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One of the things I am most asked about when it comes to window treatments is how to block the light in a room. When I start asking more questions about the challenges, I wonder about the need to see outside at certain points during the day. Often, I hear the same story, to the effect of “Well, I don’t often raise and lower them”, or “I don’t really need to easily open them, I hardly do.” There is something happening in the world of window treatments that is changing the way we live with them: MOTORIZATION and AUTOMATION. Think about it, before motorization, we didn’t open our shades every day. Who has the time, every day, to walk up to every window and open or close them? Motorization is becoming to the window world what your navigation system has become in your car. With the touch of a button or an app on your phone, you can receive all of the benefits of a motorized shade, blind, or drapery. There are many benefits to motorized window treatments, but the one that I think is not written about enough is the actual way it is changing the way we use our spaces. People who install motorized window treatments find they are opening and closing their window treatments in windows that used to remain blocked for light control 100% of the day. There are a few periods of the time that the light is the most problematic: 1. The harsh afternoon, when the light’s rays are strongly coming into the home and can damage the furniture or floors with the heat and UV rays 2. At night, when folks want to feel safe and comfortable in their homes with the lights on inside, and the darkness hidden away behind a shade, blind, or other window treatment. Motorized window treatments allow you to operate all the windows at the same time at certain points of the day. This can be done easily with the push of the button on a remote so all the windows close at the same time. Some installations allow you to set up scenes on an app on your phone that automatically open or close at a certain time of the day. They can also be setup to open or close automatically when you are not home, allowing for additional security protection and peace of mind. Many people are surprised at how motorized window treatments change how they use their space. I love sharing information on the possibilities, whether it be retrofitting your existing shades (if possible), building custom motorized roman shades, or motorizing your draperies. I’m happy to help you identify the possibilities for enjoying your windows in a new way, contact me so we can discuss your window covering needs. When I tell folks outside of the design industry that I have a business making window treatments, I see a look of confusion cross their faces. They imagine someone hunched over a machine sewing, guiding a small piece of fabric through a home sewing machine. Well, yes, I do sew, of course!  Interestingly enough, working in custom soft furnishings is the perfect mix of design, construction, and "making something." It's why I do what I do - I love it. I get excited about each new project. Can you say that about your job?  I get to make something TANGIBLE from an intangible IDEA. Can you imagine how hard that is? Have you ever tried to tell someone with just words what you want something to look like, to feel like, and to function like? It's not as easy as it sounds. Then, after that, you turn around and: 1. Buy the RIGHT amount of product to make it 2. Make it so it looks like what was in your head 3. Install it so it will WORK the way you planned 4. Completely delight your customer. Think about something you tried to do. Something you experienced frustration in doing because you didn't realize how much actually went into it - folks on HGTV or on a You Tube video made it looks so easy! Did you realize the skills, tools, and time that go into the work?
I love what I get to do. I feel so lucky that I can help make families warm and comfortable in their home. This is how I serve, and I am happy to do it. There are some spaces that make you wonder, WHAT was the builder thinking when they designed this house? Do you have one of those? Here's an example I see often. I've used a rendering to demonstrate, but I am sure you have been in a room where something was off like this.  Yes, believe me, this happens in real life! The windows look "right" from the face of the house due to the exterior design, but then it causes a design issue inside. Do you just live with it? Of course not. Not if it makes you feel like you didn't drink your V-8 and you have to tilt your head to feel comfortable in the space! Here's an easy solution: a valance hung on both windows at the same height. I promise, all I did was add a valance. Isn't it amazing what a window treatment can do?  Maybe you want something that can function a little better, to give you privacy at night. A roman shade, designed to stop at the right height when up can give you exactly that. A simple, clean look, with function for privacy. We can even motorize it and program it so that it can be open during the day and closed at night - whatever works best for your family's needs.  Maybe you want the function of the roman shade, with a little more glam? Add drapery in front of the roman to bring the eye up and add more softness to the room. With some fun, coordinating pillows, the space can become a place to snuggle up with a good book on a cozy snow day.  Do you have a crazy window situation? I'd be happy to help with some ideas to help make you feel comfortable. Let's connect!
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