Focus on Designer: Window Designs by Diane

By: Andrea Schuch

If any of you are Vision subscription holders, you may have noticed a local designer won first place for Decorative Hardware and Trimmings. That designer is Diane at Window Designs by Diane in Long Grove; she created this spectacular drapery treatment using acrylic rods, rings and brackets that she designed herself. The mirrored trim is also her creation, in collaboration with an acrylic fabricator.

The window treatments she designed for her client began with a desire to combine a contemporary flair with a traditional home. The client wanted to bring in an acrylic edge and a bit of shine into the room and requested mirrored trim and acrylic rods. Diane found that it did not exist, so she designed it all herself!

Her first step was to design the rods, brackets and rings in all acrylic, they needed to be tailored yet fabulous. She designed the brackets to be the art piece of the set. She collaborated with an acrylic manufacturer to design the shape. The fabricator was able to take her drawing and replicate it out of acrylic. Diane specified everything from style, shape, thickness and size. The end result is a one of kind component for this great panel treatment.

Next was to design the mirror trim. The acrylic fabricator cut and polished over 300, 1" square acrylic mirrors for trim. Diane chose to use acrylic mirrors because they are much lighter in weight then glass mirrors. After testing several forms of adhesive, She hand applied each mirror with clear silicone adhesive, one at a time, 1/2" apart and 1/2" from the leading edge. After each mirror was applied and set for 24 hours, She hand polish each mirror to eliminate all finger prints.

Diane found installation to be a challenge, she had to ensure the acrylic was not scratched, scuffed or cracked. After each piece was installed, they polished the pieces to be sure they were spot free.

The fabric Diane chose to use was a golden chenille for the French pleated panels, but the effect of the mirrors and acrylic rods was the star of the show and was simply breathtaking.

You can check out what else Diane has been up to on her website: http://www.windowdesignsbydiane.com/

or follow her on Facebook to see all the latest installs she has had: http://www.facebook.com/#!/Windowdzn?ref=ts

It's always great to see a local designer with such great success, especially one with the innovative designs like Diane! Can't wait to see what she comes up with next...