Solutions for Shades

Solutions can be found for almost everything. So when a client asks us for a window treatment that provides privacy without losing the benefits of daylight, visual appeal, and insulation. We came up with a solution- a multi-layered, multi-vender, window treatment.

By using different vendors and multiple layers, we captured the qualities the client wanted, protection from sun damage, insulation, and privacy, while achieving an aesthetic appeal, without any sacrifices. To top it off, the whole treatment is an electric shade. Hard wired, low voltage and running on a universal remote, each layer of the shade works separately from the others, alleviating the struggles of pulling cords this way and that.

For our client, we used these treatments in two large windows of a living room, which work independently of each other. Electric shades don’t always have to be used in layers either. One shade can work just as easily, in places such as patio doors or hard to reach windows. Also, the options seem endless; they come in a variety of colors and textures- a simple, fabulous solution to shades.

Thoughts From the Lake House

The summer is ending soon and many students have gone back to school. Spending the last possible weekends at our Nantucket-style lake house, has produced thoughts…

We are entering between the seasons that bring families together. This is the segment in time where we all search for ways to prepare- our homes and ourselves. We all have those times when we look around the house and make mental, if not written, lists of all the projects needed to be done- big or small.

This thought reminded me of being in a similar position, while creating projects here, at our lake house. With so many things to consider, I recognized that I couldn’t treat this house as I would with my primary home. Between the elements outdoors, the sand and water, and the activities our family does, durable materials and protected pieces were a must!

The next time you take a look at your list, see if any of the projects have special needs, like where to keep your winter boots when they’re full of snow, or creating a special spot for the soccer shoes, instead of tossed in the corner, in the mudroom versus a family room, where you are most likely to want to kick-back and relax with the family, maybe even watch your favorite movie or television show, or a bathroom, where you need the extra space for storage or even for more than one person to get ready. Think about how whether or not that area meets with the natural world, if so consider using more durable products. Also note that rooms that require more help should be started sooner, to have the best chance at being finished in time for the holidays!

Watch Out September!

We're excited and you should be too! With the opening of a second location, in Chicago, we have an awesome ad in CS Magazine. Make sure you have a copy of the special anniversary, September issue.

Go For Quality

When you look around your home, what do you see; furniture, light fixtures, window treatments, and décor? Of these items, how many could you reuse?

While making purchases, go for quality! This seems like an obvious idea, but many people are still living in a “throwaway society” when we should be living green. Here’s a perfect example. For a client of ours, we are space planning and reworking furniture, lighting, and window treatments to accommodate a new home in Florida. By doing this, we have been able to fully furnish nearly all of the rooms in the new house. New life and a new vision have been created, while avoiding the cost of buying all new furniture.

The next time you’re considering a purchase, look closely for important details, such as: the quality of construction, fabrics, even the embellishments. Don’t just go with something inexpensive. Also keep in mind the flexibility of the piece, it should be something that you will want to cherish, appreciate, and most importantly keep up with your lifestyle.