When it comes to window treatments, Karen Hardy knows her stuff. Owner and founder of a full-service interior design studio Accent InteriorsHardy got her start in interior design creating custom curtains for friends and family. R • Home spoke with her to find out more about the resurgence of window treatments and how to choose the best for your home.
R • Home: Accent Interiors started 32 years ago. What inspired your interest in interior design?
Karen Hardy: She studied housekeeping in the eighth grade, and fell in love with textiles, fabrics, and sewing. Years later, when I was a registered nurse and my husband and I were building a new home, I wanted custom window treatments, but they were too expensive for us. I started researching how to make them, and we ended up putting my own window coverings on every window in the house. Soon I was overwhelmed with orders from my colleagues, family and friends asking me to make it their own. I decided to pursue interior design full time, so I attended Sheffield School of Interior Design [today the New York Institute of Art and Design] And I got my degree. Today, our full-service interior design studio and custom curtain room on Chamberline Avenue provides clients with a one-stop shop for all of their interior design needs.
R • Home: What do you think made window treatments become popular again?
Hardy: I’ve worked in this industry for a long time, and have seen times when people want custom window treatments and nothing else. But especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, they are coming back. It’s not just about looks anymore – people want something functional that serves a purpose in their space. It used to be about pretty paintings, but now we’re looking at everything. How much light enters through the window? Do you want privacy? Do you want to be able to open and close [the panels]? We try to meet the needs of every customer.
R • Home: What type of window treatments are most popular at the moment?
Hardy: Customers want the beautiful banding below the front edge and a cute pleat pattern. Jackets are also popular. Clients want something designed for their window that also expresses their personality and style. Layering is back too; Which used to be really big in the ’90s. Today’s layering is more elegant and has beautiful edges.
R • Home: What advice would you give homeowners to choosing the right window treatments?
Hardy: First, think about your needs. What are you trying to achieve by dressing this window? Is it just for aesthetics or will it be functional? This will determine the type of fabrics you will need. Consider the type of lighting you have and whether you want to brighten or darken the room, and whether you want to add more privacy. This way, you can get an idea of all the elements that go into what you are trying to achieve.
basic conditions
blinds vs blinds Curtains come in pairs or panels and are installed over blinds or blinds. Curtains are usually made of lined, heavy fabrics and are more formal in appearance.
roman vs balloon shades Roman shades delicately lift into the pleats. Balloon shades are more formal and feature balloon shaped pads at the bottom.
Swags and Jabot The swag is a quilted fabric that drapes in a drooping curve. Jabots are folded pieces of fabric that fall vertically down the sides of the window to create a zigzag effect.
Canopy vs lambrequin A curtain is a short piece of cloth that covers the top of a window. It can be hung alone or paired with curtains. Lambrequin is a taller type of side curtain that goes below the window.
fabric repeats The repeatability of the texture, measured both horizontally and vertically, indicates how many inches the pattern measures before it starts over.
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