Shades honeycomb

Shades honeycomb

Friday, October 28, 2011

Be inspired with window treatments in Wilmington NC

What type of mood do your window treatments evoke?  And if you don’t have window treatments yet, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of aura you hope to set with just your windows. See if these ideas spark any inspiration?


Warmth – Deep and earthy shades of yellow, red and orange will create and inviting and even rustic scheme.
Artistic – Bold patterns and contrasting colors will create tons of visual appeal, particularly in an otherwise traditional or neutral room. These windows will surely pop!
Shock – For a fun, informal space, go bright with yellows, pinks and oranges in shiny and unusual fabrics.
Layers – One of the most popular ways to apply window treatments is by layering different types, colors, textures, etc.  One window can take on multiple treatments and it’ll look great if it’s done right!
Dressings – Don’t forget the wonders that can be created with beautiful rods, brackets and other accessories. In shades of gold, copper and silver, these finishing touches will truly bring your window treatments together

You can take any of these ideas and incorporate them into your homes window treatments with roman shades, drapery panels, pillows and woven wood bamboo shades.  Make your home unique and give it your distinct style.  Now go decorate your windows!!



Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Ideas when shopping for Plantation Shutters in Wilmington NC

When shopping for plantation shutters, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The most important factor is the material used to make the plantation shutter. Basswood has the best characteristics for window shutters because it is a very straight hard wood with little distortion. Basswood also has a fine, uniform texture and indistinct grain, which make it superior for staining or painting. There are also many new materials on the shutter market now. Composite or fauxwood material has gotten very popular to have your interior plantation shutters made from. The composite shutter material beacause its use in high humidity areas is especially popular here in the Wilmington, NC area and all of Southeastern North Carolina. Composite shutters do not come as many colors as wood shutters. But if you are looking for a neutral color you should not have to hard of time finding a color that will work for you. Composite plantation shutters are easy to clean and never have to be painted. Also composite shutters tend to be slightly less expensive than wood shutters. You should also look for a company that can make your shutters to exactly fit your window so you can receive the best final fit for your window. Plantation shutters both available in a traditional style which uses a 1-1/4 inch louver with 3/ 4 inch thick shutter stile. You do see a lot plantation shutters utilizing the larger louvers today which range between 2-1/2 and 4-1/2 inches, and 1-1/8 inch thick shutter stile. Plantation shutters are generally more versatile for a wide range of decorating styles. Traditional shutters have been limited in the past to homes with smaller rooms and windows, but have recently been used with the lager shutter louvers in more contemporary applications.

Looking online for Your Plantation Shutters

Looking for shutters online allows the you to view styles, specifications, and prices in complete detail. But you really do not get a feel for the quality or finish that you may be getting when looking online. Shutters can be ordered in a wide variety of sizes to best fit each individual your window. I suggest you use the internet to educate your self on features and materials available. Looking around online will also give you a idea of what you will be spending for your shutters.

Locally shopping in Wilmington NC for your Shutters
I live in Wilmington, NC and when shopping for plantation shutters there are many different companies that serve Wilmington and all of Southeastern North Carolina. Installing shutters is no easy task so you would want to ask how long they have been working ion the shutter industry and get a feel for the person to see if they seem knowledgeably about there product. If you are leaning to the composite material for having your plantation shutter made from. Be aware of the differences in how the composite shutter materials is made. So composite shutter materials look very plastic like and can warp and fade over time. That is one of the advantages you get when shopping locally. You can see the shutter up close and get a real feel for what it will look like in your window.

Once your plantation shutters are finished and installed, you will have a high-quality product that will increase the value of your home. That will give your home a unique look and will set it apart from your neighbors. We strongly encourage you to do as much research about shutters as possible. Education is key to the end satisfaction of your shutters.It is no secret, window shutters can be expensive. We encourage any homeowner considering shutters in their home to initially price shutters online. This will give you perspective to the assortment of quotes you may receive. Then look in your local area and most companies will come out and give you a free estimate. Always get multiple quotes when looking around for your shutters. You will find a lot of times there will be a big price difference from company to company here in Wilmington,NC. Ask questions to the sales person about there products features and check into if they have any type of warranty.

Good luck

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Ideas for picking durable window treatments? Wilmington NC

I work in the window covering industry for many years and always get the question asked.  What is the most durable style of window treatment and especially when located in Wilmington NC?  I usually try to get a feel from where the customer is coming from and see what exactly would suit there needs to stay good looking for a long time.  I first think of plantation shutters made from a composite material, faux wood blinds and bamboo shades made from natural fibers are some that come to mind first.
     When you are choosing the window treatments for your home that are both durable and look good.   Plantation shutters are one of the most durable and popular window treatments these days.  You can have plantation shutters made from wood, a composite material which is a blend of  wood and polymers.  Shutters are great for high traffic areas such as the kitchen and bath.  Composite shutters stand up well to humidity and areas that tend to be exposed to moisture.  Shutters can fit just about every different style of decorating .  Depending on the size louver you pick can drastically change the look of plantation shutters.  Plantation shutters are easy to maintain and offer privacy.  Also shutters are one of the best insulating window treatments you can get for your windows. Plantation shutters are not the least expensive option  but shutters can add value to your home. Shutters are the only form of window treatment that add value to your home when it is appraised.

     There are many shades on the market that are made from different natural fibers.  Be it from a bamboo blind or shade to a woven wood made from reed or sea grass are all great choices when looking for something durable window treatment.  A cotton or brushed canvas  material is a favorite fabric choice.  Very commonly seen in Pottery Barn magazine.  Ask who you are purchasing your window shades from if they have any type of scotch guard for tough stains.  Many companies now have that option available and strongly suggest it. 


     The last option would be your faux wood blinds. The faux wood blind offers a variety in color and can fit just about any decor. Faux wood blinds are made of vinyl or a combination of vinyl hardwood material. Faux wood blinds don't bend or fade over time, and most of all are easy to clean.  Faux wood blinds are the most affordable ways to cover a window.

    Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina has many different places to look at the different choices you have.  Most all will come to your home and give you a free in home consultation.  As I always say do your research and get multiple quotes to make sure you get the best deal.



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Monday, October 17, 2011

Should I get real wood or faux wood blinds?Wilmington NC

A lot of people are trying to make there money go as far as it can in these hard  times.  You can do this in many ways but one of the best ways is by comparison-shopping. You will not only want to think about the price of an item, but also the quality of an item, and also what works best for your budget and style of decorating. The best deal for you may not always be the cheapest price. This is also true when shopping for your window treatments in Wilmington NC there are many different choices. Be it for wood blinds, plantation shutters or even a roman shade.
     Your first decision when shopping for window blinds is to decide between wood or faux wood blind material. The difference between these blinds is the materials they are made from. Wood blinds are made of real mostly North American hardwood, such as basswood, cherry, and maple. Where as faux wood blinds which is french for fake oddly enough, are made out of vinyl, vinyl compounds, and a combination of wood and vinyl depending on what brand you are looking at. I have listed a few comparisons for both types of blinds.

Wood Blinds *
*Solid wood construction,one of the best material you can use
*Many stains and painted colors are available 
*Durable, made in a variety of size slats and options such as cloth tapes &      cordless blinds
*Wood blinds provide good insulation from heat and cold, saving money

Faux Wood Blinds
*Cost effective, faux wood blinds are between 10% to 25% less than a wood blind
*Heat, Fade, and Moisture resistant
*Very easy to clean and has a non porous slat material


     Many different window treatment companies in the Wilmington area offer both types of blinds in various style, color, and cost combinations. One popular choice is the Hunter Douglas “Woodmate” faux blind.  Which is made of a a blend of North American hardwood and polymer material comes in white and natural tones. Then you have the Hunter Douglas “Country Woods” real wood blinds avalable in a countless choices of stained and painted colors. They even have a cordless option which is great. You also have a Graber line of faux wood blinds called “Lake Forest” which are heat, scratch and  moisture resistant, perfect for humid high traffic areas. The real wood blind by made by Graber "Traditions" is available in different slat sizes, made of beautifully selected woods, custom stains as well as a large variety of standard color options are available.
     What should I chose wood or faux wood for my window blinds.  The variety and availability of these blinds give the consumer more comparison choices. To help you become informed and answer any other questions you would want to contact a professional window treatment company here in Wilmington, NC area.  Most in this area offer a Free-In-Home consultation.  Where they will measure your windows and show you all the options that you have in the comfort of your own home. Remember its best to get three estimate when looking around for your window treatments and dont be fooled by some company's where there name make you think they are there they cheapest.  Shop around to make sure you see all what all is available and where you can make your dollar stretch the  furthest.