Window Treatments ~ It's a Love-Hate Relationship

Do you love them because they’re functional, but hate them because they’re unattractive or outdated? Or perhaps they’re dysfunctional … you’ve been tempted to tear them down time and again, yet don’t know what to put in their place. There are a myriad of choices available, though many factors to consider when selecting the right treatments for your home, and most likely the treatment you select will vary from room to room.

Picture a window in your home that you want to improve. Here are just a few of the factors you need to consider before making your final decision:

• Do you need your treatment to provide privacy?

• Does heat from the afternoon sun need to be insulated?

• Are there children or pets in the home? Consider how the treatments will stand up to their not-so-gentle touch.

• Is the room formal or informal? This will greatly influence the style of treatment you select, as well as any fabrics you may choose.

• Do you want the window to be a focal point in the room, or would you prefer a simple treatment?

• Is your desire purely for cosmetics, and function isn’t an issue? Perhaps you just want to add a decorative element to the room, and that is their primary function. In the room pictured here, the blinds provide the function, and the drapery panels add a soft, decorative touch.

• Window treatments can also be used to adjust the imbalance in a room, such as an oddly placed corner window.

Window treatments range from ready-made draperies and blinds available at your local retailers, to highly customized treatments for the most unique situations. If I can give you any assistance with your design and decorating needs, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Many times a single consultation is all that’s needed to pull your project together!

Everyone deserves a home they love ~ Inside and Out!

New House; Same Furniture ~ How to Make it Work!

It’s always exciting to get a new place to live! You can own it or rent it, but the feeling is still the same ~ you want to make it your own, and have it reflect who you are and what’s comfortable and inviting to you. Even if you’ve been fully furnished and accessorized in a previous home, there are inevitable changes that will occur because of the new space. I’ve worked with a few clients already this year that have purchased new homes, and here’s some of the suggestions I’ve given them.

Furniture Placement ~ You have a completely new floor plan to work with, and some furnishings may need to be removed because they don’t work well in the new layout, or additional pieces may need to be purchased. A piece that was previously in your living room, may now find its way to the dining room instead. Try and keep an open mind about where you place your furniture, and don’t get locked into fixed ideas about a particular piece needing to be in a particular room. This beautiful chest from Horchow.com can work equally as well in a dining room, living room, bedroom, or even a foyer. This is really an area where you can think outside the box.

Play With Color ~ The best way to add character and warmth to your rooms is with color on the walls, yet this is an area that I see many clients struggle with. It doesn’t have to be dramatic to produce a big impact, so even soft tones will have a wonderful effect. If you know your color scheme and are ready to paint, get it done before you move in, if at all possible. If you’ve hired professional painters, they’ll love you for this!

Take Your Time ~ It’s only natural to want to have your home fully furnished and accessorized, post-haste! That said, if you truly want your home to reflect you, then try and let it evolve over time. It’s tempting to run out to your favorite retailer and create the room you love straight from the catalog, but does that really express your unique character? Go ahead and get the basics, but save some room for art, accessories, or furniture pieces that you’ll find along the way in life’s journey. The end result will be one-of-a-kind! If I can give you any assistance with your design or decorating needs, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Many times a single consultation is all that’s needed to pull your ideas together!

Everyone deserves a home they love ~ Inside and Out!