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.
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…
Walker WoodworkingRugs have long been a staple in interior design, often described as the “shoes” of a room—they complete the look. Whether subtly complementing a color palette or boldly standing out as a statement piece, rugs add warmth, texture, and personality to any space. A well-chosen rug can effortlessly transform the entire feel of a room.
However, traditional rugs come with their share of drawbacks. From frequent deep cleaning (which often means renting equipment and moving heavy furniture) to concerns about allergies and curled edges that pose tripping hazards, maintaining a rug can be more work than many homeowners anticipate.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce an elegant, low-maintenance alternative: Vintage Vinyl floor cloths.
In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s easy to find decorating tips and budget advice with just a few clicks. Popular shows on networks like HGTV make home remodeling look fast and effortless—transforming entire kitchens or bathrooms in under an hour. While these shows are inspiring, what often goes unseen is the extensive planning and detail required behind the scenes to bring those transformations to life.
At the heart of nearly every successful project is one key factor: staying on budget.
Window treatments not only provide shade and privacy, but they also allow the homeowner to show their personality. No person is the same, and neither should their window treatments. They are meant to be a reflection of you and your style. Whether you prefer a more contemporary or traditional style, solar or soft roman shades, wood or pleated, Graber’s vast array of colors, options, and designs will surely suit anyone’s taste. Learn more about Graber on our product page or come visit us in our showroom located in Shelby, NC, and ask to see our Graber display. We would love to help you add the finishing touches to that space where nature and home meet.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking