How to Conquer the Challenges of Designing Window Treatments for a Custom-Built Home

West Linn, United States - January 26, 2026 / StoryWorks Website Design & Marketing /

Portland, OR — When homeowners plan a custom-built home, window treatments are usually the last thing on their minds. After all, who thinks about curtains, drapes, shades, and blinds before the drywall goes up? It turns out, they should.

According to Adrette Window Coverings, waiting too long to plan custom window treatments for a new home can lead to costly compromises, missed opportunities, and design limitations that are difficult—and expensive—to fix once construction is complete.

Homeowners often think of window treatments as decorative afterthoughts, but they are far more than that. They carry weight and require proper structural support within the walls. Many now include automated motors that require precise electrical wiring. Quality window treatments function as integrated systems that interact directly with framing, wiring, ductwork, and architectural proportions. Planning them early, in coordination with architects and contractors, is often essential.

Adrette’s owners, Jens and Marlys Wiegand, have seen homeowners miss this opportunity far too often. In response, they published a detailed case study on the Adrette blog to help homeowners understand the value of early planning:
How to Conquer the Challenges of Designing Window Treatments for a Custom-Built Home

https://www.adrette.com/blog/how-to-conquer-the-challenges-of-designing-window-treatments-for-a-custom-built-home

When window treatments are considered only after construction is complete, homeowners often discover their home’s infrastructure is unprepared to support their ideas.

Tall windows, expansive openings, and heavy drapery require reinforced framing. Motorized shades need wiring installed in exact locations. Ductwork and structural elements must be carefully coordinated to avoid conflicts. Once drywall is installed, options narrow—and changes become expensive.

Sometimes the cost is financial, requiring retrofits or design compromises. More often, the cost is emotional. After months—or years—of planning a dream home, the design of the windows—the visual centerpiece of nearly every room—ends up compromised. Early planning prevents these issues and allows the design to evolve naturally alongside the home.

The featured project in Adrette’s case study involved a custom-designed home with soaring showcase windows, curved interior walls, and a dramatic modern fireplace. The homeowners envisioned an eclectic interior layered with meaningful furniture, artwork, and collected pieces.

Eclectic design requires strong unifying elements, and in this home, window treatments played that role. Thoughtfully designed curtains, drapes, and shades softened architectural lines, framed expansive views, and created cohesive lighting effects throughout the home.

To achieve this, Adrette became involved early—reviewing blueprints and collaborating with the homeowners and builder before construction was complete.

Starting at the blueprint stage allowed Adrette’s Window Fashion Designer, Marlys Wiegand, to anticipate challenges and plan solutions proactively. Early collaboration made it possible to ensure:

• Structural reinforcement for large-scale drapery

• Proper wiring placement for motorized shades

• Coordination with ductwork and architectural features

• Flexibility to test materials before fabrication

Instead of reacting to limitations, the homeowners’ design vision moved forward with confidence.

Site visits during framing were a critical part of the process. Reviewing plans while the structure was exposed helped identify potential conflicts early.

In one instance, ductwork ran through an area intended to support a dramatic 18-foot drapery installation. Because the issue was identified before drywall, the builder was able to coordinate a solution without delays or redesigns. Catching issues at this stage preserves both budget and vision.

Adrette follows a phased design process that allows decisions to evolve as the home takes shape. This flexibility proved essential when furniture selections changed room layouts.

In one office space, the original plan for gliding panels was adjusted after statement bookcases and seating were introduced. The window treatment solution was refined to support the new layout without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics. Clear communication allowed the design to pivot smoothly.

Material performance is another reason patience matters in custom design. During the project, a selected velvet fabric repeatedly arrived with creasing that could not be corrected. Rather than settling, the design direction was adjusted.

A new fabric was tested in Ripplefold construction before full fabrication, confirming it would perform properly at scale. This extra step ensured a finished result that complemented both the architecture and the home’s bold interior palette.

As construction concluded, the interior design layers came into focus. Solar screen shades filtered light while preserving views. Upholstered seating, statement furniture, and meaningful heirlooms found their place. Tall Ripplefold sheers softened the scale of the living spaces, unifying modern and antique elements.

The homeowners described the home as finally feeling finished—both visually and emotionally.

As custom homes grow larger and more architecturally ambitious, window treatments play a critical role in privacy, automation, energy efficiency, and visual harmony. Waiting until the end of construction often leads to:

• Limited design options

• Missed automation opportunities

• Visible compromises

• Increased costs

Early planning protects the homeowner’s vision and ensures every element works together seamlessly.

Adrette specializes in custom window treatments for distinctive homes in the Portland, Oregon region. Their boutique, white-glove service gives clients the confidence to create thoughtful, functional, and beautifully tailored designs.

For more than 25 years, Adrette Window Coverings has been Portland’s leading luxury window treatment design firm, known for the care they bring to the client experience and the exceptional results they deliver. From blueprint review to final installation, Adrette believes the best designs come from planning early and allowing the vision to unfold one step at a time.

Learn more:
https://adrette.com

Read the full case study:
https://www.adrette.com/blog/how-to-conquer-the-challenges-of-designing-window-treatments-for-a-custom-built-home

Contact Information:

Adrette Custom Window Coverings

3007 Hunter Ct
West Linn, OR 97068
United States

Jens Wiegand
(503) 703-4692
https://adrette.com

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