Tips about window treatments

TIPS ABOUT WINDOW TREATMENTS

I find that short curtains are rarely successful except perhaps in small cottage-type windows or small windows in a deep embrasure or tied back at a kitchen window.
If windows have deep recesses it is better to hang curtains outside the recess because this will let in the maximum amount of light during the day

If windows have radiators below them and you want the softness of curtains but do not want heat loss, tie or loop them back permanently at either side of the window and use a shade of some sort or shutters at night.

Too short long curtains are as bad as too short trousers. They should always generously touch the floor or slightly ‘puddle’ onto it. But neither should they be so long that you trip over them.
Always allow the most generous hem you can to withstand shrinkage when cleaned.

All curtains hang better if they are lined and interlined unless they are meant to seem light and breezy. To make curtains look really professional and luxurious, pad each leading edge with an extra strip of interlining rolled lengthwise and invisibly hand-stitched inside the curtain lining.

Unless daylight is at a premium most curtains look better tied or looped back during the day than left hanging straight unless they are of heavy material like velvet. If you live in a city or anywhere where there is a lot of pollution in the air, avoid using light colours and elaborate folds, so that the fabric does not need to be cleaned too often.

If windows face East or South in rather dark rooms, ensure that your chosen style will obscure as little of the light you get during the day as possible. This rules out tied-back curtains that meet in the middle, deep pelmets and elaborately draped styles. If windows face North or West and you get a good deal of light and sun avoid using fabrics that will fade or rot easily like silks and very bright colours. Consider filtering the light with translucent blinds or sheer curtains as well.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from my professional decorating services, please contact Crystal at 614-485-0917 or email me at cperry@decorandyou.com

High-End Decor on a Low-End Budget

With today's economy, strapped homeowners intent on sprucing up their spaces are saying goodbye to marble back splashes and luxurious spa baths and opting for less-expensive material and furnishings instead. Of course doing this you can still get a stylish and cohesive look to your space, but you also have to make sure you're not getting ripped off with cheap products.

Homeowners with smaller budgets are exploring other alternatives for the items they want to complete. For example, there are many flooring alternatives, such as tile, which can be cheaper than some woods. Not only this, but many home owners are opting to use faux wood instead of real.

There are other ways to improve your house that don't involve remodeling or ripping up your flooring. Decorative improvements can have a big impact on your space. Bold accessories like large paintings, urns and mirrors add more drama than smaller pieces. Even getting a new paint job or adding a rug to a space can transform it. One of the biggest things you can do to your space is add custom window treatments to your space. It instantly adds drama and height to a room.

Although, many are aiming for a lower budget on their projects, you might want to consider not skimping corners on certain items. Pieces that you plan to use everyday or plan to have for a long period of time you might want to consider looking at other pieces besides the lower end ones. Other areas that you want to think twice about skimping on are things like a paint job or the one unique piece that will complete a room. Paint can make or break a project, especially if its done poorly.

If you or someone you know has anymore questions about this topic or any others on my blog, please feel free to contact me at cperry@decorandyou.com or 614-485-0917. Feel free to visit our website as well at http://www.decorandyou.com/. We can complete any project from floor to ceiling in any style and budget.

Decorating with texture and patterns

Decorating with texture and patterns


Texture and pattern play a pivotal role in design. They add depth and character to a space, helping to make it original and dynamic. Ranging from traditional patterns to more modern styles, these are crucial details that are essential for great design.

The easiest way to make a room feel interesting and alive is to add texture and pattern. Contrasts of smooth and rough, thick and thin, shiny and dull pump up the interest quotient and prevent a room from appearing too staid. A room full of the same thing is boring. Magic happens when elements with diverse qualities are brought together. Happily, many times, this allows us to use what we have -- baskets, books, quilts -- in a fresh manner.

Layers -- a pillow atop a pillow, chair pads on rush seats, matchstick blinds with cotton drapes -- cook up warmth. Especially in cold climates, textures relieve rooms of any sterile or chilly overtones. Of course, how you introduce texture will depend a great deal on the style of your decor and the room's application. An elegant dining room will call for a more subtle hand than a mountain ski retreat. In the dining room, flame-stitch fabric on the dining chairs and a large, heavily textured oil painting is all that's needed. Inside the lodge, Navajo blankets, chenille sofas, and leather armchairs will turn up the heat and form a pleasing interior.

Whatever you style is, it is easy to add texture and pattern into your space. Many of us forget this step and can't quite figure out why our spaces don't feel complete. Keep in mind that texture and pattern can be added in many simple ways; pillows, accessories, upholstery or rugs. If any of these tips made you realize you could use some interior decorating help, please contact Crystal Perry at 614-485-0917.

Hot Trends Consider Mother Nature

A beautiful home is desirable, but its what's inside that counts most. And what counts inside these days includes using environmentally conscious material, and choosing a few areas of the home to pop with colour and uniqueness in what can often be a neutral sea.

Before going green inside your home, there are a few things to know. It is important to understand that the concept of green embraces three key concepts:

1) ENERGY EFFICIENCY

2) SUSTAINABILITY

3) ENVIRONMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Most of my clients that I work with that are concerned with being green still like classic designs with the use of natural materials, including hardwood, granite and stone. But I do have clients looking at more green options than these. That's the biggest trend happening right now. I get inquiries about sustainability, manufacturing processes and recyclability.

Here are just a few of the hot green trends:

1) Flooring: As the demand for bamboo and cork continues to grow, the price for such flooring products has become more mainstream and more affordable for anyone to use in their home.

2) Tile: Questions usually arise with tile about how the stone affects Mother Nature. Greener trends include recycled glass and semi-precious stones in the stone mix. Many are using recycled glass pieces from Coke or Sky Vodka bottles.

3) Carpet: Many recycled material are also showing up in carpet. Wool carpeting is a great green solution. It's natural, renewable resource, classic, soft and inherently stain resistant.

No matter what you are looking to do in your home, it is more than likely that you will be able to find a "green" way to go about it. Please contact me at cperry@decorandyou.com if you are interested in going green or would just like some decorating help.

Crystal Perry