How To: Window Treatments

Have you ever had a window that is impossible to treat? Or seen a unique window and asked yourself "How would I treat that?" Well, I am not a window professional by all means, but I do know a little something about the right and wrong way to hang curtains.

I am going to explain the different types of window treatments there are and then explain how to properly use them. I hope this helps a few of you that is lost when it comes to windows!

1. Blinds

You've seen them before; the white metal blinds everyone hates. Well, I'm hear to tell you they've improved. That's right! Now, you can buy wooden blinds such as painted wood or bamboo that allow a little light in. They come in thick panels and skinny ones, too. We replaced all of our metal blinds with wooden ones and are so much happier with them. I personally love the painted white wooden blinds, but there are plenty of great applications that natural wood is great.

There is also Roman blinds and they are absolutely beautiful! You see more bamboo than anything else but they come in a variety of materials. Be careful to not confuse the Roman blinds with the Roman shades.

Roman Shades: Fabric or canvas materials are commonly used.

2. Cornices

Cornices are great to make a room appear taller. Most are wood with fabric upholstered on top, but some are left in there natural state. If you use cornices correctly, your space can look very upscale and traditional. Cornices can also be draped to make it look like there's wood behind it. Also, they are great for children's rooms. I like cornices, as some people do not. You must keep in mind the size of pattern you're covering the cornice with. Stick to solids or smaller patterns. You can actually construct your own cornice! They're really not hard at all.

3. Curtains

I love this little diagram of the right and wrong way to hang curtains. The first one is not technically wrong, it just doesn't add any interest. I guarantee you if you came into my house most of my curtains are hung this way. I have box windows above all of my windows and doors so the curtain reaches to the top of the box; much like the second picture. Hanging curtains this way helps make your room appear taller and doesn't allow puddles. A puddle is when your curtains are too long and in 1:10 cases puddling is desirable just be careful!

Here are my two rules for hanging curtains and if you follow these, you'll never be laughed at! :)

1. The curtains need to match the length of the window. Long windows need long curtains. On the other hand, short windows can have long curtains. See picture above.





YES!!!






YES!!!



NOOOOOO!






NOOOOOO!

The way I see, would you ever wear your pants like this:





Didn't think so...


2. If you have a bay window, there is no need for a curtain on every window. One on either side is perfectly fine.





YES!






YES!



NO.

One last thing: A lot of people wonder how to tie back your curtains. See the blue curtains above? They are pulled back at a very high point. Don't ever do that. Towards the middle and down is best.





YES                                                   NO



Now, like I said I'm not a window pro so don't take all your window treatments down and replace them. If they work for you and you're happy with them then that is perfectly fine! Every window is different and every space is different. Do what works for your space! On the other hand, DON'T EVER DO THIS!!!!










Hope this helped!

Go Green

I love learning about Color Psychology. It's so interesting to see what different colors can do to people in a space. In my previous blog, I studied yellow. You can read about it here.

When I typed in the word "green" on Google Images almost everything dealt with organic vegetables (except the green colored poodle) or nature's beauties. Just having celebrated Earth Day, I wanted to study green. Green reminds me of nature and that makes me feel restful and calm. When I'm having a rough day or can't seem to get any ideas on a project I revert back to the outdoors. I have a lake near my house that I like to run/power walk around. There are so many animals and flowers along my trek that is gives me a since of life and hope. I always feel rejuvenated after.

According to studies, green is known for it's health-giving ability. Of course it symbolizes nature but it can also represent good luck, jealousy, and tranquility. Researchers have also found that green can improve reading ability. Some students may find that laying a transparent sheet of green paper over reading material increases reading speed and comprehension.

Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 15th-century. 

Even today, green M & M's are said to send a sexual message. Hence, why Green is green. Who knows if that is true.

Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect. For example, guests waiting to appear on television programs often wait in a “green room” to relax. Green is thought to relieve stress and help heal. Those who have a green work environment experience fewer stomachaches.

I could see why they would want you to be calm in this room. Yikes!

The Green Room in the White House: With its intimate size, green silk-covered walls and early 19th-century American furniture, the Green Room is a favorite White House parlor. The room was referred to as the “Green Drawing Room" as far back as 1825 after a green floor covering was placed there during the Jefferson Administration. In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began a program to give a more formal, museum-like character to the public rooms of the White House. The Green Room was one of the notable rooms that Mrs. Kennedy helped redesign. Artwork in the room today includes Henry Ossawa Tanner's Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City, the first work by an African American artist to be added to the permanent White House collection. Source

In the design industry, you say the word "green" and we will automatically associate it with sustainability. It's so important to use the three Rs. Reduce waste and energy. Reuse products like steel, wood, and bamboo. Recycle your paper, plastic, and glass materials. These buildings are considered LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.

Birmingham, AL - Social Security Building

Birmingham, AL - New Children's Hospital

Birmingham, AL - Brookwood Building

So what does GREEN do for you? Does it calm you down like it does me or does it make you want to save the earth? Send your favorite green things to me! In case you wanted to see that green poodle, here you go!

Have a great day!



Friday Facts

Here are 5 things you probably didn't know about me!

1. I love Mexican food. I could eat that cheese dip ALL DAY LONG!
2. I grew up wanting to be teacher.
3. My boyfriend and I are eight days apart in age, he being the old one!
4. I have a freckle on my lip.
5. My middle name is Elizabeth, just like the rest of the girls in my generation.

The Hills Are Alive

The residential project pictures are finally here! This project consisted of six months of space planning, selecting fabrics and finishes, making four boards, a HUGE binder with all kinds of documents inside, and drawing six different plans and elevations. I had to create a 3D model of my entire floorplan (which was two stories) and create elevations to put inside. Plus, I had to research my dilemma which was an in-home recording studio. Wow! That's a lot! After it was all over, I was super proud of myself. I like how everything turned out and it makes me eager to actually do a real project! Here are the pictures of my boards and model.

Board 1 - The Master Suite

Board 2 - The Teenager's Bedroom and Bathroom

Board 3 - The Kicthen and Family Room (MY FAVORITE)

Board 4 - The Recording Studio

 

Complete set including boards, model, notebook, and plans.

3D Represenation of the House

The Notebook Including Specifications, Room by Room Anyalsis,
Budget, Inventory, Dilemma, Family Description, etc.

And there you have it! The Christopher Residence! In case you were wondering, I made an A. ;)

 

New Quarter Brings New Projects

Wow! Where has the time flown! I have been so busy with school recently that I haven't found time to write. I finished up my FIRST Residential project (pictures to come) and I am honestly very proud of myself. The presentation when fairly well; I was the guinea pig. My program director and my professor critiqued me and told me things to change in the future but overall they liked it! I am in Commercial now, thank goodness, and I am finding, by doing little assignments, I like the feel of commercial more. I always thought there weren't enough creativity elements in commercial design but I was wrong. Almost every manufacturer I have researched has unlimited surface finishes and fabrics for their products. The ideas are limitless. I am currently working on a small law firm where I will actually get to design everything down to their logo. I am looking forward to what I can come up with. I've also learned the power of a chair. The more prestigious you are the bigger chair you get!

Check back with me soon on pictures from my residential project and updates on my commercial project! Have a great weekend!

Seussville

I am a huge kid at heart and one of my favorite authors is Dr. Seuss. I think every single one of his books are full of true meanings that will help you make it through life. He's a one of a kind teacher and I'm thankful his books continue to inspire young kids all over the globe. With that being said...I googled some pretty awesome Dr. Seuss themed rooms and I wanted to share them with you.

How precious! The artwork is amazing and the furniture is so fun! I also found these two dressers that are too cool!

I just thought that was neat. I hope that gives you a little inspiration that you don't have to be "normal." Be brave and go out of the average in your work!

Top 10 Tuesday: The Techy Side of Me!

I am an iPhone nerd and there are about 10 apps that I just can't live without. I thought I share them with you today so you can become just as addicted as I am! All of these apps are free by the way. I have had an iPhone for about 4 years and have NEVER had to buy an app.

1. Pinterest - need I say more?

2. Facebook - I don't what I'd do without my Facebook app. Is that sad?

3. Instagram - I have quit using my my orginal camera and I only use my Instagram. You can edit, crop, flip any picture that you take. You can then upload it to Facebook or Twitter for others to see. Definitely a must have.

4. Shazam - Here a song while shopping and you want to know what it is? Shazam it! Within 10 seconds, you have the name of the song and who sings it. You can save your tags and download them later. I use this one way too much.

5. Regions Mobile Banking - Whatever bank you use, there's an app for it. Definitely comes in handy right before I make a purchase. Confidential and always on hand.

6. Pandora - You know how you have that really cool friend who's always hip to the newest bands, knows everything about music, and can always recommend the PERFECT song or artist that you'll just love? This is that friend. On your phone.

7. Twitter - Who doesn't like to keep up with the Kardashians?

8. Urbanspoon - I LOVE to use this especially when I'm in a new town and I want some good local food. You just shake it and it gives you food options close to you in your price range! Yummy!

9. HeyTell - This is a good one for when you're in the car and you can't text. You simply press and talk and it automatically sends it. When the person responds, it beeps and then relays the message. Great for people who do not have FaceTime, too.

10. Newsstand - This one really is just a folder that comes with the phone but it organizes your magazines for you. I have so many magazine subscriptions so it's nice to be able to read them on the go!


That's my top 10. What's yours?? I love getting new apps so share your favorites!!