Design Tips

What is good design?

Good design can be different things to different people, but as a general rule, good design has balance, smooth transitions, color balance, good scale, and an overall sense of a design scheme. A basic design rule is “form follows function” meaning it has to work first and look good second. This is especially true of window coverings, kitchen design, and furnishing selection.


Main Design Rule

Simply; FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION. What does this mean? Simply make your design work first and then make it look nice. Nowhere is this more true than in window coverings design. So many of today’s window treatments are either pretty and don’t work right, or do work, but look ugly. Follow good design; define what you need, how it should work and then choose the pattern and colors that make it look great. The second part is where many of us get stuck because most standard window coverings are offered in limited colors that usually don’t look perfect in our home. Call us and we can make custom coordinated treatments that work well and don’t look great in your home.


Window Covering Design

First define the function: light control, glare reduction, heat or cold insulation, sound absorption, privacy, security, easy maintenance, in a wet area, in a child's reach (cordless), light filtering, motorized, top down, top down bottom up, heavy duty, washable... Or any other requirements you might require. Then decide on the form: the product type, color, texture, style, fabrics, trims, decorative layers, etc... If you need help or already know exactly what you want, call us and let us measure, quote and install it for you.


Basic Color Scheme Design

Most design is re-design not new design, meaning that we have furnishings, layouts, color schemes, and floorings that we have to accommodate and incorporate into our designs. Simply stated, the color scheme is dictated by the most complex colored item in your collection. This can be a patterned heirloom area rug, a patterned drapery or sofa fabric, a color of carpeting or wallpaper. The rest of the design will be coordinated around this color scheme.


Design Key Point

Most importantly- DESIGN IS ABOUT YOU! Literally, thousands of designs can work in any given space. First, decide what you want from your space. First, decide what you want from your space. Designs can be used to evoke strong feelings or a mood to a space. Your room can be designes to make you feel; happy, content, peaceful, excited, relaxed, comfortable, attentive, relaxing, bright, professional, natural, modern, eclectic, inspirational, devotional, and more just because of the colors, patterns, textures, styles and materials used. Finding a style that is timeless for you can be as simple as looking through a home magazine or taking pictures or model homes. If you don’t have the time of don’t feel comfortable doing this groundwork, many people delegate this responsibility to an interior designer.