My Process: Custom Made Curtains

Over the past while, I’ve been making some updates to my website and overall brand.

There were a lot of moving parts behind the scenes. Different people involved, lots of emails going back and forth, and plenty of details I didn’t need to fully understand. I just trusted the process and let everyone do what they do best.

At one point, I remember reading through everything and thinking… this sounds so complicated.

And then I had a bit of an aha moment.

This is exactly what my clients experience when they work with me!

There are a lot of steps, a lot of decisions, and a lot happening behind the scenes. But when you trust the process, it all comes together. So I thought it might be helpful to walk through how I work.

This is the first in a series where I’ll break down different parts of a project. And I’m starting with one of my favourite things… custom made curtains!

The Project Meeting

I have met with my client and discussed what she wants to change in her den, which gets the most use in their home and hasn’t been updated since the 80’s! As I’m listening, I am already envisioning the room redone. I know which fabric showroom and brand to start with when looking to find ideas for the curtains, upholstery, carpet and accessories.

I know the room needs to be painted, all the art that will be moved around, the bookcase re-organized and what other items will be removed from the room. After that I take some photos and measure the furniture and window. I tell her I have some great ideas, (all currently running around in my head!)

Putting Ideas Together

I usually come back with three options. Never more than that. Any more and it becomes overwhelming.

She liked what I showed her, but I wasn’t getting the reaction I look for. You know the one. The “I love this” moment.

So I suggested we go to Kravet, one of my favourite fabric showrooms in Toronto.

The Showroom

Kravet be a bit overwhelming for people! There are thousands of fabrics from brands like Lee Jofa, Brunschwig & Fils, GP & J Baker, Cole & Son, and Gaston y Daniela. Plus trims, carpets, hardware, lighting, and more. It’s one of my happy places.

We started going through the boards, which are organized by colour and brand.

When she pointed to something she liked, I pulled the sample and started building a scheme right there. Layering fabrics, testing combinations, seeing what worked.

Living With the Choices

My client takes home the samples and lives with them for a few days in the room to get just a taste of the vision for what they might look like once they’re made. When she approves the fabrics, I start the process of getting quotes.

Making It Happen

I contacted Mike, my curtain maker and installer, and walked him through exactly what I wanted.

Lined and interlined curtains. Deep pinch pleat headings. Trim along the leading edge and bottom. I gave him the fabric details, including the width and pattern repeat.

At the same time, I sourced the hardware. Wood poles, rings, finials. We landed on a mahogany finish. There were five options, but that was the right one for the space.

Mike came back with yardage, pricing, and all the details. From there, everything gets organized. Quotes are reviewed, deposits are collected, and orders are placed.

There are a lot of moving parts at this stage, but it’s all about making sure nothing gets missed.

Install Day

Then comes install day! I’m there to oversee everything and make any small adjustments that come up on site. There are always a few.

And honestly, this is the fun part. Seeing it all come together, watching the vision turn into something real, and seeing my client’s reaction!