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Five Designer
Secrets for Creating Fabulous Windows
by Aracontent |
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 (ARA) - It's easy to see your windows
in a whole new light with insights from a professional designer.
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.
To get you started, Smith+Noble, America's leading catalog and
online retailer of custom window treatments, rugs and fabric
décor, suggests following these five tips from top interior
designer Michael Payne. Payne is a member of the American Society
of Interior Designers whose weekly show, "Designing for
the Sexes," can be seen on HGTV Thursdays at 9 p.m. and
12 a.m. EST.
* Don't be afraid of color. 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. |
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* Vary textures when mixing neutrals.
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 used in Smith+Noble's Natural Roman shades
perfectly complement tailored herringbone edge bindings.
* Use a corner to your advantage. 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.
* Give small windows big impact. 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.
* Design in stages. 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.
"Designing beautiful windows can seem intimidating, but
it's really not," says Karin Miller, vice president of merchandising
for Smith+Noble and member of the Color Marketing Group. "Smith+Noble
has taken the hottest design
trends and edited them into easy-to-work-with color palettes
and fabric groupings. Whether you want the function of wood blinds
or the luxury of silk draperies, Smith+Noble has the right design
solution for you." |
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Author: |
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Smith+Noble, America's leading
resource for custom home decorating solutions, offers innovative,
high-quality window treatments, custom area rugs and fabric décor
items that are well-priced and backed by superior customer service
and support. The company is based in Corona, Calif. To obtain
a catalog, call Smith+Noble at (800) 765-7776 or visit smithandnoble.com. |
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Article Source: Ara Content |
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Article Published: |
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