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text by SHANI SILVER photos courtesy of THE SHADE STORE
We can pick our fabrics, colors, and styles just fine, but sometimes it’s expert advice that really makes an interior design project. Windows can be especially intimidating. They’re a commitment, and a focal point—you have to get them right. To ensure success, we spoke to designers Robert & Cortney Novogratz, who shined some…light onto what to do, what not to do, and how to plan one of the most important design elements in a well-styled space.
ENTER TO WIN A $10,000 WINDOW TREATMENT MAKEOVER BY THE SHADE STORE ►
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY ROLE OF WINDOW TREATMENTS IN A ROOM? Window treatments really complete a space. They are the final step in making a space feel luxurious, but they are also a necessity. What’s always exciting is that drapes and shades are the last install on any project, no matter how big or small, so to us the install means it’s time to pop open a bottle of champagne.
WHEN PLANNING TO INSTALL OR UPDATE WINDOW TREATMENTS, WHAT SHOULD OUR READERS DO OR CONSIDER FIRST? Think about how often you plan to open and close your drapes or shades. Are you someone who does it daily? Do you want sheers so that you always have sunlight but also have privacy? There are so many options, from sheers to drapes to solar shades to roman shades, which is exciting, but the process can be overwhelming. The Shade Store has a team that can really help you with every step from beginning to end. They have wonderful showrooms across the country and a strong online presence. Robert and I recommend you bring the same enthusiasm when it comes to your window treatments as when it comes to your kitchen countertops.
WHAT IS ONE WINDOW TREATMENT MISTAKE YOU WISH EVERYONE WOULD STOP MAKING? Over the top, ornate valences. When I see those in any home, all I can think about is how much dust they’re collecting.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF WINDOW TREATMENT ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Put money aside for your window treatments, the same way you factor tiles and cabinets into your budget for remodeling a kitchen. Window treatments make just as much of an impact in any renovation.
WHAT PIECE OF WINDOW TREATMENT ADVICE DO YOU FIND YOURSELF GIVING OVER AND OVER AGAIN? Window treatments should project a different vibe based on the room they’re within- sexy if they’re in a master bedroom, or sweet and soft if they’re in a nursery. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and go with patterns and color. I love them because we’re a family of 9 and they’re forgiving of everyday wear and tear.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NOVOGRATZ FAMILY? When we designed our fabrics for The Shade Store, we were inspired by tangible attributes- warmth, texture and softness, with the intent that these qualities will be conveyed throughout the room and make a space feel more like home.
We have a few upcoming projects, including a People.com show about our new home, “The Castle Next Door: The Novogratz Family Takes Hollywood”, as well as a new book with Rizzoli about our home in Brazil, launching in the fall.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE WINDOW TREATMENT BUSINESS? We first started talking about the possibility of a collection with The Shade Store after we used them on The Bungalow Hotel. We thought, ‘how did we not think of this earlier?’ The timing to create a new collection was perfect on both ends.
ENTER TO WIN A $10,000 WINDOW TREATMENT MAKEOVER BY THE SHADE STORE & THE NOVOGRATZ!