It's all about the window

Do you have a room with a an unusual window? I often design  in homes that have windows in odd locations, with shapes that seem to defy using a covering for privacy. Some even need a window! 

No need for privacy in a dark pantry that was transformed with a
round, deeply molded window for a traditional feel.

A plain line of windows that is the focal point of the room,

becomes warm and textured with blinds and panels.

With an odd space in the kitchen, this window became
a seat, a storage area, and a nice transition to the
family room.

When you have a wonderful architectural features like arched windows, doing less is the best. Here, just the bottom is treated for privacy. Place your rod so that none of the upper window is hidden.

Bowed windows do well with setting blinds or shades into the window to allow you to highlight the molding and curve of the window grouping. Here, sheers with a roller shade underneath, allows the interior moldings, wall-covering, and curvature to show and the shades to be hidden when not needed.

 By following the curve of this large window with stationary panels attached with decorative hooks, the strong statement of the window is maintained and finding ready-made panels is easy. 

5 window covering ideas

When you have an unusual window, need privacy and don't want to cover the light, or just want something interesting, maybe these ideas will inspire you.

Etching glass, installing a window film, and painting on a 

design can be both casual and elegant. Privacy is afforded without covering the window fully. At Touch of Tradition, we create custom stencils for etching, and guide you a Do-it-yourself journey!

A great way to handle an arched window is to use rods meant for the curve. 

It's not expensive and fits the scale and architecture well. We use wood, iron and other materials to create custom yet affordable rods.  Using interesting objects to hang your drapes is our specialty.

Dual treatments work well together. A Roman Shade gives privacy 

and softness and the side panels add elegance and drama.

Panels are extremely useful whether they slide on a traverse rod like these, or are pulled across on rings.

Functional drapes and a beautiful valence create a focal point and work for a traditional style.

From Country Living, a sweet burlap treatment that fits the style of the home and is DIY!

3 Ideas to treat an unusual window.

Have you been puzzled by how to treat an unusually shaped or scaled window? Even arched windows can be confusing to dress. Here are three styles and some solutions.

Arched top with half treatment.

Bay with flanking drapes.

Bow window with individual shades.

1) ARCHED TOPS: When you have a wonderful architectural features like arched windows, doing less with them is the best solution. Cover only the portion of the window that needs privacy. Set the rods at the  height of the middle muntin, leaving the upper portion of the window unadorned. Place your curtain rods so that none of the upper window is hidden. You can also install shutters in the same manner.  Certainly, following the curve is an option as well.

2) BOWS and BAYS. These windows should be treated according to the privacy you require and the shade needed from the sun. Installing blinds or shades into individual windows affords privacy and sun control yet still highlights the molding and curve of the window grouping.  For softness, you can add fabric panels between the windows. When the curve is for a seating nook, you can flank the entire bay with panels. If no privacy is required, a great top treatment calls attention to the architecture but adds fabric detail to enhance the decor of your room.
3) FULL CURVE. By following the curve of this large window with decorative hooks, the strong statement of the window is maintained and finding ready-made panels to attach is easy. When the treatment doesn't move, use translucent fabrics or sheers to allow light through. If they need to be pushed aside, use a decorative cord to pull them left and right and hook onto a curtain swag or additional hook.
 

Full curve with hook treatment.

Inspiration for warm fall decor.

Using several of the ideas from the blog, this room
went from summery and light to winter warm.

As we move into cooler weather, it's nice to visually warm your interior spaces.  Here are some ideas to add to your decor for fall.

1) Hang wreaths made of fall 'findings' on your doors, from shelves, and use as centerpieces on tables and kitchen islands.




2) Swap your bright table linens for rich hues of cranberry, brick, taupe or hunter green.

3) Add wall decals to a focal wall in the entry, bedroom, or bath.


4) Drape greens, leaves, and branches from your dining room light fixture for a festive fall look. 

5) Place a knitted throw on your sofa, lounge chair or bed. These from A Touch of Tradition are beautiful and cost-effective. 


6) Hang a mirror over a table or dresser to reflect light from a window or table lamp.


















7) Use area rugs in your family or living room to join seating and visually warm the space.


8) Flameless candles are safe and the new versions are waxy with realistic wicks. Add them to table-scapes, mantles, inside hurricanes filled with fall colored items, and in wall and floor-mounted candelabras.

9) Fill hurricanes or large scale apothecary urns with seasonal items including greens, gourds, acorns, leaves, and other free 'findings'. For and elegant look add moss covered balls, glass ornaments in fall colors, clear and even mercury glass.  

10) Add fabric to your windows. Even if you already have blinds, using side panels or a top treatment can add warmth and texture, and even help stop cold drafts from windows.  Simple no-sew panels from inexpensive upholstery fabric can make your rooms look elegant and dramatic.  With functional Roman Shades for spring and summer, these windows are rich and warm even with white fabric by adding a fixed panel to the sides for fall and winter. The reverse holds true as well.  If you have panels and something is missing, add a great woven blind or wood blinds in the color of your trim to add texture and dimension.

Why use an interior designer?

AFTER

Interior designers add value in many ways than simply through aesthetics. When you make a decision to remodel or update your home, and bring in a designer, it WILL change your life in the best ways. Making an investment in your home should be done wisely.  From a few hours of time spent by a designer, comes a many-year enjoyment of the spaces you change. Rather than struggle through agonizing weeks with plans, surface materials, fabrics, dimensions and "what-if's", using a professional designer will bring timely satisfaction, creativity, and perfection to your project.

BEFORE

I've rescued clients from bad furniture purchases, the "nightmare" they lived through with a bad contractor, the poor selections of  floor coverings and paint colors that they made, and throwing their hands up at a poorly designed kitchen or bath. Don't waste money. Don't waste time. In interior designer knows codes, space-planning, and had the resources and knowledge to recommend everything to finish and furnish your home. With access to new products and creative ideas, your time with a designer will be well-spent.

When want to you love the results, meet your budget, and nail your style, the decision to hire a designer is always right. 

Small space design. Five easy tips to use today.

We all want to maximize our spaces so we can be comfortable yet cozy.  Here are five ideas for small rooms.


1) Downscale the furniture.  Rather than purchasing a large sectional, opt for a smaller loveseat and armless chairs. You will have more opportunity to arrange the room well, and the smaller scale will keep the space open. If you can't buy new, try swapping smaller pieces from other rooms to use in a tight space. When you re-purpose furniture it gives you pleasure and often improved function. Dual-duty pieces like these storage ottomans can  be used as a table, seat, footrest and hold daily newspapers. The chest holds platters and is a great place to add extra table lamps and accessories.

2) Use color.  You may have been drilled with the idea that white makes a room larger.  True and false. You can use color as an accent - even on a wall - and keep a small room feeling larger. A great way to add bold color is inside shelving, as a throw on a sofa, in accessories that are grouped together, and on the floor as area rugs. When a room is monochromatic - beige, white, etc.. - the use of color adds drama, a focal point, and allows the eye to move to the color and away from elements that make it seem small. 


3) Add light.  An easy favorite solution.  Mirrors that reflect natural light are wonderful. You can use a mirror as a 'window'. If there isn't a window to reflect, add a table lamp or pendant in front of your mirror, to double the light. You can brighten a dark corner with an uplight behind a piece of furniture, and accent dark shelves with LED rope lights, pucks and even clip on  fixtures. Using LED will keep the energy use down yet add focal points of light. Changing the shades and globes on fixtures can help add light if they are dingy or dark.





4) Use storage wisely.  If you have an 8' x 8' living room, using many tables and chests will crowd the room and use floor space. Instead, use shelves to store items, place lamps on, even hang art from.  In spaces that can tolerate larger pieces, use armoires to hide work spaces like desks and televisions, benches to do double-duty as storage centers and seating, and even chests to hold games, nick-knacks and items you need but can reach for. This bench is a seat, a storage container for platters and vases and a room divider in this small condo.











5) Hide and clean it.  While out of sight is definitely out of mind, it can create a feeling of peace and relaxation.  For items that you DON"T need daily ...store them.  Even in a kitchen or laundry room that you may not use daily, cover the appliances with flipper doors for a sleek look.   Under-bed storage for extra items is easy and accessible.  Keep things you do need in containers, boxes, etc...that are easy to access and look great with your decor.  A great wicker box looks good on the dining table, and can store mail, a laptop, mail and much more.  Clean windows do let in lots of light as do sparkling glass globes on light fixtures! Dust free surfaces allow them to reflect the light.

Apartment therapy....small space ideas.

I lived in a small apartment in NY before moving to California. It's not easy to update a single room - on a budget - without having someone handy to help.  Here are some ideas for space planning and decorating that you can try.

1) Movable "walls".  Do you have a dresser? A headboard? In a single room apartment, they can serve as a room divider. Even your dining table can separate the kitchen from the bedroom - perhaps with a bench seat on one side instead of chairs.  If you have a budget, use folding screens. Second-hand windows, doors and shutters can make a great screen depending upon your style. For the do-it-yourself expert, you can build a divider from shelves, blocking off some of the openings for more privacy. If a wall is more your style, build one that can be removed, inserting tempered glass or plexiglass to keep light moving through. To separate my kitchenette from the rest of the space I had my dad build a tall cabinet then added a top shelf and a table at 28" that attached to the wall. It kept the space open, added great storage and I eliminated needing a full table and chair set. While they are expensive, room dividers that revolve storage and the TV from one side to the other, are a great solution.





2) Let the light in.  Privacy is key in a big city, but small spaces NEED light.  A transparent or open-weave room divider can keep your bedroom or guest sleeping area private from the public space.  Leaving windows un-dressed (no drapes or hard treatments) using window film is another option and easy to install. For simplicity use frosted effect films, or for drama use patterns and textures. Literally add light to cabinets, shelves, moldings and surrounding art and large pieces of furniture:  LED strips and ropes provide light without high energy use!

3) Uniformity is best.  To make small spaces seem larger, unifying the color scheme is best. Monochromatic color schemes in neutral colors will help make walls and floors seem larger. Accent the space with colorful artwork and large scale accessories. If you have many collectibles, group them in one area to keep the space looking open.








4) Store it.  Having a clutter-free space is attractive as well as provides peace of mind.  For that dual-duty kitchen table/desk, find some great wicker or paper boxes with lids and 

5) Open it up.  In apartments with many small rooms or long hallways with rooms off to the sides, removing doors (store under beds if you can) is a solution to keep spaces flowing together.  Are you an owner? Try opening a wall and creating a pass-through or even add glass for a window effect. Here, the wall was partially removed and stained glass insets added for privacy and a fabulous artistic element.

5 small space tips

We all want the best design solutions, especially for small spaces. Try one or more of these tips for your apartment, condo or small home. They work well in multi-unit homes and dorms too!

A great way to lift clutter in the kitchen.

1. Get organized. Clutter can make smaller spaces feel cramped and uncomfortable. Make a plan and place for everyday items. Upgrade closets with built-in organization systems rather than just rods. Digitize music and video collections and remove the boxes from view. Add pre-made desk units, storage cabinets and items that will help hide but make work and stored items readily available. In the kitchen, add shelving and store items above the visual plane.

2. Connect with the outdoors. On a wall with only windows to the outside, try a wall color and window coverings that appear like the outside colors and textures. If your doorway opens to a usable outdoor space, treat it to flooring and furnishings that look like your interior. Clean your windows since grime will cut down incoming light.

Adding a raised desk keeps the floor area open.

3 Combine spaces. Open adjoining rooms (you do not need to remove walls)  by installing glass, a built-in bookcase with an open back, or a wider pass-through. Remove doors between rooms and leave the passage open. Can you raise or lower a floor area? A loft in a bedroom or sinking a living area will create the illusion of a larger room. Good color choices are another great solution. Sharing colors in adjoining rooms can visually connect and expand them.  Send along your photos and we'll give you on-the-spot solutions for your small space challenges!

  

4. Let in the light. Install windows above or below cabinets to brighten and make it feel larger. High, narrow windows let in light while maintaining privacy. Transoms on interior bedroom walls or over doorways are great to bring light into rooms. Change window coverings to open weave blinds and fabrics and keep the colors lighter.  Translucence adds privacy but allows light in. Install fabric panels beyond the window frame to make the window look larger.  Can't add windows, try adding 'light boxes', up-light cans behind furniture and plants, and rope type strips under shelves, cabinets and moldings.  

Window sheers bathe this apartment in light.

5. Change the furniture arrangement. Pieces set away from - in lieu of lining - the walls, does make spaces appear larger. Remove pieces that are not useful. If needed, add TALL pieces to bring the eye up.

Tips for making low ceilings look higher.

Some homes and apartments have 7'-8' ceilings that can make a room feel small. Basement ceilings are often low and transforming them into livable spaces is challenging.  Try these tips for the illusion of height.

1) Add crown molding. The purpose of crown and base moldings is to draw the eye to them. By adding a crown at the junction of the wall and ceiling, the eye will be drawn upward.  Don't use too large a crown or it may seem out of proportion. When installed, a 7' room looks best with a 2" to 2 1/2" crown and an 8' room can use 3" to 3 3/4" crown.

2) Accent the floor. By using a great area rug, you can draw the eye to its bold colors or exciting pattern. 

A tall cabinet and draperies help a small room

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3) Raise your window treatments.  When the ceilings are low, often the windows are as well.By raising the treatments above the window (and to the sides when possible) it makes the windows appear taller and adds to the sense that the room is too.

4) Lighten the paint colors. In practice, lighter and cooler colors in the blue and green family tend to make spaces seem larger. By painting ceilings light (white, light cream, etc.) and the walls a different light color, you gain light reflectance and the sense that the room is spacious.

5) Don't hang down.  Avoid hanging track lights, ceiling fans, and other bulky fixtures (like vents in kitchens) from low ceilings. Instead use recessed fixtures, downdraft venting and wall mounted lighting. Try using up-lights in corners, behind plants, and have wall sconces shine up rather than down.

6) Use art and mirrors wisely.  If you hang artwork higher than 'eye level' - which often means that the center of the art is between 5' and 5'-6" from the floor - the space under the art makes the walls appear taller.  That said, the scale of the art with the room, the wall, and the orientation (horizontal or vertical) should still look balanced.  Floor mirrors and well-placed wall mounted mirrors work well.

7) Go vertical.  Just like linear patterns make people look taller and narrower, using vertical stripes in a small room will make it appear taller.  That can be accomplished with paint, architectural elements, or wall coverings. 

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