Window Coverings for a “Fresh” Look

Spring is in the air! It’s time to open those shades (or blinds, shutters, louvers & panels) to let the Arizona sun shine in. Please…do it while you can because in a few short weeks we’ll be doing everything we can to keep that warm sunshine OUT! As the world outside turns beautifully warm, I’d like to encourage you to make your home more beautiful too, by creating stylish spaces through window decorating.

To cover or not to cover? True, a window can be decoration on its own. Or, it can be covered in a heavy fabric or be the simple chic of a lightweight sheer. When creating your sense of style through the world of window coverings there are several things to consider: Privacy, Light Control, Insulation and Personal Style.

There is a definite trend from new home sales to remodels and with that comes a big increase in decorative fabrics. Also we are seeing a concern in energy efficiency. I recently was told by my blind guy (aka Brad Beeler of Blind Source) that what’s selling more now are the blackout or room darkening shades. They have become so popular because they are an inexpensive way to blackout a movie room or bedroom and offer cost savings through their energy efficiency. While deciding upon the right treatment for your windows can be an overwhelming process, choosing quality brand name products through knowledgeable people can make your shopping experience creative and pleasant. Here are a few frequently asked questions/concerns that may have surfaced for you in your journey of window design along with helpful thoughts and suggestions.

I am not a big fan of vertical blinds. What should I do with my sliding glass patio doors? Splitting shades into the number of panels of glass you have is one suggestion. That enables you to raise one panel at a time.

What should I use for my French doors? A product that can be attached at the bottom portion of the door is recommended as well as a treatment that stays close to the door itself. A good suggestion is designer roller shades because they lie flat against the door and pass by the handle easily. Silhouette window shading is also recommended because it retracts all the way into its own headrail allowing openness or privacy.

I have an arch window above my doorway. I don’t know what to do with it. You have several options for these unusually shaped windows. Wood shutters can add elegance and completeness to this area or you can opt for an easy view arch shade that stacks at the bottom and can be raised for an unobstructed view. Another exciting suggestion used purely for decorative purposes is to insert a custom Tableaux motif. They have the look of wrought iron at a fraction of the cost and can be customized to fit any shape or size. Tableaux’s also make beautiful wall decorations for those hard to decorate wall spaces!

I have narrow windows on either side of my front door and would like a window covering that maintains my view but also provides privacy (especially at night). There are several options. Honeycomb shades, horizontal wood or aluminum blinds or shutters. But also consider silhouette window shadings which are fabric vanes suspended between sheer fabric casings allowing you to tilt them to control privacy and views.

I have toddlers. What lifting systems are available that will keep the cords out of their reach? Ultraglide- A single retractable cord that remains at the same length whether raised or lowered. Another recommendation is Literise- a touch system allowing you to raise or lower with a single touch.

What’s the difference between “custom” shutters and “customized” shutters? Custom shutters are built to exact specifications of your windows where customized are off the shelf, cut to fit your windows.

Window treatments can be one of the most dramatic differences you make in a room. Choosing the right type involves thinking through your needs such as light control, energy efficiency, decoration, privacy and the complete feel of your home. If you are tired of having your windows look like everyone else’s or simply are ready for a change, it’s time to take that extra step. Window treatments are a great way to add flair and excitement to your home décor. So, go ahead, let the sun shine in…or NOT. Whichever way you choose, I am certain you will bring luxury and personality to your home.

Fall is a beautiful time of the year with endless colors from the changing leaves and harvest decorations adorning neighborhood doorsteps. Bring the fall colors to your home with a number of simple décor additions and changes for the season.

Drapes, wallpaper: Add elegant bronze hues to your home with new drapes and wallpaper to create a calming atmosphere that will match the crisp outdoor look. Combine the bronze hues with a burst of orange, copper and wine colors to echo the color of fall leaves.

Furniture: Create a bold fall look with rich brown furniture and pumpkin-orange upholstery. You can also do this with a light brown bookcase and fireplace.

Accessories: Dress up your room by adding fall foliage, acorns and mini pumpkins to bookshelves, mantles and coffee tables.
Use cornhusks to accent candle holders.
Put cinnamon sticks in mason jars and place them around the house for a splash of color and refreshing fall smell.
Add fall flowers like alstromeria and sunflowers to spruce up your mantle and add shade of yellow and pink to your home.

Whether you’re hosting a family party or you enjoy dressing up your home for the season, these décor additions will bring the beautiful fall colors and feel to your home. Learn how DirectBuy can help you achieve this look while earning life-altering savings by finding your local DirectBuy club or calling 1-800-320-3462.

Produced in association with Volumedia.

Creating Modern Looks You Can Live With

Confused by contemporary? Often compared to modern, contemporary shares similarities yet offers its differences. Developed in the latter half of the 20^th century, contemporary features consist of softer lines and comfortable textures.  The colors used are warm and rich, not as stark as seen in modern décor, a bit more inviting however still very clean.  If you love sleek lines and hate clutter, are trendier, modern in your approach to art, like simple with a touch of flair…your decorating personality most likely leans toward that of contemporary style.

Today’s contemporary look is a blend of comfortable, livable elements that work together to create a sophisticated, fresh feel.  With this style of decorating comes an emphasis on “clutter-free”.  That’s not always easy in our busy households.  To achieve this look it’s important to stick to a few basic rules.  And for those wanting to create a contemporary feel but have been living in another style, there needs to be an infusion, an introduction of your new look.  Keep simplicity as your driving force when working with your new plan.  Nothing should be overpowering or try to make a statement on its own.  Here are a few guidelines to follow when creating a contemporary flair:

FURNITURE:  Keep your lines clean, however gentle curves are ok.  Exposed wood and metal as well as blended mediums are the norm.  Upholstery should be smooth.

FABRICS:  Plain with little or no pattern. Think solid and chic.  Avoid trims and tassels.  Although you should avoid prints, 2-tones work great.  An example is a bold zebra print or stripe pattern.

COLOR:  Infusion of vibrant color can come from accent walls, accessories, pillows.  A tone on tone color palette is perfect.  Rely heavily on browns, taupes, creams and pure whites with shots of color.  Soft and warm but vibrant accent colors are the real key.

ACCESSORIES:  In contemporary decorating there’s not a lot of room for extras…streamline!  Bright metals are an important element.  Frames should be high gloss or black matte, natural, wood or metal.

LIGHTING: This takes center stage in the world of contemporary decorating.  Fixtures are extremely important and should make their own artistic statement.  The right illumination will draw attention to key features.  Look for well designed track lighting and choose floor lamps over table.

WINDOWS:  Simple, straight lines, little fuss.  That’s it!

FLOORING:  Sleek and sexy.  Polished concrete, wood, low pile carpets and stone.

LINE AND SPACE:  High ceilings, bare windows, architectural details, use of bold colors are all important in your contemporary spacial planning.  Bare wall spaces between furniture become equally important when accessorizing.  Remember…less is more!

CONTEMPORARY TEXTURES:  Avoid intricate detail on all surfaces.  Wood tone can be dark or light but should remain consistent.  Avoid patterns on your walls.

Contemporary decorating is not for everyone.  It may be that you just want one room in your home to have that modern edge.  Or, perhaps you’re an eclectic personality, you like a variety of periods and styles in your home.  You might already be infusing your home into another style but aren’t quite sure what that actually is by term or definition.  What exactly does a designer mean when she says Tuscan style, or Traditional or Transitional?  I have outlined a few popular styles of decorating and brief descriptions to help you decipher between their uses.  This may help you determine which décor personality you already are, or what look you want to achieve.

Cottage Style:  Colorful comfortable look.  Textural elements like baskets and natural fiber rugs.  Colors taken from a lush flower garden.

Country:  Wide ranging style depending on locations.  Primitive furniture, muted colors, milky paint colors, vintage fabrics.

Mediterranean:  Today known as Spanish Modern.  Pieces range from simple to formal and are short and ornate.  Hardware is heavy.  Textured walls are prevalent.

Modern:  Clean, streamlined, strong geometric shapes.  Expansive, unadorned.

Old World:  Comfortable, broken in, worn.  Textured walls and stones.  Distressed, matte and honed finishes used over high polished ones.

Southwestern:  Earthtone colors, rough textures, brightly woven fabrics, terra cotta and clay.

Traditional:  Comforting, warm wood tones, tailored windows, trims and fringe, oil paintings.

Transitional:  Marriage of traditional and contemporary.  Classic, timeless designs.  Simple yet sophisticated.  Straight lines or rounded profiles.

Tuscan:  Rustic, sun-baked look.  Simple and sturdy furnishings, iron accents, textured walls and detailed murals, trompe l‘oeils.

Tropical:  Island motifs, exotic woods, tropical palettes, plants and fabrics.  Look to beach for inspiration, shells, rattan, sea grass.

My hopes are after reading this article you are no longer confused by contemporary and have somewhat of an understanding as to what your style is or what you’d like it to be.  Please remember, your home is YOUR sanctuary.  There is no right or wrong when choosing your style but knowing your style and how to present it will give you confidence in your décor selections.

Copyright 2009-2010 Denise Teichert