Tag Archives: Interior Decorating

In The Studio~Classic Swags And Cascades

Posted on May 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

Classic Style

Simple and Harmonious ~ Elegant

Design rendering for classic swags and cascades

The design rendering to show the client exactly what the treatment will look like in the fabrics we selected.

 The swag and cascade is a timeless classic style window treatment. The fabric is cut in a rather odd shape.  Pleats are formed along the top with lots of fullness that falls into graceful curving swags.

The tapered and folded fabric along the sides is the cascade or sometimes called the jabot.  This design will have the cascade mounted underneath the swag.  A custom swag and cascade treatment dresses the window and frames a beautiful view.

Trend Fabrics Timeless Embroidery and RM Coco faux raw silk

Fabrics on the cutting table ready to be made into classic swags and cascades

Swags and cascades are best made from softly draping fabric like this beautiful embroidered fabric from Trend Fabrics.  The solid silk-like fabric from RM Coco will be the accent for the swag and the lining for the cascades.

Check back later to see how fabulous they’re going to look in my clients home. The motivation to redecorate……..their daughter is getting married this summer.  So exciting!

The room is going to be a beautiful backdrop for pictures!       xoxo

Marie

Custom Window Treatments and Decorative Accessories are the Details that Transform a House into a Home You Love

Contact me today to begin the transformation for your house. You and your house deserve it!

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Posted in Design Renderings, In the Studio, Window Treatments

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View From The Window Seat

Posted on May 20, 2012 | 2 Comments

Window Treatments Frame The View

Custom window seat framed with swags and cascades, window seat cushion and decorative pillows

Swags and cascades embellished with tassels and trimmings frame the view of this window seat.

Window “coverings” do much more than cover the window.  These custom swags and cascades frame the view on this cozy window seat.

What is your view framed with this sunny spring morning?

Happy Sunday

xoxo

Marie

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Posted in Sunday Thoughts, Window Treatments

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Spring Decorating Tips You Can Use Today

Posted on March 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

Freshen Up Your Home For Spring

It’s time to freshen, brighten and update all the rooms in your house.  A few quick changes this weekend will improve the outlook of your entire family.

1. Clear away the clutter.  Are there things on your coffee table, kitchen counter or nightstand that have piled up since the first of the year?  While you are clearing, now is the time to pack away any leftover holiday decorations.  Please take the Christmas wreath off your front door and put those long-lasting poinsettia near a sunny window in the basement.

2.Freshen up your reading materials.  Break out the gardening books and magazines.  Even if you don’t get excited at the thought of digging in the dirt; you can still be inspired by the beautiful photography.

Amazon has a gardening book for every style.

3.Front door decor.  Add a pretty spring wreath to your front door.  Choose materials that are a high contrast from your door color.  Add a pretty bow that will blow in the breeze. Nothing adds a welcoming touch to your home as an inviting entrance does.

So there you have a few things to get you started on refreshing your decor for Spring.  If you’re confused whether something is a decorating do or a decorating don’t, email me a photo.

 I am always happy to help make your house into a home you love to live in.  

You deserve it!

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Posted in Decorating Do's and Don'ts, Lifestyle Essentials

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8 ½ Steps to a Romantic Bedroom

Posted on February 14, 2012 | 2 Comments

Note-I wrote this article for my Ezine a few years ago.  I have reprinted it each year since, because we all need a little reminder to keep the love alive.   If you would like to copy it would you please show me some love and link it back to me for credit?

XOXO,

Marie

Happy Valentine’s Day

The bedroom is the most important room to a romantic couple.  It is your own little sanctuary away from family and work demands.  Your bedroom should be calm, clean and uncluttered.  The decorations set the stage for the mood of the room.  Paying attention to some simple details will transform your room from just a place to sleep to a lush romantic getaway.

  • 1. Get rid of the clutter. A cluttered room makes for a cluttered mind. Eliminate the distraction of bills, laundry and kids toys.  Pack away everything that does not say “love” into boxes and put them someplace else in the house.  (Under the bed works fine too.)
  • 2. Make an inviting bed.Invest in the best mattress that your budget allows.  You spend 1/3 of your life in bed; you might as well be comfortable.  Splurge a little on your bed linens.  Sheets that are worn and scratchy are just going to be irritating.  I like cotton flannel to keep us warm in winter and luxurious cotton sateen for summer.  Add a down filled or fluffy fiber filled comforter for an inviting look.

    Romantic Bedding

    Romantic bedding with lots of pillows and a custom throw

  • 3. Pillow talk. In addition to your sleeping pillows, add lots of throw pillows in various shapes and sizes.  Use luxurious and sensual fabrics.  Pillows create the romantic ambiance of a bed that you just can’t wait to jump into.
  • 4. Candle light. Place lots of candles around your room. Use different sizes and colors.  Be sure they are in a safe and fireproof place.  Light them all, turn off the lights and feel the warmth and sensuality of flickering light.
  • 5. Something pretty to look at.Flowers are nature’s gift of romance.  A few simple flowers will brighten up any room.  Float rose petals in a glass bowl.  Keep the decorations simple but meaningful.  Dig out the valentines you gave each other in the past, frame a picture of the two of you when you were first dating, add anything that has special meaning to both of you.

    LOVE Flowers

    I saw these flower over on Design Sponge. Click on the photo for a closer look.

  • 6. Heavenly scents. Entice even your nose in the bedroom.  Studies show that vanilla is the most appealing scent to both men and women.  Burn scented candles, put out a bowl of potpourri, lightly spray the sheets with your favorite perfume.
  • 7. The sound of music. Do you have a special song?  What played at your wedding?  Special music will trigger happy memories. Make a play list on your ipod and plug it into speakers.  A favorite CD you both like will work too.  No radio stations with interrupting commercials.
  • 8. In case you get hungry.Bring in a tray of plump juicy strawberries, smooth dark chocolate and tickling bubbly champagne.  In addition to how yummy they taste, the colors, shapes and textures are beautiful to look at too.

    Romantic Pink Cupcakes

    Even cupcakes can be romantic. My daughter Amy made these.

  • ½. You. The most important thing you can do for your partner is take care of yourself.  Get plenty of rest (just not tonight with this romantic bedroom you’re creating!), eat healthy foods, get some exercise and spend time enjoying what you love to do.  I have given you all the necessary steps to decorate your room for romance.  Now go find your other half!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

When it’s time for you to transform your house into a home you love,        contact me.

Copyright 2012 Window Designs etc. by Marie Mouradian


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Posted in Bedrooms, Decorating Do's and Don'ts

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Room of the Week ~ Cozy Oasis

Posted on January 26, 2012 | 1 Comment

Cozy up with a cup of tea as you armchair travel to exotic places 

A place to sit, read, dream and reflect

This anti room off a formal living room was designed as a garden room with three walls of windows and a tile floor.  The Worcester Massachusetts homeowner wanted a warmer feel for quiet conversation and reading.

The window treatments are mock relaxed Roman shades.  The bottom swoop makes them more relaxed than straight fold Romans.  The shades are stationary so they are more like valances.  The fabric is a rich chocolate-brown dupioni silk.

A Hunter Douglas Silhouette window shading protects the furnishings from harmful UV rays while still letting in the light.

The room gets its pop of color from the love seat that is reupholstered in the warm fiery shade of Tangerine Tango.  Down filled pillows of the window treatment fabric are trimmed in black brush fringe to pull the room together.

What do you think of this room?

Where would your armchair adventures take you?

Contact me to begin transforming your house into the oasis of your dreams.
 

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Posted in Rooms, Specialty Rooms, Window Treatments

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