DESIGN TIPS

On their own, windows are really just holes in the walls. When you add a custom window covering like shades, blinds or shutters you do much more than just cover the “hole.” Your window coverings may enhance or eliminate the view (from the outside and the inside), add color to the space, set the mood of the room, and always puts the finishing touch on your room, creating a better-looking room. You also add privacy and control over the amount of sunlight that fills the area. Whether you're picking window coverings for one window or for an entire house, there are many things to consider.

  FUNCTION AND DESIGN

• The two most important things to consider when selecting window coverings are function and design.
• The main point to remember is that a well-designed window covering suits not only the window, but also harmonizes with the room.  The window treatments should be to scale with the room itself and with its furnishings.
• Think about what other interior selections you need to consider when choosing colors, styles, and textures.
• Ask yourself what feeling or mood you want to create in the rooms.  The mood of a room can be soft and elegant, casual and comfortable, classic and traditional or clean and contemporary.  The activities that will take place in the room will usually determine the mood or feeling you want the room to evoke.
• Also consider the actual architectural style of the window itself.

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• When selecting colors for windows think about what effect you want to create.  If you want the window to add drama and be a focal point, use contrasting colors to the wall color.  On the other hand, if you want to make the room look larger, blend or coordinate the window and wall colors.
• Equally important to design is the functionality of your shades or blinds. Is there a television or other screen in the room? If so, consider how the light streaming through the windows will affect their use. The direction your home faces (heat) and the proximity of neighbors (privacy) should be considered. And finally, what type of shade will best filter light in order to protect your valuable floor coverings and furnishings?
• Design and function must work together to give you all that you need. It is best to work with a professional to help you identify your unique wants and needs, bring it all together, and put the finishing touches on your home. We are your professional.

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USING COLOR

• If you are comfortable with color, use it!  There are a multitude of color choices available for window coverings and paint. Consider some fun colors for children’s bedrooms or play rooms. Brighten up a sun room or breakfast nook.  Add a splash of color in a bathroom, stairwell, closet or attic window.
• For larger spaces in your home, neutral colors provide longevity and flexibility. These colors, whether black, white, gray, brown, beige, or cream create the perfect rooms in which to live and relax. Because window coverings become permanent fixtures in a home, it is important to select a color that will be easy to live with for a long time or a color that will appeal to future homeowners if selling the home is a possibility in the future. Neutral colors are timeless and allow for the other, more easily replaceable, design elements to change as needed, such as pillows on a sofa, area rugs, paint and accessories.

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• For larger spaces in your home, neutral colors provide longevity and flexibility. These colors, whether black, white, gray, brown, beige, or cream create the perfect rooms in which to live and relax. Because window coverings become permanent fixtures in a home, it is important to select a color that will be easy to live with for a long time or a color that will appeal to future homeowners if selling the home is a possibility in the future. Neutral colors are timeless and allow for the other, more easily replaceable, design elements to change as needed, such as pillows on a sofa, area rugs, paint and accessories.

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KEEP IT NEUTRAL

• Neutral does not have to mean boring! A coordinated mix of neutrals with different textures can make a room very interesting. When considering neutral colors for window coverings remember you are not limited to the classic neutral palette of browns, whites, blacks and grays. Today, many pastels are considered “colorful neutrals”.  Colors such as shell pink, soft peach or a tranquil sea glass green are sophisticated, soft and comfortable, making them a refreshing addition to any room. 

• The color of window coverings not only plays a role on the interior of a home, but also on the exterior. You want to achieve a consistent look. Be sure to examine the backside of the window coverings so you will know how they look on the outside of your home. Some window coverings offer white backings but others do not.  Plus, some communities have covenants against visible window coverings in non-neutral colors.

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Think of fabrics and surfaces that have a lot of texture, such as berber, stone, brick, corduroy, basketry or pottery.  This feeling is more casual.  If you want to dress up a room, introduce smooth, sleek or shiny.  If you want a more casual atmosphere, introduce texture.  Many people who like the look of softer draperies may not have considered utilizing both hard window coverings and draperies. Blinds can give you optimum light control that you cannot achieve with draperies.  You might want to think about using hard window coverings to retain the window’s function and complement it with a soft treatment for design.
• There are many different ways to incorporate hard and soft window coverings to create beautiful windows.  If you have resale in mind, remember that neutral colored blinds or shades are your best bet. If you have invested in draperies you can take the draperies with you and leave the blinds for the new buyer.

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