![]() At Accent Window Fashions every month is window covering safety month, but October presents our industry with the perfect reminder of the importance of this topic of conversation. We care about the safety of our clients, their children, and their pets. Safety is EVERYTHING Safety is the most important consideration for homes with young children or pets. The window coverings you select should have no looped or loose pull cords, and wands should be out of your child's reach, so it's best to look for cordless or motorized window treatments. Cordless Operating Systems Cordless Operating Systems LiteRise® from Hunter Douglas is a great cordless option because it's easy to operate. Simply push the window covering up to raise and pull down to lower – and your blinds and shades stay right where you put them. ![]() The LiteRise® operating system is available on many of our Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, including Silhouette® Window Shadings and Provenance® Woven Wood Shades. Motorized Lifting Systems The inherent cordless design of motorized window coverings provides you and your family with ultimate convenience and enhanced safety at the window. PowerView® Motorization lets you control your shades automatically with a simple push of a button, a tap on a mobile device or even with voice control if your shades are connected to a compatible smart-home system. Using the PowerView App, you can also set an auto-schedule for your window treatments to move them to the exact position you want throughout the day. Learn more about PowerView > ![]() Retractable cord systems You could also opt for the UltraGlide® retractable cord system because it keeps cords at a constant length. Since there are no messy, dangling cords, UltraGlide offers a clean, polished appearance as well as enhanced child and pet safety. The UltraGlide® operating system is available on a wide selection of our Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, including Designer Banded Shades and Design Studio™ Roman Shades. ![]() Young Children and Window Cords Don't Mix The window coverings industry uses warning tags, labels, and other methods to communicate the potential hazards of corded window coverings. The warning shown here, for example, communicates the important message about cords being a potential strangulation hazard and suggests choosing cordless or inaccessible-cord alternatives. For more info and repair kits for other window covering products, visit the Window Covering Safety Council website.
Download the Hunter Douglas Child Safety brochure below for more information.
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![]() Greige - a new and different neutral Can’t decide between gray and beige? Maybe you don’t have to, now that greige is the trending neutral in interior design. Greige is really hard to describe because it’s so similar to some shades of gray and to some shades of beige. It’s really an in-between color, so it’s hard to define where greige begins and ends on the neutral color continuum. Even the name greige is a combination of the words grey and beige! It’s pronounced like beige but with a “gr” sound at the beginning. ![]() Greige ties your color scheme together One thing is certain. Greige is a pleasing and flexible neutral for home design elements that goes with most any palette. The color extends from quite dark tones, almost charcoal in look, to the lightest taupe hues and from cooler to warmer shades, depending on the ratio of gray to beige in the mix. Greige ties together other neutrals, such as white, cream, tan, black and grey tones. This fabulous color also plays well with splashes of both bold and subtle hues, allowing other colors to pop. Because of its soft, neutral tone, greige brings disparate colors into a harmonious whole. ![]() Where to use greige This soothing color works well in just about every room and for almost any surface, including: – Soft upholstery fabrics and rugs – Hard flooring surfaces, like tile and stone – Counter surfaces, including granite, quartz, marble and laminate – Wall surfaces, such as paint and wall coverings – Bed and table linens Add versatile greige to your color palette this season! ![]() The word “easy” in “easy chair” is just about the only description you need to understand the appeal of this comfy and cozy piece of furniture. In the stressful and busy lives most of us live, an easy chair is so important to lend spontaneity and comfort to a home. You and your guests will gravitate toward an easy chair, and life just seems more relaxing and cozy once you’re settled in! That’s why so many people keep their easy chairs for way too long, even when they’re ragged, with split fabric, duct tape, and even sprung springs. Take a look and see if this applies to you. It may be long overdue for you to replace your easy chair or at least have it rebuilt and reupholstered. ![]() Since the purpose of an easy chair is relaxation and comfort, it makes sense that choosing an easy chair is about functionality first. Pick a chair that is comfy and deep, but not so deep that it swallows you. Also, make sure it’s not too big to fit into your room. Think about what you plan to use the chair most for – reading, having a conversation or watching TV. Then make sure to test chairs when you shop. ![]() Consider how a new chair will look and fit with your other furnishings. An easy chair may be the perfect place to add a bold new color, texture or pattern to a room. You can even use slipcovers to create a different look for various times of the year! Many people love leather for easy chairs because of its supple feel and durability. Consider other easy-to-clean and long-wearing fabrics that are also comfortable and soft. Life seems so much more effortless and enjoyable when you’re lounging in an easy chair. Add one to your home this year! ![]() Pink connotes romance, so it’s perfect to add this shade during Valentine’s Day month. It’s also an excellent choice year round, because pink has been called the color of happiness. Traditionally, pink is a frilly and girly color, but it doesn’t have to be. Depending on the hues you select, it can be modern, sophisticated and luxurious. You can create most any mood depending on which shade of pink you select, including these delicious hues: watermelon, pink grapefruit, shrimp, strawberry, bubble gum, cotton candy and raspberry. ![]() The more vibrant shades of pink add energy and excitement to your décor, while softer shades create a feeling of calm and tranquility. Pink and green are almost opposites on the color wheel, which is why pink looks fabulous with many green hues including tasty mint, dusty sage, brilliant emerald, zesty lime, and even acid green. Pink also works well with white, grey, black, gold, silver, brown and red, based on the shade of pink you select. ![]() Are you nervous about making a big investment in pink? In small amounts, think about adding pink for: – Bed linens – Throw blankets and pillows – Accessories like candles, artwork, flowers and lamps – Slipcovers – Small rugs – A painted accent wall Move your decorating plan into the pink by adding this versatile color! ![]() Last month’s article discussed some basics of a well-designed room. This month’s tips will help you put on the finishing touches, letting your personality shine, while have fun making your house a home! Be Consistent. Every room in your home can and should be different, however, you do need to maintain continuity from room to room. When arranging and decorating your family or living area take a look at everything that “touches” it, all the connected spaces. Think of the way you dress yourself, tying the pieces of your wardrobe together is much the same as tying together the rooms in your home. ![]() Be creative! Furniture does not need to be against the wall or even in a straight line. An intimate, cozy furniture grouping should be the goal of your seating area to promote easy conversation and pull it all together! Angle or group furniture to fit in with the architecture of the room, always keeping the traffic flow areas clear. Accent your Neutrals. Neutral colors will stand the test of time. Unless you can afford to change things often, use neutrals on the walls and for larger, more expensive pieces. Incorporate the latest trends or colors in easily replaced accents such as pillows and throw blankets. ![]() Anchor your Rug. If you are incorporating an area rug in your room, you want it to “belong” there and not look like a bathmat. An equal amount of exposed flooring around your rug (typically 12 – 18”) will frame your rug and help balance the room. In small spaces anchor your furniture with a 4 x 6 or 5 x 8 rug in the center with furniture placed around, not on, it to create a feeling of openness. For larger spaces, use an 8 x 10 rug, placing the front legs of your furniture pieces on the rug. In an open plan, it may be best to use a 9 x 12 or larger rug that most of your furniture can fit on comfortably, placing all the legs on the rug. ![]() Personal Touches. Use things you love, make your room unique and allow it to reflect your family. A signature piece, such as a family heirloom, your shell collection from a vacation, an antique lamp, or Grandma’s cabinet may become your inspiration for the entire room. Select art you love or frame your children’s artwork to adorn the walls. Final Touches. One item often overlooked are window coverings. They are functional, blocking glare on TV screens, protecting flooring and furnishings, reducing heat or keeping the cold out, and adding privacy. They also put the finishing touches on your room’s décor. A local window covering expert will help you consider your options and find the best choice for your budget, décor, and lifestyle. Follow these expert tips, add your own style, have fun and before you know it everything will come together in your family room making it feel “just right” to you and your guests! ![]() Have you ever been in a living or family room that just feels right? Everything comes together creating a space that is comfortable and inviting? Applying these tips from the experts can help you create that same feel in your own home. Focus. Determine the focal point(s) of your room. A fireplace, TV, window, or built-in shelves are common choices. Your decision may be dependent upon the function of the room. You will want to arrange your furniture in a way that takes full advantage of your focal point and enhances the function of your space. TIP: If your space doesn’t have a natural focal point, you can create one using artwork, or free-standing furniture. ![]() Purpose and People. How do you use your space? Will you be watching TV, visiting with friends, working, eating, or maybe playing games? How many people would you like to be able to seat comfortably? Would you like a spot to lay or lounge in addition to seating? Who lives in your home? Any pets? Answering these questions will help you decide on the function, size, type, and quantity of furniture and window coverings that will be best for your space. TIP: Narrow down function and allow the room’s real purpose to help with your décor decisions. ![]() Traffic Flow. People need to be able to move freely into and out of the space. If you’re drawing your plan on paper or using software (recommended!) you may want to draw arrows indicating traffic patterns and flow. Be sure to keep these in mind as you lay out and arrange your furnishings. Define Your Style. Regularly look through magazines or online sites, cut out or print your favorites and compile them in a folder or scrapbook. When it’s time to make decisions, review your compiled favorites to help you identify your personal style and incorporate these ideas into your décor. Scale and Balance. Furniture pieces should go together in terms of color and size, but more importantly, your selections need to match the scale of your room. A giant sofa in a small room will make your space feel cramped and look out of place. Large rooms with high ceilings allow for larger pieces. Once you’ve found the perfect pieces, maintain balance by evenly distributing your furnishings so the room doesn’t feel too crowded in one area and sparse in another. ![]() Numbers to Know. Paper or computer programs help, but can be a little deceiving when it comes to spaces. Apply these standards to help you make the function and flow work on paper AND in real life:
![]() You can make the room both warm and efficient, by including the right touches. Do you have a home office that’s an afterthought, that provides function but with little thought to aesthetics? That happens to most of us at some point in our lives. Why not upgrade your home office into a personalized work space that’s embellished with beautiful furniture, color, artwork and rugs. A functional desk is key, as is a high-quality desk chair that’s the correct height and provides comfort for YOU! But don’t just focus on function. Shop for stylish furniture that makes you feel good to be in your home office and proud to show the room to others, rather than shutting the door when friends and family come to visit. ![]() Entertain these ideas in your home office redesign:
![]() Make your home office into a reflection of your personality this season. You may even want to change the name of your room to a study or library to make it sound more beautiful! ![]() This soothing shade goes with most any decorating style. Typically light blue, also called powder blue or sky blue, is associated with classic home design. However, this calm tone can enhance decorating styles from vintage to modern, beachy to lodge, and rustic to elegant. Light blue can vary from pure blue to grey and tan tones. Go toward the green, and the result is aqua. Add a bit of red, and you’ll get lavender. ![]() Psychologists often say that blue reminds us of the sky and the sea and heaven. That’s why it feels so calming to the body and mind. Keep light blue in the soothing range by combining it with white, cream, grey and white. The softness these combinations creates is perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms where you want to create a soothing atmosphere. For a bit more contrast, pair light blue with yellow, forest green, sage green or apricot. To spice it up, accent light blue with orange, electric blue, acid green or tomato red. It also goes well with brown, tan, copper, gold and caramel, which are almost opposite blue on the color wheel. And do use light blue with all tones of woods, from darkest ebony to lightest oak. ![]() Think calming light blue for:
![]() Selecting the perfect kitchen table will help set the scene. Just like the design of your entire kitchen plan, kitchen tables are available in all colors, sizes, shapes and styles. Selecting the right table will make it the anchor for your most-used room. Consider a table that will meet all your needs, from homework projects to family meals to a food preparation work surface. The perfect table for you will be different than the ideal table for other people. Think about how you want it to function, as well as the look that appeals to you. You may want a table that you can move, even one with locking wheels, so you can keep it in the center of the space most of the time, but have flexibility to move it against the wall to serve buffet food or drinks. ![]() Also think about how you want people to feel when they spend time in your kitchen. Then think about your style preference – modern or traditional, neutral or full of color, sleek or cozy. Some people prefer a retro look, with vintage chrome or laminate. Others like the feeling of a sidewalk café with a French bistro table with metal chairs. Still others cozy up to a traditional distressed oak table with cushioned wood chairs. When selecting the perfect kitchen table, also think about maintenance. A durable, low-maintenance surface will probably be high on your priority list, so your kitchen table can accommodate all your needs. Many surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, including butcher block, tile, marble, glass, laminate and some antique woods because they’re already distressed! ![]() This bold design move shows you have skin in the game. Consider a touch of leather in your next decorating project. It will be a moo-ving experience that’s sure to enhance your home environment! And most leather design elements are practical too! Leather adds great texture, softness and color; however, beware that it can be a heavy look, especially in its most typical design colors – dark brown and black. That’s why it’s best to soften a big leather piece of furniture with other elements such as creamy paint colors, cushy throws and pillows, silky rugs and soft fabric furniture and window fashions. Another way to lessen the heaviness of leather design elements is to select a lighter color of leather, such as beige, white, gray or sage green. Or you can add a tidbit of brightness with green, red or yellow leather! ![]() Complementary materials and textures can also lighten up a heavy leather look. Think:
![]() Leather is a versatile choice that adds beauty to most any decorating style from a traditional dining room to a classic living room to an ultra-contemporary great room. Think about leather for these design elements:
Add leather to your next design project and you'll be ahead of the herd! |
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October 2019
Don & Julie
Welcome to our designer's blog. Stay tuned for tips, tricks and latest product designs. Categories |