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
Greenbrook DesignColor is always a fun element in design, one that can affect the mood or change the style of the room. Each company’s choice is beautiful and offers a variety of options for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try something new, you never know, but you may like it so much it will become the new favorite in your home.
Walker WoodworkingA new year means new opportunities to accomplish what’s been on your to-do list, including that home renovation. As we prepare to move into the new year, let’s discuss some of the design trends that are being predicted by those in the interior design world.
The right light can do much more than just illuminate a room. It can create a more inviting atmosphere in the room and give the illusion of a larger space. When selecting lighting for your home, there are multiple factors to keep in mind, such as size, amount, and placement. Since it is an essential part of designing an area, we thought it would be helpful to share five key considerations when selecting your lighting.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook Design 
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