Torgie’s Point of View

     The year 2012 is here bringing with it new and innovative ideas for home interior design. According to some home designers, window treatments are one of the easiest ways to update or create a new home environment. This is because window treatments can change the mood and restyle a room instantly depending on the type and color of window treatment chosen. What are some popular color and window treatment ideas for 2012?

     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.

Torgies   (KP)

     The answer to this question depends on several factors. First, it is important to know the difference between ready and custom made window treatments. It is also important to consider the type and size of the windows in your Wilmington, NC home. Other factors to consider are the style and design of window treatments you have in mind and how much you want to spend.

     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.

Torgies (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     A quote by Russel Baker expresses an accurate thought when speaking about summer, “Ah, summer what power you have to make us suffer and like it.”  This is certainly accurate when we think about the enjoyable days of summer, spending time with family and friends. However, the heat and at times extreme temperature may cause us to suffer. What can be done to help make our homes here in Wilmington, NC, more comfortable during that time of year?

     Some have seen the wisdom of installing exterior solar shades on their windows, patios, and porches to help with summer’s heat and glare. For example, the most energy efficient home in the country shown on FOX TV  in Chicago uses solar controlled window shades to reduce energy costs. These shades when installed outside the home reduce temperature in the home, blocking up to 90% of the sun’s UV rays.  Exterior solar shades are made of  all weather, woven, breathable fabrics in a variety of colors to fit any home. For ease and convenience these solar shades are retractable using a hand crank method or a motorized wall-mounted or remote device.  These shades also give you extended living space outdoors if used in patio, or porch areas. Something else to keep in mind is these shades protect windows while still allowing you to see outside.

     There are many products on the market to choose from. It is important to be well informed when making a decision about solar shades. SouthWest Sun Control is one company that carries a good variety of these shades. One product they offer is Phifer Suntex shade made of vinyl coated polyester that has a great deal of strength. For those environmentally concerned, Draper Screens offer “GreenScreen Revive Shade” made from recycled material. This shade uses “Microban”, an antimicrobial protection that works to stop the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew which may stain or damage the shade.

     Exterior Solar Shades while very helpful in summer, are also of value in the winter months. They work to reduce energy costs all year, saving you money. Functional, durable and fashionable, exterior solar shades do help keep you cool in the summer. To find the best value, best advice, and best selection contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-in-Home consultation. Be prepared, summer will soon be here!

Torgies   (KP)

     Hurricane season is from June to November. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and extreme weather inflict much damage to private and public property each year. North Carolina and three other southern states lead the nation in number of billion dollar weather related disasters. As a result, people here in Wilmington, NC have concern for the welfare of their homes and families. Doug Hoell, Director of Emergency Management states,”We do not know when the next big storm will come, but we do know it will come. Are you Ready? Be Safe and Be Prepared.”

     Protecting our homes and families by installing hurricane or storm shutters is one very important way to be prepared. These type of shutters are available in several different styles and designs. Colonial hurricane shutters are a Southern standard for many homes. These are two pieced louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside each window folding together to protect the window. Colonial hurricane shutters are easy to use, decorative, adding curb appeal to your home. Roll-Up and Roll-down custom built hurricane shutters are some of the most expensive and of  high quality. They attach above the window and can be lowered manually by a hand crank or automatically by push button. Another added feature, they roll-up and store in an enclosed box when not in use.

     Atlantic Premium Shutter Company offers several storm shutter designs. Bahama Storm System is a design based on shutters from the Caribbean. A one-piece louvered shutter attaches directly above the window and is held open to provide shade. They are easy to use and storm ready when lowered and secured with a camel-back locking system. They are described by Atlantic Shutters as having, “elegant, light appeal to deliver exteriors with a dramatic flair.” The Classic Collection hurricane shutter by Atlantic is available in Raised Panel, Faux Louver, Board and Batten designs. Strong aluminum storm bars are used to secure the shutters closed during severe weather. Each shutter is available in some 40 different colors and also custom colors.

     Storm ready shutters are economical, decorative and provide year round protection. Hurricanes strike North Carolina on the average every three years. “It only takes one,” is the 2009 message from the NOAA. Hurricanes are a part of life, get prepared. Contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington,NC for a free in home consultation to get your family and home hurricane prepared.

Torgies    (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     The home decor question: Can vertical blind vanes be repaired or does the entire blind need to be replaced? The home decor solution: Both options are available depending on the situation. However, before making a decision there are a few factors to consider for your Wilmington, NC home.

     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.

Torgies   (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     If money were no object, what type of window covering would you select for your Wilmington, NC home? It is exciting to dream about the possibilities. Window treatments that fall into this category are made with material of high quality, skilled craftsmanship, and dollar for dollar can add to the over all value of your home.

     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.

Torgies   (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     When choosing the right window treatment for your Wilmington, NC home, it is important also to consider what type of blind control features will best fit your decor and your family’s needs. Some of the more popular window treatment blind control options are: motorized, continuous loop, cordless, TDBU, and wand/cord systems.

      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.

Torgies     (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     We live in a gadget prone world, always looking for items to make life easier or more convenient. We have remote control TVs, Garage Doors, Toys, and even some vehicles can be started with the push of a button. One convenience some may have overlooked is the availability of motorized remote control window treatments. Because of the advancement in technology, motorized window treatments are now more affordable, fashionable, and a smart addition to your Wilmington, NC home.

     Nearly any type of window covering can be motorized. When talking about motorization, there are various options such as remote control, switches, timers, and sensors. There are various types of motorization to use with each type of window treatment and should be designed to fit your individual needs. Motorized remote control window coverings can also be fully integrated into existing or newly installed home automation systems.

     Hunter Douglas uses The Power Rise 2.0 with Platinum Technology battery powered system that is easy to install and can be used with “Allustra Duette” honeycomb shades, “Designer Roller Shades,” and “Applause” honeycomb shades. Power Tilt with Platinum Technology is designed to be used with Hunter Douglas “Alustra Woods“and “Country Woods Geniune Woods” blinds. Lafayette also uses a motorized battery powered remote to raise and lower your window treatments easily. Lafayette offers this system with “Woodland Harvest” wood shutters and “Genesis III”roman shades. Motorized remote control devices are simple to maintain, just replace the battery every 2 to 3 years depending on use.

     There are many benefits in using motorized remote control window treatments; ease and convenience are number one. They are a great choice for hard to reach windows such as those behind a bathtub, cathedral windows, or windows with a unique shape or location. Remote control window coverings offer safety in homes where there are small children since there are no cords to be concerned with. They are also very helpful in homes where elderly or physically limited persons reside. Motorized window treatments can contribute to energy efficiency in your home, saving you money.

     Motorized remote control window treatments are no longer a luxury. They are affordable, fashionable, and necessary for the modern home. Contact a window treatment professional here in Wilmington, NC for a free in home consultation to view all the motorized window treatment options.

Torgie    (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     With the recent voluntary recall of roller shades and blinds from several retail stores, there has been a renewed interest regarding the importance of using cordless window treatments around children, pets, and other individuals at risk. The issue of safe window treatments is not new according to News from CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). ” Over the last 15 years CPSC has been investigating window covering hazards and working with the WCSC (Window Covering Safety Commission) to ensure safety of windows.”  As a result of this on going investigation, nearly every type of window covering can be purchased with cordless upgrades. 

     Window treatments such as honeycomb shades or roller shades can be purchased with a cordless lift system which can easily lift the shade from the bottom rail. Levelor cordless features are available on their Accordia Celluar Shades which offer more than 200 fabric choices for any home decor. Accordia Cellular Shades also include Levelor’s “Energy Shield” technology that can save you energy and money. Hunter Douglas offers Vignette Tiered Modern Roman Shades with “Lite Rise” cordless operation. “Lite Rise” cordless operation is also available on Hunter Douglas Country Wood Blinds and Duette Honeycomb Shades. Another cordless system is the spring assist clutch system that is available on Hunter Douglas Provenance Woven Wood Shades. One cordless option that is easy and convenient to use is a battery operated remote control motorization system. This cordless system allows freedom to open, close, raise, and lower the window shades with a touch of a button.

     Accidents hurt safety doesn’t. To be safe and sound it is good to consider replacing or improving your present window treatments to prevent serious accidents in the home. To get acquainted with all the various cordless features for window coverings, contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free in Home consultation.

Torgie     (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     Herbert Hoover the 31st President of the United States once said, ” Children are our most valuable resource.”  This statement made many years ago continues to resonate with the majority of people today. The health of children is important and requires more than just the proper food, exercise, and enough sleep. It also requires staying safe and secure.

    Recently in the news there have been reports concerning the voluntary recall of nearly 11 million roman shades and roll up blinds that were sold by Lowe’s and other retail stores between the years of 1999 and June of 2010. This recall was prompted by the near strangulation of two children , one in November 2009, and the other in July 2010. Theresa Harris, a 17 year licensed owner and operator of  lil’ Bears Day Care Facility commented regarding this situation, “Window treatments are a beautiful way to bring  warmth and character to a room. They offer protection for the children keeping the heat in and the cold out. However, whatever window treatment you choose, number one, first and foremost if it has a cord or other hazardous feature it must be removed or safely secured out of children’s reach. Safety is needed in all areas of life, especially with our children.”

     The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recomends prepare your environment for safety, especially when children and infants are in the home. This would include making sure your current blinds meet up to date safety standards and comply with CPSC provisional standards and other consumer protection laws. With regard to the Lowe’s recall, the CPSC said “Consumers should stop using these types of window treatment products immediately unless otherwise instructed.” The Window Covering Safety Commission recommends installing cordless window treatments for home where children, infants, and pets are. They also suggest replacing or repairing window blinds sold before 2001 because the outer cord presents strangulation hazards.

     An anonymous quote states, ” Safety is as simple as ABC-Always Be Careful. The safety of children is first and foremost. After all they are our most “valuable resource.” To get started, contact a window treatment professional here in Wilmington, NC for complete information on making your home a safe place to live.

Torgies         (KP)

Wilmington, NC