Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Leather

Make a decorating statement with leather furnishings.

This bold design move shows you have skin in the game.

Consider a touch of leather in your next decorating project. It will be a moo-ving experience that’s sure to enhance your home environment! And most leather design elements are practical too!

Leather adds great texture, softness and color; however, beware that it can be a heavy look, especially in its most typical design colors – dark brown and black. That’s why it’s best to soften a big leather piece of furniture with other elements such as creamy paint colors, cushy throws and pillows, silky rugs and soft fabric furniture and window fashions.

Another way to lessen the heaviness of leather design elements is to select a lighter color of leather, such as beige, white, gray or sage green. Or you can add a tidbit of brightness with green, red or yellow leather!

Complementary materials and textures can also lighten up a heavy leather look. Think:

• Glass or Lucite tables

• Metal chairs and lamps

• Light filtering, soft-looking window fashions

• Bamboo flooring

• Natural grass wallcoverings

Leather is a versatile choice that adds beauty to most any decorating style from a traditional dining room to a classic living room to an ultra-contemporary great room. Think about leather for these design elements:

• Leather sofas and easy chairs, and even recliners!

• Leather dining chairs

• Leather headboard

• Leather-fronted sideboard in the dining room or dresser in the bedroom

• Leather-covered walls in a powder room or home office

Add leather to your next design project and you'll be ahead of the herd!

Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Coffee Tables

Create interest and function with the perfect coffee table.

A fabulous coffee table adds personality to your rooms.

A coffee table shouldn’t be an insignificant afterthought near the end of planning your living room, den or great room. It’s a pivotal design element that can add drama to your interior design plan. 

Because a coffee table is often the anchor for a room, selecting it is key to your design plan. The table should be in scale with your furniture and the size of your room, complement your design plan and provide the functions you’re looking for: 

• A durable surface if you’re planning to serve food or drinks 

• Lightweight design if you want to move the table on occasion 

• A large size if you’d like to display a collection of favorite books or objects 

• No sharp corners if you have children or seniors visiting often

We most often think of coffee tables being constructed from wood, and a hand-crafted wood coffee table can be the perfect choice. But do consider innovative materials such as glass, stone, leather or metal. You can even use an upholstered ottoman as your coffee table. If you want your room to appear larger, think about a mirrored surface or a glass surface that doesn’t hide your beautiful rug or flooring. 

Be creative about the shape and size of your table too. Instead of a typical square or rectangular table, think round, oval, hexagonal or freeform. Add personality to your rooms with a beautiful new coffee table.

Stay Warm With Energy Efficient Window Coverings

Stay Warm with Energy Effiecient Window Coverings

It is winter and the cold months are here to stay for a while. During these chilly months being bundled up next to a warm fire while you read a book or watch TV is the best feeling ever. But the worst feeling is trying to keep your energy bill down when on an average we spend 59% more on energy bills. But don't worry - Read Design has a solution for you with energy efficient window treatments from Hunter Douglas.

Cellular Shades and Roman Shades

Cellular Shades and Roman Shades are the top energy-saving window coverings. They both are very trendy and have plenty of factors that help you save money on your energy bills.

Cellular Shades, also referred to as Duette Honeycomb Shades by Hunter Douglas, are the most energy efficient window coverings. They are designed to have dead-air spaces which increase their insulation by trapping the warm air inside which helps to keep you warm all winter long. With the introduction of Hunter Douglas Architella Duettes, this got even better. The Architella Duette is a honeycomb within a honeycomb which gives 3 air pockets and keeps even more of the warmth inside. Duette Honeycomb Shades are very versatile window coverings with a variety of fabric and colors to choose from. They offer various degrees of light filtering options including sheer, light filtering and room darkening. This also helps with privacy and insulation. Duette Honeycomb can also be made in specialty shapes including arches and skylights. There are a number of lift options including Ultraglide, LiteRise, or can be motorized with Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization making them easy to open and close as well as child safe.

Roman Shades are similar to cellular shades and are one of the most popular window coverings today. They are both functional and beautiful And they offer great energy efficiency. Hunter Douglas has the Vignette Modern Roman Shade and the Solera Soft Shades to choose from. The both come in a variety of colors and textures that add beauty to your home Roman Shades can also trap in the warmth which can save you money on your electric bill. Also, like the Duette Honeycomb Shades, Roman Shades come in various degrees of light filtering options for privacy and light control. They also have a number of lift options to choose from.

Here is one of our recent installation in Prosper, Texas. We used Tierred Vignette Modern Roman Shades by Hunter Douglas. The fabric we choose was Drake. The color of the fabric blended all the colors in this new home together. They have a total of 10 windows in the Family Room so we chose to use PowerView Motorization which will make it easy to open all of the shades at once and with this system the customer can set the shades to raise to their favorite spot. We all were very pleased with the look the Vignette Modern Roman Shades created.

Right Now Hunter Douglas is offering Rebates on these Energy Efficient Window Shades- Duette Honey Comb Shades, Vignette Modern Roman Shades and Sonnette Shades. For every Vignette shade you purchase, you will get $50 back (with a minimum of 2 shades). For every Duette and Sonnette Shades, you will get $25 back (with a minimum purchase of 4 shades).

Custom Drapery

At Read Design Plano and Read Design Southlake, our Designers can also help you with Custom Window Treatments including Draperies, Valances, Cornice Boards and much more. And now we are receiving New Fabrics from all of the manufactures which makes now an exciting time to start thinking about updating your home. Many drapery treatments are designed for insulation which also helps with the energy efficiency of your home during the window but also during those hot summer months in the North Texas area.

Where to find Energy Efficient Shades in the Dallas / Fort Worth Area

Read Design has bed a leader in Hunter Douglas and Custom Window Treatments in the Dallas / Fort Worth area and have 2 convenient locations- one in Plano and one in Southlake. At Read Design you can see our many displays and our designer can help you find a solution just for your windows. And we can help you solve all of your interior design needs. Stop in or give us a call.

Plano. 972-608-4999
Southlake. 817-416-7164

We service all of these areas and more
Irving, Dallas, Grapevine, Plano, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Carrollton, Allen, McKinney, Richardson, Rockwell, Garland, Prosper, Celina, Southlake, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, Arlington, Westlake, Northlake, Robson Ranch, Flower Mound, Little Elm, Lewisville, The Colony, North Richland Hills, Mabank, and all areas in between.

We will be having a Window Dressing Event starting in February and will have a number of events running throughout the Spring. Watch for our Blogs and info on Facebook.

RD Home

We have exciting news at Read Design, the expansion of Read Design Home (RD Home Collection). New Products are coming in everyday and we are busy in our remodeling mode. Our shop is taking on a new and fun look. Stop in and see us soon!

At Read Design Plano, we are a full service Interior Design studio. It all starts with your window coverings. We have a Hunter Douglas Gallery and can show you Blinds and Shades - including Silhouettes, Pirouettes, and many other styles of Shades. And do not forget Plantation Shutters. An attractive window and the right light can change everything - from your room to your mood. Hunter Douglas has mastered the art of window dressing by engineering innovative functions into stylish, versatile looks for every window in your home. Hunter Douglas is the leader in light control, energy efficiency, operation systems and motorization, which makes your home smarter, your days easier, and every room more beautiful. When you stop in make sure you ask for a free copy of our Art of Window Dressing book.

Now that the windows are taken care you can move on to softening your windows with drapery panels, cornice or valances. With so many fabrics to choose from we are sure that we can find the perfect solution for your home.

​We recently helped a customer in Dallas who needed window treatments and more. First we started with Roller shades from Hunter Douglas. The shades are there for sun control and privacy and when they are up, they completely disappear into the headrail. We also added the PowerView motorization options which give give our customer ease of operation. Next we added drapery panels in a navy pattern that coordinates with the new color scheme of her home. They soften the windows and draw out the view to the back yard.

For the master bedroom our customer wanted to keep her king size bed. It works nicely in this large room with tall ceilings. First from RD Home Collection we used a 9’ x 13’ Rug in a contemporary design that brings together the soft grey, silver, and blue colors. We added a blue velvet throw at the end of the bed, blue linen euro shams and 3 custom pillows. All of the fabrics are from Kravet. To finish the look we hung 2 large art pieces behind the nightstands. What you don’t see are the 4 1/2” louver Shutters from Hunter Douglas and 4 drapery panels. The room looks very inviting and comfortable. 

In her sitting room we selected another piece from RD Home. This is a versatile piece that can be used in a Living Room, Dining Room, or just about anywhere. We also used a large rug to set the tone for the color pattern. We will soon be continuing furnishing this room with chairs and a cocktail table.

Below are some of the new pieces you will find at Read Design Plano and RD Home. We will continue get new pieces weekly. Or if you would like to have one of our Interior Designers help you with floor planning and design, just let us know. We can put together a Interior Design Plan just for you. Because we have a ton of furniture in our showroom, we are able to get you a new piece for your upcoming holiday party! We deliver! Give us a call at your earliest convenience to set up your consultation today!

PowerView Savings Event Ends September 11!

OK. Less than a week left of the 2017 Hunter Douglas Motorization Rebate Event.

This past week we completed a beautiful Vignette Modern Roman Shade installation in Plano. All of the upstairs bedrooms face east and have a wonderful view of a golf course. Our client wanted soft window treatments and it was important that the shades operated both top down and bottom up. We selected a textured fabric called Sahara in the Oasis color for two of the bedrooms. For the middle bedroom, including the bath, we used Indian Silk in the Vin Blanc color. All of the Shades are motorized with Hunter Douglas PowerView and can be operated by the Pebble Remote or smartphone. 

We have attached pictures of the shades and videos of the motorization in process. We all were very pleased with the outcome and our client is looking forward to her motorization rebate from Hunter Douglas.

PowerView - As you wish. Choose your level of control.

Start with the Basics.

Use the PowerView Pebble Remote - or the wall-mounted Surface Remote - to quickly adjust any single, powered window treatment or groups of shades with just a push of a button.

Upgrade to a full smart-house solution.

Say Goodbye to lost remotes. Instead, conveniently control your window treatments from your tablet or smartphone. With the PowerView App, you can send shades to specific positions with just the swipe of a finger. Even better? Get the most from your smart shades by creating customized Scenes. Then use the scheduling feature so your shades move automatically to your preferred positions. PowerView does all the work for you - on the days and timeline that perfectly fit your lifestyle.

Connect with other smart-home systems.

The PowerView system is designed for compatibility with most home automation system technologies on the market today, as well as Apple iOS, Android tablets and mobile devices to expand the function of your wireless home. Please be sure to visit the PowerView Compatibility page at hunterdouglas.com for the latest information on compatible systems and devices.

Smart Connections beyond the Window.

Today's connected home is more advanced and easier to control than ever before with PowerView Motorization, your home's window treatments are part of this convenient technology, delivering the connected lifestyle you demand - right from the smart devices you use every day.

PowerView works seamlessly with the leading Connected Home providers including Nest, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. Call us to learn more about these amazing features!

WARRANTY

Unlike most electronic products which are typically covered for one year, Hunter Douglas motorized components are covered for five years from the date of purchase.

Online Support

For a host of resources, including the PowerView step-by-step Guide, FAQ's and more, visit. Hunterdouglas.com

Talk with Experts

Dial 1-844-PWRVIEW with questions. Phone support is available weekdays. 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. (ET)

The Summer 2017 PowerView Motorization Event

See our Luminette Privacy Sheers in operation with the PowerView Motorization System from Hunter Douglas. We used the PowerView App on this customers iPhone to open and close these beautiful shades.

From now until September 11, Read Design Plano and Read Design Southlake will host a number of Motorization Events including 2 Thursday "Wine and Design" nights focusing on PowerView Motorization by Hunter Douglas. There will also be Exclusive Promotions, Coupon Giveaways , and a drawing at each Store for the Brand New PowerView Hub. Stop by and you will also receive the New Art of Window Dressing Book!

So lets get in to it......... PowerView Motorization! 

Smart Home, Smart Living

With PowerView Motorization from Hunter Douglas, the worlds most beautiful window treatments are now the most intelligent. This innovative wireless system lets you move any powered Hunter Douglas window treatment according to the schedules you set. Perfect lighting, energy efficiency, everyday convenience - its all delivered automatically with PowerView. It's technology at your service.

Hunter Douglas Duette PowerView Shades Top Down Bottom Up Room Darkening

PRECISE OPERATION

Whether you want to move the shades up or down, or tilt or traverse them, PowerView Motorization gives you precise and convenient control of your beautiful Hunter Douglas window treatments.

AUTOMATED LIVING

With the PowerView App, you can quickly create customized Scenes that control all the shades in your home, operating together or in any combination your desire. Then, just schedule those Scenes to automatically move your shades to your preferred positions.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Use PowerView Motorization to move your shades according to the sun's daily patterns. Having your shades in the right positions can reduce solar heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, and could help you lower your energy bills.

SECURE

Adjust your shades for added security while you're away via the RemoteConnect feature on your smartphone or tablet.

CHILD FRIENDLY

Simple cord-free operation is aesthetically pleasing and safer for homes with children and pets.

STYLISH

With the widest array of innovative styles, colors, and fabrics in the industry, Hunter Douglas window treatments embody beautiful form and function.

BATTERY POWERED

Most PowerView window treatments are battery powered, so they're easy to install, operate, and maintain. The battery pack is hidden behind the head rail, so there is nothing to mar the beauty of your window treatments. *Wired window treatments are available - ask us how!

This is the Beginning of PowerView. In a few days you will meet the PowerView Family.

But now if you are buying a new home or if you are making improvements to your current home, stop by either Read Design Plano or Read Design Southlake and let our qualified designers show you all of the Window Shadings that can be powered. We can show you fabrics that will work with your life style and give you ideas on how to set your scenes. We can show you the latest trends and current styles. We are a Family business and are excited about all that is new with Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization.

We service all of these areas.  Plano, Dallas, Colleyville, Flower Mound, Allen, Celina, Prosper, Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Richardson, Carrollton, Frisco, Little Elm, Lewisville, McKinney, Preston Hollow, Trophy Club, Fort Worth, Farmers Branch , Park Cities, Rockwell, Roanoke, Arlington and everywhere inbetween.

Pirouette Shades - Refreshed & Refined

Home in Lakeside where the customer wanted a beautiful view to the backyard. 

 The perfect blend of flawless beauty and exceptional functionality.

Our innovative Pirouette® shadings feature soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing, allowing for enhanced views to the outside while maintaining privacy and the full beauty of the fabric appearance on the inside. 

Light Control - Supervise The Sun

Soft vanes floating on a sheer backing put you in control of the amount of natural light that comes in, with dramatic effects. Transform harsh exterior light by diffusing it, spreading it evenly throughout your room, so you can maximize daylight hours and reduce your need for artificial light. Our beautiful sheer fabrics also softly filter out brightness, glare, and UV rays —protecting your furniture and flooring from fading.

Dramatic Softness

Invisi-Lift™ allows you to view through the sheer fabric and floating vanes with no obstructing cords or tapes, while maintaining a discreet level of privacy.

Sunscreen For Your Valuables

Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. The sheer backing allows you to keep your view while protecting your home.

Refreshed & Refined

New fabrics inspired by the organic beauty of raw silk and linen. A refreshed color palette, including 44 new hues spanning relaxing neutrals, sophisticated midtones and breathtaking pops of bold color. Check out the newly reimagined collection firsthand at Read Design in Plano and Southlake. 

Now through June 26th 2017 save with the Celebration of Light Sales Event going on now! For every 2 units purchased you will receive a $100 rebate in the form of a prepaid American Express gift card. 

Lift Systems

Pirouette comes with a variety of lifting systems including the highly sought PowerView Motorization. Manual lift systems include EasyRise and UltraGlide.   

Home in Castle Hills with view - Alustra Pirouette.

The Alustra Collection

The beauty of Alustra Pirouette Window Shadings extends well beyond the windows. Created for those  who know every detail in a room is a reflection of their personal style, they infuse an aesthetic that adds impressive dimension and instills sumptuous ambiance. This captivating design merges unprecedented light control with luxurious textiles embodied with texture and sheen. With superior functionality, it beautifully complements the unique inspirations and stories that express the spirit and soul of a home. 

It's Where Virtual Reality Feels More Real Than Virtual

Come to the Hunter Douglas Website and Enter our iMagine Design Center

It’s an interactive gallery that lets you view in detail all the Hunter Douglas window fashions. You can even dress a window with any of them, and see how the light is simply yet magically affected by the window covering of your choice.

And, with just one click, you’ll be able to view all the details of any Hunter Douglas product, including ever fabric, material and color offered. Another click and you’ll zoom in for a close-up, or read about the special features that make our window coverings different from the rest.

Want to see how they operate? iMagine also offers direct access to our product and operating systems videos for even more details!

There’s more! You can actually transform our rooms on your screen – from changing the wall color and flooring to the cabinets, countertops and upholstery – to more closely match your own rooms or match the ones to which you aspire.

In addition to our iMagine Design Center, the Hunter Douglas website offers tooks to help you determine your needs (simply visit our Starter Guide Section) or you can dream of the possibilities (our Photo Gallery showcases thousands of rooms that have been transformed with Hunter Douglas window fashions).

Watch this video for more information.