New Year, New Look
4 minute read
Top 8 tips to revitalize & restyle your window coverings
By: Heather Anne Miller
I love the New Year! It’s a time to renew and refresh, to restart and begin again. There is something so revitalizing and exciting about the New Year.
Every New Year we tend to focus on making resolutions that center around becoming something better… someone who is more organized, more involved, more patient, happier, and healthier. The list goes on and on.
As an interior designer, I rather enjoy turning my focus toward my home and the spaces I live in every day. I don’t know about you, but when I feel better at home, I tend to feel better in all aspects of my life. I’ve seen many beautiful homes throughout my career. Beautiful homes full of beautiful furniture, the latest appliances, gorgeous flooring and stunning countertops, but the one thing the majority of homeowners forget about are window coverings.
Windows are a natural focal point in any room. Whether it’s a large picture window in a living room or a smaller accent window in a half bath, windows offer an easy opportunity to makeover any space. Read on for my top 8 tips to revitalize and restyle your windows for the coming New Year, and to make it even easier, I’ve broken it up into 3 simple steps.
Step 1: ReStyle
Restyle your window coverings by adding pattern, texture and color. Here’s how.
Tip #1: Add a pattern.
Selecting a fabric with a pattern is a great way to create interest, charm and drama. Whatever your personal taste may be pattern is an easy way to create an instant change in any room.
Tip #2: Add texture.
Textured fabric is a great way to add interest while still keeping the look simple and streamlined. Linen, velvet, silk and chenille are top choices when choosing textured fabrics.
Tip #3: Add color.
Go bold and add a pop of color to your space or keep it simple and choose a neutral shade. Either way, color is a simple way to spruce up and revitalize your window coverings.
Step 2: Accessorize
People don’t often think of accessorizing their windows, but adding an accessory can give a window that personal touch by adding personality to a space. Accessories are also an easy way to change up your window coverings throughout the year. Here’s how.
Tip #4: Add a wreath.
Wreaths are not just for the holidays. Adding a wreath to a window can really show off your personal style. Add a burlap wreath, like the one pictured, to give your space that cottage chic look.
Tip #5: Add finials.
Finials can be easily changed out and can add immediate interest to a window treatment. From modern metals, to classic crystal finials, there is sure to be something that will show off your unique style.
Tip #6: Add a cornice.
A cornice is a more modern, updated version of a valance and can add an architectural element to your space.
Tip #7: Layer, Layer, Layer.
Add warmth and depth to your window coverings by layering. Layering drapery panels over sheer panels or even a roman shade is a great way to not only personalize your windows, but add functionality too by giving you the ability to “close the blinds”, creating privacy when needed.
Step 3: Window Coverings 101
The 8th and final tip is probably the most important. Here’s why.
Tip #8: Installation.
When hanging your draperies be sure to maximize the height of your ceilings and accentuate the size of your windows by following this installation tip. Don’t install your window coverings right above the window frame. Instead, you’ll want to place your drapery rod 3-4 inches below your ceiling line or crown molding. Doing this will create the illusion of a more open space and larger windows.
Whether you choose to makeover your windows by adding a pop of color, or add a touch of personality with accessories, I hope you feel a little inspired to give your windows a new look for the New Year.
For more of Heather’s interior tips and restyling tricks visit her blog, or follow her on Pinterest. All concept designs were created using Olioboard.
