Tips on planning your design project.

Keep in mind a few tips to help you start your “update the home” project:

• Plan and prioritize. You will not feel the pressure financially or emotionally if you tackle one small area at a time.
• Select your style. Look through magazines and design books to help you decide what you like and don’t like. Put together a “style board,” mark pages in books and magazines, or put photos of what you like in a folder to help you decide your color scheme and your style. Then start thinking about fabrics and paint colors.
• Paint is last not first. Many people think they should paint first, but it’s so much easier to select paint colors after you have found fabrics you love than it is to find the right fabric to match your walls.
• Throw away or donate items that you don’t use. Clutter detracts from the beauty of any room. I (and most designers) can help you decide what to keep and what to toss or donate.
• Start with furniture. I’ve learned from working with clients for more than 20 years that furniture is the firm foundation on which you can build that special look and feel. After replacing or upgrading furniture, add window treatments and flooring. And last – like icing on a cake or a big bright bow on a gift – add accessories to personalize your rooms.
• When working with a design pro, discuss what you But you should also be open to ideas from a different perspective and be open about your budget. Open communication helps you achieve your dream home.

 

 

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How to warm up the look of your kitchen with new window treatments!

Window treatments can create a whole new feel for any room, below are some ideas on how we helped our client in Burr Ridge, Illinois to warm up her kitchen with new valances.

• The client’s vision was to create valances for the bay window and the window over the sink in her beautiful, traditional kitchen. She wanted to keep most of the windows exposed to let in plenty of light and to see the full expanse of her nicely landscaped yard. She wanted the valance fabric to incorporate the color of the wood window frames and the colors of the kitchen countertop, which she absolutely loves. Because the design of the home is very traditional, an inverted pleat style with scalloped bottom edges was chosen for the valances. The valances were designed with longer side cascades, and tassels were added at the tip of each cascade to add a touch of elegant detailing. To achieve a bit more sophistication to the overall design, an insert made from the contrast fabric was placed between the pleats. The result is a warm, cozy, welcoming kitchen that is appreciated not only by all members of the family but also by the many friends who visit the home.

 

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Tips on how to create a luxurious look in your bedrooms

 Luxury? Yes. Sophistication? Of course. Uniqueness? Absolutely! That is the feeling you get when you look at this gorgeous master bedroom suite. The client had purchased a traditional bedroom set and wanted a window treatment design that works well with the headboard. From the samples we presented, she selected a shimmery fabric, which complements the bedding. She requested new wood blinds and, with her chandelier in mind, also expressed her desire to have the new window treatment designed to reflect the southern opulence and regal feel of the room. We started by selecting a satiny fabric that was close in color to that of her walls, with another sheer, gold-shimmer fabric that worked perfectly with the primary fabric. This dual approach complemented

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the sparkle and shimmer in the throw pillows and the crystals of the chandelier. A cornice board was designed to somewhat mimic the headboard. We also added a custom-made medallion that was installed in the center of the cornices and added crystals for visual interest. A new set of wood blinds was installed to give the window a totally fresh look. The client told me her husband asked her, “Did you make sure to tell Susan how impressed we are?” That’s a compliment that I will remember forever!

 

Drapery panels, the new trend for window dressing!

We have noticed the past few years that the way to dress a window has become simple and practical!

Simple drapery panels have been the trend for many years now, most homeowners might start with blinds for privacy or sun control, then stationary panels are added for adding warmth, style, and to dress-up a room.

One can use a very simple panel treatment, one color panel, that will add color or texture, or sometimes the drapery panel can have more details that might bring more character to the room.

Here are few ideas that can be used to create style and character to the room:

• Adding Buttons:  Buttons would definitely change the overall look of a panel, it can be added to the bottom of pleats, on the sides
  

  Kick pleats with buttons and pinch pleats sheers

   

  

  Duette Architella by Hunter Douglas as the first layer for energy saving and privacy, the side panels form the second layer to add style.

  

  Mock sheers under printed linen fabric, and grouped buttons in the accent fabric.

   

• Creating a layered look using two fabrics over each other for one stationary panel: You can have the first fabric as the first layer and the second layer in sheer that lays on top of the first layer.

 

 

• Selecting unique fabric to make a statement: The type of fabric in terms of pattern, color, texture, and type can create a huge impact. The image below has a very distinctive pattern that enhances the furnishing and the rest of the room and surrounding  The fabric in the image above shows a cut-out fabric that adds a fun textural element to the room.

 

For a distinctive and unique custom, drapery designs call us at (630) 420-0800

We offer a complimentary consultation and estimates!

How to transform old furniture from out-dated to updated!

A Chair got a facelift

 

Furniture shopping is a long, arduous process that no one is particularly fond of. It takes time and sometimes that time can be better-spent upgrading pieces you already own. For a facial lift in your own home, instead of going back to the drawing board start with something you already have and upgrade it. An old chair can easily be refinished, reupholstered, and its entire look manipulated into something modern, edgy, and quite different than its roots. See the attached pictures for proof of this beautiful transformation. We gave this old thing a metallic finish and reupholstered the seat with a bolder pattern. The chair went from a more understated posture to an eye-catching design. With the amends, we were able to move the chair around the house and into another room, knocking two birds with one stone and essentially reimagining multiple spaces. Editing and altering older furniture not only elevates individual pieces but works as a more economical, smarter renovation of your home.

An out-dated chair

 

An updated look, modern and perfect for the new decor.

 

 

 

Will draperies block my view?

comment frequently heard when clients are considering a window treatment – whether a privacy shade or a decorative treatment – or both.  Elegant window fashions, well designed, are a complement to any view. 

Well designed window treatment will compliment the window and the view.

 

The image above (found on Line) shows the draperies on one side of the window, it does not affect the view at all and it can cut the glare when needed.

 This image shows a bay window dressed with roman shades that can be pulled up to almost clear the window, and side panels on each side. Notice how the panels turn to allow more view of the outside.

The above room is a perfect example on how the draperies added opulence and beauty without affecting the view.

If you are working with a window covering designer you need to express your desire to not block the view, he or she will come up with solutions to help you achieve your goal.

For a complimentary design consultation and an estimate call (630)420-0800.

 

 

Three Things you should know about woven wood blinds.

Woven wood blinds are gaining popularity in the Chicago land area! Here are three things you should know about woven wood blinds:

• They are woven from natural grasses, bamboo, and various reeds. That is why they are considered “green” window coverings because they are sustainable, renewable and eco-friendly window treatments.
• They can be used in a casual setting, such as sunrooms, boat houses, and marina homes. Or if a more sophisticated setting is what the client is after, then they can be combined with other materials like silks, brushed cotton, and wool to achieve elegance and beauty.
• They are now available in various colors and textures to give the consumer vast assortments to choose from.

 

 

 

Dining Chairs Re-Upholstery

Do you want the expected or the unexpected in your dining rooms? Lovely evenings are spent in dining rooms of all varieties, but I would like to share This photo that illustrates the amazing, creative use of fabric in dining rooms.

The color and texture of fabric can often convey a mood or a feeling, or give guests a glimpse into the style and personality of the homeowners.  The chairs shown above were reupholstered in two different fabrics; the seats have a tapestry fabric and the backs have a velvet fabric, giving the chairs a unique and exciting look. (Lisle IL)

Dining rooms are places where family and friends gather for holidays and special occasions, special attention must be paid to details to bring the feeling of happiness and joy!

Scary windows do not scare us

How can colors impact your feelings

We have chosen Red, White, and Blue! It is July, we are celebrating our independence

 

The colors our flag!

As we all know, colors have a direct effect on how we feel. Most of us also know that changing the colors in one area can dramatically change the way a room looks and feels. Colors can affect different people in different ways; sometimes our perceptions of color are affected by our specific cultures, experiences or traditions.

Blue: It’s considered a calming color, primarily because that’s how most people feel looking at a body of water. Light blues – such as aqua or turquoise – are serene and suggestive of energy and creativity. On the other hand, deep blues – such as navy and indigo – are more formal and suggestive of tradition, sophistication, and intelligence.

Red: Red has a variety of meanings that range from love to war! Red suggests warmth, energy, and strength. It is considered royal in some cultures and exudes confidence in others. It’s a very strong color and must be used carefully!

White: What comes to mind when most people think of white are purity, clarity, and innocence. (At least that’s what comes to my mind … what about you?) To you, white might represent integrity, calmness, and cleanliness. It definitely can be used to make a space look larger, lighter and brighter.

Like red, white can be tricky. Sometimes people think they can use any white with any other color and it will work nicely. Well, there are so many shades of white – and they can look very different next to other colors – so choose wisely. Sometimes mixing various shades of white in one space can add sophistication and class so you might consider this approach.

 

Paint consultation

If you’re planning a painting project for your home or place of work, we offer paint consultations for a very small fee. If you make a custom window covering purchase or custom bedding purchase, our paint consultation is free.

Take advantage and call us now for your free consultation: (630)420-0800 or (630)854-9082