A Way With Windows

Expert tips on selecting shades and treatments

From keeping your home cool to giving you privacy, window shades and treatments are multipurpose. Of course, you also want them to look stylish. We asked Adam Skalman, vice president of sales at The Shade Store, to give us some tips on picking out the perfect ones. Still unsure? Seek professional help from expert design consultants at The Shade Store's locations.

1. Understand Your Needs: Consider the purpose of the window treatments. Do you need privacy in a bedroom or bathroom? Do you want to filter light in a living room or office? Understanding your needs will help you choose the window treatment that serves its purpose effectively.

2 Consider the Style: Window treatments are an extension of your home's decor and should complement your overall style. Whether you prefer modern, traditional or eclectic, consider the design, color and pattern of the window treatments to ensure they blend seamlessly with your decor. For example, roller shades provide a clean and simple aesthetic while a Roman shade can add more depth and texture to a room. Drapery is great for adding drama and, when mounted to the ceiling, can make a room look larger.

3 Determine Functionality: Think beyond aesthetics and consider the functionality of your window treatments. Do you need a blackout for a bedroom or energy-efficient solar shades for a sunny window? Consider factors such as light control, insulation and ease of operation to ensure your window treatments meet your practical needs. Many of our customers have been turning to motorization as a functional solution for window treatments in hard-to-reach areas or for smart home optimization.

4 Quality Matters: Investing in high-quality materials and craftsmanship for your custom window treatments is a wise longterm investment that can enhance the value of your home. They last longer and also offer better functionality and durability. n theshadestore.com • @theshadestore

Product Spotlight

Add a picnic vibe to your outdoor soiree with this rattan beverage drink tub. The inset is made of creamy ash wood, and the exterior is a sturdy curved woven rattan, while a galvanized hand-fabricated liner accommodates the chilling of bottles and cans. The large handles also make it easy to tote the hand-laminated tub wherever the festivities take place. Available for $175.95 at Crate & Barrel. crateandbarrel.com • @crateandbarrel s The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead recently completed a renovation, including refreshes to all 127 guest rooms and suites, and the addition of new Astoria Suites and a Presidential Suite redesign. The hotel’s Brassica restaurant, Peacock Alley lounge and Solarium spaces, as well as the Waldorf Astoria Spa, were given facelifts. The project, which began in 2022, was led by design firm BHDM Design and influenced by Atlanta’s nickname, “city in the forest,” utilizing woods, warm colors and touches of greenery and nature. waldorfastoriaatlanta.com @waldorfastoria n Don’t miss ADAC’s Fall Sample Sale taking place Aug. 23-25. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the public and trade will have the chance to take advantage of discounted pricing on designer brand, high-end indoor and outdoor home furnishings, rugs, lighting and accessories. adacatlanta.com • @adacatlanta s A new mural has been unveiled in Buckhead. The 17-foot-tall artwork is a result of a partnership between SCAD and Phipps Plaza. Painted by SCAD artist and Chair of Fine Arts Kent Knowles, the work depicts colors, influences, flora and fauna meaningful to the community, including Buckhead’s symbol of the buck. Located in the outdoor green space between Phipps and Nobu Hotel, the mural also offers an immersive element with a QR code viewers can scan to see the work come to life. scad.edu • @scaddotedu

Fermoie Gathered Bedwyn Lampshade, Fuchsia (from $160 each)

Deep and sophisticated jewel tones can take a tropical modern room to the next level. From 4 to 24 inches in diameter and available in a multitude of colors and patterns, these lampshades from lighting stalwart Fermoie are a luxurious way to finish off a room. Choose from a variety of sizes such as sconce shades and larger anchor task lighting. They’re available at Atlanta’s Grand Dame of lighting, Edgar-Reeves.

Edgar-Reeves Lighting 404.237.1137 • edgar-reeves.com @edgarreeveslighting