Inspiration

Window treatments – Décor – Drapery

Draperies today are interesting yet complicated.  The combination of the drapery, drapery fabric and hardware plays a key role in setting the tone of the window treatment. One has to choose very carefully because the drapery reflects the personality. Read more

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Add Character to Your Window Treatments with Sheer Curtains

By:  Danielle McVicar

An easy and effective way to add a touch of sophistication to any décor is to include sheer curtains in your window treatments.  Sheer curtains refer to any lightweight or partially see-through fabric that is used for window coverings, including lace, voiles, nets, muslin, etc.  A set of sheer curtains can add both beauty and practicality to your room.

Sheer curtains can be paired with a heavier set of drapery or can be used alone.  It is recommended to use a heavier curtain along with sheers in rooms that require a certain amount of privacy, such as bedrooms, so that complete privacy is an option.  Sheers are a good way to filter light in a room during the day due to their partial transparency; they soften harsh sunlight while still allowing some to enter the room.  They also can provide a small amount of privacy during the day without having to sacrifice sunlight.

When used alone, sheer curtains can add a romantic and whimsical touch to a room’s atmosphere.  Sheers come in a variety of different sizes and colors and can be blended together easily.  More ornamental sheers are also available, decorated with embroidery, creating a soft and elegant look and perfect to hang unaccompanied by other curtains.

Sheers are perfect for decorating your windows not only because of the elegance and stylishness they exude, but also because of their simplicity and affordability.  Sheer window coverings are relatively inexpensive when compared to other kinds of window treatments and are easy to maintain.  They are extremely versatile and can be diffused with almost any decorating style.  If you feel like your décor needs a change, consider spicing up your window treatments with some sheer curtains.

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Which Fabric is Best for Window Treatments?

By:  Danielle McVicar

Fabric window treatments, such as drapes and curtains, are a good way to decorate a room.  Curtain fabrics can add a variety of color and texture to complement any décor.  Many people choose their curtains or drapes based on color alone and do not take into consideration what kind of fabric they are made from.  Depending on the atmosphere you are trying to create, fabric can play a key role in choosing your window treatments.

Of all the fabric used to make curtains and drapes the most commonly used are cotton, linen, silk, velvet, and polyester.  Each fabric offers different benefits and drawbacks which are important to consider when choosing window curtains or drapery.

Cotton is perhaps the most commonly used fabric in window treatments.  It is available in an array of colors, textures, designs and weights which makes it a good decorating choice.  It is a very durable and versatile fabric and is also extremely easy to clean.  However, heavy exposure to sunlight can weaken some types of cotton fabric, and cotton is also easily stretched, shrunk and wrinkled.

Linen is also a natural fabric, created from flax.  Linen is a popular choice for window treatments because it blends well with other types of fabrics.  It comes in a large selection of colors and weights, although heavy-weighted linen is the most commonly used.  The drawback to linen is that it is prone to crease and wrinkle.

Silk is another natural fabric that is very popular among window coverings.  It is a very soft and lavish fabric and adds warmth and splendor to any room.  Silk also comes in many rich colors and weights, but heavy-weighted silk is the most practical for curtains or drapes.  It holds its shape exceptionally well and doesn’t crease as easily as other fabrics but it is not very durable.  Silk is easily marked or stained and will deteriorate over time from heavy sunlight.  Also, silk is a much more expensive choice compared to other curtain fabrics.

Velvet is another luxurious-looking fabric used for window coverings.  It has a very soft feel and is heavy-weighted and thick, making it a good choice for blocking out sunlight.  Although velvet has a rich appearance it is a relatively inexpensive choice for curtains or drapes.  The disadvantages of velvet are that it is very hard to clean and that its distinct look makes it hard to blend with other curtain fabrics.

Finally, window coverings can also be made from polyester.  It is very affordable and comes in a large selection of colors.  Polyester doesn’t crease or wrinkle easily, is exceptionally strong and durable and is also very easy to clean.  The only downside to this type of fabric is that it tends to pill, peel or flake, when rubbed against frequently.

Although these are some of the most common fabrics used for window curtains or drapery there are still many more kinds of fabrics that can be used.  Determining your specific needs before you choose your fabric will greatly help you make your decision.

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Brightening your Basement

By: Kelly Goldthorpe

Basements don’t have to be creepy, dreaded places to go. An unfinished basement is an area of your home that is filled with potential. A few quick fixes, a bucket of paint and the appropriate furnishings can take your basement from frightening to unforgettable.

Obviously the biggest key for brightening your basement is maximizing the light. If you have windows make sure they’ve been cleaned and aren’t hidden by furniture, outside bushes, or other obstructions. Having light colored walls is also a great way to keep the room from looking grim. Whites, yellows, and reds all bring warmth to the area. You can contrast the light colors with some darker accent pieces. This defines the space and gives it more depth.

The actual lighting styles you choose can also impact how your basement looks. Because basements usually have lower ceilings, hanging lights can either be in the way or take up space. Use recessed lighting, which doesn’t extend far from the ceiling, for overhead light. Also have side table lamps and floor lamps. These give a homey feel and incorporate aspects you see elsewhere in the house. By having light come from different angles it will also make the room appear bigger. Although fluorescent lights are efficient, they hurt the eyes. Soft light can model natural sunlight and make the room a friendlier place.

To finish your basement you will want to give it a completed feel. Cover up those unfinished areas with drywall. If you have a leaky basement look for waterproof alternatives because drywall can absorb water and be a haven for mold. If there are awkward columns consult an expert about having them removed. If that is not an option cover them up by building walls around them, or using unique decorating techniques. Make the room appear consistent with the rest of your house so it does not have that feeling of being separate.

Do your best to make it feel homey with living room furnishings. Plants can give a basement a natural feel and add additional color. Personalize the area with pictures, wall art, and an entertainment center. By investing a little time and money in your basement you can create a room that is no longer a scary place to visit, while increasing the value of your home.

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Different Styles of Window Valances

By:  Danielle McVicar

A window valance is a type of window covering that only covers the top part of the window.  They are both simple and elegant, often adding a touch of formality to a room.  This type of window treatment is perfect for windows with a beautiful view because instead of covering them completely, they highlight and frame them.  If you are considering hanging a window valance, remember that there are many different styles, each with a different appeal.  The most common styles of window valances include swag, balloon, ascot, and pleated.

Swag valances are created by draping fabric over a curtain rod, leaving some additional fabric to hang down the sides.  These valances can be executed as either short or floor length, depending on what you prefer.  Swag valances are seen mostly in formal décor with their tails arranged in neat folds, but can also be used in more informal decorating if the fabric is allowed to hang more casually.

Balloon valances are characterized by their gathered fabric, which balloons or puffs out.  These “balloons” create the appearance of fullness and volume and are very ornate and decorative.  This type of valance is only used in very formal decorating and has lost popularity since interior decorating has shifted to more contemporary and casual designs.

Ascot valances are created by allowing fabric to hang over a curtain rod in triangles or soft, rounded edges.  Often times these triangles or edges are decorated with tassels, beads, lace or other ornate features.  This style of valance is decorative and formal in nature but casual versions are also available.

A sheer scarf can also be classified as a window valance in some cases.  Draping a sheer scarf over a decorative rod above a window can be elegant both by itself and accompanying a bottom drapery.  This kind of window treatment is very easy to execute; all that is required is a curtain rod and some sheer fabric of your choice.

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Detoxify Your Home with Plants

By:  Danielle McVicar

Using potted plants throughout your home is a good way to add to your interior décor, but did you know that some houseplants will also purify your air?  There are some plants that have been scientifically proven to remove toxins, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, from the air.  If you like to incorporate plants into your interior design, then why not consider using plants that will not only look good, but will clean the air in your home at the same time?

The following list contains common house plants that were found to remove toxins from their environments.

• Lady Palm- One of the easiest plants to grow, the Lady Palm is a good house plant due to its durability and resistance to most insects.  This plant grows slowly and can reach a height of over 14 inches.  Its broad leaves grow in clumps, making it an interesting and beautiful palm.
• Peace Lily-The Peace Lily is probably the best all around house plant available.  It is not only an exceptional air cleaner; it grows well in shady areas and produces large, beautiful white flowers.  This plant can reach heights of between two and three feet depending on the variety.  The Peace Lily’s leaves are fairly poisonous and it is probably not the best plant for someone who has pets or small children.
• Bamboo Palm- This plant is not only good at detoxifying the air; it has one of the highest transpiration rates of all indoor plants.  This means that it releases water vapor into the air, which is especially good in arid regions or in the winter when the air is drier.  This plant does require adequate amounts of water, however, and is susceptible to insects.
• Rubber Plant-The Rubber plant is another good all around house plant.  It is hardy and easy to grow, does well in little sunlight and is considered to be the best ficus plant for removing toxins.
• Dracaena Janet Craig- This slow growing plant is one of the best plants at removing trichloroethylene from the air.  It can grow in low light areas and can tolerate considerable dryness.
• English Ivy- Is one of the best plants at removing benzene from the air.  It is relatively easy to grow but won’t live long in high temperatures.  It is a climbing plant and must be pruned every once in a while, or can be trained to grow up a wall or trellis.
• Areca Palm- Also known as the Yellow Palm or Butterfly Palm, this plant is rated as one of the top house plants for removing all indoor air toxins.  It also has a high transpiration rate and helps to regulate the humidity in the air.