Nothing beats the luxury and softness that curtains provide. Today we have such a wonderful choice of fabrics available.

We see all the new trends, colour palettes, textures from both Australia and overseas, we know what fits with the unique coastal “indoor – outdoor” lifestyle of South East Queensland – which is totally different to say the colder climates of Southern Australia.

Traditionally kept to bedrooms and formal living areas, there’s a growing trend for sheer and motorised curtains in open-plan living spaces. There is a shift to using curtains as a design device, not just a decorative element. Previous trends for curtains focused on them being a feature within a space, whether by bold fabric or heavy treatment The trend apparent now is their use as a tool to enhance the design of a space along with the views beyond. Contemporary, open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas can look fantastic with a sheer curtain to soften the link between inside and outside.

Points to Consider When Having Curtains

Do you want total black out in the room? (It doesn’t matter what colour the fabric is facing into the room – we can make a white curtain total black out with a lining.) 

• The Fabric – do you want a curtain with a separate block out lining, block out coated curtain (when the back of the fabric is coated with a block out layer) and / or Sheers (see through curtains)?

• The Type of pleating

• The Type of track/pole/rod

Fabric

A Curtain that is “Lined” – has a basic “face” fabric (the fabric that you see facing into the room) The Lining (total block out or part block out) is attached to the head of curtain & sits behind the curtain - window side. 

Most linings are poly cotton and have a 3 layer coating in order to provide the blackout quality.

A lined Curtain is the most traditional way to make a curtain and produces the best result. Linings are used for the following reasons:

• They provide structure to the curtains by replicating the pleats in the face fabric.
  


• They protect your investment in the face fabric from perishing in the sun.
  


• They provide thermal insulation for the home, keeping heat out in summer and warmth in during winter. 
  


• Because a lined curtain has 2 layers it provides for better insulation.
  


• Unlined or Block out coated curtains, do not have a separate sewn in lining, but rather have the coating applied directly to the face fabric, so there is only one layer of fabric

The advantage of coated fabrics is that the cost of the curtain is reduced as there is no lining and slightly lower labour cost.

The down side is that the curtains do not drape as well as a lined curtain and can show needle holes (stitching line) with the light behind it.

We are familiar with both types of fabrics and can advise you what works best. We also have some little tricks to provide better results with coated fabrics.

Sheers

Sheer curtains are making a huge comeback – forget the Nanna nets and lace curtains of 20 years ago, todays sheers are elegant shimmery fabrics and natural linen look fabrics. We have an amazing range of sheers, from natural earthy tones, to sparkling bling.

For a totally new twist put the sheer curtain in front of a toning block out fabric… a look that is not only very stylish but very practical as you can have the back track with the block out curtain pulled back from the window during the day to let the light in, with the sheer curtain across the window creating a soft diffused light that stops glare and provides privacy. 

Floaty sheers look fabulous and suit all décor styles – they are so elegant in a classical traditional room, but look equally good in a modern industrial or minimalistic setting as they give a softness to an edgy look that can’t be achieved with say a roller blind.
Traditionally kept to bedrooms and formal living areas, there’s a growing trend for sheer and motorised curtains in open-plan living spaces. There is a shift to using curtains as a design device, not just a decorative element. Previous trends for curtains focused on them being a feature within a space, whether by bold fabric or heavy treatment The trend apparent now is their use as a tool to enhance the design of a space along with the views beyond. Contemporary, open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas can look fantastic with a sheer curtain to soften the link between inside and outside.

To read my next instalment to my blog 'All About Pleating Styles for Curtains' - CLICK HERE

By Coleen Radford

For more information use our Contact Us form or Call us on (07) 5592 2000 to register and download our free ebook 

Ask yourself these questions:

• What is the room to be used for? (Sleeping, watching TV, office, multi-purpose)
  
• If it is a bedroom – what sort of mood do you want to create? Romantic? Soft and feminine? 
  
• Masculine, clubby? Peaceful and restful? Fun Kids room? Cool funky teenage boy bedroom? 
  
• Chic fashionable teenage girl room?
  
• Is block out from sun important in this room?
  
• Do you need privacy during the daytime in this room but still want light coming in?
  
• Do you need to cut glare but still be able to see out?
  
• Is sound proofing important?
  
• Does it get very hot in this room when sun hits the window? 
  
• Does it get very cold in winter? 
  
• How is furniture going to be placed in this room?
  
• Where will art work & TV screens to be placed on walls?
  
• Where will air conditioners sit on wall, security sensors?
  
• If considering motorized curtains/blinds: is there power close to the top of window for the motor?
  
• Do you have odd shaped windows within the same room? 
  
• Do your windows have an architectural feature that you want to show off (like an arched window or bay windows?) 
  

Should I have Blinds or Curtains or a combination of both?

Here are some points to consider:
Roller Blinds when rolled up will almost “disappear” – giving a clean line to the window and a minimalist look to the room. 

Curtains and drapery fabric have come a long way in the last few years – and many designers are using them in preference to blinds as they add a luxury and style that create a unique individual look. A popular look is to use both – a roller blind for sun block and privacy, teamed with floaty sheer curtains facing the room – this is a designer trick to soften an otherwise hard look.

There is better energy insulation in curtains, especially in winter and even more so if you have a pelmet above the curtain, as these trap the warm air and helps to prevent heat from escaping through the glass. 

There is better light correction is block out curtains as there are no gaps, even more so if you have a pelmet above the curtain, as this prevents the “halo effect” of light bouncing out above the curtain.

Acoustics – a room with all hard surfaces and no softness will echo. Curtains absorb sound.

For more information or to register with us please use our Contact Enquiry Form to request and download our free ebook.
To read the next instalment to my blog - 'All About Curtain Fabrics, Linings and Shears' - CLICK HERE

by 
Coleen Radford

The Second half of my Blog today looks further into the styles and options available to you when decorating or re-decorating your Home. What an exciting time and how diverse the options are now. 

Part One of this Blog looked at Traditional, Shabby Chic and Country styles, now I want to take you through the 'cooler' styles of Contemporary, Minimalistic and Beach House looks.

Cool, Contemporary, Minimalistic

Contemporary decorating style embraces uncluttered, light-filled spaces, open floor plans, minimal furnishings, and slick finishes. Contemporary can be dramatic in a subtle manner; or go for the wow factor in saturated in vibrant colour. Metallic fabrics work well – especially when teamed with glass and acrylic see through furniture.

Window treatments are slimmed down and designed to blend rather than contrast with the wall colour. Choices include fabrics that drape well like poly – cotton blends. Ripple S Fold pleating or reverse pleating works well. No flounces, no frills. In sophisticated bare-bone settings such as these, keep it simple.

Hamptons - Beach house - Coastal Style

This classic decorating style never goes out of fashion. If you're looking for a classic Hamptons beach style feel, start with colour. The idea is to keep things light, breezy and natural. Take your inspiration from nature and dress your interior in sandy creams, driftwood browns and neutrals, all shades of the ocean from aqua to china blue and sunrise inspired splashes of colour.

Don’t be afraid to base your scheme on a neutral.  Touches of black can bring visual interest and drama.  Think natural linens in interesting textures teamed with smart charcoals or navy freshened with crisp white. 

Light is important in a coastal scheme. The individual requirements of the space and need for light control will dictate your choice of window treatment.  Opt for a colour that matches your walls.  

Choose full height curtains in sheer or fully lined drapes, or roman blinds in stripes or an interesting textured textile.  Plantation shutters may be needed in some spaces but beware they can shut out light.

To read the next instalment to my Blog 'Individual Window Treatments' - CLICK HERE

By Coleen Radford - Google +
Spring Crest Page Google +

For more information about our styling decor ideas or to register for the complete eBook, feel free to complete our Contact Form or email me directly coleen@springcrest.net.au I'm always happy to help with tips and advice for curtains and blinds as well as all your decorating needs.  Ph: (07) 5592 2000