Torgie's Point of View » Closets

Window Treatments For Your Home 2012

torgie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:33:34 +0000

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)

Add a Valance or Cornice for the Finishing Touch, Wilmington,NC

torgie — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:57:44 +0000

Window treatments are an important part of the design scheme in a room. They catch the eye immediately and are often a feature people comment on. Window treatments can be enhanced by adding details that highlight the design of the window treatment. Like a picture frame that enhances the beauty and color of a painting, cornices and valances can enhance the window treatment below.

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.

Torgie (KP)

Wilmington, NC

Faux Wood or Real Wood Blinds, Which? Wilmington, NC

torgie — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:52:28 +0000

In these difficult economic times, many are interested in spending money wisely. One way this can be accomplished is by using comparison-shopping. It is important to think not only about the price of an item, the quality of an item, but also what works best for your budget and lifestyle. This is certainly true when purchasing window treatments for your Wilmington, NC home.

For example, the first decision when shopping for blinds is to decide between real wood or faux wood. The obvious difference between these blinds is the materials they are made of. Real wood blinds are made of real hardwood, such as basswood, cherry, and maple. Faux wood (which means imitation), are made out of vinyl, vinyl compounds, and a combination of wood and vinyl. Here are a few comparisons for both types of blinds.

Real Wood Blinds

*Solid wood construction, adds value to your home

*Available in a variety of stains and colors (custom design)

*Durable, made in a variety of size and slat options

*Provide good insulation from heat and cold, saving money (Slats closed)

Faux Wood Blinds

*Cost effective, between 15% to 30% less

*Heat, Fade, and Moisture resistant

*Easy to clean and maintain

*Similar in style as wood, different in material

Many window treatment companies offer both types of blinds in various style, color, and cost combinations. Hunter Douglas offers their “Everwood” faux blinds, a blend of North American hardwood and composite material in white and natural tones. “Country Woods,” real wood blinds by Hunter Douglas are described as “a classic architectural approach to window design.” Levelor’s line of faux wood blinds; “NuWood” are heat, scratch and moisture resistant, perfect for high traffic areas. The “Premium Real Wood “blind by Levelor is available in three different slat sizes, made of hand selected wood, custom stains as well as a large variety of standard color options.

Shoud I choose real wood or faux wood blinds? The variety and availability of these blinds give the consumer more comparison choices. To help you become informed and answer that question, contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-In-Home consultation.

Torgies (KP)

Wilmington, NC

Affordable, Fashionable Motorized Window Treatments Wilmington, NC

torgie — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:13:37 +0000

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

Bamboo Woven Shades, a Popular Trend Wilmington, NC

torgie — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:09:45 +0000

In China it is the symbol of Longevity. In India it is the symbol of Friendship. Around the world it is used in a large variety of ways. This versatile, eco-friendly, affordable, renewable resource is Bamboo. One of the most popular uses for bamboo is in home decor, from floors, textiles, furniture to window coverings. Bamboo shades are an appealing choice for many homes and offices here in Wilmington, NC.

Bamboo has a unique grain and pattern that is enhanced through several types of treatments. The variations in color and texture make it ideal to use in window shades. Bamboo shades also known as Woven Wood shades, and Matchstick shades, offer a natural look that fits well with any decor. Bamboo shades basically are available in two styles, flat roll-up shade with a cord (or cordless for safety), and shades made with a roman fold or hobbled style. These shades can be designed with a blackout liner or privacy liner for thoes windows that need added protection or privacy. One popular option is natural bamboo shades with edge banding in an accent color to coordinate with the color scheme of the room.

Manh Truc is a woven shade collection offered by Lafayette. This collection is unique, using natural materials such as bamboo, wood reeds, and grasses. These shades have an optional top down/bottom up lifting system that lets you adjust the shade for privacy and light exposure. Provenance a Woven Wood Collection by Hunter Douglas also uses bamboo and natural grasses in a variety of styles and lengths. These shades are carefully woven to let just the right amount of light in to create a cozy and comfortable room.

The ancient Egyptians made shades by stringing bamboo sticks together thousands of years ago.Chinese homes for centuries have seen the value of using bamboo in window covering manufacturing. Today we still see the value of using these versatile and affordable window shades. Contact a window treatment professional here in Wilmington, NC for a free in home consultation.

Torgie (KP)

Wilmington, NC

Saving Money with Closet Organization in Wilmington, NC

torgie — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:03:06 +0000

     Most of us are familiar with the saying attributed to Ben Franklin, “Time is Money”. What does that mean for us living in today’s modern world where life is moving so fast? It means there is never enough time to do all we would like to do. Therefore it becomes necessary to use our time in the best way possible. One goal here in Wilmington, NC is to find solutions that would save us both time and money.
      One option we have is getting our lives organized. This can be as simple as organizing our homes, especially our clothes closets. The time we spend trying to find our favorite sweater, slacks or pair of shoes is time we can spend doing some other important task thus saving us time and money.
Whether we have walk-in closets or reach-in closets, keeping them uncluttered and organized is a constant challenge. Here are a few space saving tips that can help us.
     Going through our closet is the first step in order to sell, donate, or throw away unused or unneeded items. Then we can determine what would meet our needs in organizing our closet according to our lifestyle.
      One way this can be accomplished is by installing custom or ready-made closet systems. How nice it would be to have a place for our shoes on an adjustable shelf or cubicle we can easily see and reach. Or, to see our shirts, skirts,and pants, all color coordinated and neatly hanging each in their own space. Ventilated wire trays are a great place for our folded sweaters, t-shirts, and other important accessories. Closet systems can be custom made according to your decor , using many colors and types of wood or laminate materials.These closet systems can fit your individual needs and tastes, offering a variety in affordable price and design.
     Real life requires practical organizational solutions so contact a professional closet system company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free in-Home Consultation. Organized closets can make you dress better, feel better, and save you time, and after all “Time is Money”

Torgie (SW)

Wilmington, NC

Can’t find anything in your closet?

torgie — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:14:24 +0000

Have you ever cleaned out your closet and found items that still had price tags on them? You know what that means… you found something that was such a great buy that you just had to purchase it. Then, the reality set in. You forgot you ever had it because you can’t see what is in your closet.

Don’t think you are alone. Most Closets are full and many people feel they can’t fit another item in them, but that’s not true. I recently had a company come out and redo my master bed closet with a ClosetMaid laminate system. It was beautiful when they finished and guess what? I could not believe how organized my closet was. Now I can find everything I know I have and I can even find items I forgot that I had.

There are so many items to choose from: drawers, baskets, tie racks, belt holders, shoe shelves, valet rods, benches, hampers and more. What impressed me the most was when the company came out to give me a Personalized In-Home Consultation at no charge, they helped me get the most out of the amount of space I had. Then, they provided me with several options so that I got to choose my perfect closet.

So if you need a running start to close your closet door or you’re afraid to open your closet door, have a qualified closet company come by and give you a Free Personalized Closet Design today!

Torgie

Wilmington, NC