Life, Styled
Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy. These elements make window treatments an essential part of your design, but how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s discuss how to choose window treatments that are right for your home.
Window Size and Shape
Size is one of the first things to consider when selecting window treatments, as it determines what you will need. Are your windows:
- Floor to ceiling
- Bay windows
- Narrow and long
- Standard
- Double
- Corner
Knowing your size helps you determine the type of window treatments that are best suited for your window. Floor-to-ceiling windows require extra attention due to their specific requirements and functions. Often, these types of windows are used to enjoy a gorgeous view and let in the sunlight, but this does need to be controlled, especially at the hottest parts of the day, and for privacy. Some of the best options include top-down shades, bottom-up shades, and light-filtering shades. Narrow windows can make a room feel small, and using large treatments will only make it seem smaller. Opt for window treatments that extend beyond the frame, creating the illusion of a larger space. There are several ways to optimize a bay window. You can choose window treatments that are applied across the window, creating depth and even height, or opt to frame them individually within the space, but use narrow choices or simple blinds to avoid a cramped look. Take inventory of the number and sizes of windows before shopping for new window treatments, as this provides a guide for you and your designer to select the right ones for your home.
The Purpose Of Your Window
Once you know the size and number of windows, the next step is to determine the function. Think through what activities will be done in this particular room, what direction it faces, and what time you will most likely be there. This information all plays a part in selecting the right window treatments for your room. Will you be working from home in this room and have to battle glare from the sun, or do you need to maximize the light for video calls? Selecting motorized blinds or shades means you can control when and how much light will enter your space during the day. Do your windows face east or west? Morning light is often not as strong as the afternoon sun, making it essential to have a way to dim the harsher afternoon rays, as they can fade furniture and make it difficult to sit and enjoy the room. Select fabrics that are treated against the UV rays or are a thicker weave, so they can darken a room when needed. This is a useful feature for those who work night shifts and need to sleep during the day. Sunrooms also require special selections since they have high exposure to the sun and can quickly increase your electric bill if the right window treatments are not chosen. All of this is critical information when deciding whether you need blinds, fabric, or both for a room. Feel free to gather inspiration from places like Pinterest and Houzz before making your final selections.
Choosing Material For Window Treatments
The material for your window treatments is important, as it will need to fulfill a purpose while also blending with the look and feel of your room. Selecting the right material is determined by the room’s function and the amount of sun exposure it will receive. If there is little to no sunlight coming through the window, you don’t have to be as concerned about opting for a treated fabric. If the purpose of the window is to enjoy the view, then you will want to choose something that is on the lighter side, such as soft sheer panels or blinds that can be easily opened and closed. Some rooms, such as your bedroom, require special consideration, as this is one of the most personal spaces in the home, necessitating privacy. Choose materials that are thicker so you don’t have to worry about turning a light on or simply relaxing in bed with a book. For areas of the home with high sun exposure, such as kitchens and sunrooms, it is ideal to have materials that can withstand the UV rays without hindering the beauty and benefits of natural light. This is where a designer can be of great help, as their experience can save you time and money by showing you the perfect options for your home.
Benefits Of Graber Blinds
Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for Graber Blinds, a company dedicated to detail and the safety of your family. They have a wide variety of styles and materials to suit every need and area in the home. You can select the shape of your window, privacy needs, fabric type, and even controls such as motorized shades from Graber, making them a great choice for your home. Because Graber also believes that safety and style can go hand in hand, they have several child safety features in place to ensure that your little loved ones remain safe. They also have energy-efficient design options that protect against drafts, glare, and UV damage. Graber’s window treatment selections are for both indoor and outdoor needs, including shades, blinds, and drapery, making them your one-stop shop for every need in your home. Learn more about them here, and to see their full selection, visit here. You can also see some of their samples in our showroom.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
It is always fun to watch those home improvement shows. It is always a delight to watch designers come up with a plan that completely transforms the space from drab to fab. Often, after watching those shows, you have a tendency to look around your own home, wishing you could give it an update, but a renovation is not conceivable at the moment for one reason or another. The good news is that you don’t have to undergo a renovation to give your home a lift or freshen it up; sometimes it’s the little things —the details —that can completely revamp your space and make a big impact without breaking the bank. Discover six simple ways you can freshen up your home and even make it feel completely new without going through a renovation.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your kitchen is healthy and ready for creating dishes that are not only delicious but also beneficial for your family’s health. We know that it is not always easy to stick with the decision to be healthier, but with a well-designed kitchen, it can be. With over twenty years of experience, our design team is well-versed in planning a kitchen design that functions well for your specific needs while also reflecting the style you will love. We serve more than 15 counties and invite you to visit our 5,000-square-foot showroom, where you can walk through multiple kitchen displays to get a feel for the possibilities that await you. Connect with us and let’s start planning a healthy kitchen design.
Walker Woodworking 