– by Paula Grympa, Outlooks Design –
Unveiling your true space is always refreshing when the Christmas ornaments go away for another year. Then as we settle in to embrace January’s shades of grey days and dark nights our window coverings suddenly realize their full potential. When the evening approaches it is one of my favourite rituals to draw the shades and cozy up our home.
Window treatments influence our interiors and make a world of difference. Carefully planned and professionally manufactured window coverings are instrumental in creating the ambiance you want for your home. For many homeowners it is overwhelming to consider all of their windows at one time. Often they have ‘inherited’ the drapes or blinds with the purchase of their home. At least privacy and light issues are taken care of whereas with new home builds the homeowner moves in with bare windows! Understanding costs and creating a realistic budget is essential, just as you would for flooring or appliances. Hire a professional. They are trained in this area of design and have comprehensive knowledge of how window coverings integrate with interior design. Product knowledge and application as it relates to your windows enables you to make choices that you will love!
Inspiration is essential to making a plan and establishing a budget. How do you know the cost if you don’t know what you want? Form follows function. Understanding the ‘purpose’ of the window covering narrows down the product choices, and from there you can embellish as you are able to. In some situations it is necessary to consider more than one layer of treatment in order to achieve the best solution. When making a plan, understanding the big picture as well as the smaller details is important. Is this home a stepping stone for your growing family, are you reclaiming space because your children have moved out, or are you downsizing for retirement? In any case, remember that potentially you will use your window coverings every day. Convenience, quality and locally crafted products produce the best results. Modern control systems for blinds or motorized drapery using batteries or conventional methods are achievable. They enhance your environment, and increase the value of your home – who knew a window covering has such an impact!
Fabrics and their use for soft furnishings is another consideration in changing your space along with drapery and other window treatments. Often paint colours are chosen from beautiful fabrics that play an important role. The sectional, comfy feather filled cushions, ottoman and luxurious side panels have a relationship and when there is harmony it is easy to relax, draw the shades and cozy up for another January night.
