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)

     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

     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)

     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

     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

     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

     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

     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