From Quick Fix to Polished Design: Why Window Treatments Matter in a New Build

By Shana Luther Interiors

Moving into a new build was an exciting moment for my clients. Everything was bright, shiny, and brand new—no renovation or demo required. The biggest task on day one? Directing the movers, unpacking boxes, and starting their new life in a home that didn’t need the usual construction chaos. For many people, that’s the dream- to skip the dust and just focus on settling in your new home. 

The Overlooked Detail in a Brand-New Home

But even in a brand new house, there’re always details that need attention, and one of the first things we noticed was the lack of window treatments. The house sits in a newly developed neighborhood, and without anything on the windows, the front rooms were completely exposed to the street and the surrounding homes. Definitely not ideal for privacy, especially in rooms like the primary bathroom, which features a wide 65” long window right at the front of the house.

A Quick Fix That Served Its Purpose

My clients needed something fast. Before I was brought onto the project, they grabbed a quick fix from the local hardware store which was a basic shade to give them some coverage while they got settled. It served its purpose, but it didn’t match the design of the rest of the home. It was the kind of solution that says, “We just moved in and needed something”.. which was not the thoughtful, curated look they really wanted.

Making Window Treatments a Priority

Once I came on as the designer, window treatments became one of my first priorities. In all homes, they’re the ever important finishing layer that adds softness, texture, and practicality. For the primary bath, I sourced a delicate striped woven roman shade from TWOPAGES, and it instantly elevated the room. They love subtle pattern, and stripes are a recurring element throughout the house, so this felt both intentional and personal.

Beauty with Functionality

Beyond looks, this roman shade also checked the box for function. We opted for the blackout lining, which is a must in any room, especially in a large bathroom. What I love about this particular shade is that the lining doesn’t add any bulk or visual heaviness. You’d never know it’s there from the inside, but in the evening, that hidden lining works hard to keep things private, especially for a bathroom. 

Quick Installation, Big Impact

The installation was simple and quick. The entire process- from unboxing to fully installed, took less than 10 minutes. And once it was up, the difference was immediate. What had been a makeshift solution was now a polished, cohesive part of the space.

Window treatments are one of those things that can be easy to overlook, or at least treated as an afterthought. But when they’re done right, they don’t just solve practical problems, they truly complete a space - especially through an interior designer's eye. This project was the perfect reminder of that. 

*All photographs credit: Shana Luther

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