Window treatments are often the last aspect of decorating a room and often the most neglected. Interior designer and Feng Shui consultant Rekha Nambiar sheds some light…

When decorating a room, the windows occupy an important place in the scheme of things for two reasons. One, they occupy a large area, and will direct visual focus in a room. Most homes in India have reasonably large window areas, so windows become a dominant feature in the room. Two, the fabrics and colours need to be well co-ordinated with other things in the room such as furniture, paintings, artifacts, wall paint, carpets/flooring etc.

When deciding what kind of window treatment would be suitable for a room/area the following things need to be kept in mind.

• What is the overall theme of the room? Western, Indian or Oriental--- Classic, Contemporary or an eclectic mix. This would help determine the ultimate look of your windows.
• What kind of furniture is in the room, and what would be the best way to complement that furniture and accentuate it further?
• What is the wall colour and wood finish …this goes a long way in determining the usability of colour in the room? Most Indian homes have white/off-white walls, so they are fairly neutral. However, in modern day interiors a lot more colour is being used and window treatments should complement the colours of the room. Complement does not mean blending into the same family. Sometimes, a contrast is the best way to bring life and drama into a room--even if it is a subtle contrast.
• What kind of flooring is in the room …marble, wooden, stone or mosaic? Pay attention to the rugs/carpets in the room? Sometimes, rugs/carpets can be a constraining factor in being able to play around with different concepts.
•  How much natural light is coming into the room? This is a very important factor, as the filtration of light into an interior space greatly determines flexibility with colour.
• Do you want the room to have a formal or informal look? Again, this would have a bearing on the kind of designs one would opt for.
•  Is the window close to any large piece of furniture, such as a sofa or a bed? … Read More

Do you have a query for Rekha Nambiar? Post Your Query

About The Writer

Rekha I Nambiar is an interior decorator and feng shui consultant. She runs a business in home furnishings that undertakes residential/commercial projects and supplies to retailers/importers worldwide.Her company IDZINE-Living Spaces , specialises in home furnishings and interior decoration.The product line of Idzine ranges from cushion covers, fabrics, bedlinen, quilts, and table linen to drapery poles, tassels/trims and accessories. For more information check out www.idzine.biz or write to idzineusa@yahoo.com