CATEGORIES
The Grace Awards
Explore the full range of Grace Award categories designed to recognize outstanding creativity, craftsmanship and innovation across the window fashion industry.
Design Categories
A designer is the creative professional responsible for developing the overall vision, concept and aesthetic direction of a window treatment project. Designers select materials, colors, styles and functional solutions while coordinating the elements needed to bring the finished space to life.
For Grace Awards eligibility, the designer should be the individual primarily responsible for the project’s design concept and specifications, even when fabrication or installation is completed by an artisan, workroom or other industry professional.
Curtains & Draperies
Outstanding custom fabric window treatments showcasing exceptional design, proportion, texture, pattern, color, and attention to detail.
Ingenious Installation
Projects requiring exceptional problem-solving and installation expertise due to complex architecture, oversized treatments, or unique site conditions. Before-and-after photos and detailed documentation are required.
Specialty
Arches, Odd Shapes, etc.
Innovative solutions for uniquely shaped or architecturally challenging windows, including arches, angles, circles, bays, bows, skylights, window walls, and oversized openings.
Outdoor Living & Exterior Solutions
Outstanding outdoor spaces featuring custom exterior shades, drapery, weather-resistant soft furnishings, pergolas, or other exterior textile solutions that enhance beauty, comfort, and functionality.
Emerging Designer Award
Recognizes exceptional design talent from professionals within their first five years in the custom window coverings industry. Entries should demonstrate creativity, design excellence, and the potential to become future leaders in the profession.
Top Treatments
Creative valances, cornices, swags, or fabric headings that serve as a focal point or enhance the overall window treatment design.
Finishing Touch – Decorative Hardware & Trim
Designs elevated through the creative use of decorative hardware, rods, finials, brackets, trims, tassels, fringe, or other embellishments that complete the overall aesthetic.
Whole-Room Integration
Window treatments that seamlessly integrate with the overall interior design, creating a cohesive and harmonious living space.
Commercial
Exceptional window treatment design specified for commercial environments, including offices, hospitality, healthcare, education, retail, or public spaces.
Combination
Thoughtfully layered window treatments that combine two or more treatment types, such as draperies, shades, blinds, shutters, or top treatments, into a cohesive design.
Soft Shades
Beautifully designed custom fabric shades, including Roman, Austrian, London, relaxed Roman, and other soft shade styles.
Motorization
Innovative motorized window treatment projects demonstrating seamless technology integration, functionality, and design. Video demonstration is required.
Luxury
Extraordinary custom window treatment designs showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and elevated detailing for luxury interiors.
Artisan Categories
Explore the full range of Grace Award categories designed to recognize outstanding creativity, craftsmanship and innovation across the window fashion industry.
An artisan is the skilled professional responsible for transforming a design concept into a beautifully crafted finished product. Artisans use specialized techniques, precision and hands-on expertise to fabricate, construct, embellish or install custom window treatments and soft furnishings.
For Grace Awards eligibility, the artisan should be the individual or workroom primarily responsible for the craftsmanship and execution of the submitted project, even when the original design was created by a designer or another industry professional.
Curtains & Draperies
Exceptional fabrication of custom fabric window treatments demonstrating superior construction, precision sewing, pattern placement, and craftsmanship.
Ingenious Installation
Projects requiring exceptional problem-solving and installation expertise due to complex architecture, oversized treatments, or unique site conditions. Before-and-after photos and detailed documentation are required.
Specialty
Arches, Odd Shapes, etc.
Expert fabrication of custom treatments for uniquely shaped or architecturally challenging windows requiring advanced technical skill.
Most Intricate Handwork
Celebrates extraordinary hand craftsmanship, including hand stitching, embroidery, appliqué, pleating, embellishment, and other artisan techniques that elevate custom work.
Top Treatments
Expertly fabricated custom top treatments showcasing advanced construction techniques, precision, and attention to detail.
Finishing Touch – Decorative Hardware & Trim
Outstanding craftsmanship using decorative hardware, trims, fringe, tassels, or custom embellishments that enhance and complete the finished project.
Bedding & Pillows
Beautifully crafted custom bedding, pillows, and coordinated soft furnishings that demonstrate exceptional workmanship and finishing techniques.
Outdoor Living Craftsmanship
Celebrates exceptional fabrication and craftsmanship in custom outdoor window treatments, soft furnishings, and exterior textile solutions.
Combination
Exceptional fabrication of layered window treatment projects combining multiple treatment types with outstanding craftsmanship and technical execution.
Soft Shades
Expertly fabricated custom operable fabric shades demonstrating precision construction, functionality, and exceptional sewing techniques.
Upholstery
Outstanding upholstery projects showcasing expert craftsmanship in transforming furniture through custom fabrication and attention to detail. Before-and-after photos are encouraged.
Artisan Rising Award of Excellence
Recognizes exceptional fabrication talent from professionals within their first five years in the custom window coverings industry. Entries should demonstrate superior craftsmanship, technical skill, and outstanding attention to detail.
