Draperies are a natural choice to make for these windows. When choosing draperies, consider whether the draperies will be full length or sill length. The choice will depend on the proportion and location of the window. Fabric choice is important, something not too subdued nor too elaborate. If the view from the window is beautiful, consider having the drapery color blend in with the walls so the view becomes the focal point. If selecting fabric with a geometetric print avoid small designs, rather think about large and richly colored designs. Use a sheer material in muslin or voile to help diffuse light and add a touch of softness to the window. If the wide window is part fixed glass and part sliding door, make sure the draperies can be pulled back far enought to allow safe and easy access.

Not to be overlooked are the advantages shutters provide for the wide window. A desirable louver size to use with wide windows is 3 1/2 inches to 5 inches or more which offers maximum light control and a more unobstructed view. Shutters can be purchased standard or made to order with custom sizes and paints to enhance any room decor. “NewStyle” hybrid shutters from Hunter Douglas are popular, “offering elegance of shutters at an affordable price.”

In addition to providing privacy, these window treatments will help to conserve heat and reduce the sun’s effect on carpets and furniture. The challenge is to find what works well for the size and location of the window. Look for a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for help in choosing just the right window treatment for your wide shaped window.

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One of the best ways to accomplish this is to combine different types of window treatments for a functional yet warm and inviting atmostphere. For example, if you choose draperies in a lightweight fabric in a light color, consider using a conventional or blackout shade underneath in a color or pattern that will compliment the fabric. This design will serve to keep the light out and also keep the bedroom a little warmer in the winter, cooler in summer. This combination of window treatments will also allow light control for the other areas of the bedroom that are used for reading, television, or work space.

Top down bottom up shades are very useful window treatments for the bedroom. These shades can be opened from the top down or the bottom up providing both privacy and light control in different areas of the room. For added convenience these shades can be installed with motorized lifting systems designed to be used with a battery powered remote control or a switch mounted on the wall. Hunter Douglas “Applause” honeycomb shades are a very popular window treatment offering both of these design options.

At the end of the day there is no place like home. In the home there is no place like a comfortable and cozy bedroom. Contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC  for a Free-In-Home consultation.

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Drapery sheers have a translucent quality that allows light to be diffused through the window making them perfect for any shape window in any room of the home. When hung against the light their sometimes delicate and intricate patterns add a freshness and appealing softness. Sheers come in different weights and materials, from voile to gauze, designed with various patterns such as flowers, animals, even geometric patterns and shapes. Drapery sheers with patterns and designs look especially well when hung in front of a simple roller shade. Long muslin sheers hung from an antique brass pole with ornate gilded finials brings luxury and a subtle richness to any living room or bedroom. Sheers are practical for the bathroom and kitchen when they are threaded over a rod at the bottom and top. Some sheer curtains are not designed to stay closed , but can be tied back at various levels to frame the window with interest. Drapery sheers hung on a double traverse rod with a drape made from a heavier weighted fabric have a more traditional style and remain a popular choice.

Sheers are available in every style such as, custom pleated sheers, rod pocket sheers, and scarf sheers. Drapery sheers are also available in a variety of colors and patterns such as Brick, Pumpkin, and Kathy Ireland’s floral Overture Black and White sheer pattern. Drapery sheers are airy, sophisticated, elegant, and even stylishly simple, the perfect window treatment for any room. Contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-In-Home consultation to experience sheer madness in your home.

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Wilmington, NC

There are a few things to consider before choosing the window awnings that are best suited for your home.  The direction the windows face is an important consideration when selecting awnings that give your home the best protection. For example; on windows that face south, window awnings can reduce solar heat up to 65% in summer months. Awnings installed on west facing windows which get direct sunlight need to be wider and include side panels in order to reduce the sun’s heat up to 77%. This type of protection saves money and keeps the home cooler. There are various styles, designs, and fabrics to choose from. Sunbrella offers a wide selection of color fast stripped and solid awning fabrics in such colors as Jockey Red, Hemlock Tweed, and Sunflower Yellow. These fabrics are water repellent and fade resistant providing long lasting protection.

Window awnings can be installed to operate inside or outside the home with motorized or hand crank control options. Retractable window awnings are popular because they provide complete coverage for sun protection and privacy yet retract completely to let the sun in. Window awnings protect  furniture, rugs and other valuable items while adding value and architectural interest to the home.

Since there are  many window awning options available, contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-In -Home consultation to select just the right window awning to dress up your home.

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Wilmington, NC

There are several things to consider before deciding on what kitchen window treatment to choose. It is good to consider how busy a place the kitchen is and that is primarily for the preparation of food, so hygiene is very important. When choosing a window treatment for the kitchen, remember it can get dirty and greasy, so choose a window treatment that can be easily cleaned. When selecting window treatments that are near the stove or sink, it is best to select window coverings that are fire and water resistant.

A style that often works best in the kitchen area is one that is simple and relatively clean in design. Cafe curtains, for example are an ideal choice with nearly endless color and design options, creating both light and privacy. Shades and blinds are neat, sleek, and easy to use and are a popular choice for the window above the sink. Lafayette window coverings offer Genesis Window Shade, a durable and affordable shade. Choose a roller or flat roman shade in the color Nutmeg, pattern Roc-Ion for a current and up-to-date look. Shades and blinds with simple clean lines, look both attractive and welcoming. An alternate choice for the kitchen would be venetian blinds in wood, metal, or vinyl, because they can be easily wiped clean. Graber wood blinds, for example, are made from Authentic Hardwood such as walnut, cherry, and maple. They also offer a rich assortment of stains and paints to choose from along with custom color designs for a one of a kind decor. Not to be overlooked is the design options of floor length drapes. Draperies can modernize a living/dining room combination creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Full length drapes can also be combined with roller shades to provide added privacy and personality to this area.

Choosing the right style of window treatment for the kitchen area can be challenging.  Contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC  for a Free-In-Home consultation to see the many design options available.

Torgie   (KP)

Wilmington, NC

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)

Wilmington, NC

     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.

Torgies (KP)

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.

Torgies (KP)

Wilmington,NC

     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)