Special Projects by Bellwoods Interiors

The display consisted of an arched cornice, stationary panels, Austrian shade, sheer panels, dressing table with padded top and hand-smocked skirt, dressing stool with gathered skirt, custom-built miniature chaise, custom lampshades, covered waste basket, embroidered pillow and fur throw.

As a member of the professional organization Drapery Pro, Bellwoods Interiors was invited to create a "Trend Vignette" to be displayed at the 2005 International Window Coverings Expo in Atlanta, Georgia in April. We were assigned the "Glamour Bedroom" scene, and were given a suggested color palette of aqua, brown and white. The "Glamour Bedroom" trend was to be reminiscent of the 1930s and 40s, Jean Harlow, and "lots of bling." We were also told that the wall would be eight feet wide and ten feet tall, and we would have six feet of floor space in front of the wall.

The small space prevented us from using a bed for the display, so we chose to show a dressing table instead. We wanted to put in a chaise, but again the space prohibited it, so we chose to build a pet-sized version. And since there was no actual "window", we defined the space with a custom-printed roll-down shade from Creative Shadings, Inc. The armchair was provided by Ballard Design; otherwise, all materials in the display were designed and manufactured by Bellwoods Interiors.

Rather than simply construct a window treatment, we decided to "tell a story." As the writeup in the IWCE show catalog puts it,

Enter the boudoir of a wealthy socialite high above the city lights. She is having her portrait drawn by a handsome young artist. They have decided to "take a break" and have stepped away from the sitting area, leaving the uncompleted sketch behind on the chair. We won't tell where they've gone off to...

This window treatment was donated to the Drama Department of Northwest High School in Germantown, MD, to be used in their theater productions. On March 23, 2007, it made its stage debut as Belle's bedroom in the production of "Beauty and the Beast".

The display consisted of a pair of midnight-blue crushed velvet panels with sheer inserts and a sheer swag/cascade, accompanied by a ball gown of the same fabric and an upholstered chair, all of which shared the same design features as the window treatments. Beaded trim accented all three pieces, and the window treatment rod was capped with crystal finials.

Once again, Welmoed was invited to create a "trend vignette" to display at the International Window Covering Expo, held in Tampa, FL from March 29 to April 1. This year's vignettes were to be inspired by quotes, and Welmoed's quote was "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

For the third year, Bellwoods Interiors created a vignette for the show floor of the International Window Coverings Expo, which was held in Washington D.C. This elaborate vignette featured a bay window with a four-layered treatment: sheers, panels, and a double-layer pole-mounted swag. Nestled in the display was a two-cushion ottoman and assorted throw pillows, including two hand-smocked rounds. Framing the space was a pair of velvet and silk portieres.

In the hard-driven, high-powered world of Washington, D.C., it's important to have a safe haven where you can let your hair down and relax; where you can indulge some private whim without having to share it with the world. And besides, we all know that the Nation's Capital has lots of hidden passions! Plush velvet portieres frame the space, and are drawn back to reveal someone's secret retreat. The window frames a view of the Capitol Building, and is enhanced by multiple layers of window treatments. Underneath the window is a seating area for the owner -- a place to shed the city's formality and indulge in some much-needed quiet time.

For the fourth year in a row, Bellwoods Interiors created a vignette for the International Window Coverings Expo. This year's show revolved around the theme of "Identity", and participants were asked to create a vignette for a character from a book, movie or television show. We chose Zorro as our hypothetical client, and proceeded to create a lavish lounge for him.

The setting included a working (electric) fireplace, which was constructed entirely in our shop out of chicken wire, expanding foam, and concrete premix. The window treatment was a double-layer panel on a suede-covered cornice, with twin tiebacks. Two plush floor cushions were placed in front of the fireplace, and five additional accent pillows completed the scene. And, of course, Zorro's sword hung at the ready, reflecting the candlelight in the scene.

Here you can see the double layers of the window treatment, as well as the custom-made gates. These remarkable gates, created especially for this vignette by Luna Piena, may look like wrought iron, but they are actually very lightweight resin, molded and painted to look just like heavy iron!

There's also a "hidden surprise" in the vignette. Look closely at the cylindrical pillow on the floor. Can you see the letter "Z"?

From this side, you can see the cozy "fire" in the fireplace. The fireplace, also called a Kiva, was transported to Atlanta and sealed in place on the wall, and the seal was then painted to match the surfaces.

For more information about these displays, or how we can tell your story, please contact us!

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