Life, Styled
Natural light is a crucial aspect of design, as it affects our mood and influences the aesthetic of a room. It is beautiful, delightful, and always adds a touch of warmth to any space. However, with all these pros, there are also a few cons, such as exposure to UV rays and making it hard to see due to glare and reflections. UV rays, especially, can cause damage not just to your skin but also furniture and flooring as they can discolor over time. Window treatments are an essential part of the interior design process, serving both a functional and decorative role. Every area in the home can benefit from having them installed, and with the many sizes and styles available, you will be sure to find exactly what you need to properly reflect your own personal taste. Let’s discuss some of these benefits and which window treatments work best for certain areas in the home.
The benefits of window treatments
Saving money is a top priority for homeowners, which is why installing window treatments is a favorable choice, as they are more energy-efficient. They form a barrier to both the heat and cold slipping into your home, helping it stay warmer or cooler as needed. Of course, we have already mentioned the protection they give from the harmful UV rays for both your family and belongings. Window treatments also allow you privacy throughout your home, while also allowing you to let in as much sunlight as you like. This also means that you can opt to have large or even tall windows to enjoy during the day, while still maintaining full seclusion in the evening. Styling is also a plus, as it frames each window beautifully, and the right selection can also enlarge a window’s size. Be sure to discuss incorporating window treatments in your new home design with your personal designer.
Window treatments for your kitchen
The kitchen is a favorite gathering place for families and where we typically begin our day with either a cup of coffee or a snack before heading out the door. Having enough light in this space is important, but because it is a place where we usually sit, there can be issues with glares from the sunlight that can be quite bothersome. Window treatments give an instant solution to this, and motorized blinds are one of the best options. They allow you to control the amount of light entering the kitchen with the ease of a button. Graber blinds offer a wide selection of motorized blinds in various styles, sizes, and shades. They can even be paired with valances to add an extra sense of depth to the space, and they make a nice accent. You can opt for either a bright pop of color or a soft neutral, depending on the look you want to achieve in the heart of your home.
Window treatments for your living room.
Windows in the living room vary in size. They can be the traditional size or extend all the way up to the ceiling. This means that there is also a wide range of options to select from that can enhance and complement each other. If you have multiple windows side by side, you can opt for a single large window treatment to create a unified appearance or individual treatments, which give each window a unique look. As living rooms are a place where we often gather in the evening with friends and family, privacy is a concern, and this can be addressed by pairing solid panels with sheer ones. This allows the sunlight to pour in during the day but offers a layer of protection in the evening. Often, simplicity is best, especially when the room already has a lot of furniture and accent pieces. Window treatments don’t need to be the main focal point; they can be just as effective when they blend in.
Window treatments for your outdoor spaces
Having an outdoor space is becoming increasingly essential for homeowners, as it provides a space beyond our four walls to sit and take a deep breath. From a pergola or a fully screened porch, each oasis could use a little help in controlling the amount of sunlight that pours in, especially when it comes to blocking those UV rays. Thankfully, you can find the function you need in a style you love, thanks to the many companies that design a wide variety of patterns, textures, and materials. Woven wood shades are an elegant complement to pergolas, as they define the area more and can block not just the sun but also a portion of the breeze. Be sure to purchase window treatments that are weather-resistant and durable to guarantee longer usage. You can also browse places like Pinterest for inspiration.
Window treatments for your bedroom
Our bedroom is our sacred space, where we retreat to rest before embarking on a new day. Privacy is of the utmost importance, and window treatments play a crucial role in achieving this. Layering is a helpful design tip as it allows you to make adjustments throughout the day. Consider panels that can be pulled back to let in the sunlight, and sheer curtains that offer an additional barrier in the early evening hours. Valances are another wonderful option, framing the window itself and adding height, which is a benefit when you have high ceilings. It is also good to factor in what time you will be using the bedroom. If you work the third shift and sleep during the day, it’s best to use curtains that come with a blackout option, allowing you to get a better night’s sleep. Take time to browse through some magazines and interior design blogs before finalizing your selection.
Window treatments for your home
Window treatments are a great accent to any area of the home, including home offices, laundry rooms, and dining areas. Each has various needs that should be considered, as well as the style that best suits the particular area. Home offices are where you will spend a large portion of your daylight hours, so be sure to consider the location of your computer in relation to the window and any potential issues with glare that may arise. Laundry rooms tend to have minimal needs, and valances or simple cordless blinds can be all that is required. If your dining area is near the kitchen, it is a good idea to keep the design style similar for a cohesive look. Your designer will be able to assist you in styling each window to function and look amazing. Visit Emily Henderson’s Cheat Sheet to Picking the Right Window Coverings to find inspiration for your home.
Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams have already announced their amazing Color of the Year choice, Redend Point, which draws from nature’s calm color palette. Benjamin Moore’s choice of Raspberry Blush, though, is closer in shade to the color selection made by the one company everyone in the fashion world looks to, Pantone. Designers and manufacturers alike waited with eagerness to hear Pantone’s color of the year announcement, and for 2023, their choice was Viva Magenta, a color described as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool. This hybrid of red and pink is a reflection of our current world’s relationship of living in both a physical and digital world. More and more homeowners are learning to blend their work and home lifestyles, which have become deeply entwined over the last couple of years. We know that color is much more than a splash of paint on a wall or cabinet; it speaks a language all its own, something Pantone seems to grasp and express well. So what influence will 2023’s Viva Magenta have on us? Let’s explore the answers today.
Greenbrook DesignWhen you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.
Greenbrook DesignHomes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home, so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.
Walker WoodworkingMore designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.
Walker WoodworkingThis is why we have created multiple door profile styles so that each of our clients can find the one that perfectly tells their story to everyone. At times, they are not able to pinpoint one that speaks to them, which is why we offer custom door styles as well. Several of our clients have opted for mullion cabinet doors, which always add a beautiful touch to their space.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking