THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
VANCOUVER EASTSIDE
info@rew.ca • 604-435-7977
REALTORS® in Real Estate Weekly are working hard for you. Whether buying or selling, check out the newest and most amazing homes listed in your neighbourhood.
R E A L E S TAT E W E E K LY
COZY WINDOW DRESSINGS TO KEEP YOU WARM THIS WINTER
W
inter time is the season when we spend much more time cocooning or entertaining. This is also a great time of year to look at your window dressings to make sure that they look stylish while keeping your home cozy on those chilly nights. We spoke to Reisa Pollard, founder and designer at Beyond Beige Interior Design, for her advice on how to choose the perfect window treatment and to share the hottest trends in everything from drapes to shades to shutters. What are You Looking to Achieve? Determining what window treatments meet your needs for privacy, light control, energy efficiency and, most importantly, your budget is the first step. Pollard says ask yourself: Do you entertain a lot? Are you trying to protect your furnishings from the sun? What is your budget? Next, think about function. Do you want your window treatments to provide privacy? Control the light coming in? Frame a beautiful view? Insulate against cold and noise? “Depending on the window dressing, they can keep out the draft and cold and protect from too much light while offering privacy,” says the designer. Spoiled for Choice Then comes the fun part: what to choose? First off, window treatments come in two categories: hard and soft. “Hard includes roller shades, shutters and Venetian blinds, and soft is the fabric finishes on your windows, which complement your furniture and décor,” Pollard says.
GO TO
REW.CA /NEWS
TO READ THESE STORIES AND MUCH MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS AND ADVICE
Roller Shades Roller shades provide a sleek and clean look to your interior. Not only do they come in a rainbow of hues, you can also choose light-filtering options including blackout shades. “Roller shades come in wood, bamboo, reeds and grasses as well as man-made faux wood and vinyl,” says Pollard.
drapes or contemporary flat panels hung on modern hardware, Pollard recommends you choose the style, fabric and trims that suits your room’s décor. “A drapery can be the most impactful element in any room and adds a lot of warmth,” she says. “There are beautiful, big bold patterns on today’s velvet (which is sheerer) or linen fabrics that provide a sophisticated look.”
Wood Shutters and Blinds Shutters have been around since medieval times but, today, they are an ultimate statement piece. Shutters have many looks, fit most windows and can stretch from floor to ceiling. “Go for wood shutters or wood blinds that don’t have too many slats so it’s not as imposing on a window,” she explains. “Although white is the most favoured colour, what’s really hot are grey or light brown in line with flooring trends.”
Colour Matters Colour makes or breaks a room. “While white, blues and greens and primary colours are perennial favourites, window treatments in jewel tones and contrasting colours make a strong statement,” adds Pollard. For those looking for a modern look, darker colours work well. But if you choose darker tones, your accents in the room need to be lighter, says Pollard. Shades and drapes in light earth tones give the room a warm glow during the day and soothe under the bright lighting of the evening. Finally, Pollard says, “Never underestimate the power of window dressings. You’ll be amazed at how much they add to the décor of a room, rather than simply being a functional element.”
Delicious Drapes There are an infinite number of options and choices of fabrics, tracks, rods, styles and headings for drapery. So, whether you envision traditional pleated
Most Vancouver Homeowners Oppose Planned Property Tax Hike: Poll
Four Great Tips to Help You Save Your Down Payment Sooner
Strata Solutions: Eight Essential Tips for Winding Up a Strata