When personalizing your home’s decor, a window can fade into the background, or be the shining star in a room. It all depends on how you treat it.

From classy to contemporary to just plain wild, there are plenty of swatches and samples to satisfy your craving for design. Certain styles have recently gained popularity, and some trends are predicted to be extremely hot next year.

Roman shades: The simplicity of the Roman shade makes it a popular choice for many people, says Kathy Iven, owner of Fabric Farms Interiors in Hilliard, and they also appeal to do-it-yourselfers. Roman shades can be accompanied by a layering treatment: a valance on top or panels along the sides of the window add pizzazz without going overboard.

Wood and grass: When it comes to hard treatments, plantation blinds have gained in popularity with homeowners, says Kathy Kowalski, an interior designer for Chapin Interiors and Bob Webb. These wooden blinds tend to match trim within the home, giving windows a clean and crisp finish.

Grass blinds – blinds made from natural materials such as grass and bamboo – have also reached a level of desirability during the past 12 months. These blinds have evolved greatly since the flimsy grass blinds of yesterday.

Metallic fabrics: Shades of copper, silver, bronze and gold are showing up in a variety of fabrics. Lois Reese, owner of a Worthington-based franchise Interiors by Decorating Den, says “warm” metallic hues lead the field. In particular, the color gold (and its variants) – from mustard to lemon yellow – has a luxurious feel people gravitate toward, she says.

Retro themes: Both Iven and Reese say retro themes – bright geometric patterns and motifs such as guitars and vintage signs – have caught the eye of many homeowners. In particular, look for patterns reminiscent of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, which have a more streamlined and fuss-less look.

Color: There’s no need to shy away from non-neutrals, and more of customers are seeking bright and bold combinations. In particular, Reese says the color green is big this year, as well as spicy oranges and reds (especially when paired with Indian-themed accents). Although a neutral color, Iven says chocolate browns continue to draw customers, especially when paired with aqua, lime or pink.

Hardware: Iven and Kowalski both say the use of grommets in panel drapery has increased. Many people make their own drapes and use do-it-yourself kits to apply their own grommets, Iven adds. The grommet look, combined with a wrought-iron curtain rod, gives the window treatment a sleek and stylized presentation.

Trim/embellishment: To get a special look for their home, people aren’t stopping at bold colors. They’re also looking to special trims to finish the job, Kowalski says, including crystals, rocks, wood and other materials. These treatments can personalize your décor in subtle ways and bring it all together without breaking the bank. Try applying trim to drapery, roller or Roman shades, swags and more to amp up your look. 

Meet Your Needs
When it comes to making the big decisions – valance or no? Blinds, curtains or both? – homeowners must first determine what their needs are. Needs vary from home to home, or even from window to window. Consider the following when determining your window treatment needs:
- Budget
- Sunlight
- Privacy
- Energy conservation
- Pets and kids
- Sustainability (“eco-friendly”)

Kate Lohnes is assistant editor of Luxury Living.