Earlier this year, Design Studio by Decorative Films was featured on America by Design, spotlighting a custom glass film project we developed alongside HBM Architects for the West Perry Branch Library in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The project shows what's possible when architects and a custom film manufacturer work together from the start: a glass treatment that adds privacy and visual interest, matches the surrounding interior, and supports the library's sustainability goals, all without closing off the space.
Hear from the project's architects and see the finished installation in the feature below.
Video not displaying? Watch it on the West Perry Branch Library project page
| Project | West Perry Branch Library |
| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Application | Public Library / Education |
| Architect | HBM Architects |
| Film Type | Gradient, Mural |
| Finish Type | Color Frosted |
| Material | PVC-free custom film |
West Perry Branch Library needed a glass film solution that could add visual interest and subtle privacy without making the space feel closed off. The treatment also had to coordinate with the library's interior palette and reflect architectural details already present throughout the building.
Achieving that called for effects beyond the limits of traditional graphic media: a cohesive visual experience across the library, delivered in a way that preserved daylight and a sense of openness.
Rather than choosing a stock film, the HBM Architects team worked directly with Design Studio to develop a film package tailored to the library's interior.
"We worked with Decorative Films to really tailor our design to fit the rest of the design aesthetic within the library."— Katie Gaukin, HBM Architects
Design Studio created a custom, PVC-free film package built around four design elements:
A smooth fading gradient was produced in a color matched to the adjacent wall surfaces, allowing the glass and architectural elements to blend seamlessly.
Optically clear stripes were incorporated into the gradient to echo the lines and angles found elsewhere in the library, adding visual continuity without closing off the space.
Another portion of the project features custom graphics designed to simulate falling leaves. A carefully selected color palette complements the surrounding finishes and reinforces the library's natural, welcoming atmosphere.
To align with West Perry's sustainability goals, every glass film created for the project was PVC-free, a design-forward solution that supports both aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
The finished installation helps unify the library's interior while preserving daylight and openness. Together, the gradient, clear stripe details, and falling-leaf graphics create a custom architectural feature that supports privacy, visual continuity, and West Perry's sustainability goals.
See more photos and project details in the full West Perry Branch Library case study.
West Perry Branch Library is a good example of how custom decorative film can be treated as part of the architecture rather than an afterthought. Architects and designers working with Design Studio can:
For custom-color projects, our team can develop a physical sample so you can review the actual material before committing to full production.
Design Studio produced a custom, PVC-free film package that combined a color frosted gradient with optically clear stripes and custom falling-leaf mural graphics.
Yes. At West Perry Branch Library, the gradient was color matched to the adjacent wall surfaces. Design Studio can manufacture custom colors, and physical sample review is recommended to evaluate color on the actual material.
Yes. Every film created for the West Perry Branch Library project was PVC-free to support the library's sustainability goals.
From color-matched gradients to custom murals, Design Studio by Decorative Films helps architects and designers turn concepts into manufacturable film solutions. Explore what we've built, then let's talk about your project.
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