Inspiring window trends will revitalize your space to create an inviting atmosphere this fall.
BY SIMONE PAGET
Fall has arrived, which means it’s time to swap lazy days at the beach for cozy moments at home — preferably ensconced in a plush throw with a seasonal beverage or simmering pot of soup standing by. As we prepare to spend more time indoors, maximizing texture and light is key to curating an inspiring environment at home.
Windows, while great for letting in natural light during the grey and drizzly months, can also create unique challenges after the sun sets.
“Uncovered windows can be black holes in the dark hours of winter,” says Cheryl Kellett, window covering expert at Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre.
Choosing the right window treatment can be the solution to eliminating unwanted drafts and creating esthetic warmth where there otherwise is none.
Raubyn Rothschild, lead designer at Rothschild West, says as home design trends have grown to embrace the use of large and ample windows, these elements need more attention than before.
“The selection of the right window coverings is now more important than ever,” she says.
To streamline the process, Spruce spoke to local experts for tips on how to maximize current window treatment trends and create an inviting atmosphere this fall.
1 Embrace clean lines
According to design experts, luxe yet minimal window treatments are having a moment.
“Many of my clients are selecting products with a clean look, like a roller blind or shade,” says Amy McGeachy of McGeachy Design Studio.
Within this category, there is a plethora of versatile silhouettes to choose from, including trending honeycomb or cellular shades, which are ideal for this time of year. The pleated cell design retains air between your window and the shade, providing extra insulation during the colder months.
“A cellular roller shade such as a Hunter Douglas Sonnette is a great option because it can be done in a soft-look fabric, be room-darkening or light-filtering, offer many of the advantages of a traditional cellular shade, while being able to be motorized,” McGeachy says.
Rothschild has noticed a similar trend. If your space is feeling a little too heavy, she encourages people to streamline their window treatments.
“A Roman blind or woven wood shade may strike the right balance between keeping some visual interest, but in a more restrained approach,” she says.
To create a sense of warmth and coziness, play with materials, proportions and subtle patterns.
“By keeping a clean look with blinds and shades, you can select a product that has an interesting fabric, with texture and dimensions, while keeping the look more structured,” says McGeachy.
2 Take a page from nature
As the temperatures cool, bringing in natural textures and materials creates warmth, even when it comes to window treatments.
“Some of our favourites for both modern and traditional spaces are woven shades, including grasses, reeds and bamboo,” says Rothschild.
For those looking to maximize privacy, Rothschild suggests adding a liner, which creates “a layered, natural feel in a space.”
In addition to pairing well with earthy neutrals and other organic elements, window treatments made of sustainable, natural materials can balance out a space that is already colour-heavy. (Think: natural-material window treatments paired with richly hued walls or cabinetry.)
3 Drape your space in cozy
Draperies are making a comeback.
While not as flouncy and ornate as in the past, according to the team at Ruffell & Brown, draperies are popular now either as stationary side panels or traversing drapery.
“If your space is skewing more modern and you want to soften the vibe, adding draperies is a great solution,” says Rothschild, noting that this goes from elegant floor-to-ceiling styles to minimalist single-panel curtains.
During a time when sunshine is at a premium, sheer panels — especially when hung floor to ceiling — create a sense of height and allow natural light into the room while still providing privacy. Also popular are pinch-pleat draperies in natural fabrics like linen and wool.
“A light-to-medium fabric can effectively block natural light, and still allows the option to add a lining in the bedrooms, where additional light filtering may be desired,” says Rothschild.
To add subtle drama this season, Rothschild also recommends layering drapery with roller blinds or shades underneath. Layering window treatments adds texture to the space while maximizing the functionality by providing additional warmth and UV light blocking where necessary.
4 Go seasonless
While it’s true there are more choices than you’ll ever have windows to fashion, it’s neither cost effective nor sustainable to switch out your window coverings every season. Opt for something that creates the atmosphere you are looking for, year round.
“Most people choose to go with something that will stand the test of time and easily work with other aspects of the home,” says McGeachy. “Window coverings are something that you should spend the money on up front to get a good-quality product that will not need replacing.”
For this reason, McGeachy says the majority of her clients lean toward rich neutrals and subtle patterns, as opposed to bold hues and prints.
“People who want contrast are doing deep charcoal or brown tones,” she says.
However, if you want to add a pop of colour, she suggests going with accents in “hot and rosy” desert tones. This particular colour spectrum has a broad appeal and blends, subtly, with many other palettes.
As Rothschild reiterates, when choosing window treatments it’s important to evaluate how you plan to use the space, long term.
“Consider what type of atmosphere you want to create in both the daytime and evening, as well as throughout the seasons,” she says.
Desert tones are always in season, and include trending colours in the design world. These Hunter Douglas Vignette UltraGlide Jewelstone Carnelian Roman shades add a dash of colour to this kitchen while staying true to its design.
