Over the years I have noticed that there are trends in work that comes my way. It’s a rather fascinating sort of movement. How is that all my clients are in need of roman shades at the same time?

Are there little signals being sent out to us in the world that we all need new throw pillows? Probably Pinterest.

Whatever the phenomenon is caused by I have learned to roll with it. Actually, it’s rather convenient. My brain gets in the zone and hyper focused on fine tuning whatever that new trend of work is.

Right now, refashions and valances are on my agenda.

In the past week, I have talked so much about valance treatments and options I feel like my level of knowledge has reached beyond expertise. Thus sparking this post and wanting to share some of my thoughts on how to achieve a successful valance.

The wonderful and overwhelming thing about valances is that the options are literally boundless. Whatever your little imagination can dream up, it is almost always possible with a valance.

They are wonderful opportunities to set a theme for a room. They will most likely be the focal point of any space you use them in. That makes it really important to be thoughtful when designing them. You should also think of your window treatments in the same light you think of your clothing. Detail touches add the wow factor.

A lot of times I like to use multiple fabrics to set a general pattern and color feel for a space. A valance is a place to add the sparkle, as I like to call it 😉 If you compared a valance to an outfit, the valance is your cocktail look. You want the look to be polished and finished. Without the right accessorizing, it may fall flat.

The below 2 valances are examples of ones that I have made. The fabrics in both of these examples speak volumes on their own, so a fancy design was not needed to add life to the look. However, you want something to look finished (see above statement). To achieve that custom look I added a contrast band that pulled out a color in the main print and added a trim over the seam. Adding something over a seam is a signature look I like. It adds that tailored made touch!

made by me

made by me

Another design touch I like for a valance is a covered button. A covered button is such a simple way to add a really expensive looking custom detail. Add it over a tuck in the fabric and it looks like a million bucks! Okay. Maybe not actually a million bucks, but it looks really good.

photo: workroomintelligence.com

photo: decordesign.ca

What about combining the above idea of a covered button (yes!) with a contrast color trim detail as well?! That’s another simple way to add a dress tailoring design element onto your home decor items. If it looks good on clothes, it will also look great in your home.

made by me

photo: http://www.curtainsupanddecor.com/window-treatments.html

made by me

made my be

If you are looking for something that has a little more fluff and frills to it you may want to look into designs that incorporate extra fabric. One look is through balloon shades and london shade valances. They incorporate fullness in their vertical AND horizontal pleating as seen below.

made by me

There are other ways to achieve a full look if balloon shades aren’t your jam. Try adding fullness behind breaks in your valance, like in the ones below.

photo: chfindustry.com

photo: http://great-panes.com/portfolio_valances.html

If you are going the extra mile to add valances to your home make sure you are thinking of the full picture. These sorts of additions to your home are investments. They are not something you will be updating every year. Think in terms of classic lines and detailing that will withstand the test of time. You may want to save the over the top ideas for things that are more disposable, say a throw pillow?