Physiological Response to Window Coverings
Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery relaxes and refreshes us, consciously and subconsciously. Therefore, a view of nature should never be completely covered up during the day. During daylight hours, windows should let in as much light and scenery view as possible, because people who can't see out of their windows during daylight hours get depressed. A view of nature, trees, plants, sky, clouds, and birds diminishes stress, promotes general physical health, and contributes to psychological satisfaction. Factors such as natural light, fabric color, pattern, and tactile quality will also affect the presence of the room. Fabrics with a soft, tactile quality are good choices for creating a romantic, elegant ambiance, but mini-blinds are hard to clean and look severe. Pleated shades are softer, while shutters have rounded edges, can be repainted to change decor, and will last forever. Window Coverings as Backgrounds Window coverings that span a large expanse require the same color considerations as walls, since they become backgrounds for people. Too many patterns on windows will detract from both individuals and furnishings, and small prints in large spaces tend to get lost while adding busyness to a room. Many windows are really no more than picture frames for views, so it's important that window treatments should complement the view. In general, the better the view, the plainer the window treatments should be. For view windows that don't need coverings for privacy or temperature control, consider lighting the exterior space and leaving the windows uncovered. Architectural Considerations Houses with lovely architectural details surrounding the windows need window treatments that don't hide the home's character. For example, magnificently-fluted moldings around windows shouldn't be covered. Use spring tension rods to hang treatments inside the molding instead. Where windows are perfectly placed throughout a room, accentuate their lines with bold treatments. You can camouflage the size and position of windows that are too small or poorly placed by adjusting the placement of window treatments, such as hanging the coverings higher to visually create taller windows. Elegant Window Dressings Window treatments can be plain, functional, or opulent. Formal rooms with exquisite window treatments are fun. Layers of damask, lace, sheers, silks, and overlapping swags can create an aura of richness and refinement. Other elegant details might include scalloped trimmings, fringe, cords, cording, tassels, and rosettes. On the other hand, if you need to tone down a too-opulent scheme, use a rough-textured trim, because lush and lustrous fabrics can be overwhelming without an element of roughness as a balancing factor. Puddled window drapes, typical of the Victorian period, can add fullness and warmth to cold rooms. Draperies that are allowed to "pool" or "puddle" on the floor add elegance and rich feelings to a room. The drawback is that too much pooling on the floor will cause the bottoms of puddle draperies to get sucked into vacuum cleaners. Each house is different, of course, but no matter what your home's style or composition, you'll want to give careful consideration to your choice of window fashions if you're going to create a warm and happy feeling for yourself, your family, and your guests. (c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved. Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Hidden Causes of Water Damage in the Home
In addition to causing destruction, water damage also has an adverse affect to the indoor air quality of your home.
Damage from water can cause wood rot, insect infestation and mold .
You Say Jacuzzi and I Say Whirlpool
What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever, right? If it weren't for the Jacuzzi brothers in 1956, we wouldn't have the fantastic whirlpool baths of today. According to the Jacuzzi Company, the brothers invented the first pump that could be placed in a bathtub, circulating the water to aid arthritic aches and pains. In 1968, Roy Jacuzzi went on to invent the first self contained whirlpool bath by putting jets on the sides of the tub. From this idea a whole industry was born and hydrotherapy has never been as popular and important as it is today. Since the Jacuzzi's thought of the idea for experiencing water in a new way, the tub has long since held their name. However, a whirlpool bath, and spa are also names for the same kind of tub. It is a little like Kleenex and facial tissue or Jell-O and gelatin.
Chiminea ? Buy It for the Versatility of Enjoying Both Fireplace and Grill!
I recently visited friends who served me a dinner of grilled salmon and baked potatoes, done to perfection in their chiminea. The sun was setting and it was cooling down but overall a wonderful summer evening. We wanted to converse and eventually, eat our meal outdoors. The bonus: the chiminea offered us warmth and the smoke kept some of the mosquitoes at bay (some still got us). I must say, as well as being a great evening, that was one of the most delicious pieces of salmon I've ever eaten.
Patios: The New Trend in Home Remodels
In years past a patio was sort of a throw on to a home. It was typically a concrete slab to keep your feet clean on your way in or out. Then you'd plunk down a couple of chairs and a table and enjoy your patio when the sun went down. More recently, covered patios have become very popular. Adding a patio or "outdoor living area" to your home is both a great investment and a relaxing extension of your homes interior that you can enjoy all day and all yearlong. You might want to consider the following features.
Where Did We Get Clocks From Anyway?
A clock is simply a device that measures time. Typical clocks have faces and hands. The long hand measures time in minutes while the short hand in hours. Clocks vary in forms, sizes and shapes but all perform the same task-to tell time. Almost all activities depend on this device, making life easier and more organized.
About Lighting Your Home
Lighting is such a critical part of any home improvement project. Whether it's a kitchen remodel or a brand new home, the lighting plan should be well thought out. In so many cases time and energy is spent on so many aspects, leaving the lighting on the back burner. It shouldn't be. Without proper lighting all the great floors, walls, cabinets and crown moldings could end up looking just average.
An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories
Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout the United Kingdom
and the world in the 21st century. Around for over three hundred years, conservatories work to
provide a lovely transition between the main residence and the natural surroundings abutting the
home. In this article we look at the thee main types of materials used for conservatories ? pvcu,
aluminum and hardwood.
Home Improvement for The Ladies!
Your Own Homes Improvement Outline
Creating Dynamic Window Coverings Without Breaking the Budget
When creating dynamic window coverings, it's important to choose carefully, because your window coverings will become the focal points of a well-decorated room. But choosing the right window treatments, at the right price, takes some thought about not only the look you're hoping to achieve, but also about the nature of the space itself.
How To Care For Your Leather Furniture
Leather is the most durable fabric used for furniture today. Although leather is so resistant to harm, it is always wise to take precautions when taking care of you're furniture in order to ensure it always looks great. Where you decide to place your furniture is very important if you want it to last a long time. Leather should not be placed within two feet of any direct heat source, including fireplaces, radiators or heating vents. Direct sunlight should also be avoided, because over many years the leather will begin to dry out and fade.
A Few Concrete Suggestions
Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was in industries including
retail, energy, health care, and fast food. In 1996 circumstances and opportunity
led me into the manufacturing, marketing, and installation of products used for
Floor Warming, Total Space Heating, Roof Snow and Ice Melting and Snow and Ice
Melting of driving and walking surfaces.
Electric Radiant and Floor Coverings
If the decision of what type radiant heating system to use was left to the floor-coverings, it would choose electric radiant. Eliminating the risk of water/glycol
leaks, standard floor-heights, simple retro-fits, almost unlimited choice of carpet
padding, uniform heat flux, easier installations and superior floor or space
temperature control are only a few of the advantages of electric radiant heat. This
isn't to say that there aren't disadvantages of electric radiant, but then I'm a sparky
not a plumber, so I'm here to espouse the benefits and desirable features of electric
radiant heat and its loving relationship with any and all floor-coverings. Oh, wait a
minute, how could I forget, electric systems cost a fraction what hot-water
(hydronic) systems do.
Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide
Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a very frustrating task. With hundreds of manufacturers claiming to have the best product, how do you know who to trust? First you must ask yourself, are they out to make a buck, or to protect my truck? The first line of defense is to know what makes a good carport and the second is to trust your first instinct and know that you are protecting your mobile investments.
Aluminium Conservatories
The conservatory is a popular addition to homes around the world and in particular in colder climates. Conservatories began their existence in the 1700s as Dutch farmers looked to find ways of protecting their plants during the colder winter months. These early greenhouse structures evolved not only into the common garden greenhouse but also the conservatories we see today. The original concept in all probability did not have in mind the idea of creating a transitional space between the dwelling and the out of doors. Of course the initial idea behind those who created the first versions of conservatories was to provide a means to prolong the life of plants during the chill of the northern European winter months.
How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home
If there is one way to throw a new light on your home, it's
through the stained glass you put in your windows. Whether
you want to enhance old windows by replacing some of the
panes, or are complementing the new Pella windows you've
installed, stained glass can lend an air of grace and quiet
elegance to a room.
Repairing Putty Window Glass
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in your house, but didn't think you could do it because nobody ever taught you how to cut glass? Well, you really don't have to know how to cut glass in order to repair your window. If you knew how to remove the frame, you could order a replacement piece of glass from your local glass shop already cut to the proper size. Then, it's just a matter of installing the new glass into the frame. But, there are so many different kinds of window out there, there is no way i could explain them all in one article. So, this is going to be the first in a series of articles describing the repair procedure for each type of window.
The Organized Move: Preparing Your Home for the Publics Eye
(This is the first in a series of three articles on "The Organized Move")
Planning Permission Tips UK - What To Show And What Not To Show On Your application Drawings
Many successful business deals are the result of being a bit canny with the information that you already know - keeping a tight lip when needed and only letting the other side know just the bare minimum requirement of information and never laying all your cards onto the table. Successful negotiators use this tactic all the time. I expect all of us can remember a time when we have left a meeting wishing that 'I hadn't of said that!'
Well presenting a Planning Application can often involve the precise same tactics at times where you need to retain the advantage in your presentation or application scheme.
How to Select Exterior Shutters
Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add style and color to the outside of a house. Historical and modern houses alike benefit from the timeless style of shutters. As with any home improvements, the quality and longevity of an addition should be evaluated before proceeding.
Portable Air Conditioners Ensure Economy And Convenience
Small is beautiful and convenient and so is the portable air conditioner as it can be shifted from one place to the other very easily. Read on to find out all the other advantages.
|
