Raleigh designer Kathy-Lynn Gariboldi shares her window dressing advice

Designer Kathy-Lynn Gariboldi of reInvented Spaces in Raleigh, who is writing a book about window treatments, shares her advice for homeowners looking to make a change or a statement.

Why window treatments? “I just love fabric,” she says. “Using it on window treatments is a great way to establish a visual focal point and develop a color palette for the room. If you don’t have a window treatment in the room, the room is not finished.”

Custom or store-bought? A key question is how long do you plan to stay in your home. If it is a starter home, go with store-bought window treatments. If a long time, consider custom. Another consideration: the value of your home. In a $500,000 home, she says, “window treatments should be considered an investment like another other fixture,” like cabinets or faucets.

What is the function? Are the window treatments intended to darken the room or to provide privacy; those factors will help decide style, fabric and lining choices.

What never goes out of style? “Simplicity is really the way to go,” Gariboldi says. “Pick a simple style and let the fabric take center stage.” Avoid elaborate trims.

Price of custom drapes: Custom drapes can be made for $50 to $75 a yard, she says. If you are looking to do custom window treatments on a budget, choose a solid or stripe fabric, which will use less total fabric.

This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 11:14 AM with the headline "Raleigh designer Kathy-Lynn Gariboldi shares her window dressing advice."