By Deb Barrett

The days are shorter, the nights longer — it’s time to stop looking through that bare, black hole of a window and get it ready for the upcoming winter and holiday season!

Raise Your Room Temperature!
As the temperature drops outside, adding color, texture and window treatments will dramatically change a room from cool to warm and cozy. Adding panels and a top treatment can be just the thing to warm up a room (lined treatments act as an insulator). It’s a perfect time to change out your existing window treatments with wood blinds or cellular shades — their insulating properties will keep rooms warmer all winter long (and cooler next summer!)

Soft Treatment Trends for the Winter Season

• French flip panels
• Unusual pleated headings on panels — inverted, goblets, cartridges, ruching
• Color-blocked columns of fabric
• Classic swags and cascades with dressmaker details

Holiday Decorating “Buzzwords”
You’ll be hearing a lot about these holiday decorating trends as the season approaches!

• Warmth
  You’ll be seeing a lot of the warm side of the color spectrum — sumptuous reds, oranges, pinks, honeys and yellows. Create distinctive color schemes for the holidays with one or more of these colors. Pinks and reds are perfect for a nostalgic or Rococo-themed holiday.
• Retro/Pop
  Op-art patterns, strong contrasts, graphic looks — the attitude that “The Future is Now!” Don’t discount the classic looks as produced by the great couture houses — Chanel (tweeds and boucles), Pucci, Courréges, Mary Quant. Think back to the 50’s and the flocked tree with pops of brilliant color for your inspiration. Retro/Pop looks work in traditional settings as a wonderful contrast that creates variety, making a room or window come to life.
• Shock
  The colors aren’t new — clear, bright hues — but the interest is in the combination and schemes. Can’t find the right fabric for your holiday window decorating scheme? Create your own! Alternate panels in “shocking” combinations like fuchsia and berry, or coffee bean and citrine, on multiple windows.
• Applied
  Layer design techniques and methods in the room and on the window. Layered, feminine, girly looks are window treatments hottest new trends!

It All Adds Up to Pretty Decorating!
Take a lesson from the fashion runway and consider tweeds, plaids and stripes mixed and matched in panels and top treatments.

Buy some of the fabulous new brooches and pin them on tab top panels or use as holdbacks — buy several and attach them all the way down the edge of stationary panels for a sparkling effect.

Add some of the wonderful, wired ribbons (found in the holiday decorating aisle) down the leading edge of your drape. Soften the edge with a ruffle in a fabulous silk or velvet. Just gather and finish the edge, then attach with double stick Velcro (so you can change it out at the end of the season).

Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!
As you’d accessorize your outfit with shoes, bags and scarves, don’t forget to add accessories to your room — they’re a key ingredient to its design success.

• Complement your window treatments with pillows, runners, ottomans. Velvet throws with corded edges and tasseled corners in rich, dramatic colors are the perfect accessory for holiday. Think purple, berry, merlot, red.
• Dress up your existing draperies with swagged cording in an accent color or in one of the new metallics — silver, gold and copper — for holiday pizzazz. Change out your drapery rods in the same metals to reflect the romantic glow of candlelight at your dining table. A new pair of finials can change your room’s whole perspective — simply and easily.
• When you’re in the trim department, purchase an extra tassel or two for door knobs, to tie on a chair back, or wrap around a vase or candelabra. Remember to repeat an accent color or pattern at least three times for impact, and vary scale and size.
• Entertaining during the holidays? Buy some extra yardage when doing your windows and make 20″ napkins for those special occasions.

A Simple Idea
Still have a bare window — and no time to treat it? Shop for some wonderful handcrafted Christmas ornaments and sumptuous drapery rods and brackets. Hang the ornaments from the rod with fish line in front of the glass. Choose ornaments that sparkle and reflect light both day and night!

My motto is “The More The Better” during the holiday season — using any or all of these ideas will make your home .. and windows — a holiday to remember.

Until next time! Deb

Deb Barrett, owner of Window Dressings, Kaneville, IL, is an award-winning window fashions designer, professional speaker and author. She has built a reputation for cutting edge couture treatments, winning the Window Fashions National Design Competition five times, including its Award of Excellence. With more than 30 years experience in the window treatment field, Deb shares her talents through speaking, media tours and writing. Her work frequently appears in popular decorating magazines including Windows and Walls and Decorating Ideas, and she is the author of Tools of the Trade and Soft Furnishings Sketchbook.

Design trends for 2008 are running the gamut from “Earth Friendly” to “Glitz and Glamour.” The trend of coming home to a soothing cocoon at the end of the work day continues to expand design offerings to fit the requirements, varied needs and desires of consumers worldwide. Style also plays a huge role in determining color as well as psychological influences. Rooms are being created as an integrated mix that suits the personal style of the customer, with an end result that is an eclectic mix of pattern and color that is a statement of individuality rather than a grouping of matched “things”.

In the psychology of color we see two historical trends colliding. Normally in an election year we see colors becoming brighter and clearer representing the freshness of change. This is where colors have been predicted to go through 2009. However, with recent economic downturns and the continuing war this could be altered. When the economy is headed in a downward direction, or the country is at war, colors tend to move to grayer more somber shades. Stock market bounces as we saw this week could continue the clear, clean bright predications for colors and chances are that this will be the case.

Texture is still very important. Surface texture always adds depth and dimension to fabrics. Look for this trend to continue. Large over-scaled motifs are also important. It is a great way to update a classic design element. Cotton prints are being sought after in all ends of the marketplace again, and even chintz finishes are being requested. Roses are still the most dominant floral motif, but look for cherries to be seen in many designer showrooms as well. Menswear is also making a move in the “best supporting” companion role. Masculine tweeds and plaids are being paired with classic floral patterns for a fresh take on traditional looks. Attention to details is also an important feature that is taking hold. Fine dressmaker detailing is showing up at all levels of the industry.

Color trends have changed over the years. In the past color was a commitment that lasted. Today’s consumer views color as representing a current stage not a life-long commitment. It merely represents a statement of the present and can evolve with future changes and moods. All color categories have major food influences. Think biscuit, caviar, eggplant, ginger, coffee bean and cherry!

Current predictions for color directions are as follows:

· Metallics:

Metallics are still on the rise. Shown throughout European fabric fairs for the last two seasons this often trendy look is making a bid for style continuity. All levels of sheen are being seen from burnished metals to glossy mirror-like finishes. Silver, gold, bronze and platinum tones are at the forefront of this area of color.

· Reds:

Reds continue to play a starring role in the home fashion color palette. Bright red accents will mix with black and white as we move toward the Olympics. We saw this “world event” influence during the Australian Olympics as well. This is when “mineral” colorations emerged. Along with true reds, look for a softening in the red family as well to include rich raspberries to soft pinks. Pinks will also mix with the black and white palette as a sophisticated high-end combination. Brown shades of red will mix with chocolate and cocoa to create a homespun look that will influence the American country home style as well as reflecting the “cocooning” and “nesting” instincts. This color combination reinforces a sense of stability.

· Black & White:

These two colors combine to form a unified force. We do not see these as two separate colors but one. Black & white combinations are seen across the board and at both the medium and high end. Look for pairings with red, pink and browns as well as taking a solo role all to itself. Metallic accents also pairs well with this combination for a clean transitional/ contemporary look.

· Neutrals:

Neutrals are always the safe choice when dealing with color. These combinations are soothing and appeal to those looking for an “uncluttered” feeling. Also look for neutral palettes to pair with metallic accents for an updated blend.

· Purples:

Purples have remained the “new neutral” for over almost ten years, and show no sign of slowing in popularity! This is the color of the mind. Purples will pair with browns for a chic sophisticated combination. Pressing to the forefront are shades of lavender. Soft blue cast lavenders are predicted to be mixed with soft greens for a fresh, clean palette. Think Hydrangeas!

· Blues:

Surprise…spa blue combinations are still in the spotlight! Spa shades are like animal prints they have passed the “fad” stage and have taken their rightful place as a major force in the blue family. Peacock and Turquoise are also making strong fashion statements. Normally, these shades are seen as accents in a color palette, but now they are taking on the primary focus. Blues are being shown in all shades from the lightest sky blues to medium federal and Wedgwood all the way to deep navy.

· Greens:

Green may be the most talked about color of the season! In the past when we talked about green we were talking color. Today it can be color or eco philosophy. As a color family, greens are evolving from classic gray-greens to more yellow hued lifestyle nature colorations. Green represents life, growth, fertility and financial stability. Soft greens are associated with calming influences. When mixed with blues and aquas, greens take on a soothing tropical note associated with rest and rejuvenation. Acid greens will be seen mixed with purples at the upper end. Even old friends like the ever-popular 1970 trademark avocado is re-making itself but this time the colors are called wasabi or gingko! Green is making its way to the head of the class as the new neutral of the season. From an eco standpoint, green Earth friendly products are not only becoming more in demand they are being offered more readily than ever before! The marketplace has seen a resurgence in linen, bamboo, wood, jute and hemp products for the last few seasons. More ecological materials are being introduced as well from recycled plastics and rubber to used x-rays and tires! Design and color must still be right for consumers to purchase these more ecologically minded offerings, but the demand is there. Cost of eco products is high as these items currently are expensive to manufacture. Earth friendly products are still in the early stages of development and can be thought of similar to organic foods just a few years ago and look how far we have come in this area today. Our industry is scrambling to address this category of products because inevitably sustainable green is a long-term necessity.

Color Class

By Deb Barrett

Color Your World
Our homes have become colorful places — with “ooh-la-la” red on walls to turquoise haze in our bedrooms! Whether you’re venturing into color for the first time or are re-thinking a current color scheme, it’s important to know how color impacts a room and its window treatments.

The first thing to consider is the actual room you are decorating. What will you use it for? Does it receive plenty or little sunlight? Answering these questions will help you decide what colors to choose. For example, you may not want bright colors if you are trying to create a relaxing bedroom. If you will use your room only at night, choose colors and fabrics in that lighting.

If your room features south facing windows, use colors on the windows to drop the room’s temperature a degree or two. A general rule is to choose warm, muted colors and soft textures for north and east windows. If you are dressing south or west windows, use cooler colors.

Create the mood
Warm Colors (red, red-orange, orange-yellow, orange, yellow-green, yellow) — These colors tend to stimulate, are informal and casual and create friendly interiors. People talk, take risks and are noisier in warm rooms.

Cool Colors (blue, red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, green) — These colors are relaxing, more formal, and less approachable. People tend to be more reserved, better behaved and less talkative in cool interiors.

Get Comfortable with Color
Once you’re ready to make your color decisions, think of colors you are comfortable in. Open up your closet and look at your clothing. The colors you feel most comfortable wearing also will make you comfortable in a room. Select one or two colors you like best to start with when building a color scheme for the room.

Color Schemes
Plan to use three colors for your room. One should be dominant, or about 60% of the treatment (the blinds, the drapery panels, the dominant fabric). The second color should cover 30%. This is contrast lining, under sheers, coordinating valances, banding and top treatments. The third color should accent the room. It accounts for about 10% of the color, and is found in the details like cording, ruffles, tiebacks, buttons, etc.

• Analogous Color Scheme
  This color scheme can be either warm or cool. It’s the use of colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (yellow, yellow-green, and green). Choose one color to dominate, one color to complement, and use the over-lapping color as the accent. Vary intensity and values so the colors don’t compete with each other.
• Complementary Color Scheme
  This scheme uses colors opposite each other on the color wheel (red and green). It pairs a cool color with a warm color. Let one color dominate and use the other as a complement (remember to vary intensity here too). The largest areas on the window treatment are most beautiful when neutralized by its complement. To draw attention and create a focal point, use brighter colors against lighter values of its complement.
• Triadic Color Scheme
  This color scheme is built by three colors that form a triangle on the wheel (red, blue and yellow, or green, violet and orange). This color scheme works well when doing kids or thematic rooms.
• Split Complementary Color Scheme
  This color scheme is made up of three colors. Choose the first color (your dominant one) and find its complement (opposite) on the color wheel. Then use the color on either side of the complement as the other two colors in the scheme. For example, if you choose red, its complement is green, then use blue-green and yellow-green as the other two colors in the scheme.

Get Personal
Color is personal — though color schemes should be appropriate, above all they should make you happy. Rules were meant to be broken — or at least bent a little!

Until next time!
Deb

Deb Barrett, owner of Window Dressings, Kaneville, IL, is an award-winning window fashions designer, professional speaker and author. She has built a reputation for cutting edge couture treatments, winning the Window Fashions National Design Competition five times, including its Award of Excellence. With more than 30 years experience in the window treatment field, Deb shares her talents through speaking, media tours and writing. Her work frequently appears in popular decorating magazines including Windows and Walls and Decorating Ideas, and she is the author of Tools of the Trade and Soft Furnishings Sketchbook.

Inspired Interiors by Elle Auvil

originally published March 2006

Hooray! Only a few more weeks of winter! I am ready to stop looking for boots, jackets, mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and all the other accoutrements my three little ones require when it is cold. The coming of spring is always such a wonderful time - everything is fresh, new, and full of color and life. And the colors are so fabulous - the pale green of new leaves, sunny yellow daffodils, and clear blue skies. I miss nature’s bright colors so much during winter!

I do cheat a bit, though, and keep some of nature in the house all year long. I have never had a home without a bright floral wallpaper in at least one room. Certain rooms just really cry out for papering. One that immediately springs to mind would be the powder room. A strong pattern gives these often small, boxy rooms a good pop of color and interest. Our windowless half bath has high ceilings, but is fairly small, and thus feels even taller than it really is. I use two tricks to make the room feel bigger and bring down the perceived height of the ceiling. First, I am using a large scale multi-colored stripe on the walls, but instead of running the stripe vertically, which draws your eye up, I am turning the stripe on its side to the horizontal, which pulls the eye around the room and seemingly expands it. To bring down the height of the ceiling even more, I am papering the ceiling with a companion floral that matches the stripe. It’s like an unexpected surprise when you look up!

Wallpapers have really come a long way and the textures and patterns are simply incredible! There are velvets, grass cloth (yes, it’s back!), and patterns inlaid with tiny glass beads or grains of sand for a gorgeous textural effect. There are wallpaper murals available in a huge array of scenes and themes. We are putting an amazing cork paper in our dining room - the cork is cut so thin that the natural imperfections and holes in it allow a beautiful gold backing to randomly show through, which will match the gold paper on the ceiling.

When choosing a paper, the most important thing is that you must absolutely love it! Certain patterns, such as scrolls, lattice, stripes, or damasks are timeless. Other wallpapers are a wonderful way to update a room, bringing in fresh new color and pattern. The tropical look has been very popular lately, with lots of palmetto leaves, ferns, and jungle flowers. Greens, yellows, reds, and browns predominate in these papers. The bright retro looks of the 60’s and 70’s have also been strong. These papers are fun and happy and have been a popular choice for kitchens, sunrooms, and teen bedrooms and baths. Classic patterns like English chintz florals and large scale damasks are being updated to reflect today’s clear, saturated colors.

There’s nothing quite like wallpaper. Find your favorite and enjoy!

Take a look at this handy checklist for making it easy to choose the right window treatments for your home!

http://www.graberblinds.com/PDFs/Graber_Planning_Checklist.pdf

http://www.hunterdouglas.com/pdf/MovingInConsumerBrochure.pdf

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW TREATMENTS

As energy costs rise during the winter heating season, you’re always looking for ways to cut costs while keeping your rooms cozy and comfortable. While all window treatments can provide some insulation, installing more energy-efficient types of window treatments - such as cellular shades, solar shades, real wood blinds and vertical blinds — can be a cost-effective way to save money on your utility bill — no matter how cold it gets this winter (and they’ll keep your rooms cooler next summer, too)!
When you’re deciding what type of window treatment you want in your home — and energy conservation is a major factor in your decision — you may be overwhelmed by terms like R-value, shading coefficient, UV transmittance and more.

Here’s what they all mean:

• R-Value rates the effectiveness of a window covering at preventing energy from flowing to the outside. The higher the R-Value number, the more insulation it provides.
• Shading Coefficient measures the heat going through the window when the window treatment is used versus the heat gain through a bare window. The lower the shading coefficient, the better the heat reduction.
• UV Transmittance measures a window covering’s effectiveness at preventing ultra violet rays from entering an interior. The percentage ratings indicate the amount of possible UV rays that actually penetrate the window covering into the interiors. The lower the UV percentage, the more protection it provides.
• Solar Transmittance is the percentage of solar energy allowed to pass through the window covering.
• Solar Reflectance is the percentage of solar energy absorbed by the window covering.
• Visual Transmittance is the amount of light you can actually see with the naked eye.
• Sound Absorption (Noise Reduction Coefficient ) is the amount of reflected sound absorbed by the window covering. The greater the coefficient, the greater the sound absorption.

Additional Tips for Energy Efficiency

• Install a programmable thermostat
• Weatherproof windows and doors
• Turn off lights when you leave the room
• Insulate exteriors & interiors
• Change furnace filters, sweep chimney annually, turn down the water heater
• Fire up your fireplace!