The Power Of Color

When considering colors for your home design, think of complementary or contrasting.  Color and design are a matter of personal taste, as well as style.  But remember to consider the window treatments in your color pallet as windows and the treatments often take up a good portion of the room.

 Complementary:  If you like the colors of  your room to be similar, consider different patterns of the color on different objects. If you use natural colors, those are more traditional and less trendy, staying in style longer.  You can always accent a room with small bursts of color:  a bouquet of flowers or a picture or painting.  

Contrasting:  There are different degrees of contrast.  The more bold the contrast, the more unique the room will look.  Duplication of colors is also a smart move, such as using espresso brown picture frames against an off-white painted wall for contrast but with espresso brown flooring that will tie into the picture frame color.

Neutrals Last:  Neutral colors:  white, off whites, beige, grey and neutralized colors – colors with a different value like:  lightness or darkness within the color theme of the room are often the best choices for lasting usage and appeal.

Window Coverings Should Support Room

Generally it’s best to let the window treatment blend softly with the color pallet of the room which let your accessories create the points of interest.  Avoid dramatic treatments like:  intense colors, dramatic color contrast with walls and floors or bright patterns unless the window treatment is the focus or is supporting a particular decorating style or theme in your home.

Size Matters

The rule of thumb for patterns is larger in large rooms, smaller in small rooms.  The same theory is applied to blinds, shutters and shades.  Larger rooms and windows visually support larger pleats, slat or louver sizes.

Cozy Or Grand?

Dark and intense colors will close in a space while lighter values will create a feeling of openness.

Privacy/Light Control

Some of the least expensive and most popular window treatments are sheer curtains.  Sheers come in many colors and textures.  Sheers give a room a light and airy feel but are not the best choice for a bedroom or bathroom unless they are paired with blinds or shades.

Most blinds and shades provide some level of privacy.  If you select a horizontal or vertical blind, you may angle the slats to allow light in while still giving you privacy.  When choosing a shade, be sure to check that the opacity is high enough so that people can’t see into your room at night.  Window treatments can fit your sense of style and decor and still be functional and energy efficient.

Line On Lines

Horizontal lines draw your eyes around the room while vertical lines tend to be more formal and draw the eye up.  Long uninterrupted lines and low contrast visually increase space.  Avoid lines and patterns in window treatments that compete with other lies or other patterns in your decor.

Picking A Window Treatment For A Sliding Door

Some homeowners leave sliding doors un-treated because they aren’t sure how to cover it.  Here are some great ideas for sliders:  Shutters:  shutter panels are situated on a track system and slide to completely cover the window. Vertical blinds:  verticals use multiple blind slats on a track that can be angled slightly to control light, or slid along their track to the side to open out of the way.  Draperies:  draperies can also be used as a treatment for sliding doors, but are not as common.  Picking a window treatment for sliding doors can be tricky.  Our design experts can help you decide during your in-home consultation.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Cold in the winter and too hot in the summer?  Energy-Efficient window treatments are available to hep you save money on your utility bills. Honey comb shades offer good insulation and are rated a very high R-value.  Ask the professionals at Mk Window Treatments for recommendations on what window coverings are energy efficient.

Layer It

Sometimes both shades and curtains are used on windows for a textural look or to boost functionality.  Layering a shade and then later a curtain can be done in stages when you budget allows.

Curbside Appeal

Consider how your windows will look from the curb.  Even though your windows have to look the same from the street, consider using consistent window coverings for more prominent windows.  Especially for the windows on the same floor that are in close proximity to one another.