Creating the Truly Unique Cornice

Our cornice kits are pre-formed with three contours, the top and bottom are approximately 1/4 the total height of the cornice board with the center being about half. Although the contours or rolls are not super pronounced, I have been asked more than once if we make a "single" contour cornice board. We did try it, but the corners were problematic enough that we felt the success rate for the general public would be relatively low. Our goals in general with the cornice kit was to create an easy to assembly, fun to decorate, quick to hang, professional results cornice. The single contour seems to create more frustration than fun.

However like all things what is one persons frustration is another's fun challenge. So I introduce you to Rose. A woman who wanted that "single" contour look using a big bold red and multicolored circle pattern! And so take a look at her success. A beautiful kitchen and family room area.

I asked Rose about how she came to this fabric and look, "We wanted a fun room and I always wanted a red and white kitchen so this is a fabric we both could agree on. We both just love the results and have had many compliments already. I’m lucky to be able to enjoy them every day.

She was certainly successful in creating that "single" contour look so I thought it best to let her tell you how she accomplished this... "I used a Barrow Home Decorating Fabric which I purchased on 50% off at JoAnn Fabrics. It was a heavy fabric (reversible) so tucking became a challenge in corners. I tried to clip away as much bulk as possible in those locations to make tucking easier."

"As far as smoothing the fabric, it is best to press your fabric prior to use. Then I laid it flat on a hard surface, put the cornice on top, started tucking in the center (top and bottom both) making sure to pull taunt when tucking and pulling taunt toward each end to smooth. On the circles, you needed to be aware of how the pattern was centered on the cornice and keep it straight. I accomplished this by watching the placement of the circles on the back as I was tucking. Keeping them tucked at the same point on the back kept them straight on the front."
"And most important of all, have some patience, walk away if you get too frustrated, and return to it when you are fresh."

Rose did wonderfully well on her cornices and took our multi-contour cornice form and created her own unique single contour look. She used our 12" high cornice kit throughout her home and you can see the rest of her cornices in our Gallery of Homes-kitchen, dining and family rooms.
In fact, in the kitchen / dining room section is another design that creates that single contour look. Look for the chicken pattern fabric!.
Cheers,
Jan

Decorating Tip #10 - Color Choices, Test Before You Buy

When deciding on colors, first decide what you want to change, paint, fabrics, wood finishes, rugs etc. and shop around, you will be surprised at the selection, variety and abundant availability to find what suits your desires. Local stores and the internet are good starting places. Many will supply free samples so you can see how they actually compliment your room or not.

Before buying try the samples in your room and let them stay in place for a few days to see if they reflect what you are looking for. Check out how they look in the different light situations the room will go through during the day. What direction does the room face?


This can have dramatic effect on what the color will really look like in the room. If the light comes from the north, darker colors will often appear darker while a southern exposure will provide a lighter color appearance. You may need to adjust the shade of the color to adjust for the lighting situation.

Best piece of advice: Try Before You Buy

Decorating Tip #9 - Seasonal Color Variations

There are a lot of ways to go here. You can use historical, area or seasonal color themes that have been proven. Remember your room is a reflection of you and who you are.

Southwest or New England themes, it doesn’t matter if you like it.

As the seasons change so do our moods. Design your basic room but do it in a way that will make it easy to create change to meet the changing conditions. Decorating and color themes are fun and change is sometimes very welcome. One of the easiest ways to make simple changes is with simple window décor ideas that are easy to incorporate. New curtains or blinds are somewhat easy but can be expensive. An even easier solution would be a flexible window cornice (or some call a valance). Our solution is a Window Bonnet; check them out for some very interesting, inexpensive and creative solutions supplied by actual users not staged advertisements. This is a cornice kit with no sewing and can be changed easily for every season or holiday with very little effort, just cut a piece of fabric and tuck.

Fall and winter colors should be used to promote a calm, warm and restful feel (mustard, russet, browns and yellows) while spring colors will create a vibrant uplifting and fresh feeling (pinks, pastels lilac, etc) and set the mood for the season.

Jan Klatt
Window Bonnets
www.windowbonnets.com

Decorating Tip #8 - Emotional Impacting with Color


What is the feeling of the room? You should utilize colors that fit your emotional desires for the room. If you are looking for a restful room, such as a bed room or family room use colors with a darker color which relates to the restfulness mood (brown, greens, blues). If the room has an active mood utilize colors such as reds and yellows to create the perfect atmosphere and feeling you get when the room is in use.

It’s your room and the colors you select should reflect your emotions and the feeling you want to display. Emotion decorating is an important part of who you are and what you want your rooms to represent. Remember you live in the rooms and they should be you and who you are. There is no right or wrong.
Cheers,
Jan
Window Bonnets

    Cornice Kits

    ••• No Wood, No Sew!!
    ••• Do-It-Yourself
    ••• Ultra-Lightweight
    ••• Easy To Hang
    ••• Investment Never Lost
    ••• Effortless Bay Window
    ••••••••• Treatments
    ••• Custom Window
    ••••••••• Treatments
    www.windowbonnets.com

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