Curtain Call! Part VI -- "Charmed, I'm sure."

My personal style tends more towards a mix of French thirties and forties with a splash of American modern.  Streamlined with a healthy measure of luxe and just enough curves to keep it from being static.  But over the years I've saved tear sheets of lots of window treatments that can only be described as "charming."

There's just so much appeal here.  It goes back to that primal desire for home, hearth and a white picket fence.  Not to say that these selections are unsophisticated.  Au contraire.   But I'll let you be the judge.

Lambrequins and lace curtains...sophisticated?  Not usually what leaps to mind.  However, in the expert hands of Kitty Hawks (a very sophisticated interior designer) for actress Candice Bergen (long time goddess of cool sophistication) this combination is utterly cosmopolitan.  This lady's dressing room was part of a 2000 Traditional Home show house, and Bergen was one of the honorees. (photographer unknown)

Here's a close-up of the curvy lambrequin.  The tassels and trim are the perfect detail to finish it off.    The lace is almost like a shade or scrim, which keeps it feeling more modern.

In Charlotte Moss's office, stitched down pleats with a gentle curve and a fringed hem conspire to make wonderfully charming valances.  While the floral print does add to the charm, a solid fabric would tone down the traditional vibe.  (House & Garden; photographer unknown)

In a 1990 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, designer Bunny Williams used two tiers of a custom appliquéd fabric to create winsome curtains for this sitting room.

Bunny Williams again; this time at home with a draped valance that adds warmth to her library.  (both this photo and above photographed by William Waldron for House & Garden)

Once again, great interior design happens when  you look at a  things with a fresh eye.  In a Kips Bay Show House room from 1996, Mariette Himes Gomez does just that.  The valance with the ruffled edge looks new in its spareness, but what I really love is that flounced table skirt!  (source unknown)

Mario Buatta may be known as the Prince of Chintz, but here he's the Chairman of Charm  (sorry, I just couldn't help myself.)  A nursery or child's bedroom is the perfect location to have some fun with ruffles and such.  I love this cheery little valance, and the window-length curtains are the perfect accompaniment. (House & Garden; photographer unknown)

Another prime location for delightful window dressing is the bedroom.  It's also practical because that's the one room where shades or blinds are often necessary, and what better way to hide their unsightly headers than a valance.  This is a particularly pretty shaped one; it's simplicity also gives it a lot of style versatility.  (source unknown)

Another natural for charming valances is in a country house.   These  pom-pom fringed valances and curtains feel right at home.  (source unknown)

While we're on the subject of country houses, I love the look of these short curtains designer Marc Charbonnet used in Michael J. Fox's country digs.  They set just the right mood in this breakfast room. (Architectural Digest; photographer unknown)

The great designers know that less is more.  Atlanta designer Dan Carithers used a charming blue print for both upholstery and windows in a Kiawah Lake house.  The windows on one side of the family room are softened with puckered and fringed valances and draperies (only one window is in view.)  But in the alcove, he left the widows bare.  Smart move.  It keeps the room from being too precious.  (Veranda; photographer unknown)

This valance has a graceful shape and is lovely for a bedroom.  But to bring it into the 21st Century, I'd use lighter fabrics --perhaps layering two very modern sheers.  It's this kind of unexpected dichotomy that keeps a room interesting.  (source unknown)

I originally saved this tear sheet for the great sink, hoping to find one some day.  But the shade in this butler's pantry is sweet.  (source unknown)

In this old Zoffany ad, the ruffled trim on the hem just exudes charm.

So next time you're planning a feminine bedroom or sitting room, a child's room, a nursery or a place in the country, keep these looks in mind.  A little charm offensive can add an unexpected spark...it's fun and not so serious.

Next time will be the final installation of the Curtain Call series.

Thanks for reading, everyone!