windows Q&A's

Blah Colours

Dear Debbie;

I live in an old, small house. The long L-shaped living room has lots of wide windows, and three doorways. I’m very tired of the blah dull colours. All the walls and ceiling are white and furniture is upholstered in muted southwest colours of blues, clay and beige. I’d like to punch up the room with accent walls, and would like to know if I can accent both short end walls, and what colour/s to use.

Your avid reader,

Judi

Dear Judi;

Southwest style combines earthy desert shades with rich, vibrant accents. You are halfway there. Rather than leaving the walls white, I would paint the end walls in a pale gray with just a hint of clay pink in it. Then, choose the central section of wall as your focal wall and go several tones darker. To heighten the effect, choose either glossy paint or apply a pearlescent paint over the darker section. This will add depth and texture to your colour. Inject lots of blue and some black into your décor with oversized accessories and wrought iron. You’ll feel the heat.

_________________________

Sun And Shades
Large glass walls are treated to summery white shades and full length drapery panels that enhance the crisp, yet comfortable décor.

Dear Debbie;

Our spacious living room has high ceilings (12 feet) and two walls of glass. We want to cover windows to be able to block out the hot sun, but love the light. How would you decorate these glass walls? Thanks.

Mona

Dear Mona;

Decorating a room with so much glass can be a special challenge. While the light is glorious, and often the view spectacular, you are missing the traditional solid wall structure that has been the norm for centuries. Building materials and techniques have evolved so that glass walls are a welcome option in both cool and warm climates. However there is still a need for protection from damaging sun rays, which will fade furniture and floors. I suggest you treat the windows in a uniform manner that will enhance the living room's airy ambiance. Soft fabric shades, such as Hunter Douglas Silhouette series featured here, are designed to capture the best features of a traditional blind and a sheer. Pliable fabric slats are suspended between sheer fabric facings. You can tilt the vanes to direct the light up or down and close them for full privacy. The sheer fabric facing is treated to filter out light's damaging effect, but you still have the benefit of daylight. Depending on the style of your room, you can simply install blinds as a neat, minimal approach, or hang drapery panels at each window break.

_________________________