WHEN I started my business seven years ago, I began offering hard window treatments such as vinyl shutters, wood blinds and honeycomb shades to my clients. These window coverings are attractive and practical, and great for a variety of situations.

Some clients, however, prefer the softness of fabric on their windows. Several years ago, I had the good fortune to connect with David Araki, owner of The Drapery Source in Fremont. Some of my clients were asking for custom draperies and top treatments, and I needed a local source for these lovely products.

In design classes I learned about textiles and about which types of treatments are best suited to particular decorating styles, but Araki ...