International Window Coverings Expo Archives

Inspiration marches our way

Spring easily lends itself to being the most inspirational season, with pops of color bursting forth and promises of warmth and newness. Already Custom Drapery Designs has had inspiration pouring in with new design products from long-time favorite companies as well as gorgeous items from some new-found friends.

“Pure Love. Pure Luxury.”—that’s a tagline CDD can get on board with! Pyar&Co. found its genesis in the union of a dream and true love. When Paula Queen travelled to India to celebrate her marriage to her husband, Sumit, inspiration bound her dream and her love together for better or worse. She began this company in 2011 and named it Pyar, Hindi for “love.” Her dream: to embrace the bold and beautiful colors, patterns and embellishments found in the traditional Indian sari as well as the great quality products found in India—hand-dyed threads, luxurious fabrics and one-of-a-kind beads, sequins and other embellishments.

Brenda Baxter, CDD owner and principal designer, and Stephanie Freeman, CDD’s lead designer, simply flipped over the Pyar&Co. pearl and metallic luxurious braid trim they saw during the International Window Coverings Expo in Las Vegas earlier this year. Each detailed pearl or bead in these trims works together to enhance a lovely luxurious feel in window dressings.

Other fabric elements that stood out to the CDD team were these creative pleated headings. The richness in both color and fabric choice offers a bold, yet simple effect for any window. And, these particular pleated and gathered styles add a delicate feminine touch without overdoing it, making it a welcome addition to any living area of the home.

Surya rugs and textured pillows continue to be huge CDD favorites, just like last year. This company never ceases to inspire! Another company that caught CDD’s eye at the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market was Ambella Home Collection.

These fabrics are perfect for upholstery and come in a wide range of deep, rich solids and unique globally-inspired patterns.

Brenda said, “The upholstery pieces were stunning and we absolutely fell in love with the fabric collections; so we ordered fabrics for our design studio library. Love!”

Another inspirational company, Aidan Gray offers additional options for upholstery pieces and other design accents as well as beautiful chandeliers. So many design choices!

Fabric’s not the only inspiring element around these days! The natural richness of wood sets any design apart and brings depth and warmth to a home.

A fast-growing company, Tableaux, produces intricate and gorgeous decorative grilles. While these custom creations can serve as partitions or dividers, accents and ceiling treatments, they also make a grand statement above windows. And, they come in a variety of finishes and sizes to fit every need perfectly. The design options in these pieces are plentiful and they are sure to make an impressive statement in any room.

Smaller wooden accents like these ornate tassels by Aidan Gray still bring a big impact to a window’s design. They are statement pieces. Wooden tassels are perfect additions to valances, draperies and any other tiebacks.

Wooden cornices add such a wow factor to any window, but they’re made for more than simply adorning windows. LeCorniche, based in Dallas, creates decorative custom cornices that also perfectly crown beds, pieces of art and door frames. These pieces of art are a designer’s dream because the opportunities to take a design to the next level abound with wooden cornices.

Wooden cornices also come in handy to cover up rods that may be more functional than fashionable as well as any of the amazing new motorization options available today that make life easier, but may not be the easiest on the eyes.

Speaking of motorization—we are loving all the new options available!

Orion’s manual and motorized traversing systems allow homeowners functional fashion that definitely doesn’t need to be covered. Orion’s Somfy Motorization adds an element of ease to window design; but their commitment to style is not lost. With 58 hand-painted décor finishes, three different styles and sizes and 30 finial varieties to choose from, these systems are available for any style and design.

And, of course, Hunter Douglas continues to lead the way with their sleek and stylish PowerView™ Motorization, the 2015 Design Innovation winner. Right now is the perfect time to install new window fashions. Hunter Douglas is offering a $100 Energy Smart Style Rebate Promotion now through April 11. Contact Custom Drapery Designs today for more information.

blog - 03/04/2016

Trimming takes top spot in designs

Trimming.

It’s a simple word, not fancy or showy.

Trimming.

Without trimming, drapery is just lovely. Without trimming, pillows are just objects to lean upon. Without trimming, bedding and accent furniture are just added niceties.

Trimming takes a design from delightful to dynamic, from tasteful to tremendous. The design industry teems with a multitude of trimming choices; and outstanding companies like Samuel & Sons, Vervain and Duralee frequently bring us new options to choose from for our projects.

At the International Window Coverings Expo in January, Brimar—another of our favorite companies—set trimmings as the must-have standard in design this year. On their website, Brimar explains, “Decorative trimmings are the creative nuances which achieve remarkable aesthetic effects in rooms of varying styles.” It’s those “creative nuances” that Custom Drapery Designs seeks to highlight in each and every installation, like this one pictured with the warm wooden fringing. We feel exquisite couture details and added dimensions—like those brought by trimmings—combine with great quality fabrics to produce an end result worth showcasing.

Samuel & Sons launched its Seychelles Collection of trim this spring. These trimmings are as inspiring as their namesake—the group of islands in the Indian Ocean that dot the azure and turquoise waters like so many bright and warm emeralds. This trim comes in 17 colors, including sea salt, caribe, aquamarine, bark, sand and beach rose. Not only are the colors in this collection inspired by the sea and the islands in them, but also the motion of the waves flows throughout the chevron patterns and the sleekness of the natural landscaping reflects itself in the wooden teardrop and bead fringes. We see many uses for these elegant trimmings!

Vervain’s new Barry Dixon Collection introduces trim options for designs with its multi-dimensional patterns and intricate details. With names like Cortina Platinum, Celtic Knot Metallic Gold, Tympani Walnut and Etruscan Drop Blonde, designs are guaranteed an international and historical feel that fits right in with today’s homes. These trimmings are statement pieces that can elevate well-paired fabrics to a new dimension. Barry Dixon’s interior designs are coveted around the globe, and now his products can be part of your home’s decor!

Duralee, an old friend of Custom Drapery Designs, continues its production of excellence with the Duralee Trim Volume VIII. This collection showcases the classic styles of tassels, beaded fringes, cords and pom poms in an elegant and graceful way. Tassels boast extra details like beaded fringe and precisely-placed braided trim and ribbons that bring the colors and styles all together into the most perfect little package. We see these trims as the perfect complement to our custom draperies, pillows and bedding.

Trimmings, draperies and hardware make up the aspects that enhance a window’s presence. But, another very important window dressing is shading. Whether you prefer blinds, Roman shades, roller shades or any other style, Hunter Douglas is our go-to company. As a Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer, CDD is proud to offer their products to our clients. And, now through April 25, you can save on Silhouette® window shadings through their rebate program. These great shades allow more light in while diffusing the sun’s rays. Contact us today to give your windows a complete facelift in time for the spring sunshine!

Custom Drapery Designs knows we’re only as good as the companies we partner with to produce our client-specific designs. This is why we passionately promote the materials we use. We stand behind our work just like the companies we work with stand behind their materials. Each day as we work with clients from initial phone consultations to face-to-face meetings in our new studio with product samples and sketches to the final day of installation we maintain a sense of joy and satisfaction in every minute detail. We know it’s the little things that stand out and make the lasting impressions in your homes. We truly love what we do and look forward to sharing our passion for exquisite couture details with you!

blog - 03/23/2015

Finishing touches add finesse

While the perfect fabric defines the style and flow of a room, it’s the hardware that puts the exclamation point on a design’s statement. No design project is complete without high-end finishes—those little details that make a big difference; and Custom Drapery Designs selects only the finest for our clients.

Finials are a very small piece of a room’s design, but Robert Allen has found a way to produce true magnificence in the tiny packaging of those in the Casual Elegance Collection. Each of the seven finials boasts intricate details and beauty in simplicity, and four finishes provide a variety to match any room. With the elegance of this collection comes the outstanding strength of the company’s high-quality tracks, making them strong enough to hold even the heaviest draperies.

Since at least 4,000 BC people have admired silver for its beauty, value and usefulness. This beauty is what makes J.L. Anthony’s Silver Surfaces Collection the crowning addition to any elegantly-designed room. With six finishes ranging from cool to warm hues, your style will find its match in this collection of poles, finials, brackets, rings and tiebacks. And, your finished product will be uniquely yours since the metal leaf is applied by hand and completed with a glazing or antiquing process to seal in that one-of-a-kind look with amazing textures.

We had the opportunity last month to attend the International Window Coverings Expo in New Orleans, La., and to witness the award of the 2013 WCMA Product Awards Best New Style Concept to the dynamo team of Jackie Von Tobel and Helser Brothers. This is an outstanding award for a simply amazing woman and her commanding new product line; and we are thankful we got to celebrate with her. The Jackie Von Tobel Signature line for Helser Brothers has rocked the market with unbelievable versatility and unsurpassed selections.

Deb Barrett (front) &
Jackie VonTobel (back)

We’re excited about this collection and look forward to including it in upcoming designs for traditional—and maybe even some nontraditional—purposes. Each piece of Von Tobel’s hardware designs is a work of art and appears in 17 new finishes that will make jaws drop.

blog - 06/08/2013

Patchwork promotes perfection

OSCAR DE LA RENTA RESORT 2012 NEW YORK 05/16/2011

Fashion and interior design have long inspired one another; and this season is no exception. Prepare to be pleased with patchwork!! This bold, show-stopping style runs the runway; and it’s ready to add a pop to your home décor. Custom Drapery Designs looks forward to incorporating some of this style in our upcoming work. Stay tuned for a new custom patchwork design!

Your home is your sanctuary…a place to relax, unwind, breathe. Your drapery should set your personal stage for serenity. Kravet Couture introduces their new Modern Novelties Collection–metallic threads, intricate embroideries, open cut out designs and delicate sheers make up this selection of simply gorgeous draperies. The natural earth tones provide a simple elegance which enhances the beauty of the room around them while providing a fitting frame for the view beyond them. The metallics and cut outs mirror current fashion trends as well. The intricate details in these simple fabrics provide a light and airy feel while promoting peace within your walls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eFsNkChVsU&feature=youtu.be

Paris Texas Hardware understands the old saying, “Time is money.” We are so impressed with their quick ship option on orders within the Somerset, Villiers and Dominion collections. Within 48 hours of placing a phone order with them, we received our hardware; and there was no extra cost for the faster delivery. PTH was a pleasure to work with, and their customer service was stellar. Plus, their finials, holdbacks and other accessories are unique and show-stopping. They even offer custom rod lengths cut to within an eighth of an inch of your specifications for no additional charge. We are huge fans of Paris Texas Hardware!

Practicality, Versatility, Safety and Function marry in the new Vignette Modern Roman Shades by Hunter Douglas. Choose from traditional or tailored shades which roll up and disappear; tiered shades which are most similar to classic Roman shades and fold perfectly every time; and traversed shades which slide side to side to offer a solution for sliding glass doors. You can choose your ideal style through a variety of colors and textures as well. These shades are a great match for the family with small children or pets since they have no exposed cords. And, they are installed quickly and provide your home with easy-to-maintain elegance. See for yourself!

Bring the delicate beauty of Ikat silk outdoors with Beacon Hill’s Outdoor Ikat fabric collection. Woven with Sunbrella yarns, they are durable and easily cleaned with a surprising softness that might just make it your favorite part of outside! “Outdoor Ikats is a collection where each and every pattern is an interpretation of an original silk ikat from Uzbekistan. Ikats are distinctive design motifs, and this collection celebrates their unique contours in outdoor constructions,” said Alexis Audette, operating vice president of design for Beacon Hill. You may use them outside or prefer to keep the gentle feel inside; but, wherever you display them, your Outdoor Ikats are sure to become a delightful conversation piece!

We will be in the Windy City this week, soaking up the latest in window fashions, trends, styles and continuing education at VISION 12, International Window Coverings Expo; and you can join us through Pinterest! We will be updating our “Vision Spotter” board with the hottest and most exciting new products and trends as we see them. Follow us on Pinterest to receive all the updates and follow all the Vision Spotters!

blog - 04/28/2012

Custom Drapery Designs, LLC, serves Dallas and the surrounding metroplex with all aspects of a custom design project. From in-home consultation to project management to exquisite couture details to a perfect installation, we do it all.

972-881-5222