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
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker WoodworkingLight is one of nature’s most captivating elements, and its presence has the power to transform a space. In the world of interior design, natural light plays a vital role—not only by enhancing aesthetics but also by elevating the overall atmosphere of a room. It can create dramatic contrasts that bring depth and interest to a space, while also highlighting architectural and design features.
Natural light, when thoughtfully incorporated, makes interiors feel larger, warmer, and more welcoming. At Greenbrook Design, we embrace a design approach known as daylighting—the intentional use of natural light to shape how a space looks and feels throughout the day. It’s one of our favorite tools in the design process.
Here are just a few reasons why we love incorporating natural light into our projects…
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