Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design Episode: Drapery 101: Our Guide to Your Best Choice
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Dear Alice," hosts Alice Lane and Corey dive deep into the intricate world of drapery, offering listeners a comprehensive guide to making informed window treatment choices. With their extensive experience in interior design, Alice and Corey aim to demystify drapery options, answering listener questions and sharing professional insights to help homeowners and aspiring designers alike achieve aesthetically pleasing and functional window designs.

The Design Process and Install Season

[01:36 – 03:11]

Alice and Corey begin by discussing the broader scope of interior design projects, emphasizing the significance of the installation phase. Corey elucidates how installation season marks the culmination of years of planning and design, transforming empty spaces into lived-in homes.

Corey (02:06): "It's like dressing the home because it's just been a big construction project... it's a symphony of things happening."

Alice echoes this sentiment, highlighting the joy of seeing timeless designs come to life and the satisfaction of witnessing their creations stand the test of time.

Alice (03:11): "It's like Christmas morning every single day on an install."

Listener Questions and Drapery Basics

[09:30 – 17:07]

The episode transitions to addressing listener questions, starting with Rowan's inquiry about valances versus more structured drapery options. Alice and Corey clarify their stance on valances, branding them as outdated and insufficient for achieving a polished window treatment.

Corey (09:35): "Valances are, like, something that you could do a DIY thing... but they look unfinished."

Instead, they advocate for cornice boxes and Roman shades as superior alternatives that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Through detailed explanations and visual references, they dissect the mechanics and design benefits of each option.

Alice (10:46): "A valance feels like you're just pinning up a scarf over your windows. There’s no structure to it."

Exploring Cornice Boxes and Roman Shades

[10:48 – 17:07]

Alice and Corey delve into cornice boxes, explaining their architectural significance and the craftsmanship involved in creating them. They describe cornice boxes as custom, high-end solutions that add formality and interest to a room.

Corey (12:43): "A cornice box with no drapery under it... still giving shape and form."

Roman shades are presented as versatile and elegant, suitable for various settings including bathrooms and children's rooms. The hosts discuss different mounting styles, such as inside mount, and the practical considerations when integrating Roman shades into a home.

Alice (17:07): "A Roman is such a beaut. I love a Roman. We do them in every house that we work on."

Optimal Fabric Fullness and Timelessness

[28:19 – 29:31]

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the importance of fabric fullness in drapery. Alice and Corey recommend using three to five times the width of the window for a rich, full appearance. They caution against minimal fullness, which can make drapery look flat and uninviting.

Suzanne (28:24): "It does look better with dimension."

Alice emphasizes the necessity of thorough planning and clear communication with drapery workrooms to achieve the desired fullness and timeless look.

Alice (29:09): "I'm positive. I like it full."

Addressing Chris's Question: Letting Light In While Softening the View

[30:00 – 42:42]

Listener Chris's question about window coverings that allow light in while softening the view is thoroughly explored. Alice and Corey present several solutions:

1. Sheer Drapery: Ideal for maintaining light flow while providing a soft veil over views. They showcase examples where sheer drapes add a romantic and airy feel to spaces without compromising privacy.

   Corey (30:25): "A sheer is all I want. It looks like a wedding veil."

2. Cafe Curtains: Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, these short drapes allow light in while offering privacy. The hosts highlight their versatility and traditional charm through visual examples.

   Alice (37:18): "Cafe curtains... letting light come in the windows, but you've got the drapery right where you would maybe be undressing to get in the tub."

3. Top Down Bottom Up Shades: These innovative solutions allow for flexible light control and privacy, ideal for specific areas like bathrooms where functionality is paramount.

   Corey (41:27): "Top down, bottom up... Especially if you're on a bathtub... it’s super practical."

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content

[42:42 – End]

As the episode nears its conclusion, Alice and Corey reiterate the importance of thoughtful drapery choices in enhancing a room's ambiance and functionality. They tease an upcoming episode focused on pleat styles, promising to delve deeper into the nuances of drapery design to help listeners avoid common pitfalls and embrace timeless elegance.

Corey (29:02): "Next week, we're going to get into our favorite pleat styles... share all of those inside scoops with you."

Notable Quotes

• Corey (02:06): "It's like dressing the home because it's just been a big construction project... it's a symphony of things happening."
• Alice (03:11): "It's like Christmas morning every single day on an install."
• Alice (10:46): "A valance feels like you're just pinning up a scarf over your windows. There’s no structure to it."
• Corey (30:25): "A sheer is all I want. It looks like a wedding veil."
• Corey (37:18): "Cafe curtains... letting light come in the windows, but you've got the drapery right where you would maybe be undressing to get in the tub."

Conclusion

In "Drapery 101: Our Guide to Your Best Choice," Alice and Corey leverage their vast experience to provide listeners with valuable insights into selecting and implementing drapery solutions that are both beautiful and practical. By addressing common questions and offering professional advice, they empower homeowners and designers to make informed decisions that elevate the aesthetic and functionality of any space.

For more interior design tips and inspiration, follow Alice Lane Interior Design on Instagram at @alancelanehome and @alancelaneinteriors. Stay tuned for the next episode, where Alice and Corey will explore pleat styles and further unravel the complexities of drapery design.