TRENDS
After a decade of minimalistic, restrained window looks, fabric treatments are making a strong comeback. Once the mortal enemies of each other, blinds and curtains are now happily residing side by side and bring out the best in each other both in look and function.
The sheers market has exploded in the last few years and continues to be the most popular trend, encompassing a huge palette of available colours and finishes. Sheers range from vibrantly metallic to muted linens , with an increasing choice of designs and textures in between. When used as main curtains, sheers can either have a separate (often coloured) block-out lining behind them for a contemporary slant on a traditional idea, or be used in front of many blind styles for a modern look, but with a softer feel.
Fabric covered pelmets are a popular addition to a room of blinds, allowing the incorporation of colour and design to blend with other furniture or existing artwork.
Big windows are in! Maximising height and width adds a feeling of spaciousness, and where possible the rule is "go up and out".
If you thought the only place for wallpaper was to line the shelves of your linen cupboard – think again. Wallpaper is one of the hottest decorating trends, becoming the new feature wall now that brushed paint finishes are done.
Amongst blind styles, rollers still dominate a busy market. They are cost effective and available in a great range of plains and weaves, whether transparent, translucent or blockout. Used either to create a crisp clean look, or as a backdrop to an additional blind or curtain, roller blinds are still very much a desired style.