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- Five Designer Secrets
for Creating Fabulous Windows
-
 (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.
-
- * 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."
- _______________________________________
- Author:
- 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.
-
- Courtesy of
ARA Content
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