Problem Solved: A Great Window Treatment For A Bathroom

Photo courtesy of Hunter Douglas

One thing I love about design for the home is that there is always a challenge (some people call them 'problems') to solve.

One of my clients is looking for a solution for their bathroom window. The window faces a boardwalk, so the window treatment needs to provide for privacy.

But, since the window doesn't need to be closed to views from outside all the time, it needs to have a quick and easy way to adjust light coming into the room.

Lastly,  because the bathroom has various degrees of humidity during the seasons, it should be a window treatment that can hold up to the wettest of conditions.

Problem solved: Since I recently attended a seminar featuring Hunter Douglas products I recalled that their Palm Beach Shutters might answer all the challenges on our list.

With a guarantee to "never warp, crackle, fade, chip, peel or discolor" I think we may have an answer that not only works well, but looks great for years to come!

What The Best Windows Are Wearing This Coming Year

Photo courtesy of Hunter Douglas

Surprising News About The Trend in Choosing Window Treatments for 2014

"Back in the day" we had limited choices for dressing windows. Blinds, draperies, shades and curtains didn't offer what today's homeowners can choose for their windows.
 
Today, it's not only about the look or the design of the windows. Today we look at the function of the window before we even consider how it will look. With so much attention to the environment, to healthy lifestyles and to safety in the home, it's important to consider how the window treatments will affect our furnishings but most important - our families health and well-being.
 
Consider the following first before you select your window treatment style -

• Do your present windows need better energy efficiency? Do your windows help to control the heat or should you add energy enhancing window treatments to keep more of the heat in during the winter and keep your rooms cooler in the summer?
• Are there issues you need to solve in your home with allergies? You may want to look into the best selections, such as natural fibers, to reduce allergens or dust problems.
• Have you had damage to floors or upholstery from the sun? Perhaps it's time to add UV film to your windows and to choose window treatments that Hunter Douglas says "enhance UV protection".
• Has your family changed with the addition of a new baby or animals? Cordless window shades are the answer to your safety concerns at home.

So, to answer the question "What are the best window treatments for the coming year" ?   I would say the best window treatments are ones that are energy and safety efficient. Of course, safety and efficiency does not rule out beauty. There are many ways to get the best of both worlds to ensure your home is the safe haven of your dreams.
 
Stay tuned in this blog about window treatments will feature ideas to go with different styles (Casual, Modern and Traditional) and why they will look great for years to come.

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. Interior Design serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me:
masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden and Best Design Coach
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

 
 
 

Window Treatments - Is It Time For New Window Treatments In Your Home?

Photo courtesy of Hunter Douglas

If Your Window Treatments Are 7 Years Old - It's Time For A New Look

How do you know if it's time for a new look in your home? One of the first things I look at when I visit a home for a design consultation are the window treatments. After about seven years, window treatments may need refreshing. Perhaps the color of the fabric has faded, it's time for a color change in the home or there is a need for more or less privacy in a room.

When done right, window treatments are the finishing touch to a room, like jewelry is to your outfit. So, just like our wardrobes, window treatments need to be updated now and then. For instance, you may want room darkening shades in a new baby's room or maybe you've changed your furniture and want a cleaner, less cluttered decorating style.

Seven years ago window treatments had a different look than today's current style. While some people may still like the look of swags and trims, I find that the' less is more' approach is more up to date with the times. People want simplicity, ease of use and fabrics that are fade resistant, energy efficient, child safe and environmentally friendly.

Do you like your window treatments? Are they working for you or is it time to look into bringing your rooms up to date?

Check back for my next blog post on the questions to consider when looking for a new window treatment for your home.

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. Interior Design serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me:
masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden and Best Design Coach
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

 

Part IV - The ups and downs of Window Treatments

Photo courtesy of Southern Living magazine

 

Today's topic from my website's list of my interior design services is :  Window Treatments.

 

Years ago, at the start of my interior design career, I experienced a lot of 'ups and downs' especially when it came to window treatment design. Problem windows, problems with estimating window treatments, problems with installing window treatments were on my daily agenda. But, I was determined to get a handle on this, one of the most important aspects of designing a room.

 

What changed and what did I learn over those years of angst and worry? The answer I found, after the first few projects, was that the most important place to start when designing window treatments is  -measuring correctly! Also, I discovered the importance of taking more than enough photographs of the undecorated window and the surrounding walls and ceiling.

 

In addition, I submitted (for approval) a drawing of the window treatment, not only to my client, but also to the people who make the window treatments, the fabricators. Luckily I found not only the best fabricators, but my installers are skilled and ready to tackle any problem without losing their cool.

 

Besides accuracy and details, the right choice of fabric is tantamount to the end result in window design. Now, as in the past, I can say that my best designs were classic and timeless. So here's a list to keep in mind for your window treatment at home:

• Measure accurately all windows, walls and everything near the window

• Do you need light filtering or just a pretty treatment or ...both?

• Would a stripe 'raise the ceiling' if used vertically?

• Will this look good 3, 5 or 10 years from now?

• Less is more - today's windows have a simpler profile

Lastly, there is a difference between professionally designed/fabricated window treatments and store bought. Yes, custom window treatments are more expensive, but they will look great for years to come, they will hang better than store bought, etc. Simply put, they do for a room what beautiful jewelry does in creating a look for the woman or man!


Stay 'tuned' for a BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about the next item on my Website's list to consider when decorating a home.

Most important... if you or someone you know is renovating, redecorating or involved with a new construction project - send them to this page or better, send them to me to see how we can help them, or you!

Then call me, Mary Alice at 732 690-2030 or email me at:
masmith729@comcast.net to get your project off to a great start.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York with exceptional interior design

Part I: How An Interior Designer Helps You

What are some of the ways interior designers help Clients?

So often I'm asked how I work with clients or, what specifically do I do to help them. Even with all the TV shows on home design, people are not sure how we actually do our job.

My first response of course is to make sure they understand that many of those TV shows are far from reality! Besides the general answer that 'we solve problems' or 're-invent the look of a home', there are a number of ways I work with clients as it appears on my website:

Accessorizing, tablescapes, bookcase arrangement

Budget or space planning

Conceptual and design development

Drapery and blinds/shades - planning and design

Fabric selection and design for windows and upholstery

Flooring Selection - tile, rugs, carpet and wood flooring

Floorplans - including furniture placement and lighting schematics

Furniture floorplan, selection and design

Fixture selection - for kitchen and baths

Hardware selection - for cabinetry, doors, including kitchens and baths 

Kitchen and Bath plans - floorplans, vanities, fixtures, flooring and tile 

Lighting design - including plans, fixture shopping and selection

Paint selection - walls,ceiling, trim (including faux finishing);interior/exterior

Project management - pre-construction through post-construction

Shopping assistance - visits to local retailers for furniture, flooring and tile selection

Upholstery - new or re-upholstery and trim selection

Virtual design - designs for clients at remote locations

Window treatment selection - including drapery, valances, cornices, shutters,and trim selections

Great - so stay 'tuned' for my next BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about the first item on the above list - Accessorizing.

Most important... if you or someone you know is renovating, redecorating or involved with a new construction project - send them to this page to see how we can help them, or you!

Then call me, Mary Alice at 732 690-2030 to get the project off to a great start.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York with exceptional interior design

Why a Shade different than the Usual makes all the Difference

Why a Shade, a Valance, Drapery or a Cornice

makes all the Difference in a Room

Photo courtesy of Samuel & Sons

Now that Thanksgiving weekend is over, I'm back to work on my interior design projects.  Most of the rooms I'm designing need new window treatments. It's always interesting to see how a room comes together, when the window treatment is installed.


So much thought goes into window treatments. Besides the function of the window treatment (control of light, heat, sound) is the decision on the type or color of fabric, whether it is lined or interlined and if it requires hardware (poles, rods, etc.) at installation.


Not only does designing a window treatment require alot of thought, it requires collaboration with the fabricator, the fabric suppliers and the installer. It challenges the designer to mix together all the elements of design for the purpose of pleasing her client's eye and transforming a space.


I can't wait to see the fabrics I'll find at the fabric showrooms this week - it's where the transformation of those windows will begin to take shape!

Mary Alice Smith, based in New Jersey, is an interior designer the New Jersey and metropolitan New York areas. 
She can be reached at 732 690-2030 or at masmith729@comcast.net.

After you read this blog - check out my website and blog:
M. A. Smith Ltd.,Interior Design
House Zen Garden Blog