Why We Started OrangePiel: The Story Behind Custom Printed Spaces

It Started with a Window

In 2006, I was renovating a home in Sausalito. The house had beautiful views of Richardson Bay, and every design choice was intentional—the materials, the colors, the furniture. But when it came time to address the windows, I hit a wall. The options were depressingly generic: white, off-white, cream, or beige. Roller shades that came in maybe a dozen solid colors. Nothing that matched the character of the space.

I remember thinking: we can print anything on paper, fabric, metal, glass—why can't I get a window shade printed with an image I actually want to look at every day?

The Gap in the Market

I started researching. The custom printing technology existed—wide-format digital textile printing was already being used in the fashion and signage industries. But nobody was applying it to window treatments in a way that was accessible to regular consumers or small commercial projects. The few companies doing "custom" shades were limited to choosing from a catalog of pre-designed patterns, which isn't custom at all.

The gap was clear: there was no company bridging the world of high-quality digital printing with the functional requirements of window treatments and architectural surfaces.

Building the Foundation

OrangePiel started in a small workshop with a single wide-format printer and a lot of trial and error. The early challenges were entirely technical. Printing on fabric is fundamentally different from printing on paper. Fabrics stretch, absorb ink unpredictably, and respond differently to heat and tension. It took months of testing before we could consistently produce prints that met the quality standards I wanted.

The first products were humble—custom printed roller shades for a handful of local clients. But the response was immediate. People were genuinely excited about the idea that their window shade could feature their own photography, their children's artwork, a landscape from a meaningful trip. It resonated on a personal level that generic products never could.

Growing Through Word of Mouth

For the first several years, nearly 100% of our business came from referrals. A homeowner would install a custom printed shade, their friends would ask about it, and we'd get a call. An interior designer would specify our product for one project, show photos to other clients, and suddenly we had three more projects in the pipeline.

This organic growth was slow but incredibly valuable. It forced us to make every single project excellent, because our reputation was literally our marketing budget.

Where We Are Now

Nearly two decades later, OrangePiel has completed over 500 projects across 15 countries. We've worked with Fortune 100 companies, five-star hotels, hospitals, schools, and hundreds of individual homeowners. We've expanded from roller shades to wall murals, wallpaper, TV concealing shades, and custom design services.

But the core mission hasn't changed: give people the ability to transform their spaces with imagery that's meaningful to them. Every window shade, every wall mural, every project starts from the same belief that the spaces we inhabit should reflect who we are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is OrangePiel located?

OrangePiel is headquartered in Sausalito, California, at the northern foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. Our design studio and production facility serve local Bay Area clients with in-person consultations and professional installation, while shipping custom printed shades to customers nationwide.

What makes OrangePiel different from other custom shade companies?

OrangePiel combines direct digital printing expertise with in-house design consultation—we're not just a manufacturer, we're a creative partner. Our team includes industrial designers, color scientists, and window treatment specialists who collaborate with each client from concept through installation. We own our printing technology and control quality at every stage.

Does OrangePiel work with both residential and commercial clients?

Yes. Our clients range from homeowners customizing a single window shade to hospitality brands outfitting entire hotel properties. We also work with interior designers, architects, and general contractors on projects of all scales. The same printing technology and attention to detail applies to every order.

How can I get started with a custom printed shade project?

Contact OrangePiel for a free design consultation. Bay Area clients can schedule an in-person studio visit or home consultation. Remote clients can begin the process via email or phone. We'll discuss your vision, recommend fabric and design options, and provide a detailed project estimate within 24 hours of our initial conversation.

Related Resources

Explore more about custom printed solutions:

• Why Custom Matters
• Our Printing Technology
• Custom Printed Window Shades
• Printed Wall Murals
• Our Printing Technology

See what we can create for you. Get a free quote today.