Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery relaxes and refreshes us, consciously and subconsciously. Therefore, a view of nature should never be completely covered up during the day.
During daylight hours, windows should let in as much light and scenery view as possible, because people who can't see out of their windows during daylight hours get depressed. A view of nature, trees, plants, sky, clouds, and birds diminishes stress, promotes general physical health, and contributes to psychological satisfaction.
Factors such as natural light, fabric color, pattern, and tactile quality will also affect the presence of the room. Fabrics with a soft, tactile quality are good choices for creating a romantic, elegant ambiance, but mini-blinds are hard to clean and look severe. Pleated shades are softer, while shutters have rounded edges, can be repainted to change decor, and will last forever.
Window Coverings as Backgrounds
Window coverings that span a large expanse require the same color considerations as walls, since they become backgrounds for people. Too many patterns on windows will detract from both individuals and furnishings, and small prints in large spaces tend to get lost while adding busyness to a room.
Many windows are really no more than picture frames for views, so it's important that window treatments should complement the view. In general, the better the view, the plainer the window treatments should be. For view windows that don't need coverings for privacy or temperature control, consider lighting the exterior space and leaving the windows uncovered.
Architectural Considerations
Houses with lovely architectural details surrounding the windows need window treatments that don't hide the home's character. For example, magnificently-fluted moldings around windows shouldn't be covered. Use spring tension rods to hang treatments inside the molding instead.
Where windows are perfectly placed throughout a room, accentuate their lines with bold treatments. You can camouflage the size and position of windows that are too small or poorly placed by adjusting the placement of window treatments, such as hanging the coverings higher to visually create taller windows.
Elegant Window Dressings
Window treatments can be plain, functional, or opulent. Formal rooms with exquisite window treatments are fun. Layers of damask, lace, sheers, silks, and overlapping swags can create an aura of richness and refinement. Other elegant details might include scalloped trimmings, fringe, cords, cording, tassels, and rosettes.
On the other hand, if you need to tone down a too-opulent scheme, use a rough-textured trim, because lush and lustrous fabrics can be overwhelming without an element of roughness as a balancing factor.
Puddled window drapes, typical of the Victorian period, can add fullness and warmth to cold rooms. Draperies that are allowed to "pool" or "puddle" on the floor add elegance and rich feelings to a room. The drawback is that too much pooling on the floor will cause the bottoms of puddle draperies to get sucked into vacuum cleaners.
Each house is different, of course, but no matter what your home's style or composition, you'll want to give careful consideration to your choice of window fashions if you're going to create a warm and happy feeling for yourself, your family, and your guests.
(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhouse fordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm
The U.S. state of New Jersey lies on the Eastern... Read More
In my previous article, "planning for a new deck," I... Read More
You may find it difficult to believe that the days... Read More
Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look... Read More
Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an... Read More
Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any... Read More
If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably... Read More
When one thinks of the many factors that affect the... Read More
"I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me,... Read More
Just two words and a bit of explanation about them... Read More
The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery.... Read More
Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part... Read More
If your clothes are getting moist and musty, and stretched... Read More
Learning interior design can be a simple or complicated task... Read More
The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More
It doesn't matter if you live in a hot climate... Read More
The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More
With so many homeowners in the market for more energy... Read More
When creating dynamic window coverings, it's important to choose carefully,... Read More
I read an interior design book last night. Since I... Read More
According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair... Read More
A honed finish is a satin surface with relatively little... Read More
Use of steel as a construction material has seen phenomenal... Read More
My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is... Read More
Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether... Read More
For the past few weeks, I have been explaining how... Read More
Many people dream about a log home in their future... Read More
Feng Shui (pronounced Foong Shway or Fung Shoy) is the... Read More
Awnings are an economical and efficient way to shade a... Read More
A Jacuzzi has been popular since the 40's. We stopped... Read More
Hand-scraped and Distressed hardwood floors are becoming a popular choice... Read More
Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More
Above all else, the furniture in the living-room should make... Read More
1. What experience does your contractor have with this type... Read More
The first step is to plan the design ? as... Read More
These days, finding advice or guides to interior design is... Read More
Thread count is the most widely referred to term when... Read More
You have finally found the perfect lot, in the neighborhood... Read More
Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event... Read More
Purchasing a home spa is a great expense; which can... Read More
One of the best solvents you can use to remove... Read More
The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful... Read More
When you are choosing a color scheme for any room... Read More
Are you looking for something different for your house? Maybe... Read More
Bathroom vanity cabinets are an essential component of any bathroom... Read More
One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom... Read More
Looking to do some remodeling in your kitchen sink area... Read More
Fresh water is essential to our health and comfort. Not... Read More
Why should you even consider sealing your asphalt driveway?Seal your... Read More
When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite... Read More
Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one... Read More
Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? If you are... Read More
Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any... Read More
Water is a key ingredient in a healthy diet and... Read More
It seems like about three million of you have asked... Read More
If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More
Colors play an important part in your Home Decor process.... Read More
One of the most important principles to understand when designing... Read More
Have you ever thought of your home as being healthy... Read More
The starting current of motor can become 3 to 6... Read More
Basements or cellars (depending on which part of the country... Read More
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in... Read More
Many people purchasing a property for their main home actually... Read More
1. Q. IS NATURAL STONE A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOME... Read More
Small cabin plans - how do you find that special... Read More
Ceramic tile can be beautiful and elegant. But it can... Read More
Home Improvement |