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Design Solutions
Design Q & A
Help that will keep your designs at their best and keep customers
happy.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE: My client is building
a new house, which includes a large family room with built-ins surrounding
a fireplace. This house design creates a bit of a problem for me:
how best to treat the family room windows and atrium door.
These windows and the door are located in a lower-level walkout
and privacy is needed during the evening and nighttime hours. I’m
concerned about two things: how to ensure privacy and how the treatments
will look from the inside and the outside. I am doing two-inch white
plantation blinds on bedroom windows, which are located on each
side of the family room windows and door, so all of the windows
are seen at one glance from the outside.
SOLUTION: For the sake of continuity
for all areas that will be visible at one time, it is often a good
idea to keep with the same design theme, either using a similar
color or a similar style of treatment. In your case, I would suggest
to continue using the same type of window treatment, if it is feasible,
or to design a similar window treatment that is conducive to the
type of window. An example would be a white pleated or cellular
shade to complement the two-inch blinds.
Specifically for the atrium door, be sure to order hold-down brackets.
These will assist in a smooth operation of both the door and the
treatment.
I also like the idea of either two-inch or one-inch blinds for
the windows. Either choice will be pleasing to the eye when viewing
all the windows at once.
CHALLENGE: I am treating a
large arched window in a client’s living room. I would like
to have a treatment that would open in the arched area. I would
like to be able to see through the arch as well as the lower part
of the window. Do you know of a company that provides these kinds
of treatments?
SOLUTION: You’re in luck!
These days there now are several operable treatments for arched
windows, including horizontal blinds, top-down pleated shades and
even operable shutter sunburst that will allow you to open the treatment—fully
or partly—to bring in light or create a view out.
Most suppliers and manufacturers will work with you on creating
treatments for a custom window shape. But you might want to be sure
to use a company that specifically handles this type of specialty
shape.
CHALLENGE: I am trying to locate
a source to purchase the Visual Results room-planning template you
mentioned in a previous article (see D&WC, May 2001, page 20).
Can you provide the information?
SOLUTION: The room planning
drafting system contains six templates and corresponding white backgrounds.
It also includes instructions, practice sheets and an index. The
company is located in Brookfield, WI; (800) 593-7555
Keep those questions coming!
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@dwcdesignet.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. |
