WINDOW TREATMENT IDEAS

How to do Window Treatments

Natural Materials

This is a trend that is present in all aspects of home design; homeowners are investing in natural products and materials that come from nature. Bamboo is a popular trend due to the fact that it is a renewable resource and extremely eco-friendly. Bamboo products have a very earthy feel and look that homeowners are incorporating into their design. Popular window treatments in recent years include natural woven shades made of bamboo, grass or matchstick. These shades come in many different colours and they offer a beautiful diffusion of light that allows for a connection to the outside world. A perfect combo of window privacy and veiled openness. These shades work better in high traffic areas, such as living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms. They are not as popular in bedrooms where homeowners prefer shades that block out more sunlight.

Wood blinds are also huge today. They come in a vast array of colours and offer beautiful grain patterns. They can be custom ordered from most hardware stores or from specialty window covering shops. Wood blinds have a very clean look and the thick, horizontal lines of the shades can bring a soft linear element to the design of your space.

Luxury

Silk, velvet, faux leather, suede, and elegant drapery panels are currently trendy in window treatment design. Silk and other fabrics might cost more originally, but the look of these higher-end fabrics will dramatically affect the look and feel of a space. While many homeowners are opting for a more simple and clean-cut look for their window treatments, those who desire embellishment and fabulously ornate accents are choosing more luxurious finishes. Anything that sparkles, such as crystal or glass, intricate bead-work, shiny tassels, and lavish embellishments are highly sought after. Interesting hardware, luxurious or "rich" fabric, and ornate trimmings are popular in this realm of window design.

Decorative Hardware

While the trend has been towards shine and glamour, decorative hardware that references nature is making a stand. For a period, modern metallics, chrome, silver, brushed nickel, stainless steel, and wrought iron were preferred choices for hardware finishes. Now, homeowners are buying wood hardware and they are showing more of an interest in natural textures and finishes. Natural fabric embellishments and grass or woven accessories are trendy as well.

Contemporary Colours

In the past, white paired with black or navy, red, and florals in pastel colours have been popular choices for window treatments. Lately, a more interesting palette of blues and greens have surfaced; teals, aquamarines, and soft greens reference the movement towards Green products and eco-friendly design. Greys are also very popular, with grey being used as the primary colour in a space and punched up with accessory colours of bright yellow, reds, greens, purples or browns. Purples, oranges, golds, and other jewel tones are contemporary choices for those with a bolder sense of style. On the other hand, beiges, off-whites, white, and light browns also continue to dominate window treatment colour selections, as they are safe and typically work well with most room decor.

Simplicity

Clean lines and modern styles are still dominating window treatment design. Sleek blinds or drapery against a window automatically speaks to a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Panel systems on tracks are popular as they can be made with a variety of fabrics or woven-wood. They can be used to divide rooms or to shade windows and doors. They are the updated version of the older style of vertical blinds. These panel systems are influence by an Asian aesthetic and can update any space.

Bold Prints

Where vintage florals and 70's patterns can look and feel out of date, modern prints can make a space feel current and give your space a punch of colour and visual flair. Thick stripes, massive prints, bright florals, and strong geometric patterns are exciting design choices if you're looking to bring a sense of play or excitement to your windows. It is important when selecting a pattern that you test a swatches you like against the existing decor of the space; choose a pattern that goes well with the current decor. It doesn't necessarily need to match colour or pattern, but it shouldn't compete too loudly against any particular existing piece or element in the room.

Green and Sustainable Products

Green technology is also making waves in the area of window treatments. Eco-friendly materials, energy saving materials and technologies, and renewable resources are emerging. Heat or cold repellent window panels are a great option for the energy-efficient homeowner. As well as keeping light out, new technology blinds and panels can help reduce your energy usage and costs. A new type of shade called, "Honeycomb" shades are patterned in such a way to reroute cold air from entering the house. Solar panels and solar films reduce glare, protect against UV rays, and keep your house at an ideal temperature. Fabrics have also gone green, with a number of eco-friendly fabrics available. They can also stain resistant, mildew resistant, mold resistant, anti-microbial and anti-fungal, which works great for people with allergies or with weaker immune systems.

You may also be interested in the following:

Contemporary Kitchen Renovation; See how a Vernon home was updated with a new high end kitchen.

Bathroom Renovations; This is one of the best places to spend money when updating a home.