Dear Joe,
Help! I recently saw some curtains and a draped valance advertised in a catalogue. When I went in to buy them, the clerk told me that they were easy to install and that all of the instructions were included. I decided to get them and also got a nice drapery rod. After several hours of frustration, the curtains and valance are up, but it looks terrible! I didn't expect it to look like the picture, but I usually have some skill at this type of thing. What should I do? Brian
Dear Brian,
Behold the magic of photography in advertising! You are not alone. It is not unreasonable to expect ready-made draperies to come out looking great, but it rarely happens.
What most people don't realize is that it took a professional photo stylist several hours to style the window treatment for the catalogue. The drapery panels and valances are all steamed, pinned, stuffed, starched, and anything else that will make them look good. The fabric is forced to do what it will never do on its own. The more complicated the treatment (such as yours), the more time and tricks it takes.
Here is my advice: Take the treatment down, put it back in the packaging and return it. Re-think your plan for the window and try to come up with something less complicated. For example, you could use some simple cotton drapery panels on a rod with rings. This type of treatment is very practical for everyday use and fairly easy to install.
Dear Joe,
I want to paint the livingroom and kitchen area in my condo, but am afraid of making a big mistake. I have narrowed the choices down to a few colors. My favorite is a bold yellow that looks good with my tan sofa and framed prints. The other colors are sort of beige or cream and much safer. Do you think that I will get tired of the yellow too fast? What would you do? Sunny
Dear Sunny,
It's hard for me to say without seeing the space. I like to follow my first impulse in design because it is usually the right move. Since the yellow is your favorite, I would be inclined to try it. My suggestion is to buy a small can of the color (and any other color that you are considering) and paint it on different sections. Try it in areas that get both direct and indirect sunlight. Live with the color patches for whatever time it takes to observe how the tones change at different times. This gives you the chance to see if you like it before investing time and money.
Questions to: jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, fill in 'WCT Design.'
Joseph Rice is an interiors designer who offers full decorating services. With 21 years of experience, he specializes in 'hard to treat' windows. Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc. (773) 271-2361.
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