Choose luxurious fabrics for your wonderful windows

Last week, interior decorator Sharon Lowe provided some beautiful window treatments in sheer. Let's continue to talk some more about curtains, especially if you are tired of those ugly curtains which block your view of the sunshine.

Don't wait until the Christmas season to chuck them into the garbage. Here are some more tips on how to create a room with a view by transforming your windows:

Go luxe. Luxe or luxurious fabrics are opulent and showy with bold colours and textures that beg to be touched. Luxury fabrics key in this category are silks, velvets, damasks, fur, leather and suede. This enduring window trend includes sparkling crystal, beaded tassels and lavish embellishments on every element of the window - hardware, trimmings and fabric.

Don't be afraid of colour. Many people play it safe and select neutral window treatments. Yet, mixing two colourful window treatments is a simple way to inject energy and excitement into a room.

Vary textures when mixing neutrals. If bright colours aren't what you are after, mixing subtle colours in wonderful textures can instantly bring elegance and ease to your rooms. For example, combining rich silk in an earthy bronze with delicate, sheer georgette in a creamy colour results in a beautiful effect.

Use a corner to your advantage. In homes with wall space between two corner windows, usepanels or draperies with one side stacking to the left, the other to the right. Panels meet in the corner for the dramatic look of one continuous window.

Give small windows big impact. One good way to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic is by using light-coloured panels that start well above the window and puddle on to the floor. Build on the visual impact with details like ring tops, prominent wood poles, finials and brackets.

Design in stages. If your dream windows are a little out of reach right now budget-wise, don't worry. When time and budget allow, layer luxurious panels and draperies, or add architectural details like cornices and sconces.

- Information sources: Home and Garden and Smith+Noble.com

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