Arched windows (eyebrow windows)

Arched windows or "eyebrow/half circle windows" can be a challenge to cover especially in bedrooms.  You still need the room darkening in order to sleep well but there are very few options available.  Here are a few solutions...Shutters.  The shutters are installed with a tilt bar on the front so you can open and close the them.  They are room darkening but not black out as some light will still bleed through the louvers. 

The other option is pleated or cellular blinds.  A good manufacturer will offer these for specialty shape windows that still open and close.  You want ones that are operable and not just closed or stationary all the time.  These blinds will operate from the bottom up.  They stack neatly at the bottom of the window when they are not needed and pull up to a fastener to close when you need them to be closed.  They come in room darkening and light filtering. 

Both of these options are great if you need to cover the window and you can coordinate the bottom of the window in the same covering. 

Design Dilemma--Popcorn Ceiling

A question I am often asked is how to repair or reface a popcorn/stucco ceiling.

If the ceiling is not damaged and is in good shape beneath the stucco, you can simply wet the ceiling and carefully scape off the plaster to reveal the smooth ceiling below.  Then it is just a matter of touching up any imperfections, priming and painting.  Done

Unfortunately, a lot of times the ceiling is not in good shape and this procedure cannot be used. 

Here are a couple of other fixes...

1)  Re-drywall the ceiling.  This is an expensive and time consuming process.  Unless you are a professional drywaller, I really would not suggest to try this yourself. 

2)  Wood strips--You can apply thin wood strips to the ceiling to give a casual feel to the space.  The wood can be cottage paint grade and is fairly inexpensive.  This can be difficult to install if the walls are not square because the wood strips may look crooked even if you use a plumb line.  This may be difficult for the average do it yourselfer to complete.

3)  Anaglypta Paper (textured paintable wall paper)--This is a great solution.  The paper comes in several different designs.  You simply need to scrape the stucco down until it is relatively smooth (it doesn't need to be perfect), wipe down the ceiling and let dry.  Sebastian Terzo owner of Direct Painting suggests to take the time to prepare the ceiling by first priming , then painting and finally sizing the ceiling before applying the paper to ensure a strong hold.  Follow the application directions for the paper that you purchase.  Afterwards you paint the paper for a perfect finish.   Cheap and easy. 

 

 

Design Dilemma...Patio Door Window Coverings

Patio doors.  Many homes have them, but what do you use as window coverings on them? 

In the past, most people purchased Vertical Blinds.  They did the trick but drew to one side to open which left the vanes hanging awkwardly and occasionally getting in the way.  They had little chains at the bottom attaching each of the vanes which tended to break fairly early on.  If you had a dog or cat, they LOVED to play with them.  The vanes were mainly made of plastic and had a "office" look to them.  The valance at the top was one of the vanes placed horizontally across the track to hide it but was very unattractive. They tended to twist and not close at the same angle as the others which caused gaps in the blinds.

Thankfully, blind manufacturers are cleverly coming up with solutions.  There are now several options to this dilemma. Here are a few options...

Levolor Perceptions.  These are a soft window covering that have built in vertical vanes that are wrapped in a fabric.  They look like a sheer drapery treatment.  You can close the blinds but leave the vanes open to have a view to the outside or you can also close the vanes to give you complete privacy.  The fabric is sheer to allow light coming in and some view of the outside.  The vanes come in light filtering or room darkening depending on your needs (ie.  Living room or Bedroom).   There are several colours of fabric to choose from and also different valances to coordinate with your décor style.  You have the option of the blinds to open by splitting in the middle or drawing to the left or right.  One thing to consider...if you are thinking about these for a kitchen, these are fabric and will not be easily wiped down if food is splattered on them.

Maxxmar Vertical Shades. These are a new and innovative option.  They are similar to vertical blinds but have some really unique features.  When the blinds are down you can stagger the vanes so that you can see out of them like vertical blinds.  When the blinds are down you can close the vanes to give you complete privacy.  You can also pull the blinds up to any level and open the vanes or keep them closed depending on your need.  And lastly, they will disappear into a head rail at the top of the blind to keep them completely out of your way when you don't need any blinds at all.  They have a large selection of fabrics to choose from and have a horizontal version of this same blind to coordinate other windows in the room.  You can also motorize these blinds and operate them on a remote.  Very cool.

Screen Shades.  These blinds are available from many different manufactures.  Sometimes these are called "Tim Hortons Blinds" because these are the blinds that everyone is seeing in the Tim Horton's windows.  During the day, when these blinds are down, you can see out but no one can see in.  The greater the openness of the fabric the greater the view, the less openness of the fabric the less view through you have.  They will stop some of the sun glare in your windows and make it more comfortable in your home without having to close yourself off completely.  BUT, at night when you have lights on in your home, these blinds allow someone outside to see in.  Again, depending on the openness of the fabric will determine how much you will be showing to your neighbours.  They also roll up into a head rail at the top of the window so you will not see them unless you want to.   They come in many different colours and textures. 

I hope this helps.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me, or if you would like an at home consultation I would be happy to show you more options. 

Michelle

Can't wait for spring!

I know it feels like summer will never arrive.  Here are some inspirations for your outdoor living spaces.  Imagine yourself entertaining in one of these beautiful yards.  No winter coat or boots.  No snow or ice.  Just a nice, warm evening with friends.  Bring on the heat. 

Levolor Special Offer

Lifestyle Home Products has an excellent promotion on Levolor custom blinds.  Contact me for a no obligation at home consultation. 

Shut The Front Door

Changing your front door is one of the fastest and easiest updates we can make our home’s curb appeal and there are a myriad of options available. The front door is one of the first things our guests see, so why not make it inviting? You can paint a front door with a lively color for an added dose of personality or a more serious hue that compliments the exterior paint colors. Sometimes it needs to be replaced or a storm door added.  If you have not seen the new styles and options available for doors you are really missing out.  It may be the change that makes you fall in love even more with your home.

A little colour to brighten up a drab winter's day

Here is a little bit of colour to brighten up a drab winter's day.  Get inspired...