Speaking of function… April 11, 2008

…it is a very important factor to think about when purchasing window coverings.  As previously stated, I only use the window coverings in bedrooms.  In those rooms I need a product that will stand up to daily use, hard abusive daily use.  I am usually going 110 m.p.h. at all times, have way too much to do, not enough time to do it all in, a family with small kids who like to help, and I have never been the dainty type who takes extra special care with things.  For those reasons I have wood blinds in all the bedrooms, they hold up to my daily use.  In addition to wood blinds, I have drapery panels and valances; the panels can be pulled into use to further enhance the room darkening effect. 

My living room only has cornices; I didn’t desire any functional purpose from the window coverings in that room.  That room is often full of friends, family and many children I liked the idea of nothing being in the way.  It is a clean polished look and I happened to locate the “perfect” fabric!  There are many options if you love your view but need to block out the late afternoon sun, many products can tuck up underneath a top treatment to be out of view when not in use.

So, find the window covering product that will match the function needs of your room 1^st, then you can layer on other products to give you the custom decorated look you desire.

 

Start Thinking April 5, 2008

What is your room used for?

The use of your room is a very important factor.  Window coverings in a media room would be fundamentally different than those say on a kitchen window.  I use the privacy feature my wood blinds offer in my bedroom all the time.  I close them each evening as I am getting ready for bed.  This keeps any unfortunate soul from accidentally catching me changing into my PJ’s!  The room darkening feature of the traversing lined draperies keeps the sun from waking me earlier than my alarm actually does.  Other than bedrooms, I rarely ever touch window coverings.  I know others (mainly some family members who will remain unnamed) that close every window covering in their home each and every night, only to walk around and open them all in the morning!  That’s just ludicrous to someone like me, but might sound heavenly to you. 

Every window covering offers beauty and design, but if you also need function then you need to state what you want out of the window coverings in each room.  I personally take into consideration beauty, design and function in the bedrooms.  I want privacy and a certain amount of light control on the weekends.  In other parts of my house I am purely concerned with beauty and added design.  What are your needs in each of the rooms in your home?

Get Over It April 5, 2008

I’ve tried to rationalize my fear, figure it out and conquer it.  In many houses and many rooms I have successfully done just that, and have reaped the rewards.  It takes a bit of time, determination and sometimes outside help.  Yes, even professionals need outside assistance/reassurance at times.  There are some relatively painless ways to discover what window coverings should be in your room.  I will touch on a few, go into detail on others, and I might even wander off point at times too.  So bear with me.

Factors you need to address;

Room-what is the room used for?

Function-what do you need the covering to accomplish?

Size/shape-what size and shape are your windows?

Style-traditional, modern, neo-classical, country, French colonial, etc?

Color-neutral, natural, trendy?

Your past- your choices and the results from previous large purchases.

What’s missing in my rooms? March 27, 2008

So, you just returned from Easter  at your Aunt’s house.  She has such a beautiful house; it is always picture perfect and looks as if Home & Garden magazine could walk in at any moment to take photos for a magazine spread!  Looking around your house now you realize how incomplete it looks, something’s missing but it’s hard to put a finger on just what exactly it is.

Well I’m here to tell you right now, it’s your lack of window coverings.  They make all the difference in a room.  It’s taken me years to realize just how important they are, despite the fact I’ve worked in the window covering business for over 8 years now!  I don’t know about you, but I get so wrapped up in decorating a room, creating a special feeling with paint and furnishings; buying just the right amount of décor.  Even placing specific objects in various places so that it has a lived in look, even if I rarely enter the room myself!

The last thing I attempt in any room is the window coverings.  Why? You ask?  Same reasons as most of you …..fear!  Fear of a permanent wrong choice, fear of getting tired of something less than a year after I put it up, fear that my mental image and my physical choices won’t equal each other, all in all it’s just a paralyzing fear!

(perfectly beautiful room that has undeveloped potential)

 

Trends March 25, 2008

Everything I read and see these days suggests a trend towards green purchases.  Not only are consumers becoming aware of their own personal daily life carbon footprint, but they are also much more conscience about the ecological cost of their purchases.  This means that clients are taking the time to recycle, reuse and re-purpose.  They are also taking the time to learn how to make greener purchases at all levels; from reusable grocery bags and recycled paper for their printer, to rugs made from recycled tires and draperies made with bamboo material and installed on bamboo rods.  Interior designers can definitely be an asset when educating yourself on the best ecologically friendly choices and how they would transfer to your home.

The trend I find intriguing is the seemingly connected trend towards nature inspired living spaces.  This could be as simple as the color choices: browns, tans, blues, greens and yellows.  But it also extends way beyond that in the use of an indoor water piece, plants and grasses, larger window spaces and the continuation of living spaces to the outdoor areas of our homes.  It seems as if turning our thoughts to living ecologically correct has opened our eyes to the beauty of the nature surrounding us.  And after all, isn’t that what design is all about . . . beauty?

Window Cover Design March 25, 2008

Welcome to the world of window coverings, it’s fraught with choices at every decision!  It’s definitely not for the faint of heart!  But don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it step by step.  Do you need a designer?  Can you do it by yourself?  If so, how much can you do yourself: design choices, measurements, ordering, sewing, installation?  This is not going to be the typical do-it-yourself project.  In the days/weeks/years that follow we will tackle this project head-on, with a can-do attitude!  So get ready to do some thinking, decision making, and get ready for action!