THE COUNTRY DECORATOR
Bold window treatments
1 BEAUTIFULLY BLOWSY BLOOMS
Full, gathered curtains framing large windows lend a sense of warmth and generosity to a scheme. ‘i love using large-scale florals,’ says Ann grafton, creative director of GP&J Baker, ‘especially teamed with other soft furnishings to carry the design through the room.’ Here, the abundant floral arrangement cleverly mirrors the fabric pattern to perfectly anchor this scheme.
2 MODERN LUXE
sumptuous doesn’t have to be fussy. Here, classic panelling is offset by a modern window treatment – the simple metal pole is positioned so the curtain pleats are in line with the top of the window frame, lending a smart finish. ‘the Madelyn curtains have a steely shimmer and a delicate flower pattern, and the smoky tones give a very contemporary feel,’ says Leah Brandwood, head of design at curtains2go.
3 ELEGANT OUTLOOK
Lovely as shutters are, windows can look rather bare with no additional dressing. this neat option provides a solution without detracting from the window’s elegance. ‘the smart folds of this light linen roman blind ensure a crisp finish when open or closed,’ says fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. ‘the blind is also practical, allowing light into the room while also offering shade when lowered.’
4 WIDE VISTAS
if you have the space, make a real impact by extending the curtains wide at either side. A simple blind, such as this one in a warm mulberry hue, will shield the window itself. ‘Large window spaces can take bold prints and are great for adding colour and vibrancy,’ says Anya gomulski, senior designer at Ashley Wilde. rich berry shades are timeless and work with various tones through the seasons.
5 SUBTLE LINES
checks are a perennial favourite in country schemes and combine comfortably with different furnishings. ‘the gentle aqua and neutral tones of these curtains offer a modern take on country style,’ says susie gibson, home design manager at next. Pale grey Venetian blinds have been chosen to complement the drapes rather than the more usual voile, adding to the contemporary feel.
6 DOUBLE DRAPES
Layering textures in sweeping swathes looks wonderful in a pared-back scheme. ‘A balance of pattern and plain creates interest, but be sure to choose fabrics in complementary styles and tones,’ says Villa nova brand manager Hayley Mcafee. ‘the curtains can also be opened or closed independently – the lighter pair is ideal for diffusing sunlight, while the heavier drapes bring warmth and privacy.
7 DRAMA LESSONS
this on-trend approach uses the same inky tones for curtains, walls and upholstery to striking effect. ‘the trick is to ensure plenty of texture and pattern variety,’ says saffron Hare, creative director at James Hare. ‘the terrazzo motif of these curtains, for example, introduces a subtle yet very effective design element.’ essential notes of relief are provided by the punchy orange lampshade and bold artwork.
8 SMOOTHLY DOES it
tailored fabric blinds make a sleek alternative to curtains, and aligning two or three across a wide window offers flexibility. ‘roman blinds are ideal for bedrooms, as they provide privacy and you can adjust the amount of light,’ says chris Lapthorne, head of marketing at Luxaflex. ‘they can be motorised, too – operated via an app or remote control, so you don’t even have to get out of bed!’