As the light filters through the windows, the design of the fabric is accentuated completing the look.
Historic House Family Room with Scroll Pattern Window Treatment
Importance of Window Treatments
As posted in
Window treatments are the least expensive way to transform a room.
Window treatments can create an illusion. For instance, by installing draperies above the window frame, the window will appear taller and the ceiling higher. To make a small window look larger, the window treatment should be installed outside the frame of the window, thus exposing the entire window.
“Dressing a window gives a room a warm appeal, absorbs sound, provides privacy, acts as insulation, cuts down on UV rays that fade carpets, fabrics,and furniture. Shades, blinds, and shutters control the sunlight and artificial light to eliminate glare from computer monitors and television screens.
Top 5 Tips for Kid’s Rooms
Decorating a child’s room should be lots of fun. But with a small, powerful critic judging your every move, making choices can be stressful. What will my child like? Will this be sturdy enough? Will it last?
Boys Bedroom
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when starting a child’s room redo:
1. Keep your child involved
It may seem obvious, but most parents forget to ask their young children what they want when it comes to room design. You may not be able to honor every wish, but you can certainly keep your child involved in the process. By recognizing your child’s opinions, you show respect, the room will more likely reflect their desires, and they will feel ownership and pride.
2. Your child, the artist
You child’s artwork not only makes for colorful accessories on the walls, but it works as a confidence booster. Frame an art project as you would any other special piece. By treating your child’s work as special, they will feel special. And they will know that they are contributing to the beauty of their room.
3. Keep storage low
Children can’t put their things away if the storage is too high. To make it more likely that toys will be cleaned up, provide convenient storage. Colorful bins and suitcases make great storage for under the bed.
4. Using color
One mistake parents make is painting the entire room in the child’s favorite color. This can turn out to be overwhelming. A room painted completely bright pink can be stifling and cause anxiety. And since children change their mind so often, you may be forced to repaint quickly. Instead, choose accessories, like pillows, rugs, bedding, and artwork in the child’s favorite color.
5. Remember function
You always want to keep function in mind when designing a room, and this is never more important than with children. A pretty window shade, for example, will be a real disruption if it lets in too much light and wakes the child up early in the morning. Decorative bedding can be beautiful, but if it is too difficult for the child to make his bed, it quickly loses its appeal.
By getting creative and keeping function in mind, you can create a beautiful, efficient, practical child’s room. Have fun!
Tribal Patterns Are Big this Spring
Tribal patterns are all the rage this spring on indoor and outdoor fabrics. This Kravet Ikat is one of the more popular graphics, from the Beacon Hill showroom at the Boston Design Center. This fabric would work beautifully on deck or porch furniture. Ikat is an Indonesian word that translates as “knot” or “to tie” and refers to the dye pattern on fabric.
With spring just around the corner, now is the time to begin thinking of furnishing porches, decks and patios. One of our favorite outdoor furniture companies, McGuire, is having a sale. Known for their distinctive styles, they use long-lasting, sustainable bamboo in their products.
I used McGuire dining chairs, upholstered chairs and a round glass-top table on a McGuire base for this three-season porch. Another sought after choice for outdoor fabrics are florals, bringing the elements of nature into the space. You could definitely mix this season’s flame-stitch look with a floral, plaid or a solid, textured fabric.
Valentines Day Gift
Here is a Valentines Day special for your loved one. Give them the gift of a design consultation from Interiors by Monique. Contact: Monique [at] interiorsbymonique [dot] com 781-239-3410
Green Design Tips
Do you know that by putting certain shades on your windows you can eliminate the heat of the summer and keep out the cold winter air, therefore saving energy.
The federal government is also allowing a tax credit for some of these products.
Contact Monique St. Germain at Monique [at] interiorsbymonique [dot] com or 781-239-3410
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HOME DESIGN QUIZ
Feel like your home could use some changes, but don’t know where to start or what to do? Take this quick quiz to help you find some direction for your interior design projects.
1. What colors do you gravitate toward?
2. Do you want to display your hobbies, interests, or collections?
3. Do you have possessions with sentimental value you want to show off?
4. If you could make any changes to your home, what would they be?
5. Does your home look tired? Could it use a transformation?
6. Do you need a home office or a work area for your computer and paperwork?
7. Is an updated kitchen or bath on your wish list?
Interiors by Monique can help you get a grip on your home design needs, from deciding what small changes could perk up your décor to planning and overseeing a major renovation.
