Windows With Bad Views

Here in the Dallas, Texas area new homes are popping up everywhere. It is truly amazing. However, sometimes it seems as though the home building are piling these large homes one of top of the other. It almost feels like you can reach your arm out and touch your neighbor! We recently helped a client in Plano who had exactly this problem. Her home is stunning, but the distance between her home and her neighbors was less than eight feet. The view from her three large dining room windows were a brick wall along with the neighbors air conditioner unit and meters. This was definitely an issue as no one wants to look at that mess while eating a lovely family dinner. What a sore sight!

Our solution for this bad view is simple. We did not want to cover this windows with blinds or shutters as this was the only light entering this room. We still wanted to keep it light and bright. So instead of putting something heavy, we decided to go with a sheer drapery. It is a dining room, after all, so the drapery is a perfect way to dress up the room and solve the visual issue with the view. The sheer fabric we chose has a delicate pattern for added interest and style. The fabric is from a beautiful line in the Kravet Collection. We used a zip rod from Design Elements so they can pull the draperies open if they want to. This window treatment lets light diffuse into the room while hiding the ugly view and dressing up the room. Style and function! What a beautiful combination. If draperies aren't your thing, there are other window treatment options to explore. 

If draperies aren't your thing, there are other window treatment options to explore. 

In a room with more light, you might consider plantation shutters in the 4.5 inch louver. You can tilt the louvers slight to let plenty of light in while still hiding the unwanted view. Keep in mind, shutters will always take away more light because it is a heavy and solid window treatment, so make sure you have plenty of windows and an airy, large room.

Another option would be to look into Pirouette or Silhouette Window Shadings from Hunter Douglas. These two unique products offer the versatility and control most people love. In fact these are my absolute favorite window treatments to use in homes and ten times out of ten, my clients are thrilled. Silhouette shades with the Signature S vane will transform light. Fabric vanes float between two sheers that create a beautiful and functional look. This innovative design will defuse light and soften the view outdoors. They allow for daytime privacy and offer 88% UV blockage in the tilted position. Pirouette shades with its striking design will dramatically filter light in a way you've never seen before. Unless, of course, you're familiar with the product! These shades will give you a softened view to the outdoors along with giving you the look of a traditional fabric shade. Both of these beautiful window coverings come in a variety of fabrics giving you many textures and colors to choose from. It is easy to find the right fabric for your space.

You might even consider the Duette Architella Honeycomb Shade with the Top Down/Bottom Up design feature. This allows you to lower your shade from the top for maximum privacy as well as blocking unsightly views while offering light control. Duette® Honeycomb Shades are the original cellular shades, specifically engineered to provide beauty and energy efficiency at the window in both cold and warm climates. Their honeycomb construction traps air in distinct pockets, which creates insulation that can help lower your energy consumption and energy bills. Duette shades are available in an expansive range of pleat sizes, fabrics, colors, opacities and textures. Innovative operating system design options such as Top-Down/Bottom-Up and Duette Duolite® make these shades a top choice for any window, skylight or even specialty window shapes like arches, sidelights and circles.

The newest option to haze the ugly view would be to use Vignette Modern Roman Shades with the Duolite option. You can use a sheer fabric to distract, but not cut out light. For two opacities in a single shade, consider the revolutionary Duolite® option. Vignette Duolite combines a light-filtering or sheer front shade with a built-in room-darkening back panel both housed on a single roller to easily achieve the perfect level of light and privacy. My favorite fabric in this collection is called Layla and I can't wait to show you!

All of these beautiful shades come in a variety of lift systems including the PowerView Motorization from Hunter Douglas. Control your shades with the touch of a button or use the PowerView App! The PowerView App unlocks the full potential of PowerView Motorization. Using the App, you can control your shades with a swipe of a finger. Or, create customized Scenes that move the shades to positions you set, and automate those Scenes to operate on their own throughout the day.

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.

March Into Spring......

          With window coverings by Hunter Douglas and Custom Draperies by Read Design

We can see the start of warm weather ahead of us and it is time to freshen up your home just in time for Spring. What better way then changing out your window coverings or adding Custom Window Treatments?! I love to open the windows at the beginning of Spring and see Nature in it's glory and to smell the freshness of Spring.

A great way to open up your home is to update your window coverings.

Silhouette, Pirouette, and Roman Shades

When customers ask us what we would do to open up a room, we always suggest shades. These include Silhouettes, Pirouettes, Roman Shades and Roller Shades all from Hunter Douglas. These are products where you can easily lift them all the way up and let the sun shine in.  

Silhouette transforms light. Like the subtle cast their name suggests, Silhouette window shadings with the Signature S-Vane, creates beautiful and ambient light and shadow. Soft fabric vanes are suspended between two sheers, diffusing softened light deep into a room. Tilt the vanes to achieve the privacy you desire while maintaining UV protection. These shades can easily be rolled all the way into a cassette to give full view of the outside.

Stringing design, dramatically filtered light. With Pirouette window shadings, the look and feel of a traditional fabric shade is enhanced, the gentle pull of a cord lets you change a room's lighting in a whole new way. Soft, horizontal fabric vanes close to filter natural light, or open to give you a perfect outside view. Our revolutionary invisi-Lift system allows the vanes to float gracefully. Even when opened they offer UV protection and reduced glare through the sheer backing.

Vignette and Design Studio Roman Shades offer a simple, uncluttered, look. Luxurious fabrics and soft folds give the shades a clean, crisp look. The range of styles can help you create a warm, inviting, and beautiful space. With so many fabric color and texture options, there is something for any style of home.

Sophisticated but uncomplicated is how we describe Roller Shades. For a look that is both custom and classic, our Designer Roller Shades offer a clean appearance in a beautiful range of fabrics and have a variety of design options and operating systems.  

There other Shades from Hunter Douglas that also fit this bill including Duette Honeycomb Shades, Provenance Woven Shades, and Solera Soft Shade. All of these designs are beautiful and dynamic. 

Stop in to see us at Read Design in Southlake or Plano and let one of our designers help you select the perfect shade for your home. Because we are a full service Interior Design Studio, we can help you with Custom Window Treatments. We can even pair them to Hunter Douglas Shades. With the thousands of fabrics available, we are sure that we can find the perfect fit for your home.  Here are just a few ideas.

Don't Forget! March is Motorization Month! Ask us about PowerView!

We service all of the following areas: Garland, Richardson, Farmer's Branch, Dallas, Rockwall, Fortworth, Plano, Frisco, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Roanoke, Denton, Celina, Prosper, Allen, McKinney and every where in between!

Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Simple Style

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A clean and simple design style can make your life less stressful. 

The look of your home can give you peace of mind and a sense of calm. Many of us have feelings of stress because we’re overwhelmed by the demands in our lives. What better goal to consider in your home decorating plans than to create a home environment that’s calming and relaxing, both on the eyes and on the soul. 

Simple doesn’t mean plain or unattractive. Simple design can create a sophisticated, traditional, elegant look or a modern, minimalist feel. The bottom line is reducing chaos and over-decoration, and minimizing clutter and confusion.

• Plan only one or two focal points per room, so you can really “see” the beauty, rather than having a hodge podge of color and design elements. 

• Limit the number of colors in your design and stick with gentle colors, rather than bold primary colors. 

• Make color transitions gentle. Avoid making too strong a statement between dark and light colors, such as black and white. (However, keep in mind that you may want energizing colors in a room; for example, in a kitchen or home office where you’d like to be engaged and active.)

Once you’ve created a simple, clean design, enjoy it! Allow yourself relaxing time to read a book or watch your favorite TV show, without answering the phone or responding to text messages. Spend time with your family or friends in a quiet way, without over planning your activities. 

Achieving a calm and simple home environment can help you find peace of mind every day. 

Color, Pattern, Texture & Weave

With Hunter Douglas, beauty is more than skin deep, but first impressions always matter. That is why innovative textile sourcing is a crucial part of our design process and it's why we've established relationships with some of the worlds best mills. We work with textile houses to develop and design exclusive materials that are as special as our technological innovations. That means fabrics that subtly reflect and control light in intriguing ways. Richer, more fashionable colors, luxurious weaves and unusual textures, even special characteristics like Hunter Douglas' MicroShield Antimicrobial fabric protection. In all, Hunter Douglas has created a collection of more than 300 timeless fabrics, woven with the finest blends of cottons, linens, silks and synthetics to add beauty, style and enhanced livability to every room in your home.

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You can see all the colors and textures in many Hunter Douglas products including Design Studio Roman Shades and Vignette Modern Roman Shades. Customized through pattern and texture, these shades are expertly crafted to order and offer elegant window coverings in more than 300 exquisite fabrics. From sophisticated designs, textures and stripes to solids in blends of cotton, linen, silk and synthetics.

Vignette Modern Roman Shades

VIgnette Modern Roman Shades are clean and sophisticated, beautiful and functional. Because they come from the world's leading maufacturer of window fashions, you know your Modern Roman Shades are built with attention to every last detail - and that's just the start of the many reasons to choose Vignette Modern Roman Shades.

What makes a Modern Roman Shade? They are VERSATILE - choose from three styles that roll, stack or traverse. There's a style for every window in the house. They are SAFE - with no exposed cords on the front or back of the shade, these window fashions enhance child and pet safety in your home. They are DURABLE - finely crafted woven fabrics are easy to clean. Choose from many fabric collections and over 100 different fabric options all requiring low maintenance. They are BEAUTIFUL - you choose a style, 4" full folds or 6" flat folds. Either way, we've made sure they retain a consistent appearance with every use. They are INNOVATIVE - discover an extensive selection of proprietary operation systems available only with Hunter Douglas. They are QUICK - it is easy to order and the delivery is fast. They are HANDCRAFTED QUALITY - every shade is backed by the Hunter Douglas Limited Litetime Guarantee.

Design Studio and Vignette Modern Roman Shade Installations

Here are a few of our many shade installations in Dallas, Southlake and surrounding areas.

Let Read Design help you with your next Roman Shade project!

Now is the time to stop by Read Design Plano or Read Design Southlake and see all of the new Hunter Douglas products. We have brand new Vignette Modern Roman Shade fabrics! We have over 60 working samples of Hunter Douglas products including the Exclusive Alustra Collection. We can show you all of the features and benefits of the products and lift systems including the new PowerView Motorization. We are also getting new fabrics every day for your next drapery or curtain project. Or just give us a call!

Plano : 972.608.4999

Southlake : 817.416.7164

Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Design With Earth Tones

Earth tones add a natural and harmonious touch to any living space.

Today’s earthy colors are nothing like your mother’s or grandmother’s color palette. They are a thoroughly up-to-date decorating palette.Forget the avocado green shag carpet and harvest gold kitchen appliances you remember from your mother’s or grandmother’s house.Soft and warm, earth tone interior design elements and window coverings from Hunter Douglas take the chill out of a cool autumn evening. These gentle colors make rooms feel cozy and relaxing, never harsh and cold. And since the hues mimic the colors of nature, the blending between indoors and outdoors is seamless, especially if you have large windows.

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Earth tone interior design elements and hues blend well together, so they’re not as tricky to combine as other color palettes. In fact, decorating with earth tones makes it easy to coordinate your whole house, without colors clashing between rooms, even if the exact hues in each room are not identical.

For earth tone interior design,
think beige and brow, tan and taupe,
even sage greens, soft rust tones and muted golds – 
the colors of wheat, straw, sand, rocks, trees and soil.

An earth tone palette can be smooth and sophisticated, rough and rustic, or dainty and feminine – it all depends on the tones your select and the style of your furnishings.

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You can add white to brighten an earth tone palette, or introduce black to add drama. Then incorporate patterns and textures for added nuance and beauty. Obvious earth tone choices are in upholstered furniture, drapery fabrics, paint and accessories, but you can also use earth tone hues in flooring – wood, stone and carpeting – and in mantles and counter tops.

Come down to earth with your decor this fall. Add earth tones for a natural and balanced look.

Providing Interior Design ideas to all of these areas: Dallas, North Dallas, Plano, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell, Southlake, Denton, Keller, Roanoke, Benbrook,  Westlake, Fort Worth, Lewisville, Grapevine, Trophy Club, The Colony, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Savannah, Aubrey, McKinney, Allen, St. Paul, Wylie, Sachse, Rockwall, Rowlett, Lucas, Parker, Melissa, Anna, Fairview, Heath, Garland, Richardson, Irving, Las Colinas, University Park, Highland Park, Kessler Park, Euless, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, Flower Mound, Corinth, Arlington, Little Elm, Hurst, Saginaw, Haltom City, Bedford, Watauga, Haslet and many more!

Call 817.416.7164 for Read Design Southlake

Call 972.608.4999 for Read Design Plano

Client Work: Hunter Douglas Vignette Roman Shade in White Linen - Dallas, TX

Our customer in Dallas, Texas wanted help with her study.  She had shutters on the front French Doors that needed to stay but everything else could go.  We put in an oriental rug that had browns, blues, and off whites in the design. We repositioned the desk to face the entry and opened up the view to the side yard using Hunter Douglas Tiered Vignette Roman Shades in White linen.  

We used the LiteRise or no-cord lifting system to keep the look neat.  She has a beautiful landscape out these windows and she says she loves the light that filters in!

Season of Style Savings Event!

It's time to decorate your windows for the holidays! Celebrate the Hunter Douglas "Season of Style Event," going on NOW through December 7th 2015... and save with valuable rebates on a selection of stylish Hunter Douglas window fashions. 'Tis the season to welcome guests into your home with energy efficient Duette Honeycomb Shades, light diffusing Silhouette and Pirouette Window Shadings, beautiful Vignette Modern Roman Shades and sophisticated Solera Soft Shades. But you've got to act now, because the season and this offer won't last long. Don't miss the Season of Style Event, now through December 7th 2015 and celebrate with valuable rebate savings on Hunter Douglas window fashions. Limitations and restrictions apple. Ask for details.

Visit our showroom in Plano or in Southlake to speak with a certified professional dealer today.

Call Plano at 972.608.4999

Call Southlake at 817.416.7164

Remember - we service the entire Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex including Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Parker, Prosper, Celina, Gunter, Sachse, Wylie, St. Paul, Little Elm, The Colony, Lewisville, Aubrey, Melissa, Van Alstyne, Anna, Lucas, Fairview, Rockwall, Rowlett, Garland, Richardson, Heath, Carrollton, University Park, Highland Park, Dallas, Farmers Brand, Coppell, Irving, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Euless, Grapevine, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Flower Mound, Keller, Roanoke, Argyle, Highland Village, Argyle, Corinth, Denton, Fort Worth, Kennedale, Benbrook, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Desoto, Lancaster, Red Oak, Balch Springs, Mesquite, Forney, Crandall, Kaufman, Mabank, Gun Barrel City, Kemp, Seven Points, Cedar Creek Lake, Enchanted Oaks, Payne Springs and many more!!