ask jack about drapes.

Valorie here...

We do drapes at Perch. That is we custom design and make them. And they are gorgeous!
Both Caroline and Jack do the design honors. Caroline is still away from her desk tending to baby Eli, so I thought I'd ask Jack some questions about designing drapes.


We have windows that are very tall, and almost every window in the shop is dressed with beautiful drapery, including this beautiful satin silk cut velvet.

VV: Jack can you tell us something about these dramatic drapes?

Jack: Caroline and I fell in love with this Kravet couture silk satin and velvet fabric. The tall windows and walls of the shop are painted "decoraters white" the perfect backdrop for a bold formal pattern used in a modern unreconstructed way.



VV: We have a work room here at Perch. Is this where the drapes are made? And what about the signature return rod you use?

Jack: The workroom at Perch is more of a fabric library and a catch all for all my crap. The drapery workrooms where the magic occurs are here at undisclosed places in Louisiana. We have the rods custom made, and they are very simple - no screaming bronzed pineapples or gilded cherubs, just a soft return to the wall and my signature color is... never mind.


VV: Often the inside of the drapery you design is as beautiful as the outside, like this pale yellow damask with the pale blue-green silk lining. Can you tell us more about when this is a good idea?

Jack: This treatment works great in a space where there is no directional light or a dramatic entrance into a adjoining room. The reason for placement is because harsh sun can fade the outer fabric. The drapery shown is a soft Lee Joffa damask, interlined in heavy flannel, then backed in a bergamo raw silk.



VV: I also spy a very unique bedspread. Does Perch also do bed coverings? What's the fabric used here?

Jack: We do all custom bedding. I prefer coverlets that I can wash, and that go to the floor. I don't like dust ruffles. I don't even like those two words paired together. This coverlet is a linen embroidery that I prewashed before constructing to alleviate shrinkage.



VV: I love this sweet toile, and the trim is to die for! This so traditional and classic.

Jack: Well some say I am a traditional kind of guy.



VV: And you switch gears from trad to contemporary with this killer green print!
Can you tell us a little bit about how to measure for drapes, how to determine how much fabric you need?

Jack: Calculating fabric is easy. Take your width of window x 2.5 + 12" ( for overlaps and returns) divide by usable width of fabric. This will give you widths of fabric needed for your window. Always round up to the next even number, next take your window length add 18" for hems x (times) the number of widths. This formula will give the amount of yardage needed for the window. If you are using a pattern add in another yard and a half.

VV: Sheesh! I didn't know making pretty meant you had to do so much math!



VV: What I love the most is the trim you select. It truly makes the drapes feel very couture. How do you choose trim, like this incredible one on these glazed linen drapes? And can you tell us what glazed linen is?

Jack: I like to use trim to finish the edge of drapery. Vintage trim when found is a fabulous addition. Glazed linen is very similar to a chintz finish it captures the light great and shows off the linen texture.



VV: We have some exceptional bolts of wide antique trim in the shop. How do you think you'd like to use these?

Jack: Banding on drapery, the bottom of a contemporary sofa or ottoman, the frame of a headboard- the possibilities are endless.



VV: I see that you prefer to use pleating at the top of most of the drapes. Why do you do this?

Jack: Everybody needs a little structure in their life, plus I detest shabby chic.




VV: This floral print linen is spectacular! It reminds me of East Hampton and English country houses. Do you see florals coming back again?

Jack: They never went out, it just seems harder to find.



VV: Silk is very much in use these days. Does it have to be expensive? The slate blue drapes hanging behind my desk are so luscious. The trim, the heavy lining, God I could wear them as a ball gown!

Jack: Calm down Scarlet. There are different weights of silk that you can use ranging in all prices, but if they are lined and interlined properly they can be stunning.



VV: Should we be afraid to order custom if budget is an issue? Would you ever use store bought curtains for an interior design
project?

Jack: No don't be afraid, and no I would never use store bought drapes. Call me a snob but you get what you pay for.


VV: Okay. You're a snob.


VV: Thanks Jack!

Jack: Anytime Vamp! And thanks for taking such great photos!