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.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Since the invention of the light bulb, we have been able to brighten up our homes at any time of day. It has been great to eliminate shadows in areas where there are limited windows or even none at all, and allowed us to achieve more in a 24-hour period. Light fixtures have also developed from being just a practical tool into works of art, giving homeowners the chance to express themselves and add a touch of elegance to any room. Changing out a light fixture can completely alter or transform a room, and with so many sizes and styles, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. As we approach the close of another year, new home lighting trends for 2022 could provide helpful information for selecting your next light fixture that will perfectly illuminate your home.
Greenbrook DesignEvery area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking