Why I Love Windows
Designer and Retailer Join Forces
When a friend of Julie Lovin challenged her to transform his home 11 years ago, Lovin was game. Lovin chose paint colors, selected a new sofa and designed window treatments for her new “client’s” living room and dining room. Once finished, her friend (and client) treated her and her husband to dinner, then paid her with a beautiful necklace and two sets of earrings.
Two years later, Lovin decided to take her design talent to the masses and founded Lovin Design, based in Tualatin, Ore. And while she may not be paid in jewelry anymore, Lovin still sparkles with excitement when it comes to her business. We asked Lovin to share with Vision one of her recent designs and how she cut hours out of the design process by using a well-known retailer.
Time for an upgrade:
“When I first met with the clients, they told me it was time for an upgrade. We were going to start with their living room draperies, then move on to their furniture. … After this first consultation, I asked if they had seen the new home being built on the street behind their backyard. Now, that would be an upgrade. Our next meeting was in that newly finished beautiful home!”
If the shoe fits:
“Inspiration for my window styling comes from everywhere. I love to draw from the architecture of the home and the personality of my clients. I pay particular attention to the lines of their furniture. I often take cues from my clients’ choice of clothing and even their shoes to give me an idea of what they’re after. I find that their heel heights tell me volumes!”
Less time, less anxiety:
“Taking a trip to Calico Corners with my clients can cut hours out of the design process. Unraveling bolts of fabric before my clients’ eyes reassures them of their choices, as their imagination is often not as vivid as their anxiety. Calico Corners has a large variety of fabrics, but the showrooms are not completely overwhelming. The fabrics they have in stock are so well priced and immediately available. I have found that their workrooms are efficient and very capable. This combination produces quick results.”
Creating a masterpiece:
“In the living room our inspiration came from the pages of a magazine. I provided the nail heads to the Calico Corners’ workroom, but ordered fabric and worked out the construction details with help from the staff at Calico Corners. The curtains are underlined, giving weight and volume. The top and inside edge is bordered by a contrasting band. The embroidered fabric is invitingly touchable. The drapes are swaged on a hidden hook. Sometimes it takes more than one talented and gifted artist to create a masterpiece!”
Leaving a mark:
“When selling our first home, the realtor said it had sold as long as the new buyers could keep the window treatments in my daughter’s room. It was an emotional goodbye, and a revelation that creativity with fabric around windows could produce so much enthusiasm! The results were the same when selling our next few homes—having to leave window treatments, fabrics and trims, but feeling satisfied that I left my imprint with my home. Styles have changed a lot from the poufs and scarves of the past, but personality still translates.”
When a friend of Julie Lovin challenged her to transform his home 11 years ago, Lovin was game. Lovin chose paint colors, selected a new sofa and designed window treatments for her new “client’s” living room and dining room. Once finished, her friend (and client) treated her and her husband to dinner, then paid her with a beautiful necklace and two sets of earrings.
Two years later, Lovin decided to take her design talent to the masses and founded Lovin Design, based in Tualatin, Ore. And while she may not be paid in jewelry anymore, Lovin still sparkles with excitement when it comes to her business. We asked Lovin to share with Vision one of her recent designs and how she cut hours out of the design process by using a well-known retailer.
Time for an upgrade:
“When I first met with the clients, they told me it was time for an upgrade. We were going to start with their living room draperies, then move on to their furniture. … After this first consultation, I asked if they had seen the new home being built on the street behind their backyard. Now, that would be an upgrade. Our next meeting was in that newly finished beautiful home!”
If the shoe fits:
“Inspiration for my window styling comes from everywhere. I love to draw from the architecture of the home and the personality of my clients. I pay particular attention to the lines of their furniture. I often take cues from my clients’ choice of clothing and even their shoes to give me an idea of what they’re after. I find that their heel heights tell me volumes!”
Less time, less anxiety:
“Taking a trip to Calico Corners with my clients can cut hours out of the design process. Unraveling bolts of fabric before my clients’ eyes reassures them of their choices, as their imagination is often not as vivid as their anxiety. Calico Corners has a large variety of fabrics, but the showrooms are not completely overwhelming. The fabrics they have in stock are so well priced and immediately available. I have found that their workrooms are efficient and very capable. This combination produces quick results.”
Creating a masterpiece:
“In the living room our inspiration came from the pages of a magazine. I provided the nail heads to the Calico Corners’ workroom, but ordered fabric and worked out the construction details with help from the staff at Calico Corners. The curtains are underlined, giving weight and volume. The top and inside edge is bordered by a contrasting band. The embroidered fabric is invitingly touchable. The drapes are swaged on a hidden hook. Sometimes it takes more than one talented and gifted artist to create a masterpiece!”
Leaving a mark:
“When selling our first home, the realtor said it had sold as long as the new buyers could keep the window treatments in my daughter’s room. It was an emotional goodbye, and a revelation that creativity with fabric around windows could produce so much enthusiasm! The results were the same when selling our next few homes—having to leave window treatments, fabrics and trims, but feeling satisfied that I left my imprint with my home. Styles have changed a lot from the poufs and scarves of the past, but personality still translates.”
