Picture this: luxurious ripplefold draperies cascading down two stories of lakefront windows, creating a perfect marriage of form and function. When Devon Grace Interiors brought us this vision for their client’s stunning lake house, we knew we were about to embark on something extraordinary.
Spanning an impressive 50 feet and soaring 18 feet high, these windows demanded a solution that would elevate both the architecture and the breathtaking views beyond. What followed was a masterclass in precision craftsmanship and innovative problem-solving, showcasing why custom drapery — from design and fabrication through installation — is truly an art form. From custom snap spacing to on-site hemming, every detail was meticulously executed to transform this technical challenge into a stunning design achievement.
The Art of Material Selection
At the heart of this installation was 245 feet of Kravet’s exquisite cotton/poly blend, chosen for its lightweight drape and dimensional stability. Working with panels 18 feet tall required us to make use of our interlocking tables, which we can adjust to fit any sized project.
Here’s a detail that makes all the difference — the cotton/poly blend of the fabric ensures the panels will drape perfectly. The poly fibers prevent wrinkling, while the cotton fibers let the pleats smoothly fall without flaring at the bottom. Our custom lining process then adds just the right amount of structure and protection, creating panels that look as beautiful from the lake as they do from inside.
Innovation in Every Detail
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact. Take our proprietary snap spacing technique, for instance. By customizing the size of the snap spaces (instead of using the 4 ¼” industry standard), we create ripplefold panels that maintain their elegant form from ceiling to floor. The wider spacing creates fuller, more defined folds that hold their structure beautifully across the dramatic drop. This seemingly minor adjustment transforms how the motorized drapery moves and flows, ensuring our clients enjoy enduring quality and functionality for years to come.
Precision Installation
Standing at the base of the scaffolding on installation day, gazing up at those soaring windows, reminds us why proper preparation is everything. Our installation team utilizes everything from specialized scaffolding and ram board (a floor protector) to moving blankets and yoga mats — all crucial for safely reaching the high walls and protecting the client’s new flooring while working overhead.
The true artistry came in the on-site details: hand-hemming each panel to achieve the perfect length, coordinating our installation team’s choreographed movement of the massive panels, and ensuring every fold fell exactly as planned.
We typically hang drapery panels in our shop before sending them out for installation, which accomplishes two things: training the pleats to fall evenly right from day one, and letting the fabric relax into its final length. Fabric can sometimes lengthen as gravity pulls on it while hanging, and when that happens, we readjust the hems to be the correct length. Since these panels were too long to hang in our shop, we took our team of expert seamstresses to the home to do the final length adjustments.
Working closely with electricians, we precision-mounted Lutron motorized tracks to seamlessly integrate with the home’s electrical system, ensuring both flawless operation and perfect panel alignment across the expansive wall of windows. After all, even the most beautiful drapery needs to function perfectly every time. It’s that kind of precision that comes only from years of handling complex installations.
The Final Result
The completed installation transformed these lakefront windows into a stunning design focal point. When open, the panels frame the lake views with a harmonious flow of fabric that enhances rather than overwhelms the landscape. When closed, they create an elegant backdrop that maintains the room’s architectural drama while providing perfect light control. The Lutron motorized system adds both convenience and sophistication, operating silently at the touch of a button.
Partner With Us
For over 30 years, we’ve been turning designers’ most ambitious window treatment visions into reality. Complex installations like this lakefront project showcase why experienced specialists are crucial for achieving exceptional results. Our team brings decades of technical expertise to every project, ensuring seamless coordination with designers, electricians, and other trades while anticipating and solving challenges before they arise.
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