The Finishing Touch

Window Treatments for Manly Men

I don’t mean to generalize here but sometimes you men need help choosing the right window treatments. You don’t mind letting the lady in your life carefully choose each blind and shade. It’s also not uncommon for you bachelors to fashion some kind of homemade drapery out of an old sheet. I understand; you’re busy, you’re not sure what looks good, and you don’t want to spend the money. But if you really want to impress your lady, or not scare away the next one who happens to see your place, pick something that matches YOUR personality. Trust me, she’ll love it too.

Color and add-ons make a big difference. When in doubt, go with something in a dark wood. Mahogany and walnut woods are generally on the darker side of the spectrum. They’re sophisticated and classic without drawing too much attention. Choose something cordless, which are more sleek than corded blinds. Choose some accents, like cloth tapes or edge binding (depending on the product you choose) in black or brown. If you want to add a little color, you might choose Hunter green cloth tapes or blue. The valance is also important; choosing an outside mounted valance with an inside mounted blind provides depth to the room.

Now this is what I'm talking about...

You also might choose a simple solar shade like this one. It's great for media rooms, computer rooms and offices because it protects your high-tech gear from the sun, and it prevents glare. Functional AND good-looking... just like you.

One of our customers submitted this photo to us. He even told us that his girlfriend was totally impressed with the blinds in the game room.Woven woods are rustic and cool, and compliment any type of room.

Aluminum blinds are all about function, function, function. They're extremely durable, resistant to little kids and pets (they're tempered aluminum, can't get much sturdier than that), and they're no fuss. They're really easy to install, and they get the job done.

Last but definitely not least, the holy grail of window treatments, are shutters. This customer not only installed them in his windows, but in his skylights as well, a very non-traditional look. You can see the kind of effect wood shutters have on a room. Instant upgrade!

 

Tell me your thoughts - what type of window treatments are perfect for modern men?

Happy decorating,

Toile de Jouy Loveliness

A very creative and artistic friend of mine bought a ranch-style house recently, and did a lot of great work remodeling and decorating. One room she left alone was the master bath, which was so smart of her to do. French country living is back in a big way, and her beautiful Toile wallpaper is an old-world touch in a modern setting. Though the scene is very Victorian, it works here. She’s still thinking about removing it, it think. Convince her to keep it!

Add a Little Curve to Your Decor

Pretty, curvy furniture is good for the modern soul. I love the calming effect of sitting in a swervy chair, or eating from a delicate round plate. There are so many ways to depart from the ordinary, so go ahead and don't be afraid to change things up around your house.

Fun Facts! Things You Never Thought You'd Want to Know About Window Treatments

My guess is you look at yours every day without considering where they came from and why you have them hanging in your windows. Window treatments have a rich history, and can be found in some interesting places. Did you know… 

7 Things You Need to Know NOW About Cutting Energy Costs with Window Treatments

In spite of the “greenwashing” going on these days, it is critical that we call attention to the things we can do here and now to cut energy costs and generally use less. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to save some money, would it? Let’s face it, green terminology can be very confusing. R-value, u-factor, detrimental energy loss… it’s often difficult to decipher what all of this means. For starters, visit EcoHome Magazine . It is a wonderful resource, filled with easy-to-understand information and tips you can use to make your home more energy efficient. In regards to window treatments specifically, here are some things you absolutely have to know to make good, environmentally conscious decisions when outfitting your abode: 

Pillows Cute and Sweet Enough to (Almost) Eat

So last night I dreamed that I was doing the back stroke through pink, vanilla-flavored frosting, only stopping to take a bite now and then. Colored sprinkles were like flotation devices, and white, fluffy cake resembled a trampoline.

Then my alarm went off and reality hit like a giant trough of unflavored oatmeal. Bye bye frosting. So long sprinkles (or jimmies, or hundreds-and-thousands, etc.).

Pretty Bedding to Make You Want to Sleep In

Ever have one of those Mondays (or Wednesdays, or Thursdays) where getting out of bed is simply not an option? If you haven’t, it’s probably for one of the following reasons:

1)       You’re a workaholic.

2)       The leftover cheesecake in the fridge seems like the perfect breakfast option and has been calling your name since you restrained from eating it all the night before.

3)       Your bedding is so uncomfortable, it’s practically forcing you to escape.

Trending Towards Natural and Organic Wood Window Treatments in 2009

Since the Green Craze began, one of the noticeable effects on interior design has been the stylization of unfinished wood. In the 90’s and early 00’s, you’d scarcely find unfinished wood furniture or furniture with noticeable imperfections. The rise in popularity of wood blinds, under-processed or not completely sanded, began a few years ago, and is now more prevalent than ever. This return to the organic marks the reemergence of wood as a working, sustainable material that can be reused easily and displayed beautifully in spite of flaws. This reemergence is a commentary on the very idea of conventional beauty. As we begin to move towards more accepting and open ways of thinking, we embrace new views of beauty, whether they are found in other people or in the ways they decorate their lives.

 

Home Decor + Fashion = LUV

Check our Dierde Kelly's great article about the Interior Design Show in Toronto which starts today. It's going to be a stellar event. Dierde's article focuses on the "style revolution" that has emerged from the symbiotic relationship between fashion and interior design. There's a lot of interesting info in it about how the style of your home reflects you, as a person, as much as what you wear does. Read her article here!

Escape the City, Turn Your Room Into a Chic Hotel Suite

So you just got back from NYC after a weekend getaway at the Bryant Park Hotel. The sleek wood floors, the floor-length draperies, and the crisp, white walls against that striking furniture make your boudoir at home feel like a room at a Motel 6. Not that I’m knocking Motel 6… it serves a purpose. But those rooms aren’t known for giving you that I’m-never-getting-out-of-bed feeling. If you’re aching to create a tranquil oasis of your own – or for your guests – there are a few things you can do to make the most impact quickly. A handful of simple touches will make all the difference, especially if you’re working on a limited budget. The goal is to make the room feel charming, without each piece overwhelming the sense of calm. This can be difficult, as modern or interesting pieces of art, furniture, and décor can easily overpower the other elements.

First thing’s first… Buy new linens.

Hotel Max, Seattle, WA / Photo from BusinessWeek