The Window Stylist

My fiancé found The Window Stylist on the internet, and I was initially skeptical, as I have always relied on personal referrals when hiring someone to work on my home. In this case, however, I am grateful that I followed my fiancé’s suggestion, as I am extremely happy with the new house full of window treatments that I ordered from The Window Stylist. One of the major reasons I so enjoyed and appreciated working with Jill Clarkson, the owner, is that she was able to help me envision what the window treatments would look like once installed, which I have always found difficult to do from a small fabric sample. Using special computer software & photographs of my actual rooms, Jill created images of the window treatments as they would appear on my windows, which in at least one instance, helped me make the right choice of shades rather than drapes in a challenging location. In addition, she talked me through what I liked & did not like about the various fabric samples she brought me so that she could pull a second (or third, in some cases) round of samples based on the feedback I gave her. Jill spent an enormous amount of time «holding my hand» as I chose fabrics & decided on the details of hardware, etc and helped me feel more confident about my choices. Having a new house with absolutely no window treatments made our order with Jill quite large & therefore costly, but that was to be expected given the scope of our project. The value was there, however, in the personalized service, wide choice of fabrics, highly professional installation and overall coordination of everything about our window treatments. When I enter my house now, I absolutely love how the window treatments have transformed it & made it that much more beautiful. I could never have braved such a large project without someone whose taste I trusted like Jill’s, and who was a pleasure to deal with, in addition. I am planning to use her again for a new project in the future, which is the best recommendation I can give anyone.

The Window Stylist really went out of her way to meet our needs and guide us through the decision making process. I was amazed at the number of options available as well as the quality. The installers were punctual and did a fantastic job. I recommend this business if you are looking for a personal touch and luxury at a good value.

If you do go with custom window coverings, then be sure to get an estimate in writing that includes everything before you order. Custom is very expensive. I had never ordered custom window coverings, and did six rooms at once. Big mistake! The biggest advantage to doing several rooms is that you only pay for one installation visit. However, after this experience, I wish I had taken more time and done one or two rooms at a time. The installation is the least expensive aspect. This business is owned by an individual who works from her home, and allegedly has other employees. The coverings are made somewhere in San Jose. I dealt with the owner, Jill. I gave her a high end budget, and in the end with hardware I went over budget almost $ 1,000. I was not given an itemized bill (no. of yards X cost per yard) until after I had paid and asked for it. When I questioned the cost which seemed excessive to me, I was berated for not questioning earlier in the process. I had never done this, and relied on the business to advise and assist me. When I balked at the cost, I was treated very unprofessionally. Also, if you buy custom and are not happy with the final product, like I was with one room, then you can’t return it — you are stuck. The answer to my not being happy was, «I offered you alternatives.» The problem was all the alternatives were bold patterns, and I was looking for textured solids. I was only shown a small square of the fabric, told it would be fine once lined, and it was not. Also, I paid for almost the entire amount before anything was delivered, and then the other charge was automatically put onto my charge card the day after installation without my authorization which means that my credit card number was kept, and then charged a second time without my authorizing it. When I noted that, I was told that the balance was due with no other explanation. I found the entire experience to be disorganized and unprofessional, and I would never recommend this business. I am happy with some of the final product, but still feel I paid way to much for what I ended up with. A neighbor went to Calico Corner, bought fabric she liked, hired someone there to make her curtains, and spent less than a quarter of what I spent. Hope this helps someone else from making the mistakes I made.