8 Uplifting Window Treatments for 2015

Windows treatments are the windows to your…well, your decorating soul. They’re practical, essential, and endlessly versatile. They’ll add glam to your glum or give instant definition to an ill-defined room. They’re also on the front lines of your energy saving efforts, insulating and keeping warmth in when it’s cold and resisting rays when it’s hot. Any dressing does the trick, so think outside the window seat and open your eyes to something bright and new.

Thinking curtains in every room? Don’t get tangled up in that comfort zone. You’re way more creative than that. Here are 7 ideas to mix it up in the new year:

1. Whimsy

Plaid is so not just for man caves anymore. It can dress up or down depending on your other decorating choices. Plus, plaid in a roman shade design adds the unexpected – a design must-have for every room. From breakfast nook to great room, old now feels new again.

2. Matching & Mirroring

Matchy-matchy was out for so long in fashion. Then it was back in, then it was undecided, now it’s definitely back in, curtain-wise. Matching or mirroring patterns on corner windows creates harmony and visual balance in a room, especially a big room. Don’t make guests feel uneasy, go ahead and match or mirror window treatments all the way around your open floor plan.

Sleek, modern, and streamlined treatments are great at showing off a view if you have one. But if you don’t, you’ll need something else to look at. So in this case nicely matched curtains are a good idea. They add flow and continuity, as well as softness and texture. Sarah Gallagher (www.mysteriousobject.com), a designer who does comfy, happy, and hip from Portland to Santa Monica, is currently in love with lush jewel tones like the ones above, so do not fear deep greens and rubies.

Try these unifying curtains to your design advantage.

Speaking of showing off a view, the next three treatments come courtesy of the hottest interior designer in Montana. She has plenty to tell us about windows, given that her windows have to showcase a whole state full of natural beauty.

3. The Minimalist

Susie of envidesign.com, says “I often work with clients who are into minimalism.  So window treatment can be tricky with ‘no fuss, no muss’ designs.  Often we don’t even want to see window treatments, though they are almost always necessary for privacy and solar screening.  We use solar shades a lot! And one of my favorite minimalist window products is the ‘panel glide’ system from Silent Gliss.”

4. Sheer Luminosity

Sheers and DIY fabrics are a soft and beautiful way to filter sunlight.

5. The Pleat

The pleated blind is commonly an inside-mount staple, but consider the outside mounted treatment (as in it’s mounted on the wall outside your window’s inset). This bolder style adds chunk and a visual resting point. Pleated blinds are experts at softening and diffusing hot light at midday or shading angled afternoon rays.  So take in the sights inside and out with these versatile statement-makers.

6. Give me tassels

Also loving this trend. This is a DIY option that’s fun and fresh, cheap and colorful. Put a tassel on it. You won’t regret it.

7. Custom if you got ‘em

A configuration that’s truly tailored to your room (and the light it holds) is obviously the height of luxury in window treatments. In interior decoration and design, being specific to the space is huge. And being specific to you is even better. Custom window treatments can compliment an existing design or dictate the whole look of a brand new remodel. They make your home, your home…so let your windows bear your decorator soul.