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Design Solutions
Seasonal Impact
Freshen up a client’s room with new window
treatments, fabrics and paint.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE: As summer is here, I would like to offer my clients
some ideas and solutions for freshening up their homes for the
season. One of my clients in particular is concentrating on windows,
as they are the focal point in each of her rooms. The windows are
large and are located on south and east walls. The rooms of greatest
concern are the great room and kitchen. Could you please offer
some ideas?
SOLUTION: Numerous questions have arrived in my mailbox that concern
the topics of large windows, focal points and energy efficiency.
I have organized the most asked questions together this month,
as there are many. Keep those questions coming!
I first would like to address large windows and the focal point of rooms. In
all good design, the focal point is the most important part of a room. It draws
our attention and more often than not is the first thing noticed about any given
room—especially if the focal point of a room is its large windows.
For a fresh summer spruce up, depending on the client’s budget, I can offer
three quick suggestions. For a fresh look, woven woods, Roman shades or Plantation
shutters are ideal because each offers many design options for overtreatments.
The light, fresh look of these treatments and the energy efficient features of
shutters do not stop with the products themselves. An overtreatment can be beautifully
designed to offer additional color and texture options over each of these choices.
Fresh fabrics including new ideas and designs in lightweight cottons are an ideal
solution for this time of year. Also, accessorizing your window treatment designs
with innovative ideas in decorative hardware is big this year!
One of my favorite showrooms at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood,
CA, is Scalamadré, which offers an exquisite array of textiles. But remember,
balance is the key to designing an overtreatment that will look great with any
of these suggested products.
Like shutters, Roman shades and woven woods are a great alternative for sprucing
up windows for summer, while keeping energy efficiency in mind. Many offer energy
efficiency ratings that will meet the needs of your client. When researching
a supplier or manufacturer of woven woods and Roman shades, pay particular attention
to quality.
Another idea for freshening up interiors for summer is to combine a fresh, new
window treatment look with paint in a coordinating color. Paint is inexpensive,
but can have a big impact on a room—especially when combined with the new
look at the window—that is bound to result in a satisfied client.
Working together, these options will offer your clients many choices that will
be functional, beautiful and as fresh as the new season.
In closing, let me suggest a great Web site to visit for more inspiration.
Scalamandre's Web site, www.scalamandre.com, offers
an online preview of its
newest collections.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon
L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window
Coverings as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business.
If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: DesignSol@dwconline.com
 Sharon
L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the residential and
commercial areas of interior design. She is currently a faculty member
at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has been featured in
numerous books and publications. |
