Giving your windows the designer treatment


By Jane Lockhart
WindowFeature
When moving into a new space, sometimes, the window treatments are often an afterthought as new homeowners struggle to put their own personal stamp in their new home. Window treatments are important as they are like the finishing jewelry for an outfit, but for the home. They are not only necessary, but add character as well.
Window treatments go so far beyond personal style, they have a job to do as well. A good window treatment will complement the new space without looking like they are working too hard. This can be achieved by first determining what functions the window coverings should perform.
A window covering is seldom just for show. Most people are looking for privacy, light control or to manage temperature. In a new space, it is important to first determine what “job” the window treatment needs to do. This will make it much easier to select the best type for the new space. There are two types of window treatments, operable and fixed. Operable means that the homeowner is able to operate them or move them, and fixed are non-moving.
Once a homeowner has moved into their new space and is able to identify what their window coverings should be doing, it is then time to identify style. Layering is a fabulous option for both style and purpose. Many people will select blinds, as they offer many solutions, and then add fixed drapery panels for decoration. Layering of window coverings is the best way to complete a window as it adds function and a personal feel. These are all important factors in a new home.
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Blinds can be a great alternative, because they perform a function, but also come in so many different styles and colours. Blinds can also be rolled away completely or tilted to allow some lighting. If new-home owners don’t like the vertical strip, so synonymous of the blinds, and don’t want it to dominate their design, there are other options. If looking for warmth, look for a horizontal slat such as a wood or a fabric version called silhouette by Hunter Douglas (hunterdouglas.ca), which means they are all fabric and all sewn together. Most of the fabric is sheer except for one strip, which operates as the slat would on traditional blinds. Other options include solar screens if homeowners are looking to control the UV, or roller blinds for minimal light penetration. A roman blind is another great option to add definition to window treatments. This option can be suspended completely, covering the entire window or a portion of the window. Roman blinds can also be completely pulled up, creating a decorative ruching effect at the top of the window.
When new-home owners are shopping for window treatments, it is important to know the difference between a shutter and a blind. Shutters cover the whole window and can be considered an all-inone window covering so no additional drapery will be required. Shutters will reduce the amount of light generally entering a space. A blind is lighter and can be rolled away to show an open window but can be more delicate in moist areas.
New condos have completely different needs in terms of window treatments versus a single family home. In a condo, blinds are important for managing solar heat. In addition, they also can be used for helping to maintain the interior focus within the space. Views are great, but can be distracting especially at night when windows can act like a big black mirror.
If, as a new homeowner, darkness for sleeping is a concern, add blinds for daytime light and privacy management and drapes for night time as these black out light the best.
Whether for a new home or condo, don’t let the window treatments be an afterthought! When done right, they will let homeowners inject their own personality into the home while managing light, heat and privacy.
Jane Lockhart – is founder and principal designer of Jane Lockhart Interior Design. She was creative director and host of W Network’s top-ranked show, Colour Confidential, and has a Canadian-built furniture collection, Jane by Jane Lockhart, by Statum Designs. Visit online at janelockhart.com
Original Source: NEW CONDO GUIDE May 29 – June 12 , 2015

Original article: The Province
Read original aricle here.