Home Improvement

Here at Read Design we are more than just window treatments. We are a full service interior design company and our services include home improvement projects as well as remodeling jobs. We do it all from simple painting to new kitchens. Not many folks know about all the services we provide, so we're sharing a recent project we did. It wasn't a big job, but it is always fun to help make our clients homes feel a little bit better than before. 

Recently a client stopped by our Southlake store and inquired about a shade to cover a skylight in their home. They asked if we would be able to come out and see their room because they told us “it needed work”. We are always ready to take on a challenge so Jeff stopped by their home and realized that they had put in a skylight but had not finished it out. No problem! We could finish it and make it look great! 

He suggested that they use the Sky Lift Duette Architella by Hunter Douglas. We would also add PowerView Motorization for ease of operation and convenience. With PowerView, they can purchase the hub and control the shade using the PowerView App! With this app they can set schedules and scenes so the shades move along with the schedule of the homeowner. The Duette Architella is one of Hunter Douglas most energy efficient products and comes in a number of beautiful colors and textures. It is a Honeycomb shade with a cell within a cell creating 3 pockets of air for maximum temperature control. He showed the client the product and they loved it all the features and benefits of it.

The project needed a little more work. Jeff and his crew added a simple molding around the skylight that blended in to the ceiling and, well, the finished project speaks for itself. It looks so nice and clean like it was meant to be there from the start. The Duette Architella Shade looks great inside of it as well! We are so happy with the final result. 

If you are needing help with window treatments, a simple home improvement project, or a total remodeling project, give us a call. Our designers can show you all of the new style and latest trends for homes today! 

Plano - 972.608.4999

Southlake - 817.416.7164

We serivce all areas around the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex

Wake Up Your Windows

We love working on jobs where we can use our imaginatio! This is one project that was a lot of fun and where the window treatments really added to the design of the room. For most of the windows we used Plantation Shutters with 4 1/2” louvers. But for this Family Room we decided that all we would use at the windows would be custom drapery panels. We wanted a light fabric because the patio has a large overhang and not much sun gets in. On the back windows in the Breakfast Room and Study we will be using a simple roller shade with an organic feel made by Hunter Douglas. These shades will give protection from the sun but when the sun moves to the west, up will go the shades. And everything is in a light bright fabric. We all are very happy with how everything looks. And as you can see there are many windows so our customer decided to use the PowerView Motorization Lift system. This will be very convenient once the sun is overhead and then again in the evening.

Stop by one of our Hunter Douglas Gallery’s - one in Plano and one in Southlake. Our Designers can show you all of the newest products along with the lift systems. They can show you and explain the exciting PowerView lift system and explain haw it can connect with “Alexa” and other programs. And if you love the softness of draperies, we can help you can up with a design and fabric selections that will Wake up Your Windows.

You can find Hunter Douglas products and Custom Draperies at Read Design in Plano and in Southlake. We service the following areas- Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Dallas, Highland Village, Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, Fort Worth, Trophy Club, Rockwall, Rowlett, Highland Park, Preston Hollow and everywhere in between.

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.

The Alustra Collection of Woven Textures

Naturally Inspired, Artistically Designed.

The Alustra Collection of Woven Textures....... only from Hunter Douglas.

Drawing inspiration from design trends and natural woven artistry, the Alustra Collection of Woven Textures was developed as a thoughtfully curated assortment of design-forward fabrics that infuse rooms with a soft yet structured beauty. Like the lustrous silk of a smartly cut blouse or the nubby tweed of a classic chair, the texture and feel of these striking materials add depth and interest to Roman shades, roller shades and skyline Gliding Window Panels.

A sophisticated alternative to woven wood shades or solar screens, the evocative constructions and calends in this edited assortment are crafted with techniques as artistic as they are innovative. The dramatic result makes a statement not only on the windows they dress, but throughout the rooms and homes they enrich and elevate.

With Woven Textures fabrics you can create custom Roman Shades, Roller Shades and Skyline Gliding Window Panels.

Roman Shades crafted with Alustra Woven Textures fabrics create a clean, architectural dimensional look - an Organic look. A fresh take on a traditional treatment, the textural characteristics of of Alustra Woven Textures shades pair perfectly with the soft folds and dimensional style of Roman Shades. This classic form is reimagined with intriguing fabrics, sophisticated design options and advanced operating systems that can be raised and lowered from the top or bottom, imparting a bold linear sensibility. Architectural yet elegant, the result is an elevated design treatment that offers the light-filtering beauty of a traditional screen shade, but with the textural appeal and alluring touch of a soft textile.

Truly beautiful rooms unfurl and open up as you experience easy lovely detail.

Simple, Chic, Style.... Roller Shades.
The Tactile nature of The Alustra Collection of Woven Textures lends a sophisticated quality to the simplicity of roller shades, uplifting this classic form with distinct,inspired fabrics. Providing a backdrop. For a beautifully designed room, this uncluttered style fuses form and function- ensuring privacy and light control when in use amd unobstructed views when not . Innovative features and unique design options make it easy to customize this leading edge roller shade into a remarkable number of spectacular combinations.

The secret to a well-designed room is the selection of truly special products that beautifully weave light and texture together with ultimate functionality and performance.

Refined Style....Skyline Gliding Window Panels
Create a dramatic presence with the inspired Alustra Woven Textures fabrics and innovative design of Skyline Gliding Window Panels. A refined approach well-suited to more expansive spaces, gliding vertical panels create a striking contemporary look to cover both large windows and doors. Easily coordinated with Rodman and Roller Shades, the smooth-Gliding panels transform from a series of sleek fabric panels to a discreet stack that maximizes views.

Stop in Read Design Plano or Read Design Southlake to see the exclusive collection of Alustra Woven Textures by Hunter Douglas. You can touch and feel all of the fabrics and test out the different lift systems available including Ultraglide and PowerView Motorization.
Also at our Plano store see all of the new interior design products in our RD Home Collection. We have a display featuring our Favorite Alustra Woven Textures - Retreat color Pure. We love the organic feel of this fabric and we are showing this shade and pairing it with custom drapery panels.
We have a feeling that this look is going to be a show stopper in 2018.

Call Read Design Plano or Southlake today. We would be happy to meet with you to show you all of the fabrics and help you design your room that will fulfill your dreams
 

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!

Turn Your Bedroom Into A Relaxing Sanctuary

Bedrooms just make life better. Full of everything warm and plush, these spaces act as a balm to life’s stresses. They’re the place where you can fall into a cloud of blankets, turn off the lights and unwind at the end of a long day. Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of window treatments, offers some tips below to help you get the calming, cozy bedroom of your dreams.

Maximize Automation

Imagine you’re tucked into this cozy bed, ready for a lovely sleep, when you realize you’ve left the blinds open and a light on. Now imagine that instead of getting up, you can fix everything with a click. Smart-home systems let you adjust window treatments, lights and temperature using a smartphone or tablet, all from the comfort of your pillows.

Make a scene. Certain systems let you create and schedule ideal “scenes” that shift throughout the day. Motorized bedroom blinds, for example, can slowly let in the morning light or instantly close for a nine-o’clock-sharp bedtime. Some window treatment automation systems even adjust to ever-changing sunrise and sunset times. 

Don’t want to use an app? You can also operate many of these systems with a remote control — perfect for stashing in your nightstand. Combine smart products into a whole-home automation system to create your perfect sleeping environment without lifting a finger at bedtime: lights out, blinds shut and the room an optimal 65 degrees.

Get the Light Right

Light and, perhaps even more important, lack of light are integral parts of any tranquil bedroom. Pay attention to both sunlight and electric light when planning your sleep haven. The bedroom seen here, for example, strikes a pleasing balance with cellular roller shades, drapes and a sleek bedside lamp. Cellular shades gently diffuse light and lend a soft structure to windows.

If you prefer sleeping in complete darkness, try shades with a room-darkening option or pair your blinds with blackout curtains. If you love the morning sun, consider semi-opaque shades, which offer privacy yet let in some light. Also keep color in mind when choosing window treatments; your bedroom will take on a muted version of their hue as the sun filters through.

Layer your illumination. Even if your bedroom has an overhead light, add bedside lamps for a calming ambiance. The perfect partner for late-night readers, a pair of bedside lamps also provides a pleasing symmetry. Keep the switches within arm’s reach and pick a height that won’t blind you when you’re sitting up. Add other lighting where needed, as well as some aromatherapy candles for a softly scented glow.

Focus on Softness and Flow

Up the cozy factor in your bedroom for an irresistibly snuggly space. Take cues from the airy space seen here and add fluffy pillows (but not enough for a leaning tower), a cloud-like duvet, a comfy reading chair and a cushy rug. 

Layering textures in your bedroom creates a plush cocoon. Look for bed linens made of Egyptian or pima cotton — known for its quality — and with a thread count of 400 to 450. Add a luxurious wool rug, invest in a cuddly blanket and bring soft layers to your windows with light-filtering shades and drapes.

The way you move. Keep your sleeping space free of anxiety-inducing clutter and make sure you can easily move around the room. Add a quiet fan, consider a vented door for passive ventilation or bring in an HVAC expert to keep things cool.

Make It Personal

Fill your bedroom with elements that make you smile, whether it’s travel keepsakes or a special spot to do yoga. The cosmopolitan bedroom seen here is a minimalist’s dream (so take notes if that’s your style). Ideal for a reader, it features a delightful reading nook with a sculptural lamp and a curated tablescape. Simple, light gray roller shades finish the look.

Hang that artwork you bought on vacation, spritz your favorite room spray and choose colors that you equate with calm. Look to icy blue or dove gray for a cool palette, or select a brighter hue if that’s what soothes. When your bedroom is brimming with things you love, it puts you at ease — it feels like your room rather than a hotel room. It’s your space, after all, so why not make it all about you?

*taken from Hunter Douglas Houzz

The Summer PowerView Motorization Event - Part II

Now it is Time to Meet the PowerView Family only from Hunter Douglas

Pebble and Surface Remote

The stylish and colorful handheld Pebble Remote or the Wall-mounted Surface Remote puts direct adjustment at your fingertips. Operate individual or groups of shades with the push of a button. 

PowerView App

Customize your collection of Rooms and Scenes with the App, then use the scheduling feature to operate them whether your are home or away. It is designed for compatibility with Apple, iOS, and Android tablets and mobile devices. 

Pebble and Surface Scene Controller

When your tablet or smartphone isn't handy, the Scene Controller works seamlessly with the PowerView Hub and App to trigger the Scenes you have created, adding even more convenient control. 

PowerView Hub

Our elegantly designed Hub connects wirelessly to your home WiFi network. It is the central point of control for all your home's PowerView window treatments, storing your settings and activating your Scenes.

PowerView Repeater

The Repeater is a small signal enhancer that discreetly plugs into almost any outlet to extend signal range and carry commands throughout your home. It also provides customized lighting day and night via its illumination features. 

Those are the members of the PowerView Family only from Hunter Douglas. So as you wish, choose your level of control. 

Start With The Basics

Use the PowerView Pebble Remote or the small-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-Home Solution 

Say goodbye to lost remotes. Instead, conveniently control your window treatments from you 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 timing 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, and 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. 

Soon we will be talking about a Day with PowerView and also Motorized Drapery Treatments. But for now stop in and see all of the displays at Read Design Plano or Read Design Southlake.If you are building a New Home or are in the process of redoing the home you live in,give us a call.Our designers can help you find the look that is exactly your style.They are familiar with all of the products, fabrics and colors.If you are interested in going a step further with Drapery Treatments, they can assist you there also.We have fabrics from all of the major companies and more.We would love to help you.Also ask for a copy of the new Art of Window Dressing Book. 

PowerView Motorization in Prosper and Colleyville.We also service Dallas, Plano, Southlake, Grapevine, McKinney, Allen, Keller, Fort Worth, Celina, Lantana, Robson Ranch, Carrollton, Highland Park, Richardson, Trophy Club, North Richland Hills, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and all areas inbetween.

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.