Curtain Call! Part III -- "God is in the Details."

From Scarlett's green parasol to the sash that circled her tiny waist -- all were perfectly composed.   It's these details that transport design from mundane to miraculous.  And Mies was right: "God is in the details."

Here are some divine (get it?) details that transport these draperies:

This bedroom by designer Thomas Pheasant is strikingly good looking in its simplicity.  The narrow iron rod, the oversize rings, the header punctuated by a contrasting wide tape --it all adds up, handsomely. (photographed by Durston Saylor for Architectural Digest)

In 1999, the now defunct Metropolitan Home published a trio of window treatments, photographed by William A. Boyd, Jr., that look as fresh today as they did 12 years ago.  The one above uses flat panels "to create the theatricality of a sexy scrim."  They are attached to a recessed three-track system, which allows them to glide back and forth.

The circle medallion in organza appears again, this time layered over a rich paisley and attached with grommets. (Metropolitan Home)

These layers make a great case for tie-backs.  They're not stodgy here!  (Metropolitan Home)

The large scale of the ric-rac gives it sophistication in a room by Eric Cohler.  (photos by Colleen Duffley and William Hopkins for Traditional Home)

This one is subtle in its details, but the tiered effect is a beautifully tailored touch in a room by Waldo Fernandez and Robert Stilin. (Decorator Showhouse; photographer unknown)

A traditional treatment in a pretty room with modern touches by Robert Brown and Todd Davis. (source unknown)

In an otherwise austere bedroom in the Paris apartment of Thomas Maier, these draperies with the top detail add softness.  (photographed by Thibault Jenson for House & Garden)

This is a great look that can be easily created with a variety of fabrics.  The spacing is important.  (source unknown)

Here's a drapery with a contrasting border that I used in a bedroom.  The border fabric is corduroy, which is not usually associated with draperies, but works well here with its horizontal wale.    (photo by the great Michael Kraus)

David Hicks used unlined silk taffeta in a handsome drawing room.  But what makes them special is the subtle flop-over at the top and the way they are woven through what appears to be a lucite rod.  (source unknown)

I used a layer of metallic-glazed linen  over a cotton-y sheer to create a floating drapery in a bedroom.  To keep the look lighter than air,  I used a lucite rod with silver-leafed brackets.

But then my quandary was how to attach the draperies to the rod.  I came up with the idea of using silver hoop earrings (from Michael's Craft Stores), which were sewed to the drapery's header.  (Go ahead, check the "brilliant" box at the end of this post.)

Christian Liaigre used this good looking hardware in a Paris apartment.  (photo: Jacques Dirand for House Beautiful)

For the draperies in my living room, I used a pattered sheer under a lightweight wool crepe.  It appears to be a full layer but it's actually a narrow piece, folded back.  The "finials" are actually old iron tiebacks to which I added a mirrored back.  See photo below for detail.  (photo by Michael Kraus)

There are many ways to infuse special details into window treatments.  It takes a bit of ingenuity, but it's worth it.  

My next post will continue with "Curtain Call!"

Thanks for reading, everyone!