SherwinWilliams Talks Color Trends

The latest edition of STIR, Sherwin-Williams' blog has an informative post on color trends - Living Style: Color Forecasting: Making Friends with Color Trends.  Check out the entire article at www.swstir.com

New Child-Safe Window Shade Lift System to be unveiled at Pgh Home and Garden Show

We are really excited to be the first window treatment professionals to display the revolutionary CK® lift system for fabric window shades.  

The CK® lift system manipulates the shade without any visible cords thus offering safety along with window fashion versatility. The CK® lift system is easy to use and its narrow  projection – just ¾” from the glass - means it can fit in even the most modern window frame applications.

There are no exposed cords to mar the simplicity of the back of the shade.  And the CK® lift system offers unlimited design options for fabric shades of any design – top down, bottom up, even side to side for vertical shade applications.

The CK® lift system was developed by Mary Ann Plumlee, a drapery workroom owner in Waco, Texas.  Drawing on her 30 years’ experience as a design professional and even more years as a parent, Plumlee designed a system that would be safe and attractive. 

Check back next week for images of this system in action - or better yet - visit us at the Home & Garden Show and see it in person!

Talking about Windows

A while ago I spoke with Cristy Cummings from Designing Pittsburgh on WMNY radio.  Sit back and learn more about our business and what we can do for your home.

http://www.designingpittsburgh.com/podcasts/DP_01-29-2011_Soccio_Rodriquez_Design.mp3

"Redd Up" with the Pros

Here in western Pennsylvania we have some quaint phrases thanks to the Pennsylvania Dutch.  We learn as little kids to redd up our rooms before going out to play, and know to tie up papers with gumbands.  (For the non-Pittsburgher reading this, gumbands are rubber bands and redd up means to make neat or clean up.)

This coming weekend, Jan 7-9, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center will be overflowing with vendors who will offer numerous ways to redd up and remodel your home at the Pittsburgh Remodeling Show.  We'll be there with new designs for vintage windows in the 'burgh - as well as treatments that will make newer homes shine.  And regardless of the age of your home, stop by the Speaker's Stage on Saturday at 3 to learn 21st century tricks to keep your windows - and rooms - warm in winter, cool in summer, and beautiful year round!

Print out the attached coupon for free admission to the Remodeling Show and be sure to stop by our booth (604) to pick up Sherwin Williams color trends for 2011.  You 'll have a good time ahn'aht!

Ceilume Ceiling Tiles that look like tin

We finished the sunroom earlier this year with ceiling tiles from Ceilume.  These are semi-rigid plastic tiles that attach to the ceiling w/staples and/or glue.  We spray painted the tiles before installation then added the decorative strips between the tiles to cover the staples.
This sunroom was added to the back of the house, behind the kitchen.  We had a tin ceiling in the kitchen so the Ceilume ceiling really fits in with the rest of our 1850's Italianate.

http://www.ceilume.com/gallery/viewjob.cfm/552/Ceiling-Tiles

Honeysuckle Rose, THE color of 2011

Someday I will learn how to coordinate my blog, my fan page and the world.  But in the meantime, check out this yummy pink that has been named the hot color for 2011.
http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post.aspx?id=833efeaf-cc5e-4a43-9964-06eb59fd7238

Things are already looking rosier! (pun intended)

"Windows of Opportunity" in Victorian Homes magazine

I recently wrote an article for Victorian Homes magazine about window treatments appropriate for Victorian homes.  The drapery principles of layering are equally appropriate for Victorian homes and more modern homes alike.  Some of the specific window coverings, tho, are especially lovely in vintage homes or rooms designed in a traditional/formal manner.

I'm talking about the silk appliquéd sheer and silk-on-silk velvet panels mentioned on page 77.  These panels are available finished to 120" long and are about 54" wide with silk velvet scalloped edges and hem.  We have a stained glass panel in the window on the 2nd floor landing at our house.  We will be installing the velvet panel to swag over the top and side of the stained glass.  I say "will be" since we are still finishing the 3rd floor and need to paint the staircase walls before adding the panels.

We also purchased two sheer panels for the front parlor of our 1852 Italianate.  These were lined with a cream colored sheer fabric for greater privacy and a little more sun protection.  The silk sheers will go under a truly vintage window treatment, copied from French drapery designs of the 1880's.  These treatments are still on my "to-do" list behind all my clients' work.  Hopefully, I'll get to work on them during the Christmas break.  I'll add photos of the finished treatments as they happen.

In the mean time, enjoy these images of the silk and velvet panels from the showroom.  And let me know where else you would envision these luxe panels, perhaps in your own home?