Tucked into the third floor of a Victorian-era home, a uniquely challenging dormer window called for a creative and elegant window treatment. The goal? To soften the intense southern light filtering through the space while honoring the home's historic charm—and working within serious structural limitations.
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The dormer featured sloped ceilings and a trio of windows: a center arched window flanked by two rectangular sash windows that extended just past the straight section of ceiling. The client and designer envisioned an operable sheer panel to diffuse the light, but the configuration presented a few hurdles. The operable rod could only be mounted on the flat portion of the ceiling—meaning it wouldn’t span the full width of the window area, nor would it cover the side sash windows.

A simple sheer treatment would have left awkward gaps and exposed the complex geometry of the space. As both a designer and workroom, I collaborated closely with the interior designer to engineer a layered solution that provided visual balance, function, and architectural harmony
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Our Solution: Tailored Layers for Seamless Integration
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To address the asymmetry and ensure complete coverage, we fabricated angled velvet pinch pleat side panels. These stationary panels were ceiling-mounted and carefully cut to follow the slope of the dormer ceiling, visually framing the operable sheer and disguising the areas where the sheer could not extend.

Each velvet panel overlapped the sheer by about six inches, concealing the sheer’s termination points. To soften the look and keep the treatment open without exposing the uncovered sides, simple metal holdbacks were installed. These allowed for a subtle swag of the velvet without revealing the absence of sheer on the far side windows. The holdback placement was critical—not just for aesthetics, but to maintain the illusion of full coverage.
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The result was a refined “trompe l’oeil” that cleverly disguised the irregularities of the space while delivering softness, light control, and period-appropriate elegance.

A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function
This tailored window treatment not only brought visual order to a chaotic architectural moment but also enhanced the traditional charm of the Victorian home. The final look was both functional and beautiful—balancing historical sensitivity with inventive design.
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The designer and client were thrilled with the outcome, and we were proud to turn such a complex challenge into a polished, stylish solution.

​Have a tricky window in need of a creative solution? Let’s collaborate and bring harmony to your space. Reach out today for a custom consultation.

Naturally Beautiful: The Allure of Woven Wood Shades
Woven wood shades offer more than just a practical way to control sunlight—they bring an element of artistry to your windows. Handcrafted from natural materials like woods, reeds, grasses, and bamboo, these shades infuse any space with texture, warmth, and an unmistakable organic charm.
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Whether your aesthetic leans modern, traditional, coastal, or bohemian, woven wood shades are a versatile window treatment that fits right in. Their rich textures and warm, earthy tones don’t just complement your décor—they help create a calm, grounded atmosphere that promotes well-being.

Woven wood shades are also built to last, with materials and construction that resist bowing, stretching, and breaking—so they look beautiful for years to come.

If you’re looking to add a relaxed, earthy vibe to your space—while also enjoying a window treatment that’s as unique as it is functional—woven wood shades might just be the perfect fit.

Love the look of woven wood? Let’s make it part of your view.

A customer recently came to us looking for an accent pillow to pull their bedroom together. After collaborating on fabric choices, we created a custom two-sided pillow we might call “Rhapsody in Blue.”
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Each side features a distinct pattern in crisp and cool blues, offering two elegant looks in one. Whether flipped for a fresh feel or styled to match the season, the result is effortless sophistication!

Ready to elevate your space with custom accents?

Let us help you find the perfect fabric and finishing touch—reach out today!

Why Are They Called Roman Shades? A Look at History, Beauty, and Function

As the name suggests, Roman Shades trace their origins back to ancient Rome—but not in the way you might think!
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While we often think of window treatments as purely decorative or practical, the term Roman Shade has a dramatic architectural lineage. The most iconic connection to ancient Rome lies not in home decor, but in the grandeur of the Colosseum (below). There, Roman engineers created a system of massive retractable awnings known as the velarium. This innovative canopy shaded spectators from the sun while leaving the arena floor open to light—an early example of retractable fabric engineering, not unlike today’s flat-panel shades.

Fast forward to now, and while we may not be protecting ourselves from the blazing sun at a gladiator match, the concept of a retractable, flat shade remains. That’s how these timeless treatments got their name.
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But there are far better reasons today to install Roman shades than to keep lions and gladiators cool!

The Beauty of Modern Roman Shades

Today’s Roman shades shine not only for their historical nod but for their versatility and style. One of their most striking qualities is how they allow beautiful fabrics to be boldly displayed. Whether raised and pleated or lowered to a smooth flat panel, the shade becomes a focal point in any room, offering texture, color, and pattern.

In these examples, you’ll see how fabric choices can excite a space, enhancing everything from wall color to furnishings. Even better, Roman shades can easily be partially lowered or fully extended, letting in just the right amount of light while maintaining privacy and design impact.

More Than Just Pretty

Modern Roman shades also offer practical advantages. With options like blackout or thermal dimout linings, they improve energy efficiency—keeping interiors cooler on hot summer days and helping insulate during colder months.

With their cordless lift system, they are child-safe and incredibly easy to operate. Form and function have never worked together so seamlessly.

Inspired to add Roman shades to your space?
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Explore our custom options and fabric selections to create a look that’s as timeless as it is personal.

​Cushions might seem like small details, but they make a big impact—on both comfort and style. At our workroom, we create cushions all the time: rectangular bench cushions, single seat chair cushions, and even full sets of replacements for worn-out sofas. Whether you need a soft new surface or want to give your room a whole new look, we’ve got you (and your cushions) covered.

Our process can be as simple as refreshing tired inserts or wrapping firm foam with batting to add softness. Want a new color or texture? We offer a wide range of fabrics so you can update your space with just the right tone and feel.

​Sometimes the job calls for something more ambitious—like the project we recently completed for a client who needed a custom bench cushion. This wasn’t your average seat pad—it was a 9-foot-long by 2-foot-wide bench cushion, built entirely from scratch. We supplied the foam and batting, then stitched and zippered the customer’s selected fabric to create a finished piece that was as stylish as it was substantial.

We love challenges like these, and we’re always ready to help you make a space more comfortable, functional, and beautiful.
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Thinking about new cushions? Whether it’s updating the old or designing something brand new, we’d love to help. Reach out and let’s talk cushions!

​A Slipcover Story (With a Furry Twist)
Most of the time, our customers come to us for slipcovers because they want a fresh splash of color or because their old covers have become worn and faded. But this client had a more unusual reason:

​“We’re getting a Maine Coon kitten,” they said. And they wanted to be sure their chairs could stand up to the new arrival’s curious claws.

Kitten plans were officially put on hold until we could create cat-resistant slipcovers.

​We always drape our slipcovers onsite—it’s much easier to carry fabric than to lug a chair! For this project, we worked with the customer to choose a darker, more durable fabric that would blend with their space while standing up to playful paws. I spent an afternoon in their home, carefully draping and pinning the fabric directly to their chairs, ensuring a snug, tailored fit.

Back in the workroom, I transformed the pinned fabric into two custom slipcovers. When we returned to install them, the chairs seemed to settle into a new identity—still relaxed and welcoming, but now dressed in a bold, cozy color with a layer of feline defense.
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We’re now eagerly awaiting news of the kitten’s arrival and how everyone is settling into their Seacoast home together.

Along the beautiful New Hampshire seacoast, our client is breathing new life into a charming home. As part of the renovation, they envisioned Roman shades and bench cushions throughout much of the house—adding both style and a sense of warmth to each space.
​The client had already selected fabrics for every room and wanted coordinating bench cushions for two built-in seating areas. From there, it was all about the details: tailoring each feature to fit the window and enhance the space.

​Some windows were better suited to inside-mount shades for a clean, inset look. Others needed outside-mounted Romans, and for those, we added fabric returns to the headrail—an elegant way to hide the folds when the shade is raised.

​In several rooms, the client selected trims and tassels to finish the bottom edge of the shades. To keep things tidy and polished, we used a concealed hem technique that hides the hem grip and shows off the trim beautifully.

​It’s always exciting to work on a whole-home project like this one—where custom details bring out the personality of each room, and practical design solutions make the whole house feel cohesive and complete.

Thinking about Roman shades (or Cushions!) for your own home?
We’d love to help you design window treatments and features that are both beautiful and built to last. Explore our website to see more of what’s possible.

​I have a customer who is a talented fiber artist, working in rug hooking, needlepoint, and more. She recently finished several needlepoint projects and came to us with a wonderful idea — instead of framing them and hanging them on the wall, could we turn them into pillows to display in her home?

​Like all needlepoint work, these pieces weren’t just beautiful — they were rich with time, effort, and emotion. The challenge was finding the best way to showcase them in a way that felt natural and meaningful. She looked through remnant fabrics, carefully selecting the ones that felt right. Once she’d made her choices, we sketched out the pillow designs and brought them to life.

​Seeing her intricate needlework transformed into cozy, decorative pillows — now proudly displayed on a favorite chair or nestled on the couch — was truly inspiring.

​She’s found a fresh way to celebrate her fiber art, bringing warmth, personality, and craftsmanship into her living space.

One of the things I love most about working in interior design is watching new trends pop up—and then wondering, will they stick around or disappear as quickly as they arrived? These days, with social media influencers setting the pace, trends move faster than ever. That’s why having trusted sources for home décor inspiration is more important than ever.

If you’re thinking back to past trends, things like popcorn ceilings, shag carpeting, or bold accent walls probably come to mind. Even color trends have had their moments—remember the wave of all-white kitchens, or when everything was grey? But even if you lean minimalist, there are so many ways to bring warmth and personality into a space—with natural wood tones, soft but colorful neutrals, interesting hardware, and cozy textiles.

As someone trained in the arts, color has always inspired me. And as an interior designer, I’m passionate about discovering what inspires you—and how we can reflect that in your home. Maybe your love of nature translates into earthy tones or vibrant, floral hues. Maybe you're drawn to calm, serene spaces in soft blues or greys. Whatever your style, I’m here to help you find colors that elevate and enrich your space.
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I also work with some fantastic companies that are truly leading the way in home fashion. It’s especially exciting when two of them team up to create something fresh and beautiful! Recently, Sherwin-Williams released their 2025 Color Capsule—an inspiring collection of trending hues. 

​Charlotte Fabrics followed up with a perfectly curated selection of textiles to match. Collaborations like this are exactly the kind of thing I love sharing with my clients!

Whether you’re considering new window treatments or a custom slipcover for a beloved piece of furniture, I can help you discover color and fabric combinations that refresh and inspire your space. Color choice is not scary when I use the tools available like large 8”x 10” wall samples and memo samples for fabric that you can touch and see in your space.
Let’s create something cozy and fresh together — reach out to schedule your in-home consultation!
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​Some pieces of furniture aren’t just functional — they hold a special place in our hearts. Lori’s cherished chairs from her grandmother are a perfect example. With their graceful curves, ideal proportions, and a fun swivel-rocking base, these chairs were full of personality. But their existing slipcovers didn’t do them justice. The poor fit failed to highlight their classic lines, functionality, and vintage charm.

​As I began draping the new slipcovers, I could see Lori’s expression shift — I could almost see memories resurfacing. These weren’t just chairs; they were a living connection to her grandmother, and she was determined to keep them as focal points in her home.
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Lori chose a timeless white canvas from the Sunbrella line, perfectly echoing the clean look of her slipcovered sectional. Throughout the space, accents like lush plants, stacked books, family photos, and coastal decor were thoughtfully arranged to draw the eye to the most meaningful pieces in the room.

While working on the chairs, we evaluated the condition of the seat cushions — time had taken a bit of a toll. A quick steam refresh helped, but we also considered wrapping them in 1” batting for extra comfort and structure. With vintage furniture, we work with the existing upholstery and structure, adapting our techniques to fit the piece. These chairs, with their beautiful, curved backs, posed a few challenges — slipcovering a curve is different than traditional upholstery. But with careful craftsmanship, we made it work, accentuating the silhouette with classic piping along the edges.
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Zippers were discreetly placed along a back seam, ensuring the covers remain easy to remove and wash — because furniture should be both beautiful and livable. Thanks to a bit of love and a fresh look, these beloved chairs are ready to continue telling their story for another generation or two.

​We love creating slipcovers for all the reasons our clients love their pieces. If you have a treasured chair or sofa that needs a little care to better blend with your space, consider giving it a second life. Many older pieces were built with solid hardwood and thoughtful craftsmanship — all they need is a little love and new fabric to bring them back into harmony with your home.