Window treatments can completely transform a room, adding personality and enhancing the overall ambiance. In this project, Susan Gailani, a custom window treatment designer, took inspiration from an unlikely source—a turban. When tasked with designing a window treatment for a chic dining room, she created an elegant, formal, and creative solution that perfectly complemented the homeowner’s vision. Read on to discover how this unique design came to life and exceeded expectations.
Understanding the Client’s Vision
When Demetrica from Oswego, IL, contacted me to design a custom window treatment for her dining room, she had a clear vision in mind. Her room’s décor was defined by a sleek, monochromatic palette of black, white, and gray. She wanted the window treatment to not only match this sophisticated color scheme but also to enhance the formal atmosphere of the space. Additionally, the design needed to be functional, allowing plenty of natural light to enter, while also being creative and elegant.
Choosing the Perfect Fabric
After discussing her ideas and preferences, we selected a luxurious satiny charcoal fabric that perfectly complemented the existing décor. The fabric had the right amount of shine and texture to maintain the refined look she was after. This choice set the foundation for a window treatment that would blend seamlessly into the space while adding a touch of understated glamour.
Inspiration from a Turban
As I began brainstorming the design, an image of a man wearing a turban sparked an unexpected idea. The way the fabric of the turban gracefully twisted and wrapped inspired me to incorporate this element into the window treatment. I envisioned using the charcoal fabric to create a pair of cornices draped and twisted on either side of the window, mirroring the elegant folds of a turban. This design would not only allow the natural light to filter in beautifully but also serve as a unique artistic focal point for the room.
Sketching the Design
When I presented this concept to Demetrica, she was intrigued but slightly hesitant. Would such a bold design fit into the formal atmosphere she had envisioned for her dining room? To reassure her, I sketched the design to scale, showing how the twisted cornices would frame the window elegantly, blending creativity with formality. The visual aid helped her see how the design could enhance her space.
The Final Installation and Client’s Reaction
On the day of installation, I was eager to see how Demetrica would react to the final design. As the window treatment was carefully put in place, her initial hesitations melted away. Her face lit up with excitement as she exclaimed, “I love it!” The twisted cornices had captured exactly what she had envisioned—an artistic, stylish, and one-of-a-kind window treatment that elevated the entire room.
Conclusion: Creativity Meets Elegance
This project highlights the importance of creative inspiration in custom design. By drawing from an unexpected source—a turban—I was able to create a window treatment that was not only functional and formal but also uniquely artistic. Demetrica’s satisfaction confirmed that blending creativity with elegance can produce truly extraordinary results. If you’re looking for custom window treatments that combine both beauty and function, don’t hesitate to explore creative possibilities for your space.
To see more great custom window treatments go to the GailaniDesigns.com project gallery.
