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Five Secrets for Creating Fabulous Windows

It’s easy to see your windows in a whole new light with insights from a professional designer. With just a little bit of thought about the look you are trying to achieve, combined with the design savvy of window treatment experts, windows like those seen in the top design magazines are just days away.

To get you started, Smith+Noble, America’s leading catalog and online retailer of custom window treatments, rugs and fabric décor, suggests following these five tips from top interior designer Michael Payne. Payne is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers whose weekly show, “Designing for the Sexes,” can be seen on HGTV.

* Don’t be afraid of color. Many people play it safe and select neutral window treatments. Yet, mixing two colorful window treatments is a simple way to inject energy and excitement into a room. Select tones from opposite sides of the color wheel — for example, pair a golden honeycomb shade with deep aubergine velvet panels — to brighten and add punch to your windows.

* Vary textures when mixing neutrals. If bright colors aren’t what you are after, mixing subtle colors in wonderful textures can instantly bring elegance and ease to your rooms. For example, combining rich silk in an earthy bronze with delicate, sheer georgette in a creamy color results in a beautiful effect that goes with any décor. Woven reeds, grasses and bamboos used in Smith+Noble’s Natural Roman shades perfectly complement tailored herringbone edge bindings.

* Use a corner to your advantage. In homes with wall space between two corner windows, use panels or draperies with one side stacking to the left, the other to the right. Panels meet in the corner for the dramatic look of one continuous window. In contemporary homes where windows meet without wall space in between, honeycomb shades are a wonderful solution. When closed, the windows appear as bold bands of color; when open, shades virtually disappear for an unobstructed view.

* Give small windows big impact. Don’t be stumped by small or unattractive windows. One terrific way to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic is by using light-colored panels that start well above the window and puddle onto the floor. To enhance the width of a narrow window, specify panels significantly wider than the window and hold them open with tiebacks-the effect draws the eye outward. Then, build on the visual impact with details like ring tops, prominent wood poles, finials and brackets.

* Design in stages. If your dream windows are a little out of reach right now budget-wise, don’t fret. Designing windows is an evolving process that doesn’t have to be finished all at once. When you move into a home, privacy and light control are most important, so focus on installing functional blinds and shades that will be the foundation for your window treatment masterpieces later. Then, when time and budget allow, layer luxurious panels and draperies or add architectural details like cornices and sconces.

Bathroom Decorating On A Budget

Bathrooms in many rental homes tend towards being more functional than stylish.  However, if you’re a renter and would like to spruce up your dull-looking or outdated bathroom without spending much of your hard earned cash, here are some ideas to help you perform that much-needed bathroom makeover without blowing your budget.

Introduce A New Color Scheme
Color has a huge effect on the appearance of a room and it’s easy to bring color into your décor (or get rid of those lurid purple walls!).  Replacing bathroom tiles can be costly and requires skill, but simply repainting the ceiling, walls and woodwork is relatively cheap and easy to do.  You may be surprised at the difference a coat of paint can make!  There are special bathroom paints available that are more suited to damp conditions and inhibit the growth of mold.  They come in a wide range of colors, including popular blue/green shades.

Don’t Forget Your Sink Vanity and Wall Cabinets
Bathroom cabinets and vanities tend to catch the eye, so if they look unattractive they can really let down the appearance of the whole room.  Start by having a good old clear out and get rid of any clutter that’s taking up storage space or making your vanity top look untidy.  Then give your cabinets and vanity unit a thorough clean.  If they still don’t look great after cleaning, consider painting the doors or changing the door handles to give them an entirely new look.  Try to then make better use of the storage space inside your cabinets, so your vanity doesn’t become covered in toiletries and cosmetics.  If you run short of space in your cabinets, use some attractive wicker baskets or something similar to display all your makeup and accessories neatly on your work surface, rather than in a disorganized pile!

Accessorize
Changing the smaller details of your bathroom’s appearance all adds up to make a big improvement on the overall look and feel of the room.  For instance, replacing a moldy or just plain ugly shower curtain with a cheap new one can make a world of difference.  Bathroom shower curtains come in all kinds of colors and patterns and are easy to hook into place.  Look for something that goes with the theme of your décor - aquatic and nautical themes are popular examples.  Add matching bath mats and towels that coordinate with or enhance your color scheme.  You get the idea!

These are just a few ideas to get you started - as you can see, with a little creativity it’s possible to transform a shabby old bathroom and create a welcoming and relaxing ambiance - for minimal expense and effort.