Home And Grounds

Everyone would love to have the things that you see in professional magazines or on TV. With just a little bit of thought about the look you are trying to achieve, combined with the design savvy of window treatment experts, windows like those seen in the top design magazines are just days away for anyone who is willing to try.

In order to acheive the desired look you want you must be aware of five things. First off don’t always listen to what people tell you about color schemes. Many people play it safe and select neutral window treatments. Yet, mixing two colorful window treatments is a simple way to inject energy and excitement into a room. Select tones from opposite sides of the color wheel, for example, pair a golden honeycomb shade with deep aubergine velvet panels, to brighten and add punch to your windows.

If bright colors aren’t what you are after, mixing subtle colors in wonderful textures can instantly bring elegance and ease to your rooms. For example, combining rich silk in an earthy bronze with delicate, sheer georgette in a creamy color results in a beautiful effect that goes with any décor. Woven reeds, grasses and bamboos.Natural Roman shades perfectly complement tailored herringbone edge bindings.

In homes with wall space between two corner windows, use panels or draperies with one side stacking to the left, the other to the right. Panels meet in the corner for the dramatic look of one continuous window. In contemporary homes where windows meet without wall space in between, honeycomb shades are a wonderful solution. When closed, the windows appear as bold bands of color; when open, shades virtually disappear for an unobstructed view.

Don’t be stumped by small or unattractive windows. One terrific way to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic is by using light-colored panels that start well above the window and puddle onto the floor. To enhance the width of a narrow window, specify panels significantly wider than the window and hold them open with tiebacks-the effect draws the eye outward. Then, build on the visual impact with details like ring tops, prominent wood poles, finials and brackets.

If your dream windows are a little out of reach right now budget-wise, don’t fret. Designing windows is an evolving process that doesn’t have to be finished all at once. When you move into a home, privacy and light control are most important, so focus on installing functional blinds and shades that will be the foundation for your window treatment masterpieces later. Then, when time and budget allow, layer luxurious panels and draperies or add architectural details like cornices and sconces.