designs brings the same striving for excellence and attention to detail to every design project. To begin the process toward your own award-worthy designs, contact us today!

When you consider draperies or think about upholstered furniture, your bathroom likely doesn’t come to mind first. Or second. Or maybe even third! At Custom Drapery Designs, we couldn’t think of a more interesting room in which to create customized pieces that transform a space from a functional necessity into a luxurious getaway.

Bring the Spa Home

If you want to make your bathroom an oasis, a touch of fabric may be just what you need to take your design to a whole other level.

We didn’t want to leave this lovely room once our task was completed! Two pieces of furniture upholstered with just the right fabric and fabulous trim perfectly completes this design.

This vanity chair makes a statement with its Scalamandré velvet damask fabric. Don’t you just want to sink down onto that plush cushion? We couldn’t have been more pleased with the way the pewter nail head trim and decorative tassel perfectly completed this piece.

To add one more luxurious touch, we upholstered this tufted ottoman with a durable gray fabric. We used indoor/outdoor fabric to stand up to any splashing from the nearby garden tub. Its color pairs well with the cabinetry, and we added Scalamandré Zardozi velvet tape in mineral and pewter to complete the look. A little beaded trim goes a long way in enhancing any design.

Maintain Symmetry in Multiple Spaces

When our clients trust us with their entire dwelling, we couldn’t be more pleased. It is our pleasure to partner with a family and transform their house into a home through a design makeover. One of the challenges with this is to maintain a sense of balance and symmetry throughout the rooms while giving each space its own voice.

This client chose us to create a custom Roman shade for above the tub in her master bathroom. She was so pleased with the result that she invited us back for a guest bathroom makeover.

For the master, we used Kravet fabric with Scalamandré Greek key velvet tape along the edges. In keeping with the same influence, we chose a similar trim from Schumacher—marine Greek key. While these fabrics aren’t the same—or even come from the same company—the subtle similarities allow for a lovely sense of unity between the rooms.

We took the design in the guest bath up a couple more notches with a custom cornice above the bath. And, in keeping with our love for highlighting details, we incorporated a diamond pattern in the stitching of the cornice to mimic the diamond pattern within the room’s cabinetry.

These are the little aspects we’re most passionate about in the designs we create.

Embrace Multiple or Odd-shaped Windows

Some rooms house delightfully unique designs, often including the windows. Many homeowners find the task of covering windows with odd sizes or shapes a bit daunting. However, as we showed you last month, we love the challenge!

In this bathroom, the owner found these three narrow windows above their lovely soaker tub perplexing. We first covered them with custom Silhouette shades from Hunter Douglas. These shades not only look beautiful, they are incredibly functional. They are motorized for full control of light and privacy with the click of a remote control or use of a mobile app.

We didn’t want to cover up such beautiful shadings entirely, so we topped it with a custom design using elegant aqua damask fabric from Fabricut. Then, to add those custom details we’re known for, we added a glass beaded trim from Samuel & Sons. Their sparkle perfectly completed this delightful design.

Bring on More Custom Designs …

Last month we looked at how we highlight and accentuate oddly-shaped or uniquely-sized windows. That kicked off our series of home design challenges that CDD addresses on a regular basis. Check back next month to learn more about our passion for custom upholstery and re-upholstery. Finally, we’ll bring together photos from a house that hit all three of these challenges and add a few extra room views. We can’t wait to share that with you!

In the meantime, give us a shout today to set up your in-home consultation.

Custom drapery design extends far beyond typical rectangular windows. In our vast experience, we’ve addressed oddly shaped or sized windows, rooms that present unique challenges for designers and the additional task of pairing new designs with existing furniture and décor.

Over the next few months, we’ll share some of our favorite completed designs that overcame each of these issues, beginning here with interesting shapes and sizes. Recently, an entire house redesign presented us opportunities to handle each of these difficulties under one roof. We’ll share photos from that project in every post; and then, in one final blog, we’ll revisit that home and show you how the entire project came together.

Quite often we encounter clients with windows in unique shapes or unusual sizes or extraordinary locations. Custom Drapery Designs delights in accepting the challenge of dressing these special openings with all the flair they deserve.

Trapezoids take the custom design cake.

A little while back, we had a client who called us with a window concern. He had—of all things—a trapezoid-shaped window! We appreciate unique architecture and style, so we eagerly anticipated seeing what we had to work with and to finding a way to cover the space in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

We took measurements and considered the unique hinge needs since shutters would only be able to open a certain way. This took careful thought and planning.

Not only did we manage to cover the special shape with custom shutters, but we also gave it a clean and modern look by excluding the tilt rod typical of traditional coverings. We call that a win!

Arches find artwork to match their shape.

Some of our favorite windows include arches. The shape itself boasts something rather grand. We never want to cover these or detract from their lovely shape. For this dining room, we headed straight to Tableaux® for a custom design piece that doubles as artwork itself.

The Decorative Grilles from Tableaux offer a variety of materials, colors and designs to team up for a custom design. We chose a lighter color to pair perfectly with the existing wall color.

To continue with the light and airy feel of the color palette, we custom-made soft and sheer drapery to complete the design.

Design oddities disappear when you accentuate the positive.

Every now and then, we find a design that just doesn’t make sense. One of our clients contacted us about their formal dining room. It called out to us to make it shine, so that’s just what we did!

The high ceilings got our wheels turning. That window, though, stopped us in our tracks for a moment. Off-center and sporting obvious differences in arch scale from the ceiling above, the window needed some additional tender loving care.

We partnered with an Italian plaster artist to customize the vaulted ceiling. The results? Stunning. The drapery had to be equally as impressive to match. Plus, it needed to make the window’s challenges less noticeable. We worked up some sketches for the client and then set out to bring them to life.

The richly flowing drapery—GP & J. Baker bronze silk—cascades to the floor. We used a tassel braid decorative trim from Brimar along the lead edge. Matching medallion holdbacks and tassel tiebacks pull the luscious coverings back on either side.

The waterfall of overlapping swags demanded an exquisite top. We did not disappoint with a custom arch cornice board covered in solid Dupioni silk in a Moon Glow color. Atop the silky arch, we added a custom wrought iron floral accent from Gaby’s Shoppe, an artisan iron company in Dallas.

The end result took our client’s breath away, and we continued transforming each room of their home into a livable show home.

Custom drapery designs bend to fit any wall.

How do you cover a wall full of long, slender windows when the wall itself bows out on the edges and curves a few more times in the middle? By customizing a traversing rod!

We went out for an in-home consultation with the client and took precise measurements in this breakfast nook. While the rod was being built, we spent some time in the factory where we watched the process and approved the custom colors.

Once it was complete, we headed back for the install. The rod perfectly followed the shape of the ceiling with all its crazy curves, allowing the sheer draperies to frame the windows just so.

Custom Drapery Designs would love to address any challenging windows you may have. We’re always up for a challenge! Call us today for all your window needs—strangely-shaped, unusually-sized or oddly-placed. We’ve got you covered!

Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer for Custom Drapery Designs, attended a special conference—Inspiring Design by Kim Kiner, with Hunter Douglas—back in October. She returned with a revitalized crush on colors and a sneak peek at what hues will be hottest in 2018.

Color Calls

Color influences 85 percent of our purchases. Think about the last time you browsed for clothes or décor. What drew you to your final choices? You likely answered, “Color!”

Even food or household product packaging shows an understanding of this concept. Next time you’re at the grocery, head to the middle of an aisle that’s not too busy. Situate yourself across from a shelf and close your eyes for a moment. Look up and take a mental snapshot of which packages your eyes latch onto. Think about the colors.

Certain colors simply call to us. While every person has a favorite hue—or more—each color produces particular emotions or reactions in people.

Color Creates

If you have ever chosen paint colors, you likely considered the tone you wanted to set in that room. Yellow or orange for your creative spaces. Blue or lavender for your relaxation zones.

Frank Lloyd Wright, the Father of Modern Architecture, knew a thing or fifty about color! In many of his buildings, he installed umber stained glass designs which filled his architecture with feelings of cheer and happiness.

Color Kings and Queens

Hoping for balance and peace of mind this year? You’re in luck! Pantone has selected Ultra Violet as the 2018 Color of the Year. Calm your chaos with splashes of this regal and inspirational shade.

Colors with similar tone-setting abilities include blues, greens and neutrals. You can set the stage for serenity and softness with this palette.

Colors Combine

Another color aspect Wright mastered was his fabric designs, as we saw in a previous post. He was all about creating geometric designs and exploring various color combinations. With such passion, it’s no wonder he remains a household name for design, architecture and style.

Another beautiful thing about colors is they play off one another, and the combinations feel endless. You’re sure to find exactly what you love when it comes to designs. Do you prefer a more geometric look like most of Wright’s work, solid colors with a pop of metallic glitz, global prints with tribal or ethnic designs or more traditional patterns like plaids or florals?

Let us find your perfect color combination for the new year. Contact us today!

Custom Drapery Designs delights in the constant variety of our job. No two clients are the same, so no two designs are the same. Each project brings new challenges, inspirations and opportunities. We love to highlight our clients’ personalities and bring out the very best details of their homes and offices in their designs. To help us achieve that, Hunter Douglas’ line of window treatments cannot be surpassed.

Hunter Douglas offers customization and quality.

We have used their blinds, shades and shutters in every room of the house. They cover massive floor-to-ceiling windows, bay windows with their challenging curves and angles, narrow rectangular bathroom windows and everything in between. The flexibility and customization we find with Hunter Douglas products make completing each client’s unique design even more fun!

Quality tops our list in importance because we want our clients’ designs to stand the test of time. Hunter Douglas agrees, which is why they run more than 100 tests to guarantee their fabrics are built to last and stand up to UV rays, high humidity and normal daily life.

Woven Woods provide classic designs.

The timeless look of a classic woven wood complements many rooms’ décor and can be brought out with an occasional splash of color or paired with natural linens with wide trim, like this inviting room we completed.

We chose Hunter Douglas’ Provenance Woven Wood in this warm Cambria Garden Path color. The inside mount and 6 ½” valance provide a seamless appearance that allows our custom draperies to pop. We included a light-filtering fabric backing to aid in energy costs and room darkening.

One of the things we love about Hunter Douglas Provenance Wovens are the lifting system options. Our clients don’t need to worry about children or pets getting tangled in any dangling cords.

Gamerooms beg for woven woods! We just love the natural striping in these. The lovely earthy emerald shade is Hennrick, Pewter Cup. Such a vibrant color stands alone perfectly without custom draperies.

In another space, the custom fabric valance atop the natural woven woods crowns three windows angling around the clients’ deep walnut table. We love the combination!

Motorization meets elegance.

This stunning room provided a delightful challenge. It wasn’t too hard for the Alustra® Collection of Silhouette® shadings, though. What don’t we love about this product? The front of these shadings are textured sheers. They come complete with customizable hardware finishes.

The cherry on top is Hunter Douglas’ PowerView® Motorization. This technological breakthrough allows you to adjust your window treatments to provide optimal lighting—or shading—depending on your preference and time of day. Control options include your tablet or smartphone and the Pebble Remote Control, a cute and stylish accessory from Hunter Douglas that comes in 10 different color choices.

We matched the grandeur of this room’s height with custom Kingston Valances using Pamplona Santa Fe fabric from RM COCO DECOR LTD. To add the perfect finishing touch, we draped stunning tassel tie-backs on either side. This project was a dream to manage.

These shadings’ floating design stops the show.

This flowy cotton fabric pairs perfectly with the exquisite floating appearance of Silhouette® shadings. The colorful sashes and detailed medallion hardware adds to the whimsy of the embroidered scroll fabric, making this entire custom bedroom design a study in whimsy. The shadings are designed specifically to alter the harsh glare of sunlight into softer natural light.

Pirouette® shadings lend a floating appearance to a window’s design as well but look just like a traditional shade when closed. In this kitchen install—complete with PowerView® Motorization—we combined Beacon Hill fabric and Leopard Velvet trim from Scalamandré. The colors echoed those in the table and chairs, and we matched the hardware to the unique light fixture.

These are not your grandma’s Roman shades.

Sometimes the most stunning window treatments are seemingly the simplest. Take these pristine white Roman shades. They complete the look in this bathroom perfectly. Don’t you just want to sink into a warm bubble bath in that tub? Hunter Douglas’ Roman shades come in a variety of styles and colors. The options just keep on coming with this style, and we love to find just the right combination for our clients.

This is the ideal time of year to consider new window treatments. Hunter Douglas’ Season of Style Savings Event runs through Dec. 11. Also, head to their website to enter the Holiday Makeover Sweepstakes for your chance to win a room full of window fashions. The Sweepstakes ends on Nov. 28, so don’t let the turkey slow you down—get your entry in today!

We have trusted Hunter Douglas to deliver our clients’ needs since 2009, and we’d love to share what they can do in your home today. Schedule your in-home consultation today!

Photography captured by Ruda Photography.

When a custom drapery installation turns into a whole-home design, intentional collaboration and couture details make the entire project a work of art. Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer of Custom Drapery Designs, received a request for draperies in a new Dallas home. During the consultation process, the clients expressed a desire for interior design assistance as well.

With that wish, Stephanie Freeman, CDD’s senior design consultant, hopped right in and began brainstorming and creating alongside Brenda. Their combined expertise resulted in elegant draperies intentionally kept in neutral tones. These intricate window dressings may be showstoppers in themselves; but their primary purpose lies in setting the stage for all the bright colors in furnishings, artwork, decorations and other design details to shine.

The home owners loved the idea of experimenting with color in custom upholstery and rugs. They welcomed bold, modern choices in décor and art as well. Between the clients, who were an absolute joy to work with, and the opportunity for Brenda and Stephanie to join forces in a mighty way, this project quickly climbed the ladder of favorites. And, we get to show two main rooms off to you now!

Architecture and design: a dynamic duo

With a little inspiration from the lovely arched doorways and windows, Stephanie and Brenda reflected the curves in the style of the chairs. They added depth to the design with a stunning cut velvet pattern on the two host chairs. The Robert Allen peacock blues and palm greens of all the chairs stand out against the cream-toned wool rug, as does the smooth espresso table with gold-toned “feet.”

The sideboard pairs perfectly with the table; and the lovely golden geometric accents and nailhead trim highlight the gold in each. These elements join with the modern painting and porcelain vases and bowl in Mediterranean jewel tones against a backdrop of metallic geometric embroidery fabrics and Roman shades. The linen/cotton draperies feature European top pinch pleat headings. This is a dining room worthy of many mealtime memories!

Beauty and brawn: custom installations require attention to details

All the creativity and brilliant planning in the world means nothing if great care and attention doesn’t accompany an installation. CDD employs the most conscientious installers for all the behind-the-scenes tasks. Without them the designs would not reach completion. From climbing precariously high ladders to lifting surprisingly heavy drapery panels and furniture to steaming wrinkles out of fabrics and wearing stylish blue “booties,” this team delivers every single time!

“Installation day was exciting with furniture and rugs moving in and drapery installers standing on ladders! Excitement and energy filled the rooms as each worked on their perspective jobs,” Brenda recalled. “It was great fun to have everyone collaborating multiple aspects which came together with one amazing finish. In the spirit of the day, lunch was provided; and, together, we all picnicked on the back patio, admiring the amazing backyard and White Rock Lake park view.”

Life and style: designs for daily living

This open concept living room and kitchen gave Brenda and Stephanie every designer’s dream—an extensive blank canvas to fill with unique brushstrokes. They certainly succeeded!

From the big picture of maintaining a flow through use of complementing colors in the living room and kitchen, to the details of perfectly pairing accent pillows with furniture, this room reveals new design delights wherever the eye lands. The inviting custom rug from Delos pulls all the color choices together and stands out against the softness of the sheer full-function draperies. Three modern art canvases behind the custom wingback chairs tie the whole home design together as well.

If you’re looking to redesign your entire living space—from the windows in—and want a team who care about the full canvas and each stroke that fills it, contact us today!

Custom details—like rugs—set our designs apart.

A home contains much more than its windows to the world around it. Custom Drapery Designs goes inside the window coverings to highlight all the details and depth a room’s design holds. This often takes our focus to the floors with exquisite custom rugs.

Davis and Davis creates custom rugs in Chattanooga.

We chose to highlight certain colors in this room through its draperies, furniture fabrics and rug. Stephanie Freeman, CDD’s senior design consultant, hand-picked the colors in this rug to match the custom furniture. She began with a black and white design, selecting colors from the wool samples we have in the office.

Davis and Davis Rugs, Inc., then sent a paper version of how the completed rug would look. After the paper version received the thumbs up, Davis and Davis sent a strike off (or corner sample)—a miniature of what the real rug would look like—for a final approval.

As you can see, the finished product pairs perfectly with the lavender velvet from Robert Allen on the sofa and the textured gray velvets from Fabricut and Lee Jofa on the chairs. The completed design allows the lavender to really pop, tying in with the draperies as well.

Davis and Davis, part of the Miller Davis Group in Chattanooga, Tenn., manufactures 100% New Zealand wool rugs and carpeting. From wool dyeing to production to trimming and backing to quality inspections and finishing touches, Davis and Davis takes a rug from concept to reality in house. You can see the whole fascinating process in this video.

Delos delivers custom rugs with style.

CDD has spent a lot of time recently on a whole house redesign for a client. We can’t wait to show off the finished product either!

In this room, Stephanie chose the colors and modern design of the custom rug. She received two different strike offs from Delos, another American rug company headquartered in the South. She worked with the client to choose the perfect option for this living room. As you can see these colors paired flawlessly with the upholstery and pillow fabrics. The rug draws the eye in to the room and allows each color to make its own statement.

Delos produces American Made rugs which showcase how today’s technology makes products as close to handmade as possible. They also offer clients rugs with a variety of textures, including shags and loops.

In addition, they have four hand-crafted options—Hand Knotted, Hand Tufted, Microloop and Soumak. Each Delos Journey Made option includes wool blends and spun bamboo accents, and several have a silk option instead.

Well-made rugs from quality companies give a custom appearance.

We don’t always have to design a custom rug when some of our favorite rug companies produce such vibrant colors. In this elegant dining room, we chose a bright Surya rug. It adds depth and warmth without changing the opulent design feel.

Surya satisfies us every time with their high quality, stunning designs and immaculate craftsmanship. Check out this blog post for more details about the hand-knotted rugs Surya produces.

Ready to sink your toes into a new design?

CDD would love to create a new design for your space, complete with custom details you can sink your feet into! Contact us today to set up your in-home consultation.

Fabrics fuel our work at Custom Drapery Designs. What excites us most, though, isn’t just the softness of a velvet or the pop of color in a modern damask. The stories behind the fabrics get our hearts racing and add to the excitement of transforming a client’s space with beautiful textiles and their histories.

Holland & Sherry: An International Delight

This company recently came to our attention. Our magical meeting brought love at first sight. Begun in 1836, Holland & Sherry continues to produce some of the highest quality wools, silks and tweeds for both clothing and interiors. Attention to detail and commitment to perfection set this company apart.

Started at a time when wool mills were common, Holland & Sherry exists today as one of the few remaining. And, it stands strong!

While their “heart” lies beside the River Tweed in Scotland’s Borders, they have a remarkable international presence. They design exquisite hand-worked custom embroidery in Paris. Artisans in Bavaria, Germany, create custom finished embroideries. Each detail stands alone as a miniature work of art. Plus, Holland & Sherry allows for complete customization of embroidery—from concept to creation your product can be exclusively yours! This video gives us goosebumps.

At the Crossville Fabric mill in Tomé, Chile, artisans dye wool fibers, spin the yarns, weave and finish the textiles—all under one roof. Natural, raw materials used in these fabrics come from Australia, New Zealand and Patagonia. Wool, “the oldest natural fiber known to man,” has long been the fabric of choice for the finest men’s suits. Holland & Sherry brings wool home to rest as an ideal choice for interior design.

In addition to textiles for suits and interiors, they produce unique leathers from the best tanneries in Italy as well as wallcoverings and custom rugs crafted by artisans all over the world.

Each of these productions maintains a commitment to environmental protection. The mill generates its own energy by means of renewable clean resources; water used in production returns to safe-drinking quality; and any leftover yarn or fabric finds new life in some way either through reuse or donation.

Schumacher: The People Behind the Names

Since its genesis in 1889, the elite homes and finest buildings in the United States have chosen family-owned Schumacher for its Parisian-inspired interior designs. The Vanderbilts’ home, the White House, the Waldorf Astoria and numerous iconic TV and movie sets boast their designs.

Princess Pyne

This lovely fabric took our breath away when we first saw it. Pyne Hollyhock from Schumacher received a name change after the screens used to create the design were damaged.

Designer Albert Hadley installed draperies with this lovely design in the living room of Mrs. Nancy “Princess” Pyne’s Somerset County, N.J., home in the 1960s.

Princess, best friends with President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s wife, Mamie, kindly loaned the drapery panels back so the Schumacher company could reproduce the lovely pattern and duplicate it into a few other colors.

The fabric name changed from Hollyhock Chintz to the Pyne Hollyhock pattern, in honor of her assistance. Today it comes in five colors: charcoal, tobacco, indigo, grisaille and blush.

Frank Lloyd Wright

The Father of Modern Architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright touched America’s homes both inside and out. On June 8 his admirers celebrated his 150^th birthday; and the celebration continues at Fallingwater, the visionary’s masterpiece in Western Pennsylvania. Schumacher celebrates Wright with a new line of fabrics—Applied Architecture.

Wright designed these bright, eye-catching geometric designs in 1955. More than 60 years later, they still resonate with home owners who want something as unique and special as the great architect himself. Hand-drawn by him, the original products comprised Schumacher’s Taliesin Line of Decorative Fabrics and Wallpaper.

Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer of CDD, took the opportunity last month to visit Fallingwater for in-person inspiration. The whole team looks forward to incorporating some of these bold fabrics in clients’ upcoming designs. With a variety of bright colors and neutrals to mix and match, these textiles offer the perfect base for draperies, furniture and more.

Thibaut and Anna French: Made for Each Other

“The oldest continuously operating wallpaper company in the United States,” Thibaut began in 1886 and added printed fabrics in 1960 with expansions in textile offerings over the years. These new linens come from their Trade Routes collection. Textures like these add delightful depth to any design.

Founded by Richard E. Thibaut, the company saw three generations of his family in charge before some employees bought it. Despite changing hands and evolving with the industry, Thibaut continues to thrive as a designer’s go-to choice.

In 2007, they enveloped Anna French, bringing in its English linens, luxury embroideries, fabrics, Scottish lace and wallcoverings. Anna is known for color and drama in her designs, and we love it!

The pillows on these master bedroom chairs were custom made using linen fabrics from the Anna French Natural Glimmer Collection. They give the design an inviting touch anyone would love to sink into after a hard day.

Whatever your story may be, Custom Drapery Designs has a fabric in mind for you and all your design needs. Give us a call today to set up an in-home consultation!

Exquisite Couture Details

Bedrooms offer designers a perfect stage on which to star subtle custom couture features alongside supporting elements, debuting a finished production deserving of a standing ovation.

From draperies to bedding to complementing furniture, Brenda Baxter and Stephanie Freeman of Custom Drapery Designs plan each detail of their clients’ rooms with care and with CDD’s signature flair.

Vision. Sketches. Colors.

Brenda and Stephanie begin each project with a personalized in-home consultation. They get to know their clients’ needs, styles and passions. This commitment to the client translates into a perfect vision.

That mental image moves to paper, and magic begins to happen! Colors appear along with fabric and trim samples, making a detailed sketch vibrant. From there the plan comes to life as they create each custom piece and join them all together in the final installation.

Silk. Velvet. Chenille.

As the first materials, fabrics set the tone and color scheme for all the fun embellishments to come.

On a recent bedroom project, Brenda paired elegant Stroheim Athena Taffeta quarry blue silk draperies with luxurious Lili Alessandra Chloe champagne velvet bedding. Coordinating with the window coverings’ color, the bed’s king-size pillows display Ralph Lauren Georgiana Damask fabric in Antique Blue.

Stephanie’s recent bedroom design combines timeless elegance and a little Hollywood glitz for an inviting master retreat. She chose Stroheim Surna Sheer Porcelain fabric to gently caress Hunter Douglas Silhouette® shades.

Not many fabric choices can top the luxury of a velvet coverlet! Stephanie selected a Lili Alessandra Chloe Ivory Velvet Coverlet and matching European pillows to dress the comfy California king bed.

Tassels. Trims. Pleats.

Once the stage is set, those lovely custom details enter as the understated stars.

Brenda takes draperies to another level with each custom project and finds special ways to tie a design together seamlessly from window to bed. For this room she added 6” pinch pleats into each panel and chose Scalamandré Zardozi velvet tape in Mineral and Pewter to run the length. She then completed a custom pillow with the same fabric and trim as the draperies to take center stage on the bed along with a custom tasseled roll pillow. Those little tassels complemented the larger Fabricut Altura Metallic key tassels adorning the custom draperies.

She selected intricate carved rings and decorative finials to display the draperies in style and used custom rods mitered perfectly into the bay window. Anna French linen fabric accentuated with natural glimmer glass beads and mini cord accent make the rectangular lumbar pillows the crown jewel of the bedroom’s custom chairs.

Stephanie selected a fun, mirrored accent pillow for the center of the bed. She also designed a pair of neckroll pillows to accessorize a custom bench. On these, she used Robert Allen Royal Beauty Sterling fabric and added a glamorous detail with Marge Carson jeweled trim. The trim and cut velvet fabric added two more elements of texture to the exquisite design.

Furniture. Art. Nailheads.

Every element within a room plays a role in the performance of design.

Even the Barley Twist wingback chairs in Brenda’s room received the custom touch with soft chenille upholstery, Tuscany-finished twist wood accents and a pewter nailhead finish. She also chose the table and lamp to create the perfect sitting area—an ideal spot to prop feet on the pillow top ottomans for an early morning cup of coffee or an evening read.

Stephanie decided to go with an elegant custom, ivory velvet tufted love seat to sit in the curved bay. She hung Cyan Designs pendant lights above each nightstand to create a unique and romantic look.

Often featured artwork accentuates custom furniture in a room, like this lovely bench covered in Kravet Polka Dot Plush Natural cream velvet fabric. The texture in the upholstery, along with the nailhead edging along the bottom, transform this bench into a work of art itself.

Custom. Comfort. Style.

Whatever your personal style or space needs, Brenda and Stephanie can create a custom space just for you from sketched vision to completed perfection. All you need to do is sink into your new design and dream big!

The only hard part’s choosing just one!

Unique, modern hardware does so much more than simply hold our custom drapery designs in their proper place. These are the features that accentuate a look and tie it in with surrounding furnishings or décor.

Just like every woman understands the importance of proper accessories to complete a clothing ensemble; Custom Drapery Designs knows the value of a well-chosen custom piece of hardware to finish a design project with style.

Let us introduce you…

A few of our absolute favorite custom hardware options on the market come from Brimar, Design Art by Orion and Kravet.

Think inside the…CUBE!

A long-time CDD favorite, Brimar offers something for every style with their drapery hardware. When we want to go for a modern, sleek vibe, we can’t find a better option than their new heavy-gauge lucite cube hardware. An added bonus is the option to mount your draperies to the wall or to the ceiling.

With matching rectangular rings to smoothly draw draperies back and forth, a variety of finishes and other custom options, Brimar’s Cube collection sure impresses us!

Chrome and steel and…pearls?

Brimar expertly pairs diverse materials into delightfully cohesive finished products. CDD did a recent living room installation where we used this modern chrome hardware, with its narrow lines, capped off with luminescent pearl finials and steel rings that brought the whole design together.

In this airy front entry, CDD found inspiration in some lovely modern light fixtures. Brimar had just what we needed with this simple steel chrome rod, acrylic-turned finials and complementary geometric steel rings. Talk about a perfect finish!

Classic and timeless for a reason

Design Art by Orion makes a name for themselves with their hand-painted details and the unbelievable variety in finishes, styles, inlays, colors and so many more options.

They’re also great solution-finders. If you have a small space or tight spot but still want style, look no further than their ornate rod-enders.

If you like a little bit of glitz with your tradition, may we suggest the Swiss Crystal-on-Wood finials. These baubles are guaranteed to catch the light and your eye, making the ideal accessory to complete your new custom draperies!

Creating a perfect space in which to dream

Master bedrooms always make a special canvas for our designs. This project was no different. We took elegant linen silk, added interline and lining for extra fullness and sealed the deal with cartridge pleat heading—the kind of drapery design we are most passionate about!

Playing off custom couture nailhead trim from the bedframe, we chose Kravet’s iron antique pewter finials to complete the distressed walnut wood rods for each of the four drapery panels. This is one bedroom we didn’t want to leave!

Let us accessorize your design

CDD is…and always has been…passionate about the details of design. Let us accessorize your design today!

While design trends constantly evolve, develop and emerge, some themes remain steadfast. Classic patterns, clean lines, subtle tones inspired by the earth around us and color bursts—especially through delicious new trims—speak to the discerning eye and remain timeless.

Such design aspects celebrate a ground-shaking revitalization with exciting tweaks in 2017.

Top design trend goes to…Trim!

Introducing pops of color into a more neutral or muted design canvas couldn’t be simpler with one of this year’s top design trends—wide braid trims. These are all the rage with styles ranging from 3 ¾” to 6”.

Trim uses vary as much as their styles with applications in draperies, bedding, furniture and accessories. Honestly, the combinations and possibilities defy imagination and get us quite excited!

Our favorite brands for trim for our clients come from Kravet, Scalamandré, Brimar, Stroheim and Cowtan & Tout. How can we incorporate some of these samples into your home design updates?

Color sets a design’s tone

Of course, we can’t mention color in the new year without unveiling the PANTONE Color of the Year—Greenery! With another nod to nature, the industry’s “Coloristas” have chosen a delightful and versatile shade which infuses a revitalizing air into any design, promising the rebirth brought by spring.

Other top PANTONE colors inspire a bit of wanderlust in us with names like Island Paradise and Niagara. And, still others—Kale, Hazelnut and Pale Dogwood—simply make us want to kick back in the hammock with a healthy smoothie.

Inspirations from Dallas abound

Last month Custom Drapery Designs attended one of our favorite events—the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. We may have reached inspiration-overload with all of the amazing fabrics, home goods, trims and hardware we discovered!

Check out a few of our absolute favorites:

Anna French exemplifies a timeless look for a modern life

Who doesn’t love linens and lace?

Linens built to last

The Anna French Collection of fabrics includes English linens boasting 67 combinations of various colors and textures. Made in Great Britain, these fabrics not only look amazing; but they will not fade like many other linens do.

And…wait for it…they’re machine washable!! They look amazing and promise to last, and they’re easy to clean. These make perfect draperies as well as upholstery coverings and slipcovers.

Lace leaves a lasting impression

The only thing that may top the linens is to-die-for lace made in the last cotton lace mill in the world. Morton Young and Borland Ltd resides in the Irvine Valley in Ayrshire, Scotland. This mill, dating back to 1900, still utilizes original Nottingham Lace Looms, some more than 90 years young.

Anna French got her start with textiles thanks to lace production in Scotland. And the Lace Library by Anna French pays a lovely tribute to the beautiful types of lace—the more open traditional style crafted with thicker yarn and Madras lace which comes as fine as mosquito netting.

The patterns and prints on her laces range from classic to whimsical to exotic. They simply beg to kiss the landscape through any window.

Contact the CDD studio today to see these exquisite sheers and linens!

International influences move us

Pom Pom at Home bedding may have stolen our hearts. These gorgeous Belgian linens are made to live life in, for sure. Toss in some ruffles and lace, and we’re on board!

“Pom Pom at Home provides the marketplace with superior Belgian linens that are sustainably sourced and embody a ‘lived in’ elegant look that is relaxed and casual,” reads the company’s philosophy on its website. “Pom Pom at Home linens get softer and softer with every wash. Making each time you climb into bed an experience to be savored.”

Bedding isn’t all Pom Pom at Home offers. One of our favorite items right now is their new collection of hand-blocked pillows. This time-honored method of stamping patterns directly onto fabrics to be used in home decorating comes to us from India.

We are huge fans of this style, as you can see in this blog post featuring Lee Jofa’s Artisan Collection of hand-blocked fabric.

Sweet dreams are made…in this bedding!

CDD now carries the Lili Alessandra bedding line in all its yummy, luxurious layers. Options include Barcelona, Versailles Ice Blue Bedding, Vendome Seafoam (perfect for the mermaid in all of us!) and—one of our favorite displays at the Dallas Market—Christian, pictured above. This bedding may just be as close as you’ll come to sleeping in a fluffy cloud.

Ribbons revitalize designs with color and texture

Like our favorite wide braid trims, European velvet ribbons, lace ribbons and even lovely wool ribbons from d.stevens pack a punch of brightness for both furniture and drapery designs. Solids in every color imaginable, multi-colored ribbons and even plaids offer solutions for every design challenge.

Donna Stevens’ ribbons are no mere afterthought; they are what completes a design and sets it apart. Like the royalty and centuries worth of inspirational people and places influencing this line of luscious ribbons, your home deserves that extra bit of pizzazz to make it shine.

Importance of feel equals color and style

Speaking of that little something extra, velvet may just be the smooth finish your design needs. Make that velvet damask fabric and your home just stepped up to the next level!

Scalamandré, a company with a flair for the fabulous, presents its Modern Luxury Collection which includes several metallic stamped velvet damask and linen damask pieces.

Scalamandré’s fabrics feature in some of the most well-known buildings in the country, including the White House, Radio City Music Hall and the Metropolitan Opera House. No doubt they will feature just as well in your own home.

This photo showcases a recent CDD installation which utilized buttery soft lavender velvet from Robert Allen on the sofa. The silver-gray chairs display a marriage of textured velvets from Fabricut and Lee Jofa; while the pillows add a finishing pop of color and texture to the whole design, and the custom rug ties the entire room together perfectly.

Welcome 2017 trends into your home

Contact Custom Drapery Designs today to discover which of this year’s hottest trends can revitalize your home!

Custom drapery installation originates with a wish.

A homeowner or business owner discovers a need…a desire…for something new, different, precise. Their appeal for window dressings sets the stage for Custom Drapery Designs to shine.

Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer, attends to clients’ words carefully. She breathes in each request and observes every preference—be it color, style or feel. From this gift of understanding others’ design needs, Brenda drafts a 2D image as a second step in the process to interior transformation.

Add to this detailed sketch tangible items such as silky tassel tie-backs, velvet bubble-textured fabric and glass finials bursting with bubbles within; and this installation is a go!

This particular design—a traditional, yet transitional delight—calls for a double rod system to accommodate the thick, rich velvet drapes perfectly framing its flowing sheer backdrop.

Each detail of the design knows intimate planning throughout, from the wood fascia on the back traverse rod to the couture touch of an elongated Goblet pleat to an ornately carved metallic tie-back enhancing the fullness of the draperies while creating an exact break from the floor.

Before a big reveal to the homeowners, each layer of this custom design receives careful steaming, including the elegant tassels.

As the finished product reveals, this installation reflects proper placement in relation to every other design element, furnishing or light wall sconce in the room.

While custom drapery installation may seem simple from this step-by-step glimpse into the process, it truly is an art form that portrays the wishes of its beholder thanks to the masterful understanding of its artist.

Would you like an in-home consultation?

An artist seeks opportunities filled with inspiration to fan the flames of passion for his or her craft as well as high quality products with which to create. Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer for Custom Drapery Designs, joined fellow artists in the interior design field for just such an occasion this spring.

Finding design inspiration from other top professionals

Vervain, a high-end fabric and trimmings company, invited Brenda and other professionals to a dinner with Barry Dixon, an interior designer with his own fabric collections. She also attended a casual meet-and-greet at the Vervain and Duralee showrooms in Dallas with both Dixon and Tobi Fairley, an award-winning designer with her own consulting and design company.

“We enjoyed listening to them speak honestly about their experiences growing as interior designers, as well as providing personal recommendations on how to build a successful design business,” Brenda shared. “We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves while meeting others within the industry and shaking the hands of such genuine design professionals.”

Barry Dixon—world influencer, with Southern charm

One of “the world’s most sought-after designers,” according to his biography, Barry Dixon embraces a world of influence while wrapping it all in Southern charm for his fabrics, trims, furniture and accessories. He even has his own line of paint. With all of his achievements, Dixon remains down-to-earth and accessible, as Brenda discovered during their dinner together.

Barry’s design inspirations come from his travels all over the world and the history he finds in each place he visits. He finds brilliance even in simple items all around him on his 300-acre farm in Virginia. The rough beauty of a cantaloupe and the smooth pattern of haystacks translate to deeply beautiful textures and unique patterns.

Tobi Fairley—helping and mentoring other designers

Tobi Fairley brings encouragement to designers, business owners and women with her example of a successful design company and through her online training and consultation opportunities. Tobi’s desire to help others in the industry could not be more clear. Tobi TV brings professional design tips free of charge to anyone looking for home interior inspiration. Tobi U offers rising designers two semesters’ worth of design business knowledge from the comfort of their own homes.

Tobi’s style reflects her bold, vivacious personality. Tobi Fairley Home and Tobi Fairley Fabrics for Duralee boast large designs and eye-catching colors. Her design inspiration comes from classic designs, modern trends in color and runway fashions. She is fashion-forward with fabric lines that are always evolving and developing.

Brenda counts both Barry and Tobi as two more inspirational forces behind her company.

Where do you find stimulation for your creativity?

Hunter Douglas: 70 years of stylish shades and coverings

Shades leap far beyond simple function and practicality thanks to Hunter Douglas, a leader in window coverings for 70 years. Since 1946, when the company paved the way with the production of Venetian blinds, their goal remains to develop more stylish and effective forms of window shadings.

“Innovation is what drives us—we’re always thinking of new ways to solve challenges,”  – Hunter Douglas proclaims.

Duette® Honeycomb Shades stand as a great example of the ingenuity of the company. First released to the world in the 1980s, this original honeycomb shade has both stood the test of time and evolved into an engineering, design and energy-efficient work of art.

Recent tweaks to the already popular product include updating the headrail with a honeycomb shape to seamlessly flow from top to bottom; adding many lovely fabrics and colors; fine-tuning and improving the operating systems; and maintaining its incredibly energy-efficient status, making some systems tax credit eligible.

Duette faces few rivals when it comes to customized window shadings. Now, Hunter Douglas introduces three new fabric choices: Northwood™, which brings together the charm of the rustic with the simplicity of modern lines; Alexa, a tip of the hat to nature’s elements; and Jardin, which turns textured yarns into a “casual chic” design bomb.

Not just new fabrics…new opacity options too!

Of course, Hunter Douglas doesn’t stop with new fabrics. They throw in a multitude of opacity options from sheer to opaque and varied colors fanning out from whites and neutrals to intense hues guaranteed to bring on the drama. Add in four pleat sizes to choose from, and you are guaranteed shadings as unique as your home and the family inside it.

Hunter Douglas has long championed safety with their window coverings. Long gone are the days of endless cords hanging around and endangering children and pet—thanks to LiteRise®, a cordless lift system, and UltraGlide®, a retractable cord system. And then, they take it one step further with their remarkable PowerView™ Motorization which brings smart technology home and allows homeowners to schedule their shades’ adjustments most effectively.

And brand new colors…

As if that weren’t enough choices, along comes a release of brand new colors and improved style details for Hunter Douglas’ Roller Shades. These shades boast “the smallest light gap in the industry.” They can also be pretty proud of a variety of colors, patterns and textures.

Whatever the color palette in your home, one of these roller shades will fit in quite nicely. With color-coordinated bracket covers, colors such as natural Urban Loft Wheat and Earthen Tapestry Green, global-inspired Indie Cami and Fiji Dimout Island Teak, dreamy Haze Horizon and Brighton Bay Beachfront and playful Alexander Fuchsia and Joie Amethyst bounce off your windows and play off the draperies, furniture upholstery, rugs and other fabrics throughout each room to make one cohesive design team in your home.

Not only has Hunter Douglas won the hearts of Custom Drapery Designs and clients everywhere, but they’ve also brought home many larger awards as well. The Window Covering Manufacturers Association recognized the Silhouette® Duolite™ as its 2015 Product of the Year. This remarkable innovation combines the light-diffusing power of a shading with the room-darkening effects of a roller shade…in one!

Would you like an in-home consultation?

As a Hunter Douglas Showcase in-home dealer, Custom Drapery Designs looks forward to showing you all that this fabulous company has to offer for your windows. Contact us today for an in-home consultation and take advantage of the Season of Style rebate event!

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Kitchen draperies—the most important window coverings in a home

Life centers around the home; and, often, the heart of a home resides in its kitchen. In this room, simple ingredients blend together to make memorable meals; jokes bounce from smiling face to smiling face; hopes and dreams emerge; and stories find their shining spotlight.

In this room where life thrives, kitchen draperies require just the right design to highlight windows that welcome in the light and spread the home’s inner joy to the world around it. Custom Drapery Designs specializes not only in bringing together the best fabrics, hardware and coverings in just the right colors and patterns; but also in customizing those combinations for each client and each living space.

A relaxed Roman shade

 During a recent kitchen and dining room installation, CDD paired a relaxed Roman shade made from Robert Allen Serene Linen fabric with a 2” pleated border from Samuel & Sons. This combination of Sterling and Oyster colors fits right in with current kitchen design trends.

Modern kitchens go back to the basics with natural stone in soft gray and white tones. Designers often top this foundation with the elegance of soft natural-colored linens—like the one by Robert Allen—or with simple, flowing sheers. Pops of color come in with blues or turquoise in either fabric choices or with decorative pottery.

Titanium-colored Achilles medallion accents from Paris Texas Hardware add the custom design details CDD loves so much. The pleated sides of the shades draw the eyes up toward these lovely, bold diamond-shaped features. The completed project crowns the view from the kitchen sink. This style then carries over into the three open windows in the dining space, unifying the entire area.

Continuity exists with the colors in the dining chairs and draperies. Meanwhile, the colors of the medallion accents and the table and hardwood floors flow together in perfect harmony, creating a space as warm and inviting as it is stunning.

Valances or Roman shades work best in kitchen designs

Utilizing an outside mount adds height in order to balance fabric designs with the cabinets around them. Durable natural fibers—such as layered linens or cottons, complete with linings—produce optimal fullness and structure, allowing window designs to stand out in the best possible manner.

Since most windows today serve as a frame for beautiful outdoor views and come in large panes uninterrupted by decorative wooden grilles, home owners do not want them covered. Instead, we can highlight such lovely views with shades which can be hidden within a fabric-covered headrail or which open stack to become an accent in themselves.

Framing the view of outside activities

We chose the first option in this elegant eating area flanked by large curved windows which join the outdoor and indoor entertaining areas and allow for a framed view of the outside activities. These custom draperies feature Kravet’s Maeva Sparkle Linen fabric.

But, what truly makes this window design complete is the wide Celtic Knot braid designed by Barry Dixon for Vervain. CDD loves Dixon’s intricate trimmings and exquisite style. Check back for more on his designs and inspiration in a future blog!

Open stack options

For an open stack option, CDD likes Hunter Douglas’ Provenance Woven Woods, as used in this breakfast nook with three large windows to provide a homey quality while maintaining a rich design element. The Tahiti Coconut color contrasts well with Fabricut’s Panettone fabric in Denim. The Panettone pattern lends itself well to use in kitchens and bedrooms and comes also in Aqua and Fog colors.

Two other window coverings we like for kitchens are the Hunter Douglas Pirouette® and Silhouette® shadings. The Pirouette® option includes a sheer backing that presents the illusion of floating shades. This style also closes up to look just like contemporary shades. Stay tuned for more details about new colors available for these shadings in next month’s blog.

Silhoutte® shadings

The Silhouette® shadings brilliantly diffuse light and as they seem to hang suspended between two sheer fabric panels. Both types of shadings qualify for the 2016 Smart Shades Rebate Program. Call Custom Drapery Designs today to take advantage of this great event; but hurry—the deal ends on September 12.

Style choices for kitchen draperies are as varied and unique as the families they represent. Three aspects remain the same for all houses, though. Custom designs in kitchens should reflect the family’s character, maintain functionality and accentuate all the positives the heart of a home has to offer.

Would you like an in-home consultation?