Torgie’s Point of View

     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

     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

     Why is it important to know what window treatments are right for your home here in Wilmington, NC? This is because there are thousands of window treatment styles, colors, materials, and design options to choose from. These many choices can be confusing and at times overwhelming. So, how do you decide which window treatment  is right for your needs? The first item to consider is, your budget. How much do you want to spend. This can be determined by the amount and size of the windows you want to cover and whether you are thinking about standard or custom window coverings. With any decision it is important to consider the quality of material and quality of production which can add to the overall cost. For example, some experts say that to purchase quality standard treatments for a new home, you can expect to spend 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 % of your home value. Keep in mind, better quality window treatments initially cost more but usually last longer and look better which makes them a good investment.

     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

     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)

     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

     The best looks start with bright ideas. From sunny kitchens to whole houses one bright idea is to restyle the window treatments in your Wilmington, NC home.

     One smart and affordable window treatment is the versatile roman shade. Roman shades make a great choice because they are available in a variety of color, fabric, and design, adapting to any decor. Levelor offers roman shades in two styles, Flat and Hobbled. A Hobbled roman shade is one that has permanent pleats and is a more traditional style. A Flat roman shade is often chosen when looking for a clean modern design.

     Other fabric shades that can quickly restyle your home are the Austrian, Balloon, and London  shades. The Austrian shade brings to mind the opulent style of a Viennese theater. When this shade is raised it draws up into deep scallops and when it is lowered it mimics drapery. The lower edge is usually adorned with trim like tassels, beads and fringe. For a more dramatic look use lighter weight fabrics such as sheer, silk ,or lace to compliment this style shade. Austrian shades are also referred to as a Victorian style shade, formal and traditional.

     Similar to the Austrian shade but having a softer more billowing appearance is the Balloon shade. Balloon shades are so called because as they are gathered they form a scalloped edge on the bottom that “balloons” out. These shades can be purchased in at least three different styles, gathered, smocked, and pleated. Balloon shades offer Old World styling that meet today’s current trends. Choice of fabric, color, and pattern, for these shades can certainly set the mood in any room. Silk or velvet fabric used in a bedroom or living room creates drama and elegance.

     London shades are designed to lie flat with bottom folds on each side. These are shades with small inverted pleats along the upper edge of the shade with wide swags across the width and fan shaped wings on the outer edges. This is a very unique and  elegant shade that once installed should be left stationary to enhance this particular style.

     These fabric shades are bright ideas that will add a one of a kind style to any home. Contact a window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-In -Home consultation to experience all the possibilities.

Torgies    (KP)

Wilmington, NC

          Are your windows ready for summer? If your family is interested in energy conservation, focusing on the type of  window treatments  in your home is important. Up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy exits through windows. Heat always flows from warm areas to cooler areas. Summer heat from roofs and walls travel from outside to inside your home. While it is not possible to stop this completely you can slow the rate by using materials that can restrict a percentage of the heat flow. R-Value is the measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it and relates to the ability of a material to reflect light and heat out of the home. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Window treatments with a higher R-Value can reduce heat loss up to 50% and save you money.

     Hunter Douglas,”makes products with a range of R-Values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings so you can meet both your design and energy efficient needs.” For example, a bare double glazed window has up to a 3.5 R-Value. Choosing the Hunter Douglas Duette Architella,  the 1 1/4″ honeycomb shade with Panache opaque fabric brings the R-Value up to 7.86, which can reduce heat loss significantly. According to Smart Energy Living, “hardwood shutters and wood blinds have  R-Values between 2.77 and 3.17. Some new style hybrid shutters have an R-Value of 6.01. Vertical, aluminum blinds and gliding panels have R-Values ranging from 3.87 to 3.94. Make sure you ask for the R-Value of the product itself without the R-Value of the window included to get an accurate reading of the product’s true insulation ability.

      Since what we choose to purchase for window treatments can have a large impact on the energy efficiency in the home, there are a few good questions to ask yourself when making a choice:

1. Will this product help to make my home more energy efficient, saving me money?

2. Will this product help to protect other valuable items in my home?

      To find answers to these questions and others, contact a window treatment specialist here in Wilmington, NC for a Free-In -Home Consultation. Hurry, get your windows ready for summer!

Torgie      (KP)

Wilmington, NC

     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

     When we think of items that go together well, what comes to your mind? If you are a ” foodie” it might be steak and potatoes or shrimp and grits. Entertainment buffs might choose superheroes like Batman and Robin or celebrities like Will and Kate. We feel that one with out the other is incomplete. Home fashion can have the same appeal; we want to choose items that compliment each other. When it comes to selecting window treatments for your Wilmington, NC  home some may wonder can you mix and match different window treatments for a fashionable look? What are some dynamic duo window treatment options?

     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.

Torgie     (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