A team of designers from all over the world meet each year to research and predict what will be the most popular colors for the new year. The CMG (Color Marketing Group), chose the color Boyz n Berry a deep rich purple with hints of red as the color of the year. Vicki Payne from For Your Home states, “Creams and whites add to purple create a sense of fresh openness and grey paired with purple and cream completes understated elegance.” Installing Hunter Douglas’s Heritage Hardwood Shutters in the color Linen in a room painted in a shade of purple or grey provides a dynamic color combo.

     Window treatments that focus on organic and natural fabrics again dominate the home fashion industry and are a popular choice for 2012. Graber’s Tradewinds Natural Shades bring intriguing texture and natural warmth to any room. Cellular and bamboo shades in rich textured fabrics add an eco-friendly atmosphere to the home.

     Neutrals are always a great choice. The neutral color greige, beige and grey continues to be a popular color used in interior design for 2012. A shade of greige on the walls combined with Levelor’s Room Darkening Shades in Sterling, a light and airy shade of blue adds visual interest to the room. These shades are made of a sheer fabric that lets just the right amount of soft light into the room and when closed they block out light  protecting furnishings and adding to energy savings.

     A new year is here and now is the time to create or update your home using the latest in window treatments.  To help you select just the right color, design, and style combination for 2012 , call a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-IN-Home consultation.

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     A cornice and a valance are similar in the effect they will achieve, but are somewhat different in structure. A cornice by one definition is “a decorative horizontal band of metal or wood used to conceal curtain fixtures.” A valance is defined as ” a short ornamental piece of drapery placed across the top of a window.” Both the cornice and valance were popular window treatments in the Victorian Age. Many grand homes of that era were decorated with plaster or wooden cornices which were ornately carved and gilded or a beautiful embroidered woven tapestry casually draped over an ornate rod creating a valance that brought warmth and beauty to the room.

     Today there are many situations in which draperies, curtains, and shades look better with a valance or cornice. There are endless color, design, and pattern, combinations to consider when deciding on a valance or cornice for your window treatment. The valance or the cornice can also be used on their own without draperies or used with a shade to give definition to the window. The book entitled, Curtains by Caroline Clifton-Mogg makes this statement. “a valance or cornice is a defining and anchoring device that can give added importance to a window. The cornice or valance should not only be beautiful in themselves but should enhance the beauty of the window treatment in the room.”

     For practical and fashionable suggestions on how to use a valance or cornice to add the finishing touch to your windows and window treatments, contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-In-Home consultation.

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Wilmington, NC

     Ready-made window treatments are those that are made in mass quanities and come in only specific and at times limited sizes, colors, and features. Generally, these type of window treatments can be cut down to fit the size window you need, or make them work with the window size you have. When choosing ready-made soft window treatments look for the quality of thread, material and lineing used. If choosing ready-made shutters look for the thickness of the panels, how the panels are joined together and the quality of the finish. There are many well-made and affordable ready-made window treatments available. One window treatment product that offers both of these elements is Kathy Ireland by Alta. Kathy Ireland by Alta offers a full line of window treatment options from drapes, shades, sheers, faux wood blinds, and much more.

     Custom window treatments are as the name suggests, professionally designed window treatments made specifically to fit your window and style. Custom-made window treatments provide a unique, often a one-of-a-kind design that expresses your individual fashion. Many companies provide custom-made window covering solutions. Spring Window Fashions features Graber wood blinds offering a wide assortment of stains, paints, and Custom Color for a one-of-a-kind creation. Custom-made window treatments can be more costly, but are well worth the investment, adding beauty, individuality, and value to the home.

     Whichever window treatment you choose, ready-made or custom-made, contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-in-Home consultaion. They will help you find the best window treatment solution for your home.

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Wilmington, NC

     The second item to consider, what direction the windows face. This is important to consider in order to make the best use of the energy efficiency of the window treatment you chose. Windows with eastern exposure get morning sun, windows with western exposure get afternoon sun and windows that face the south get sun all day. For example: Hunter Douglas “Alustra Duette” honeycomb shades can be a good choice because they are designed with energy efficiency for any window, no matter what direction it faces.

     It is important to consider window treatments as an investment and not just an expense. They are essential to the overall design and look of the home. Be informed and do research before you buy. Contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington,NC for a Free-In-Home consultation.

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Wilmington,NC

     A fashionable move every time is using patterned curtains with a solid color shade. The more pronounced the drapery pattern the simpler the shade should be. For example, use a crisp white roman shade with white and green checked drapes. Another great duo is combining woven bamboo shades with sheer floral drapes, adding a layer of texture and character to any room. For a bolder and jazzy statement, pair that bamboo shade with raw silk or velvet curtains. A Levolor roman shade in Classic Mocha with cream-colored sheer drapery panels is a winning combination for a simple yet dramatic effect. Try a custom designed drape using Lafayette Hot Topic Fabrics in eco friendly material. These fabrics are available in 100% Cotton and 100% Repreve Recycled Polyester in colors and patterns such as eco brown, sage, blue and red. Custom drapes made from any of these fabrics combined with sheer drapes or shades provide privacy, softness, and make for a dynamic duo.

     A bonus for items that go well together is they make for a unique one of a kind combination. With the endless combinations of color, product, and style, it is important to select a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC. They offer a free in home consultation to help design your own dynamic duo window covering combination.

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Wilmington, NC

     Vertical blinds became a very popular window treatment in the 70’s and maintain that popularity today. Vertical blinds are available in different types of material such as PVC, vinyl, fabric, and wood. The type of material used and the thickness of the vanes can determine the durability of the blind. One common problem with vertical blinds is that they can break where they attach to the carrier on the head rail. Pets that like to chew can also damage some blinds and some vanes can be damaged by excessive use.

      When making a decision to replace or repair the blind, it is good to  keep in mind  how old are the vertical blinds?  This is important because some studies show that window treatments usually stay a minimum of 5 to 7 years or longer. If  the verticals are older than average, it may be time to update your window treatment.

     Something else to consider, does the manufacture still provide the product? This can be challenging. However, there are a few companies that specialize in this area. One bit of advice regarding vertical blinds is to order a few extra vanes when placing the original order. It will save you time and trouble later. Some companies require a minimum of 10 replacement vanes to be ordered and others will special order what is needed if available. Companies such as Levelor provide replacement vanes directly through their customer service or can be ordered through a retailer that sells Levelor vertical blinds.

      Another important consideration is the location of the vertical blind in the home. Heavy traffic areas such as patio doors can contribute to the damage of vertical blinds with the constant opening, closing, or frequent use of the area. Some homeowners have replaced the vertical blinds on these windows with panel track blinds or drapes, which is a helpful alternative.

     The home decor solution is find out what solution best fits your needs regarding vertical blinds. It is best to contact a window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a free in home consultation to find what options are available.

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Wilmington, NC

     Woven wood window treatments are considered a good choice for the modern home. They are made of environmentally responsible fabrics and available in a variety of styles. Woven wood blinds are made of natural materials such as bamboo, reeds, and exotic grasses. Hunter Douglas offers “Provenance” woven wood blinds with a standard cord lock system, available in 77 different material and color combinations. These blinds can be upgraded with an optional liner that protects your home and helps reduce energy expenses in your home.

     Many modern homes today are designed with larger windows and large “great rooms” for comfortable family living. One sleek modern alternative to vertical blinds for these larger windows and patio doors are sliding panel tracks. Panel tracks can also be used as a room divider that adds fun and function to your home. Levolor has the latest in fabrics and textures for sliding panel tracks, such as Soho textured fabrics in Vanilla, Java, and Mocha. These panel tracks  from Levolor can also be designed using a sheer material in Lemon Drop, Golden Rod, and Fatigue, for a subtle and dramatic effect.

     Draperies in fabrics such as linen and cotton duck with colorful geometric designs are a modern trend in window fashion for the enviromentally conscious. Tailored Pleat, Grommet, and Goblet drades are styles that are affordable and popular for the modern home making a sleek, simple , and bold statement.

To help you decide which modern window treatment is right for your home, contact a window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a free in home consultation.

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Wilmington, NC

     When choosing a window covering that fits the above description, the first choice for many would be plantation shutters. Shutters have been described by some as fine furniture for your home. Custom designed shutters made of hardwoods such as cherry, cedar, and bass are some of the finest window coverings for your money. Hunter Douglas offers “Heritance” hardwood shutters that can be custom finished with 100 different “Integra” paint and stain finishes. Hunter Douglas states, “Heritance hardwood shutters have a vast selection of frame choices, specialty shapes, configuration options and louver sizes giving you one of the largest selections in the industry.” Shutters have proven to be a great investment, highly valued by home-buyers as well as homeowners.

     Another window treatment considered by some as one of the best window treatments for your money is hardwood venetian blinds. “Hardwood Collection” by Levolor with 2 1/2 inch slats is an impressive choice. These blinds can be custom ordered in a wide variety of paints and stains. Venetian wood blinds can make any room warm and inviting. Never out of style they fit any decor with their natural beauty and classic style.

     The perfect addition to any dream window treatment is a motorized or remote blind control system. This type of system can be used with a battery powered wireless remote control or switch mounted on a wall. With the touch of a button you have the freedom to open, close, raise, and lower the window coverings. Ease and convenience of use make this blind control system a dreamy choice.

     In today’s world money is an object, so to get the best quality for your money contact a window treatment professional here in Wilmington, NC to find the best in affordable quality window treatments.

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Wilmington, NC

      Motorized and remote blind control systems have become more affordable and easy to use because of advancements in window treatment technology. This system is designed to be used with a battery powered wireless remote control or a switch mounted on a wall that controls a motor that is within the window treatment. With a touch of a button, all the blinds can be raised or lowered individually or as a group. A traditional control for vertical blinds includes a wand/cord system. Vertical blinds are rotated by pulling a beaded chain and opened with a pull of a cord or a heavy-duty fiberglass wand that rotates the louvers open and closed. These also are available with a cordless design for added safety. Hunter Douglas provides Perma-Tilt wand control with tilt and traverse functions that are easy to use.

     The continuous loop clutch system is a manually operated system that is pulled in a circular motion to raise and lower the shades. Pulling on the cord or beaded chain at the end of the shade positions the shade exactly where you want. Hunter Douglas has the Ultra Glide cordless spring activated system to raise and lower blinds and is especially good for large windows. The constant cord length of this system means never any long dangling cords to detract from the over all look of the shade and provides an added safety feature. The Ultra Glide system works well with Hunter Douglas “Alustra” and “Vignette” shades.

     Top Down Bottom Up blind control system is defined by it’s name. Shades with this feature can be opened from the top down or the bottom up or both, providing privacy and light control. This window treatment control option works well with cellular, woven, and roman shades. One other unique option is Levolor’s Transformations Day/ Night shade. This optional control system is available with their cellular shades and allows you to transition a light filtering shade into a room darkening shade with just the pull of a cord.

     Before you choose what blind control system will work best for your home, it is good to contact a window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a free in home appointment to get aquatinted with the many blind control options available.

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Wilmington, NC

     Tableaux Faux Wrought Iron products are constructed out of 100% post industrial recycled wood fiber with formaldehyde free resin, making this product affordable and Eco-Friendly. Faux iron is lightweight, about 10% the weight of conventional wrought iron and therefore has unlimited design options. It can be formed into any shape, square, rectangle, circular, or custom designed, with ornate, geometric, or floral patterns. There are two finishes to choose from, faux and organic which is based on a natural chemical process. Some traditional color options are, Antique, Gold, and Bronze Brass. Other colors to choose from include Amazon Emerald, Shanghai Sunrise, and Pacific Pearl, to list just a few. For decorative purposes it comes double-sided when both sides of the design are visible such as in a front door entry way or single-sided when only one side is visible such as used for high transom or arch windows.

     Faux iron inserts add interest and dimension to the home. They complete the look for any style shutter, changing them from simple to elegant. The addition of a valance or cornice with the faux iron insert, creates beauty and variety. For a more personalised effect, it is possible to incorporate logos, monograms, or crests, into custom designed faux iron inserts.

     Faux iron inserts are not just limited to window treatments. They can be used in a variety of ways, on doors, ceilings, skylights, both inside and outside the home. To get a complete look at what can be done with faux iron inserts contact a window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a free in home consultation.

Torgies     (KP)

Wilmington, NC