We went to Paris! Ok, so unfortunately we did not actually physically go, but our custom drapery and work did! This past summer we were presented with such an unique opportunity that we had the pleasure and honor to be a part of, and we are excited to get to share it with all of you!
A Parisian Apartment Renovation
It was just a 3 bedroom apartment built in the late 1800s, previously used as a commercial office. However, Wendy Romig Concannon, a talented and professional photographer, residing in Chestnut Hill, had a vision for this space. After purchasing this traditional Haussmann style apartment with her husband as a “second-home” and base for their many travels, a complete renovation and re-configuration soon began. When it came time for the fabric and window treatment selections, Wendy then brought in Ann Kelly Interiors for her expertise in design and décor. Ann Kelly and Wendy have been lifelong friends, dating back to when they were in Kindergarten together. The transformation of the space was underway leaving just one thing remaining: window treatments.
The Eye for Design: Custom Drapery
Wendy and her husband wanted the interior of the apartment to be “clean and modern” while incorporating a hint of Parisian tradition. They wanted it to be elegant, but functional and comfortably fit their family of 5 to pass the “Thanksgiving Test.”
Together, Ann and Wendy collaborated on window treatment selections for the Haussman style high ceilings with floor
length windows in their bedrooms. They selected gorgeous off white fabrics from Pindler with classy royal blue and bold, bright pink trims from Samuel and Sons, having a blast in the process exploring all the options of tassels and pom-poms to keep the space “chic and fun.” Simple enough…now time for the nitty gritty details!
Window Treatments and Finishing Touches
Custom window treatments can be a tricky thing. There are countless considerations to be made, including design, operating systems, color, mounts, hardware, fabrics, sizing, and more. Many designers, like Ann, choose to work with window treatment experts, such as AD Window Treatments (Ambiance Design) to alleviate the stress of doing it themselves. Ann has a variety of workrooms that she utilizes for window treatments, but for this project, she knew that we were the best company to be able to accomplish this specific job. Ann made the call, to which Laura Hawley (owner and head design consultant of Ambiance Design) enthusiastically accepted the opportunity. “I knew that with my team’s knowledge and expertise, we could help out Ann and Wendy and successfully complete this project. We were happy to help, and on top of that, our work would be in Paris! How cool is that?”
Hours of Homework & Hands On Lessons
Being that Blue Bell, Pennsylvania is a bit of a distance from Paris, this project required a little (ok a lot) more work and planning than usual. Laura sent Wendy back to Paris with precise measuring homework, providing her with diagrams and charts to fill in all of the necessary information. This process took Wendy hours to complete accurately, making sure all measurements were exact!
After we handled the fabrication of the curtain panels and sheers, we packaged them up ever so carefully to stay nice and neat through its travels. The seven sets of drapes, four sets of sheers, single traverse rods, double traverse rods, rod supports and brackets, baton, curtain pins, and more were all ready to ship and find their new home! The only thing left to do was demonstrate how to install these gorgeous wall-length draperies and rods. Laura gave Wendy a hands-on lesson on rod installation and “curtain pinning” that was crucial to the success of this project. And with that, Wendy flew back on over to bring this project full circle with her newfound skills.
Installation & Inspiration
Installing the hardware and drapery was a FULL DAY project. The amount of time, work, and energy spent was well worth the end result. Take a look at these amazing photos, taken by Wendy herself, of this newly renovated and designed space, made complete with stunning custom drapery. Wendy was amazed at just how much is involved in the window treatment process and now has a completely newfound respect for window treatment experts such as Laura and her team. The collaboration of 3 individuals, working together, sharing their knowledge and skills, all resulted in a stunning space ready to be rented out to a lucky guest. We are so grateful to have been given this opportunity and want to thank Ann for trusting us with this project and bringing us on board! Ann is a lovely designer to work with, and we value her continued support of our business and our friendship! To us, this was more than just a project in Paris. It was a chance to work with others and create something beautiful!
Find Your “Project Paris”
Go and be inspired! Learn something new! Transform your space into a place of your dreams. Collaborate with others who are experts in their field and be amazed at what you can do with the help of others. And our team at Ambiance Design would be happy to lend a hand with your project, be it window treatments, custom drapery, bedding, wallpaper, or upholstery!
Pick up the phone and give us a call. 267.898.0200 . Or take a look at what all we offer at AD Window Treatments on our website!