Home Improvement Information

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


MORE RESOURCES:

DIY home improvement classes offered at RLC
Benton Evening News
Rend Lake College Community and Corporate Education is offering three home improvement courses to show students how to do the basics themselves and save money. Weatherization will be held 9 am to 12 pm Saturday, February 11. Students will learn how to ...

and more »


BBC News

Home improvement firm staff in Plymouth face job losses
BBC News
More than 50 staff at a home improvement company call centre in Plymouth are facing losing their jobs. Everest Ltd said it was consulting with staff on the possibility of 51 jobs going if it closes its St Andrew's Court office.



FEMA Thanks Home Improvement Stores for Valuable Help
WBGH
In a gesture of thanks, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has presented Certificates of Appreciation to staff and managers at three Broome County home improvement stores for hosting Community Education and Outreach Events in the wake of ...



Tips For How To Make The Most Of Your Home Improvement Projects
Brunei News, Brunei Headlines from Brunei fm
Depending on how you approach it, home improvement may be a real headache, or it can be just what's needed to make your house a home. The following tips will give you important home improvement information. You can make every project a success by using ...



Home improvement stores in Manatee prosper
Bradenton Herald
BY JOSH SALMAN MANATEE - Lingering struggles in the housing market have furnished a jolt to home improvement retailers, as consumers look to cut costs by tackling home improvement projects themselves. More homeowners across Southwest Florida, ...

and more »


MLive.com

Home Improvement Star Arrested for DUI, Drug Possession: Report
People Magazine
By Tim Nudd Taran Noah Smith, who played youngest child Mark Taylor on the '90s sitcom Home Improvement for eight years, was arrested early Wednesday for DUI and drug possession, according to a report. Smith, 27, was arrested around 1 am in Los Angeles ...
'Home Improvement' actor arrested on suspicion of DUI in BurbankLos Angeles Times
'Home Improvement' kid busted on drug chargeNew York Daily News
'Home Improvement' actor Taran Noah Smith busted for DUI, drug possessionFox News
The Daily Blabber from iVillage -MLive.com -Yahoo! Contributors Network
all 139 news articles »


Lowe's Submits Site Plan for Commack Store
Patch.com
Home improvement chain plans to build 100000 square foot store at former site of Commack Multiplex, reports Newsday. By Kaitlyn Piccoli Lowe's submitted a revised plan to construct a store at the old Commack Multiplex Cinemas site Tuesday, after months ...

and more »


BBC News

Simplified home improvement rules introduced
BBC News
New regulations have come into force to make it easier for Scots to make changes to their homes. The move means many home improvements will be able to go ahead without planning permission. Projects including extensions, sheds and garages will not need ...

and more »


PerezHilton.com

"Home Improvement" actor Taran Noah Smith arrested for DUI, reports say
CBS News
(CBS) Taran Noah Smith, who played the youngest child on the '90s sitcom "Home Improvement" for eight years, was arrested early Wednesday for DUI and drug possession, reports say. The 27-year-old former actor was arrested around 1 am in Los Angeles ...
Former Home Improvement Child Star Taran Noah Smith Arrested for DUI and Drug ...E! Online
Whoops! Home Improvement's Taran Noah Smith Arrested For Drugs!PerezHilton.com
'Home Improvement' Actor Taran Noah Smith Arrested For DUI, Drug PossessionHuffington Post
The Hollywood Gossip -Daily Mail -Ology
all 28 news articles »


NARI Home Improvement Show set for State Fair Park
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The best place might be at the 50th Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show to be held Thursday through Sunday in the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park. The show includes hundreds of exhibitors offering home improvement advice, products and ...


Google News

home | site map
© 2006