Design Notes
Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked. Choosing the right window treatments can help transform a regular space into a home. There are several reasons you should include them in your design phase, including these four.
Window Treatments For The Personal Touch
Everyone longs to have a home that represents them, that provides the comfort and style that makes it feel right for them. A window left untreated sends an unwelcoming vibe for the entire space and often makes the room feel cold and unfinished. Adding window treatments to the room dissolves the harsh lines, replacing them with the gentle flow of fabric. Patterns, textures, and colors are all present in window treatments and can tie everything together in an elegant, beautiful way. Don’t forget that blinds are also a great alternative to fabric curtains; they come in multiple materials, such as wood and metal, but are more minimal in appearance if you want a simpler look. They are also a great way to give your space a whole new look without too much effort. A quick swap of window treatments can transform your entire space. There are multiple style options as well:
- Drapery: This is used to describe any window treatment that hangs over or beside the window frame. They can be varied widths or even layers with this style, along with multiple choices of this design, and create an elegant and sophisticated feel in the room.
- Valances: Covering the top of the window, this option is great as a stand-alone but also works well when paired with drapes or even blinds. These are great when working with a smaller room, as they keep the window open while maintaining a perfectly styled space.
- Curtains: While this term may seem to encompass all window treatments, it refers to fabric that covers the entire window front.
- Blinds: Coming in multiple materials, these are a great way to incorporate a more organic feel to the room by choosing wood or even metal blinds.
- Shades: While blinds are considered hard coverings, shades are soft. They are typically made from materials like fabric and work well to let in soft light or block light altogether by using blackout fabric, which is great for bedrooms and nurseries.
No matter the need or style, window treatments are a necessary design tool for creating a warm, inviting, complete picture for homeowners. Browse our gallery of options available.
Window Treatments For Protection
Sunlight has a host of benefits; it brings warmth and can ease the stress of the day, but it also has some downsides, including UV rays. We look to protect ourselves when we spend excessive time outdoors, but we forget that windows can let in those same harmful rays. They can affect multiple areas in the home as well, including fading your furniture, fabrics, and flooring. Choosing the right window treatments means protection for your family while still enjoying the benefits of our favorite source of vitamin D. They give you control over how much sun enters your home, allowing you to enjoy the cozy morning sunlight while blocking the sweltering afternoon heat. Keep in mind that there are specific fabrics and materials that can give you exactly what you need.
Window Treatments For Privacy
Most of us would say that we enjoy having multiple windows in the home; they connect us with nature and allow us to keep up with what is happening outside, but at some point, we also enjoy our privacy. We want to have family time without everyone being able to see inside, which is another big reason to invest in window treatments. Our personal space is valuable and worth protecting. Curtains with a thicker density, such as linen and linen blends, blinds, and shades, are great options available to homeowners that provide the privacy needed from neighbors, passersby, and anything else, but still allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Window Treatment Benefits
There are some additional benefits when adding window treatments to your home redesign that include, but are not limited to:
- Energy savings: Blocking the harsh afternoon sunlight not only means no harmful UV rays but also cooler temperatures. Window treatments such as thick blinds or cellular shades minimize the amount of heat entering your home and reduce the usage of your AC, which equals savings.
- Minimize glare: There is nothing worse than trying to work on your computer only to fight the sun’s glare off the screen or having to block the morning sunlight as you try to drink your coffee. Both annoyances can be solved by choosing the right window treatments.
- Suits the need: Each room serves a specific purpose, meaning it needs a window treatment that is suited to that role. An office has different requirements than a sunroom. Be sure to talk with your designer about the different functions of each room when making selections.
Window treatments are more than just pretty decorative details; they draw the eye. They are here to provide for your unique needs and privacy
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design 
Walker Woodworking