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.
Greenbrook DesignRecycling old styles with a modern twist is a phenomenal way to honor the past while creating the future. Nostalgia is a valuable part of the creative process, especially in designing homes, our little personal factory of memories. So, don’t be afraid to try out some of these forgotten interior design styles that are making a comeback. It’s nice to freshen up your whole concept and take a little walk through a time capsule. Let your creativity fly in the limbo of styles, and wonder what else will be new soon.
Walker WoodworkingWe all have an idea of what our dream home would look like, after all, that is what places like Houzz and Pinterest are for, right? You wish you could have those little personalized spaces and upscale feel in your home that makes it stand out from the ordinary. Sometimes we believe that the home we envision is far too luxurious for our budget, but that is not true. But with a little creative thinking, anything is possible! There are many ways to stretch a budget through good planning and a few helpful tricks that can give you the luxury you desire without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the various ways to achieve designing a luxury home on a budget and bring your dreams to life.
Greenbrook DesignThese products usually come in refillable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and containers. Some have no packaging at all if you buy them from your local health food stores. You can also switch to more sustainable cleaning products, such as vinegar and hot water. For toilet paper, look for options with compostable packaging. You can also switch to a bidet to achieve complete waste-free status.
Being eco-friendly is at the heart of minimalism. If you want to adopt this light, sustainable, and freeing lifestyle, making eco-minimalist changes in your bathroom is a great first step. For more tips on achieving an elevated lifestyle, visit us here at Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking As one of the most used areas in the home for our intimate needs, the bathroom should be designed as a place of refuge and relaxation from the cares and stresses of life. This means that it should reflect your personality in every way, from color to pattern; everything should make it a place you enjoy using, rather than just serving a purpose. Design details matter, and with traditional rules being replaced with out-of-the-box thinking, it is easier than ever to accomplish this task. You deserve to have a well-functioning and lovely bathroom that is designed with you in mind. Designing a bathroom should be all about you!
Greenbrook Design It’s hard to believe that the farmhouse style has only recently become so popular, thanks to its warm colors and romantic charm. It was once a haven for those seeking to escape city life and return to simpler times. Nowadays, farmhouse design is about elegant simplicity in every piece of furniture. Whether you live in a bungalow or a mansion, incorporating modern farmhouse design into your home is easier than ever. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking