Aren’t fabrics fabulous? They are the woven materials that themselves weave together many different elements in a room. They can provide subtle background colors and textures to show off furniture and accessories, or take center stage with bold patterns and hues that create the themes and feelings of a space. Throughout history, people have used fabrics to enhance and beautify their dwellings. Curtains and drapes represent one of the main ways fabrics feature in our homes now. Originally used to cover window spaces for insulation before the invention of glass, draperies stayed on as means of increasing warmth, providing privacy and making windows more sumptuous, elegant or dramatic. Fashions in window treatments come and go, but the desire to frame, soften or embellish windows in some way seems to remain constant, even in many of the most contemporary interiors. I think it springs from our instinct around the transition from indoors to out—making the passage from one to the other more graceful and meaningful.
And then of course there’s the simple fun of pattern and color. We have several valances and sets of drapes at CCC right now—many custom made—that could brighten, adorn or dramatize a window or perhaps even an interior doorway or passage. Imagination is key in thinking about how you might use something like this. Take a look!
Here are two custom-made valances, both traditional but each different in personality. The plaid would be great at a breakfast-room window or in a guest bedroom. The floral valance sports a handsome rope trimming that makes it different and unusual. It would look lovely in a powder room or in a boudoir setting.
Here is an absolutely marvelous set of pelmets—a word that denotes a cornice or board construction to hide curtain rods rather than the hanging of fabric. They are Art Deco in feel but use a Native American motif to achieve their geometric precision. While obviously created for a specific set of windows, I know they are going to fit somewhere new perfectly.
These beautiful drapes with a valance in blue toile create an instant feeling of elegance, in a relaxed and country French way. I can see these in any number of living room settings. It might even be worth changing some paint or buying some new furniture to make them the focal point!
These drapes in a gold-and-cream print are traditional and nicely made—perfect for a bedroom or den.
Fabrics aren’t just for curtains, of course. Take a look at these chair coverings. First, this set of Renaissance Revival side chairs (there are four) are covered in cowhide! These handsome and dramatic chairs make a statement, yet their simplicity of design expresses good taste and refinement.
There are two of these chairs in the English Regency style with a gorgeous bird-of-paradise print on the backs and complementing plaid silk on the seats. Not for the faint-hearted, these are the kind of accent chairs that can make a room interesting, like it has something to say!
These are just a few of the eye-catching and fascinating things in the store right now. As always, new things are coming in every day, sending my imagination off in all kinds of directions about how they might look in new settings. Come in and see for yourself—it’s always a playground for ideas and dreams!
Ever,
Debra