It’s a home essential, but one that often gets overlooked.
Window treatments add warmth, comfort, style and privacy to a space – and can make a significant difference to the overall aesthetic.
“Window treatments are one of the most important elements in a well-designed home, yet they are often the part that gets overlooked or rushed at the very end of a project,” says Diane Eden, owner and principal of Diane Eden Atelier.
“Window treatments should be considered from the very beginning – right alongside architectural planning and window placement – because they play a critical role in both aesthetic impact and everyday comfort.”
Indeed, window treatments are more than just functional accents – they’re essential elements of contemporary home design.
Crucial for controlling light and glare, improving energy efficiency, creating harmony and enhancing décor, they are indispensable for any well-designed space, from cozy bedrooms to productive home offices.
CAYMAN CONSIDERATIONS
In Cayman, there are several factors to consider in choosing window treatments.
“Designing window treatments in Cayman comes with a few unique considerations,” says Diane. “It’s important to think beyond aesthetics. For example, you want to pay attention to the direction of the sun, material that’s going to control the heat, and knowing the purpose of each room and the mood you want to create.”
Rather than follow design trends, Diane focuses on overall function and aesthetic.
“It’s the visual statement I like to look at, from layering the window with different treatments to seeing how to proportionally balance a window,” she says. “At our atelier, we go from installing cornices with a clean seam look using solid neutral fabrics, to working with bold block print fabrics that create interest and colour in the space. Or working with natural white materials that soften and glow up your space.”
INTERIOR INSPIRATION
Diane became interested in interior design while working at Stingray Construction, the company behind the completion of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Working as an administrative assistant to the interior designer, the experience opened her eyes to the world of design.
“Being in that environment – watching drawings come to life, seeing materials and finishes selected and observing how spaces transformed from concept to reality – really ignited something in me,” she recalls.
“It was my first true exposure to the design industry, and it sparked the passion that led me to pursue interior design as a career.”
Diane went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in interior design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, focusing on residential design.
Her passion – and expertise – in window treatments grew naturally as she advanced in the field. At first, however, she avoided handling window treatment design because of the technical details involved.
“Over time, I found myself drawn back to it, realising that window treatments require the perfect balance of technical precision and artistic vision,” she says.
“Understanding proportion, fabrics, construction details and installation methods showed me how each choice influences the overall design of a room. That combination of detail, craftsmanship and impact made me look at window treatments in a completely new way. “Instead of something to avoid, it became a specialty I embraced.”
Diane learned the ropes interning at Robb & Stucky in Fort Lauderdale, and later at Marksons Furniture & Windows, with owner Anna Rose Washburn. She gained additional experience at Liberty Design and Lydia Uzzell Interior Design.
NEW PATH
For Diane, the pandemic was a game-changer, pushing her to launch her own firm.
“Like many people, that period made me reassess my path and recognise that I was ready to take full ownership of my creativity and expertise,” she says.
A turning point for the business came in 2022 when she was hired to renovate a 3,700-square-foot residential home. Industry colleagues took notice and began seeking her out specifically for her skills in window treatment design.
“That demand confirmed that I had carved out a niche I was genuinely passionate about – one where my design vision and hands-on experience could really shine,” she says.
Another notable project was at Parrot Berry Cottage, part of Botanica’s collection of luxury holiday cottages in West Bay. Here, she worked with lead designer Josephine Hislop.
“They brought me in to create softer layers, and the window treatments really showcase my work,” she says.
While Diane says interior design can be a demanding field at times, connecting with clients and seeing her vision come to life is highly rewarding.
“Watching a design transform from concept to execution – and seeing a house feel like a home – is the part that brings me the most joy,” she says. “It’s that moment of completion, when everything aligns beautifully, that makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
