Posted by Neil Gordon on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 12:24 PM
There are many reasons to use Wall Upholstery for your next project. Fabric-covered walls add beauty and visual texture to any room, as well as improving a room's acoustical properties. Fabric-covered acoustical walls have been used for decades, by radio and television stations, to enhance the sound of speaking voices. It is now used in conference rooms and offices, concert halls and performance spaces, galleries and educational institutions.
Wall Upholstery is prepared with lush layers of under-padding. This allows major construction flaws in walls and ceilings can be covered without expensive repair.
Fabric padded surfaces are not just for residential situations. Restaurants, hotels, ballrooms, recording studios and just about any other commercial installation that requires beauty wedded to practicality will benefit from considering upholstered walls and ceilings.
Decorating with Fabric has several methods of Wall Upholstery depending on the application. Neil Gordon is available to consult with you on your next wall upholstery project to determine the correct application required.
The Benefits of Wall Upholstery
There are many reasons to consider wall upholstery, versus other types of wall coverings:
Unparalleled warmth, texture and depth.
Improved acoustics and soundproofing in key rooms, such as home theaters, dining rooms and bedrooms.
Precise scribing to architectural contours and built-in elements, creating a tailored effect.
Enhanced durability - holds up to generations of use with lower overall cost.
Ability to install over irregular surfaces, eliminating the need to remove prior treatments or prep walls.
Affords the application of unique details, such as brass nail heads or gimp trim.
It's a natural process, with none of the toxins of paint, stain or wallpaper application.
Posted by Neil Gordon on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 04:52 AM
Here is an Upholstered Screen we just created in our workroom. We used a Faux Silk on this 3 panel screen.
Posted by Neil Gordon on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 @ 05:04 AM
This shows how effective simple Upholstered Cornices can enhance a room. These cornices were upholstered in two different colored Ultra-Suedes. The shape compliments the lines in the ceiling design.
Posted by Neil Gordon on Mon, Mar 08, 2010 @ 01:59 PM
Functioning panels with a trimmed overlay in iron poles. Slight break on the floor.
On small window: Open Drape Swags over Panels with Austrian Shades. On Bay Window: Kingston Valance with Panels and Austrian Shades.
Upholstered Cornices with Double layered panels over Austrian Shade.
Posted by Neil Gordon on Sun, Mar 07, 2010 @ 05:07 PM
Butterfly Pleat
Cartridge Pleat
Box Pleat with Buttons
Euro Pleat
Goblet Pleat
Inverted Pleat
Posted by Neil Gordon on Sat, Mar 06, 2010 @ 04:05 PM
A Window Fashion is a wonderful creation. It's a combination of form and function created with bolts of fabrics and rolls of trim all based on an idea. This idea becomes a window fashion all seen for the first time by you and your client on the day of installation. A daunting challenge even among the best of us.
So how do we successfully transform ideas, sketches, torn pages from decorating magazines into stunning Window Fashions? This is not a task for amateurs. As a twenty five year veteran of the industry I will share my methods and thoughts and how I have transform ideas into design.
I need to know as much as possible of the expectations that have been communicated to the client by the designer. What does the client think she is getting? These expectations become our general target, yet we strive for the bulls eyes which represents exceeding expectations. Which to me is the only successful outcome.
As I mentioned before, window fashions are first seen on the day of installation. This is why we must surpass any mediocre form of acceptance and seek to wow the designer and client. To do this we need to know not just the desires of the client but also we must examine the elements and details in the design such as: fabrics and trims, linings and interlining, trims, hardware, function, style, proportions, returns, etc.
Fabrics
Often enough we are presented with fabrics that are not suitable for the design. Fabrics that do not drape well are selected for swags. Railroaded stripes are specified for panels with the expectations of vertical stripes. These are just two examples of potential problems in poor fabric selections. Then there is the careful calculations of ordering the proper yardage based on fabric widths and repeats.
Linings and Interlinings
It is of my opinion that the workroom should make the recommendations as to the type of linings or interlinings needed. Silk of course will always be interlined and treatments that are gathered or pleated with varying changes in heights will require self lining or accent lining so the drapery lining does not show.
Hardware
The selection of the functional or "hidden hardware" is typically done by the workroom. This is too important to leave to the designer alone. When it comes to Decorative Hardware, the designer makes the selection but I insist on ordering the product. After twenty five years of experience this has become a requirement for all projects we take on.
Function and Style
For non-residential treatments, function dictates form. This means that the reason for the treatment must trump design options. Once the function is determined, only then would the design options be considered. Residential design is typically the reverse. Many decorative treatments have no purpose other than to "dress" the window. With that in mind, there are practical considerations such as in-swinging doors or views that need to be preserved.
Proportions, Returns, etc..
With all types of Custom Window fashions, the details are critical. Drops of swags, depths of returns, shapes of cornices are just a few of the hundreds of details that go into successful drapery design. It is in these details that separate ordinary treatments from amazing Window Fashions.
It is through this step by step careful analysis and discussion with a skilled Drapery Expert that a designer can be sure of surpassing the expectations of even their toughest client.
Posted by Neil Gordon on Sat, Mar 06, 2010 @ 10:34 AM
Drapery Installers is expert in window coverings. We have been installing and "dressing" draperies for over twenty years. With four installers on our staff, we are able to handle any type of window covering such as: Drapery, Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Motorization, and Wall Upholstery.
Drapery Installers is able to repair or alter window coverings. As a subsidiary of Decorating with Fabric, a drapery and upholstery workroom, we have the resources to make alterations and repairs if necessary.
We are experienced in all types of treatments, fabricated in all types of fabrics. Our installers know how to dress your creations to perfection. We can install onto any type of surface including plaster, concrete, glass, marble, or brick.
Drapery Installers is expert in installing all types of drapery treatments. We understand that hanging window treatments requires great skill in properly dressing your draperies. We are knowledgeable in all types of fabrics including silk, linen, poly, cotton, micro-fiber and more.
The sign of a good installer is the ability to not only "hang" the treatment, but to add those special finishing touches that make the drapery look professionally done. Drapery Installers is well experienced in "dressing" your draperies to perfection with professional installation techniques.
From precise measuring to expert installation, Drapery Installers is able to install any type of Blind or Shade. From cell shades, sky light shades, wood blinds, woven shades and panel tracks, we have no limitations.
If by chance, a cut down or repair is needed, Drapery Installers can handle most challenges. This gives you the assurance that your jobs can be completed and your clients will be pleased with the results
Wood Shutters require skilled measuring and installation. Drapery Installers have been expertly installing fine Wood Shutters for over 20 years. From stained to custom painted shutters we handle finished wood with the expertise of a finish carpenter. Additionally, we are able to install specialties such as arched panels, French door panels, sliding panels, bi-folding panels and any other configuration.
Motorized window coverings is more popular than ever. Drapery Installers is trained and experienced in all types of motorized and automated window treatments including: Solar Shades, Roman Shades, Draperies, Wood Blinds, Cell Shades, Woven Shades and more.
From the simple battery operated shade to integrated systems in "smart homes", Drapery Installers have the ability to complete any level of motorized projects.
There are so many reasons to use Wall Upholstery for your next residential or commercial project. Fabric-covered walls add beauty and visual texture, as well as improving a room's acoustical properties. Radio and television stations have used fabric-covered acoustical walls for decades to enhance the sound of speaking voices.
Now this technique is making its way into the conference rooms and offices of corporate America, concert halls and performance spaces, galleries, educational institutions and fine residences. Drapery Installers have 20 years of experience in wall upholstery.
As an Interior Designer or Decorator, an important part of your team is your window covering installer. You can count on us to help you with measuring, consulting and installing all types of treatments including the most challenging.
As a subsidiary of a drapery and upholstery workroom, we are able to receive shipments for you and double check that everything is in order. We can also supply all types of drapery hardware.
National Manufacturer Support
Drapery Installers is a resource for National Manufacturers of window coverings. You now have a reliable installer in the Metro New York area to install your window treatment products.
We work for several national companies that hire or recommend us for their local accounts. Drapery Installers is able to receive your shipments, including deliveries from large trucks.
Posted by Neil Gordon on Sat, Mar 06, 2010 @ 09:13 AM
A recently installed treatment designed by WLH Interiors of New City, NY. Decorating with Fabric fabricated and installed the Open Drape Swags, Austrian Shades, Kingston Valance and Side Panels. The Austrian Shades are in a sheer fabric and the drapery and swags are in a silk.
Posted by Neil Gordon on Sun, Feb 28, 2010 @ 06:45 AM
Free Webinar on Shutters
Are You Shutter Savvy?
One of the fastest growing segment in the Window Covering Industry is Shutters. Are you trained in this profitable and highly desirable product? In this webinar we will explain all the basics of what you need to know to get you up to speed so you can comfortable sell.
This webinar is taught by Dan Kerrigan of Lafayette Window Fashions. Dan is an expert in shutters and has trained hundreds of people at the Lafayette Training School. Dan will cover:
- Shutter Technology
- Louver Size and Orientation
- Panel Configuration
- Specialty Shapes
- Keys of Planning
- How to Measure
- Installation Options
- Framing Options
To view the Webinar please register here: http://www.dwfcontract.com/webinars/
Posted by Neil Gordon on Sun, Feb 28, 2010 @ 06:28 AM
Free Webinar on Introduction to Reupholstery
Are you interested in adding a significant profit center to your business? Offering re-upholstery can provide a big boost to your sales and bottom line. In this session you will learn the basics to offering re-upholstery. You will learn the answers to the most common objectives consumers use when then consider having their furniture recovered. What are the options you need to know about? Different types of seat cushions, alterations to the existing design and fabric choices.
- Is it worth it to recover or buy new?
- Can I offer refinishing?
- What if my client wants to change the design?
- What are the choices for the seat cushions?
- How do I know what types of fabrics are suitable?
To view the Webinar please register here: http://www.dwfcontract.com/webinars/