As we celebrate 20 years of Stitch Above The Rest, we’re reflecting on some of the custom drapery projects that helped shape who we are today. Last month, we shared a dramatic curved window treatment that was one for the record books.
This month, we’re looking back on another favorite, a sculptural bay window cornice and drapery combination that earned top recognition in the 2018 VISION Awards for Top Treatments. Some projects stay with you not just for the accolades, but for what they teach you. This one stretched my creativity, precision, and problem-solving in all the best ways. It’s the kind of project that reminds me why I still love this craft after two decades.
The Challenge
This two-story bay window, spanning eight panes in a sophisticated Atlanta home, needed more than simple drapes. Full-length panels could have been used to stretch from top to bottom, but covering all that glass would have felt too heavy. Instead, we grounded the room by treating only the lower set of windows. This gave us softness and structure right where it was needed most, without overwhelming the architecture or blocking natural light.
Segmented plywood, layered and bent to form the precise angles of the bay window before upholstery, showcases true custom craftsmanship from the inside out.
To give the space a sculptural focal point, I designed a fully upholstered cornice spanning 17-feet and featuring two angles at 150-degrees, making this piece a true engineering feat. My installer, Dave, handcrafted the frame using segmented plywood to match my templates, then handed it off to me for upholstery.
Yes, it could have been done in sections, but I didn’t want seams interrupting the flow of the cornice. That meant we had to transport the entire piece (fully upholstered and massive) in one go. By some miracle, we managed to fit it into Dave’s van with just enough clearance.
Fabrication Details That Set This Treatment Apart
The cornice was upholstered in a neutral geometric-patterned fabric, a shape I return to often in my designs for its subtle structure and timeless feel. The curves were finished with hand stitched cord trim, carefully shaped into circular rosettes with key tassels at each end.
Each pleat was carefully aligned to the fabric’s pattern, because true custom means every fold falls exactly where it should.
Beneath the cornice, three floor-length panels added softness and movement. Meticulous attention to details allowed me to pleat to pattern not only on the front, but on the back side too. I love it when a fabric works out that way. Custom corded holdbacks with elegant key tassels gathered the draperies in three sections, adding a layer of detail that elevated the entire treatment.
Why Custom Drapery Still Matters
For homeowners and interior designers in Atlanta, this level of customization offers more than beauty, it brings intention and balance to large, complex spaces.
This project is a perfect example of what sets true custom work apart: architectural thinking, expert craftsmanship, and no shortcuts. It’s one of the projects I’ll always be proud of.
Ready to make something extraordinary? Get in touch to start your project today.
Stitched to Perfection: The Making of an Award-Winning Design
