If furniture is already a principal part of the room, careful planning is needed in order to provide the necessary splashes of color and pattern. For example, choose drapes that match the accents in the room. If the rug, pillows, and accent chairs are deep red, hang drapes with a deep red floral or stripped print. Furniture that has a patterned fabric will match well with drapes that are designed with only one color of the pattern. A monochromatic look can be achieved by using various shades of the same color, like beige, gray, or white. If your furnishings are gray, use a darker or lighter shade of gray for drapes.  Another  tip designers say to keep in mind,  whatever style of drape you choose it should  touch the floor creating a puddle, which adds drama and is visually interesting.

Drapes can be purchased ready made or custom made for your particular decor. There is an endless variety of fabric, color, and pattern to choose from. Coordinating drapes with furniture can be challenging, yet worth the effort to create harmony in color that is pleasing to the eye. To help you choose drapes that can be architecturally appealing and add personality to your home, contact a window treatment specialist here in Wilmington, NC for a Free In Home consultation.

Torgies     (SW)

Wilmington, NC

 One way to improve energy efficiency in your home and save on utility bills is to install the right kind of window treatments and window coverings. For example, cellular or honeycomb shades are a very popular choice. The way they are designed creates a barrier preventing wind and cold from going into the house. They can also help keep some of the heat from escaping through the window on cold days. This is important because winter heat loss through a window can be 10-30% of your total heating bill. During the warmer months, window coverings with the cellular or honeycomb design can block up to 62% of the heat from the outside, saving money on air conditioning expense. Other options in window treatments that work very well are, Roman Shades, Draperies, and Roller Shades. These window treatments can be made with room darkening fabrics, or thermal lined which helps with energy efficiency. Also to consider is Plantation Shutters which are valuable in several ways, they  help reduce energy costs and increase the value of your home.

 Reflecting on a quote by William Shakespere, “But soft, What light through yonder window breaks?” With the right window treatment it will be very little! To get the best value and saving, it is important for window treatments to fit properly. Therefore, it is best to contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC  for a Free In-Home Consultation to improve energy savings in your home.

     One way we can enjoy the outdoors even during these summer months is to install outdoor awnings. Awnings are popular again and there are many reasons to consider having them installed at your home.

      Awnings block the sunlight before it reaches your patio, deck, or windows, which prevents all that heat from reaching your home. Some studies suggest that awnings can lower air conditioning use by 77% and reduce temperature indoors and outdoors up to 20 degrees. Another advantage of awnings is that they create a shaded environment that increase your outdoor living space, giving added protection to people, plants, furnishings, and pets. There is also less maintenance on your house, patio, or deck, because awnings can protect them from rain, humidity, and direct sunlight. Awnings are a great way to save on electric bills and add noticeable value to your home.

Patio and window awnings vary in style, fabric options, and price. For example, vinyl laminated polyester and woven acrylic are some recommended types of fabric to use depending on where you live. Awnings are available as either retractable or stationary depending on your individual area and needs. To determine what type of awning will best fit your style and budget, it is important to contact a professional Awning company here in Wilmington, NC for a free in home consultation. Awnings can be simple to dramatic and add beauty, style, and value to your Wilmington, NC home.

Torgie     (SW)

Wilmington, NC

Torgie     (SW)

Wilmington, NC

Here in Wilmington, NC we have at times extreme weather changes. It is good to ask how important is insulation in fabric, which can effect your heating and cooling bills. Do you want fabric that softly diffuses light or one that block it out completely? Since color and pattern can set the mood or influence our emotional reaction, what feeling do you want to achieve? For example, the color blue is peaceful, calm and cool, red is energetic and warm.

Patterns offer variety and a fresh new outlook in window fashion, it is a great way to finish a room or update a room. There are thousands of fabrics, colors and patterns to choose from. So, again it is good to have in mind what mood you want to achieve and the pattern and color that will bring it all together. For example, printed fabrics look great in a room that has mostly muted or solid colors otherwise the result may be to busy or cluttered.
So if your Wilmington, NC home is laid back country or modern with angles and lines or even contemporary with function and convenience, using window treatments such as draperies with bold color and design can be the perfect way to bring it all together. To get started call for a Free In Home Consultation from a window treatment expert here in Wilmington, NC.

Torgie     (SW)

Wilmington, NC

It may be a different size, interesting shape or in a unique location. Many of the homes here in Wilmington, NC provide these window treatment challenges for the homeowner.

One challenge that we may face is the large or over sized window. What can be done with these windows to enhance our home or increase its value? There are several affordable window treatment and window covering options.

Large windows that are tall, wide or both generally make a room feel open and spacious. These windows let in quite a bit of natural light and bring the outdoors inside. Before you decide what window treatments will work for your home, it is best to first decide what do you want to accomplish? For example, how much light would you like to filter through? Is privacy an issue? Here in Wilmington, NC it is also important to consider keeping out the heat in summer and cold in winter, which is an issue to think about with larger windows in the home.

Some of the more versatile and affordable window treatments to use for large or oversized windows are Vertical Blinds. The advantage of these window coverings is that they are easy to install, affordable and are available in a variety of colors, textures and styles. Roman Shades are also especially nice if you have several large windows next to each other. These window coverings are a great way to keep the room simple, elegant and provide many of the desired options in window treatments, such as privacy and a barrier against cold and heat. One of the more outstanding ways to “dress” your oversized window is by choosing Custom Made Drapes. Drapes have endless variety in fabric, color, and design options. These also can provide privacy and are a beautiful barrier against cold and heat. Keep in mind that a combination of any of the above mentioned window treatments can give you many design options.

So when that thought, “what am I going to do with that window” occurs, set up a Free In Home Consultation with a window blind expert here in Wilmington, NC to find exactly what you need to meet the challenge and enhance the beauty of your home.

Torgie  (SW)

Wilmington, NC

That is why in the 21^st century Plantation Shutters are a valuable feature in homes. Investing in Plantation Shutters for your home is important for three reasons. They are practical, decorative and add value to your home.

The term Plantation Shutters really refers to shutters in the U.S. when Spain colonized the South. Wooden shutters were used on the many palatial homes on the Cotton and Sugar Plantations. They were practical then and now for controlling ventilation and the amount of light coming through the window. These shutters can also help in keeping out the cold and keeping in the heat, saving you money.

Plantation Shutters are versatile, making them just right for any type of decor, from Traditional to Contemporary. The styles, shapes and sizes of these shutters are nearly endless and can be custom made to fit the individuality of your home. Some may choose the traditional Wood Shutters or Vinyl Shutters and if you are “Going Green” there are many synthetic materials made to look like wood as alternatives.

According to an article from Home Equity, every dollar spent last year on improving a home boosted its value by 67.3 cents. Since Plantation Shutters never go out of style, they are a great way to add value to your home and let others know you value your home. For complete information on Plantation Shutters contact a window treatment expert here in Wilmington, NC for a Free In Home Consultation.

Torgie,   (SW)

Wilmington, NC

It is a statement that reflects how the majority of people feel here in Wilmington, NC when we discuss keeping our children safe.

Statistics show that accidents are the leading cause of death among children. Suffocation is the leading cause of accidental deaths in children. Many of these accidents could be prevented with a little thought and care, especially in child proofing our homes. Some strangulation hazards include drawstrings on clothing, hanging crib toys, choking on food and window blind cords.

The window treatment industry has seen the need make adjustments for the safety of our children. Organizations such as the WCSC (Window Covering Safety Council) have some safety tips that are very helpful in keeping our infants and children safe. They suggest replacing Roman Shades or Roll-Up Blinds that have looped pull cords or exposed inner cords. The inner cords on these window treatments are a hazard if the child pulls on them. This is because it may result in the cord forming a loop around the child’s neck. It is also important to replace or repair window blinds sold before 2001 because the outer cord of these blinds ends in a loop and are a strangulation hazard. So as a precaution, there is a need to install cordless window coverings in your child’s bedroom and other areas of the home.

There are many choices to choose from such as, Cordless Cellular Shades or Honeycomb Shades with a spring-loaded cordless operation system. Another good choice is Vertical Blinds and Mini Blinds, designed with a safety wand which rotate the blinds open or closed. A versatile option is Window Shades that come in a variety of design, color, and fabric and include the cordless feature of a decorative pull. Another great choice is Wood Blinds or Plantation Shutters that can be used with a remote control device which can with the simple touch of a button open and close the blinds up to 50 feet away. Almost every type of corded window treatment, window covering and window blind is now available in cordless style.

The importance of keeping our children safe and out of danger cannot be over emphasized. Cordless window treatments are one way we can keep our children safe. For complete information on cordless window coverings, window blinds, and window treatments, call a window blind consultant here in Wilmington, NC to get started on child proofing your home.

Torgie   (SW)

Wilmington, NC

One of the most popular trends in window treatments and window coverings for 2010 is called “Green Design”. Green Design is a term that describes what is known as environmental and health-friendly materials used inside your Wilmington, NC home. For example fabrics have gone green with anti-microbial, anti-fungal traits woven right into the fabric or added as a topical spray. There are stain-resistant, mildew, and mold-resistant fabrics that are increasing as popular choices among allergy sufferers or those looking for a more organic lifestyle.

Non-toxic dyes on fabric are also a welcome change for those who concerned with the environment. One very popular green design window treatment is the Honeycomb Shades, also known as Cellular shades. Honeycomb shades are patterned after the shape of a bee honeycomb, which is very efficient in creating a barrier to prevent wind and cold from going into your Wilmington, NC home. The benefit to homeowner – saves money on your heating and air-conditioning bills. Roller shades in solar material used on windows also will reduce glare, provide UV protection and heat transfer and help protect your home.

Another popular window treatment is natural woven shades of organic and natural materials, such as bamboo and matchstick. Bamboo Zen-chic Roman shades are very popular because they are durable and environmentally friendly. These natural woven shades let in diffused light, with the ability to see out yet offer protection and privacy. With this fast-paced, technology-obsessed world, bringing the natural environment into the home has become more and more desirable – window treatments are no exception. They add balance, serenity and design to a home.

So if you are ready to go green in your Wilmington, NC home, call a knowledgeable window covering, window blind, or window treatment company for a Free In-Home consultation.

Torgie   (SW)

Wilmington, NC

Many have tried using blinds or shades to cover these windows.  Window Blinds and shades work well but these type products are designed to work off of weight and gravity and since the product is so small there is not much weight there making the product fickle when operating.  There are a few items that work very well.  They are Plantation Shutters, Window Film, and Window Inserts.

Plantation Shutters work very well for these applications.  Since shutters are like a door style of operation, not relying on gravity, they work very well in this type of window.  Giving you the maximum privacy and durability, a shutter is an excellent choice to cover a sidelight window in the Wilmington, NC market.

Window Film is also a great choice.  Window film is available in a frost which allows light to filter through but gives you complete privacy.  Window Frost however doesn’t allow you to look through the window, unlike a shutter which gives you the ability to control light and privacy.  However if your front door is equipped with a peephole, then Window Film is also a great solution to covering those sidelight windows.

Another product now on the market for Wilmington, NC residents is Window Glass Inserts.  These are very elegant glass inserts that are installed replacing the existing clear glass already in your window.  They are available in many different styles and layouts and change the look of your entire entryway.  These inserts are not designed for the everyday do-it-yourself-er since many times after your existing glass is removing the door has to be trimmed and cut, so this is a product best left to a Qualified Installer.  These Window Glass Inserts are beautiful and are a must see.

So if you live in the Wilmington, NC area, call a qualified Window Blind company today and they can set up a time to demonstrate one of the many great products mentioned above.

Torgie

Wilmington, NC