It seems just days ago that my family and I were kayaking on the bay, enjoying the warm weather as well as the warm water. But this morning I had to close the windows and even turn the heat on low for just a few minutes, just long enough to take the chill out of the air. And then the second thing I did was to close up certain strategically placed windows in the home in order to help better manage the temp throughout the day.

Fall is one of those times of year when people realize that their homes could use a makeover. Daylight grows shorter, temperatures cooler and cocooning sets in. Warmth and privacy become key and glossy magazines show a grande assortment of what could be.

Typically, the top requests for window treatments are:

1. Light Control
2. Privacy
3. Function
4. Style

The key to getting window coverings right in the cooler months is to layer them. By layering your treatments you add versatility to them. Adding the heavier, decorative treatments over the lighter weight sheers alows you to open the heavy panels revealing the beautiful sunlight that filters through. When you keep the sheers closed in the day/early evening, this allows you to maintain some privacy. Then as the early dusk closes in, you just close up your heavier panels to both keep the warmth inside as well as to increase your privacy with the interior lights now being turned on earlier. This is easily two layers and could be more. Add in the all important shade closest to the window and you dramatically increase the insulative value on your windows.

All of this perpetual opening and closing of the coverings just cannot happen without proper function. That means you have to have the correct rod (double or triple even) to get the job done. All of these actions cannot happen on just one rod alone. Look for one that has a seperate rod for each layer that you are using. They are probably not available in most big box stores but take a look.

The other part of the design that pertains to function is the careful construction of overlaps and returns. Without these two critical points being addressed you run the risk of having your money not work for you the way it should. Turn up the thermostat, you've got a breeze coming through!

So, those are just a few points on function. Now we have style. If you need something quick or basic, you have several choices in box stores. Many are layered for thermal qualities. You have a few color options as well. Just be sure that you purchase a rod that has enough width to go beyond the windows enough to prevent a draft.

The one down side is you have to use "standard" (side note: there is no such thing as standard in design-build!)sizes and colors. Measure your window area carefully and be prepared to pick up 4 panel packets for one window instead of just 2. With custom there are no limitations- not with color, pattern, texture, rod type or size. You can truly enhance a home with custom instead of just patching it. With custom, you get a design that meets function that brings your true personality to your home.

The time is now to start your planning process for the upcoming seasons. Should you need any help or guidance, or just simply have a question, feel free to call or email me anytime. judith@aksentinteriordesign.com

See you soon,

 Judith A King-Harmon, Interior Designer