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Real Life Window Treatment Decorating TipsWhen I visited the MacTier Public Library for the first time, I was taken by how people-friendly and architecturally pleasing this rural Musoka attraction is. Designed as a replica railway station, it sits in the exact location where the one-time busy original station served the community in the days of train commuting. The TaskI was called upon to offer solutions for blocking the bright south & west sunshine from getting into the eyes of children during story-telling time, and restricting the viewing of computer screens when it flooded through the windows in the mid to late afternoons, without loosing the warmth and cheerfulness it brings. A simple enough task one would think!!! My AssessmentEight of the eleven windows have arched transoms at the top and most are recessed about 12" There is also a block of three rectangular windows grouped together in one recessed area centred in the middle of the room between two arched windows. While the obvious answer was to plunk an operable blind of some sort over the glass, a neat inside installation would visually cut the window in two. There is no such thing as a curved retractable blind, so the transom would be exposed still allowing the sun in through the top. To mount blinds above the arch outside the window would spoil the integrity of the arched design. In addition, the block of three rectangular windows looked a little disconnected from the design of the arched windows.
The Turnbull Solution:Simple, upholstered valance boxes templated to follow the curve of the window, mounted outside and above the arch to conceal an operable sunscreen blind which when lowered gives full shading while allowing outside viewing. The integrity of the curved architecture is further enhanced with the decorative valances custom-tailored in a combination of room co-ordinating suede and woven fabrics, bordered with a row of large decorative "nail heads" to accentuate the curve and connect to the "railway" theme. The rectangular windows were given the same treatment giving the illusion that they too are arched. The result:A perfect balance of function and ambience!!
Irene's Comments:All of us at Turnbull Interiors loved working on this project. While it looks simple, our skills in design, product knowledge and workroom craftsmanship were all utilized, and what's more, we are proud to have been able to contribute to the great community service that the MacTier Public Library offers. Thanks to MacTier Public Library CEO and Board of Directors for trusting us to help.Irene Turnbull
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Comments (11)
Brenda Dawson: Great job on the library http://www.boatingwithdawsons.com
I love the way you created the same look for all the windows with the cuved valances and adding the "nails" was a terrific way to tie in the railway theme. The kids and those using the computers should enjoy their newly decorated space.
1
June 17, 2009
Jo Ann Bernier: Sales representative for North Country Wood Floors
Hi Irene thanks for your great updates and information. I look forwad to reading your ideas and great decorating ideas...
2
June 17, 2009
Linda Doan: ...
I loved the look you gave the windows...it was in line with
the look of the "time" and gave a warm look/feeling while allowing the wonderful natural light to shine through the windows. 3
June 17, 2009
Mary Leach: Sales http://www.kahrs.com
Congratulations to the Turnbull Interiors Team for a job well done. The wonderful window coverings designed for the Mac Tier Public Library do indeed delivery function and design. I love the color scheme!
4
June 17, 2009
Marlene Mitchelmore: ... http://www.georgianc.on.ca
Great work Irene. The unifying effect of the curve in the valance boxes is very clever and effective.
5
June 17, 2009
Elena Umansky: ...
That was a great and smart solution, Irene. As long as I am trying to find another one, I think you pick the only one practical, functional and beautiful way to treat these windows. Good luck in other projects!
6
June 18, 2009
Carpet Shop Finder: ... http://www.carpetshopfinder.co.uk
I love what you've done with the pelmets, I especially like the red band you've run across them. Good job I say.
7
July 23, 2009
Sunroom Ontario: ... http://www.hexocon.ca/
You have given very nice look to windows.
The tips describe here are very useful. Thanks for sharing. 8
September 06, 2009
Window Treatment Pro: ... http://www.window-treatment-pro.com/
Thank you for showing what you accomplished with these window treatments. The look brings everything together.
In essence, window treatments are the core distinctive finish to everything in a room; whether we choose to cover our windows with custom drapery, curtains or shades, valances, cornices, or grace them with the likes of shutters and blinds. 9
September 27, 2009
Foam Puzzle: ... http://www.britorway.com.au/
looking wonderful.absolutely beautiful to watch.great work done.
10
October 08, 2009
Beth: ... http://www.vinyldecalstore.com
I have seen several uses of window decals to help add decorations to your windows. Etched vinyl window decals can add a sandblasted effect to the glass to give it a custom look.
11
October 27, 2009
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"Details that were already in the house were part of the plan...there was a particular kind of furniture we had and they picked up some of the line in the detail and colour right away. It was amazing to me what they were able to do with the fabrics. I never would have thought of that, but it looks great!"
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Cathy Barker
"Initially, we were he hesitant to contact an Interior Designer because we wanted our home to reflect our tastes and not someone else's. Contacting Turnbull Interiors was the best thing we could have done. Irene took detailed notes of our colour preferences and of environments that made us feel comfortable. She spent many hours developing designs and colour schemes that worked for us. We feel happy and relaxed in our new surroundings and thank Bill and Irene for turning our house into our home.
Linda and Bill Huttons
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Dave and Patty Wainwright