Decorate in groups of three for an engaging and sophisticated look.

Three is a Magical Number for Decorating

Think three for an engaging and sophisticated look.

Think three for: 

• Throw pillows 

• Paintings hanging on a wall – aligned vertically or horizontally 

• Family photographs sitting on a bureau or table 

• Candles displayed on a mantle 

• Vases or jars on a coffee table or console 

• The number of cushions on your sofa 

• Lighting sources in a room 

• Even small ottomans 

Take a look around your home today to find items you can re-arrange to create a collection of three. Arrangements can be formal, with identically sized items that are cleanly aligned. Collections can also be informally arranged, with objects that vary in size and height. Kitchen canisters, coffee table books, small candles and house plants can be arranged in groups of three for a pleasing effect. Arranging three pillows on a couch creates harmony. Displaying three decorative accessories together makes a pleasing presentation.

Think three for your home accessorizing. It’s a magical way to make your rooms look more sophisticated and complete. 

© 2014 Hunter Douglas

www.accentwindowfashions.com

Complementary colors add energy to a room and, at the same time, make us feel comfortable and complete. #Complimentary_Colors

It's a matter of opposites attracting.

We’ve always heard that opposites attract, and nothing could be more true about interior decorating colors. Using opposite colors (also known as complementary colors) adds energy to a room, yet at the same time, makes us feel comfortable and calm. 

You can decorate without thinking about complementary colors, and the result will be just fine, but adding a small touch of complementary colors to a neutral scheme will add passion and interest. You can start with interior elements that don’t require a huge risk: one painted wall, sofa pillows, throws, flower arrangements, upholstered chair pads. Then ratchet up your color scheme with larger items like upholstery fabrics, rugs and window fashions.

You don’t have to use colors that are exactly across the color wheel to get the advantage of this dynamic duo, or go with the boldest of these hues. Think about softer tones that are almost opposites like: 

• Sky blue and terracotta 
• Pastel pink and acid green 
• Burnt orange and sage green 
• Soft aqua blue and tomato red 
• The lightest butter yellow with deep purple 

Try using complementary colors to complete your home design. Opposites do attract!

© 2013 Hunter Douglas

www.accentwindowfashions.com

A touch of glass can add sophistication and light. #Home_Furnishings

Using glass home furnishings can make your rooms look larger!

Glass is a clean, fresh look that adds interest, without too much bling or glitter.

The interesting thing about glass is that it almost disappears into a room to make the room seem more spacious and open, while it adds a beautiful design element that people do notice. Because light shines through most glass interior elements or light reflects back from light fixtures and the sun, they appear almost invisible and don’t seem to take up space. You can see your other interior design elements even more clearly; just think about a glass table sitting atop a beautiful rug. You can see the beauty of the rug much more clearly!

Chic and modern or traditional and elegant, glass works well in almost any space. And even though we think of glass as a clear element, lots of glass home fashions come in beautiful colors too. In addition to popular glass-topped coffee tables or dining tables, think glass for: 

• Mosaic tiles in the guest bathroom or as a back splash in the kitchen 
• Crystal chandeliers and glass lamps 
• Stained glass windows 
• Hurricane lanterns 
• Sea glass sculptures 
• Large glass jars or bottles to display treasures such as sea shells, pine cones, stones or fragrant potpourri 
• Glass counter tops in the kitchen or bath – or a beautiful glass sink in the guest bathroom 

Add a smattering of glass to your interior decor' to make your house sparkle. It’s a crystal clear choice.

© 2013 Hunter Douglas

www.accentwindowfashions.com

Successful home lighting is as easy as one-two-three! #Home_Lighting

Ambient Lighting, Task Lighting, and Accent Lighting.

                                         

Light - and the light fixtures you select - bring beauty to a room and its elements. At the same time good lighting is essential for functionality. One type of lighting isn’t enough for most rooms; layering lighting and thoughtful placement will help your rooms look beautiful and work optimally.

                              Layer three types of lighting for maximum beauty and function.

1. Start with ambient lighting.
Also called general lighting, this type of light washes over a room in a non-focused way – and even includes natural sunlight coming through the windows.

Ambient lighting includes ceiling light fixtures and chandeliers, lights on ceiling fans, track lighting and recessed ceiling lights that are not sharply directed, and touchier lamps.

2. Add task lighting.
This is focused light that helps you see things you want to look at closely; for example, when you're reading, sewing, shaving or applying make-up.

Task lighting includes table, floor and desk lamps; pendant light fixtures; track lighting and recessed ceiling lights that are sharply directed; under-cabinet kitchen lights; and wall-mounted bathroom fixtures near mirrors.

Before planning task lighting, think about what you’re planning to do in a room and where in the room you will do these activities.

3. Finish with accent lighting.
Also called mood lighting, this is the most specifically-aimed lighting, putting a spotlight on a specific area or object. Accent lighting can make all the difference in showing off an expensive piece of art or adding drama to an architectural feature. Think of accent lighting like a theatrical tool that draws attention to specific areas.

Accent lighting includes track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, can lights and uplights that are sharply focused; picture lights; lighting in niches or inside cabinets; and even candlelight.

Effective lighting is as easy as one, two three – ambient, task and accent. Follow these steps for layered lighting and your rooms will be bright and functional.

© 2013 Hunter Douglas

www.accentwindowfashions.com

Beautiful Ideas for Holiday Guest Rooms #Holiday_Decorating #Holidays #Hunter_Douglas

Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades

Holidays are coming soon. Guests may be coming to stay – and you can make their stay much more enjoyable with just a few touches. Sometimes a guest room can seem cold and sterile or looks like a space you use to store unwanted items and old furniture.  

An engaging guest room has nothing to do with the size of the room or the cost of the furnishings, but with the details you pay close attention to. Think about the amenities you like when you stay in a nice hotel, and make those available to your guests! 

• Make the room luxurious with a high-quality mattress and good linens. 
• Have several blankets or throws available, so guests can adjust to their own comfort level. 
• Provide pillows in a couple of firmness levels and various stuffing materials. 
• Arrange side tables or nightstands on both sides of the bed, with lamps that have effective lighting for reading. 
• Purchase window treatments that block out the morning light and provide privacy. 

If there’s space, arrange a sitting area with a small table, a comfortable chair or two, and good lighting. Think about where people can put their suitcases – maybe you can add a bench at the foot of the bed or a folding luggage rack.

Clean your junk out the closet too, so there’s at least a small amount of space for people to hang their clothes and store their shoes out of site. Have at least one small bureau with a drawer or two available for guests to put away their t-shirts and socks. If you’re remodeling or adding on a guest room, make sure you include plenty of plugs for recharging portable devices.

© 2013 Hunter Douglas

www.accentwindowfashions.com