From the International Window Covering Expo held in April 2022

From customized designs and new colors to increased motorization and technology, read what some manufacturers are predicting for the future.

Expectations of traditional window treatments have changed due to the massive adjustment in the functionality of offices, health care, and other commercial spaces. Additionally, over the last two years, homeowners have also shifted to re-creating rooms and practical spaces to adapt to working from home. This has certainly led to an increased demand for motorization and other smart home technology, as well as personalized custom design, all of which are on a growth trajectory and constantly evolving.

Motorization and Roller Shades

While trends in colors, fabrics, and window covering styles are always developing in response to cultural, environmental, and other influences, some trends continue to remain at the forefront, especially motorization. Steve Wright, CEO and president of Forest Drapery, foresees “continued growth in motorized window treatments, especially in the roller shade category.” Tim Sanders, president of SmartPad Pro, concurs. “Roller shades and motorization will continue to be the mainstream product in the hospitality and commercial fields.”

Where roller shades were more predominantly specified for commercial spaces in the past, they are now a must-have for certain rooms in residential properties, including, but not limited to, the home office as the shift to working from home continues to grow. “Interior roller shades specified with blackout fabrics will continue to emerge as a necessity for homeowners,” says Market Manager Gregg Terry of Phifer.

Window Covering Trends: Performance and Color

In addition to continued growth in automation and the increased use of commercial window coverings in home residences, charting the benefits and performance qualities with customers becomes even more essential in 2022. Marketing Director Holly Bridwell of Mermet Sun Control Textiles USA stresses the importance of elevating the fabric selection process with clients by making the interaction a “design consultation on performance—not only about fabric aesthetics and color,” and adds that blackouts, notably in the popular gray, charcoal and white families, will continue to trend. Weighing in on color trends, Wright also notes that “color choices are varied, yet fabrics will be trending toward neutrals and textures.” Elegant and versatile white, beige and gray tones, as well as textured blackout and light-filtering color-coordinating options, will carry on as a widespread choice in both residential and hospitality environments.

Color Matching, New Aesthetics, and Customization

While grays and neutrals may be here to stay—at least for now—designers continue to experiment with color, including greens, rich blues, and other bold hues. These colors are often mixed with innumerous textures for a more engaging presentation. Ryan Crist, director of sales and marketing at Texton, explains how end-users and designers are increasingly seeking “exact color match” and “close pairing” of shades with drapery. “End users want to customize a drapery color to match an existing paint color or textile swatch.” They will continue their demand for customized products and color match to ensure their shades are unique and personalized.

Nevertheless, the overall minimalist, modern and casual aesthetic continues to be a fashionable choice for both commercial and residential spaces. Mikala Moller, vice president of marketing at Rowley, agrees that trend will persist. “From a design perspective, that aesthetic creates comfort and harmony in a space. It is also a trend that has had longevity in window treatment design with streamlined shades, grommet and ripple fold draperies, and plated metal and acrylic drapery hardware styles. These will continue to hold strong in 2022.”

On the other hand, the desire for increased personalization and layering of design elements is notable. From this movement, there has been a resurgence of maximalism and layered looks that tell a story, inspired by cultural influences like “House of Gucci.” It’s driving heightened demand for more traditional window treatment styles in soft shades, drapery embellishments, swags, and hand-painted and mixed-media drapery hardware.

Commercial and Residential Crossover Trends

Interestingly, design trends from the commercial world are now making their way into residential design. “This includes tonal textures, as well as large abstract graphic prints that are often macro-focused,” offers Crist. Additional trends from the commercial world are making their way to residential spaces, including more emphasis on bringing the outside and natural design aspects into textile, shade, and furniture design, which is often referred to as “biophilia.” Sanders suggests that the industry will continue to see an “increase in many architectural designs creating spaces with more natural light and interior experiences with the outdoor in mind.”

All trends considered, with current supply chain disruptions, it is reasonable that some in the industry are uneasy but hopeful. Depending upon the type of window covering system, shortage or delay in shipment of critical components will continue in 2022. “These could be as minor as the chains or fasteners used in roller shades to coatings and paints used for fabrics or header boxes,” says Terry. Therefore, it is key is to manage expectations about availability and deadlines to maintain customers’ trust and ongoing business and referrals.

The Future of the Window Covering Industry

The window covering industry, like all industries, continues to advance sustainability awareness in its products. And for many companies showcasing products at the IWCE show, this has been an ongoing initiative, not necessarily a new trend. Wright cites Forest Drapery Hardware’s longstanding commitment to sustainable sourcing. “Since the introduction of our wood drapery hardware more than 25 years ago, these products have been sourced from managed forests, a practice that will continue into the future.” Forest Drapery’s tracks and decorative metal hardware are also made with high-quality materials to extend the life of their products, reducing waste.

An expanded focus on technology is also critical to the industry’s future increase of new revenue and value-producing opportunities. Bridwell contends that growth will come from an intensified attention to digital marketing and sampling as well as leveraging data for growth. “In-person and live virtual design consultations will support higher prices and margins over DIY.” Judy Wong, president of Senbesta, agrees that having fabric swatch samples readily available to share with clients is essential, no matter how you meet. “Whether that be at an in-person meeting or a virtual meeting, by sending them a few 8 x 11 swatches by mail, these samples allow your client to see and feel the product up close.”

Likewise, collaboration with other professionals through social media and other virtual tools is of the utmost importance for the window covering industry. Over the last two years, the pandemic has put some hurdles in the way that people connect with each other, yet the industry has continued to thrive. Wong raves about how “refreshing” it has been seeing professionals come together on LinkedIn and Facebook to share information. “I am amazed by how quickly the industry is adapting to changes and how engaged our industry has become with social media. I think it is wonderful to see this community supporting each other and interacting on these platforms.”

Finally, the manufacturing and distribution of window coverings and accessories worldwide is an unquestionable facet of its future. “The window covering industry is expected to continue to grow worldwide with customer growth mainly coming from the U.S. and Asia,” acknowledges Sanders. Regardless of their global reach, companies in the industry who stay focused on offering new or innovative products, providing customer-focused solutions, and offering the latest advances in user-friendly technology should be positioned best for the future marketplace.

If You Like Some of These Window Covering Trends

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen here (and I can assure you, this is just the tip of the iceberg), I’m always available for a consultation to help you determine the best kind of window coverings that would be best for your needs, lifestyle, and goals. I can guide you in choosing the perfect window treatment solution for what you might be envisioning. If this sparks your interest, let’s talk more about window coverings – I guarantee you’ll get very inspired by all the possibilities available. You can choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com, and, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

With the irresistible call of coziness back in wintertime, it was easy to shift your focus to your interiors at that time of year. But with the arrival of spring, we’re all relishing the outdoors, especially many of us in Florida, so right now is the perfect time to dive into your porch and patio upgrades for 2022. If you’ve been giving your outdoor spaces careful consideration and feel you’re ready to start researching patio furniture and fire features for the outdoors, there are a few nice trends to keep in mind in the new year.

Here’s what some outdoor design experts have been forecasting lately to help you decide upon your perfect (and perfectly on-trend) outdoor space:

Maximizing Outdoor Space—and Modernizing It

The rise in outdoor living in 2022 means homeowners aren’t just craving more space—they want to make it modern, too.

Homeowners are looking to extend their spaces and have more areas to relax and take in some fresh air. From a design perspective, outdoor living spaces are becoming more modern and functional to suit the taste of today’s consumers.

Clean Lines and Geometric Shapes

As a part of creating a more modern patio space, clean lines are key for 2022 porch and patio features.

Modular, geometric patterns are a big trend, offering clean lines and an uncluttered aesthetic. Flooring, especially, is becoming more geometric, with the introduction of patterns like hexagons and herringbone to make layouts more interesting. Modular materials also make installation more efficient, so construction proceeds more quickly and you can spend more time enjoying a new or upgraded patio.

Multi-Functional and Multi-Seasonal Elements in Porch and Patio Features for 2022

Along with maximizing the space, homeowners are eager to maximize their outdoor season.

The trend is to incorporate elements like lighting, sound, and shade structures to make patios and other outdoor areas usable no matter the time of day or season. Many homeowners are also seeking to create more functional spaces for day-to-day use, but that’s not to say they won’t use them for entertaining as well. Outdoor kitchens and kitchen elements, like a small grill island, pizza oven, or bar, are great to have for entertaining.

Outdoor kitchens aren’t the only rising trend we’ll see carried through into 2022. There also has been a rise in outdoor living rooms. Many homeowners are adding technology like large TVs and outdoor projectors to catch their favorite game or movie or binge Netflix.

Porch and Patio Design in 2022 Means Luxury Upgrades for Everyone

Not only are outdoor kitchens thriving, but homeowners are also looking for major upgrades in their porch and patio features for 2022 and beyond.

A trend to expect in 2022 will be big, luxury, custom-built entertaining zones. There’s already more demand for extensive outdoor kitchen and bar appliances that include dishwashers, beer kegs, outdoor fridges, and super-size grills. These types of luxury custom builds are sure to continue in 2022. Style and quality, along with the ambition to extend outdoor spaces into a complete functional ‘adults’ playground’, will be the order of the day.

All Fire Pits—but Especially Gas

If you were worried your 2021 fire pit will be out of fashion by 2022, the good news is that fire pits have always been a top-selling feature, and we’ll continue seeing them in backyards everywhere.

But if you’re keen to upgrade your existing set-up, go gas. Experts are noticing that fire pits are increasingly converting to gas, which is cleaner, convenient, and easy to use, and offers many more options for styles.

In terms of the latest outdoor fireplace tech, another trend being seen involves an update on the classic fire pit design: the fire table. Fire tables offer a sleek, linear look, which complements the modern design trend that so many are seeking.

One expert says that, while last year saw a big trend in outdoor fire pits, with the most common styles being a simple wood-burning or charcoal steel bowl, 2022 is seeing people moving away from solid fuels and gas, looking more seriously to electric, natural gas, and biofuel fire pits.

Along with fire pits, this upgrade in technology will probably extend to all outdoor appliances. Until recently, electric grill technology and appliances have been limited to luxury yachts and boats, but we are starting to see manufacturers develop this type of technology for outdoor kitchens. The popularity of going green and the public’s growing awareness of the impact on the environment of traditional solid fuels and gas means we will start to see the rise of the electric outdoor grill.

Playing With Color in Porch and Patio Design

Color is definitely continuing to be important to the overall outdoor aesthetic in 2022 porch and patio features. Monochromatic color schemes, with varying tones of the same color, are quickly becoming an interesting trend, along with pops of color in outdoor furniture, plants, and other accessories.

There is also more movement toward dark accents with hardscaping and landscaping, with tones like deep charcoal used for patio walkways, retaining walls, and more.

Color is particularly useful for creating a zoning effect in your outdoor space. Some designs are now utilizing decking boards in contrasting colors to draw attention to a focal point, such as an outdoor bar or an inviting garden room.

Two or more colors can also be used to zone an area—for example, to separate a formal dining area next to a space to relax. Consider using a complementary color for each area, or simply select a different color to cut through the space.”

Using more than one color can be practical, too, such as creating the edge of steps in a contrasting shade to highlight the drop.

Curated Nods to Travel and Tradition

There is a rise in carefully-selected pieces that reflect the wider world, being utilized for decorating our outdoor spaces.

We’ve been confined to our homes for so long that now there seems to be a hunger for traveling, which is driving an increase in decor collections from around the world. This will likely be reflected in interest toward folklore and traditional artisanal items in particular.

This perfect mix of old and new, begs for scouring vintage stores or upcycling pieces you may frequent, to really make the most of this growing trend.

An Explosion of Beautiful High-Quality Materials in 2022 Porch and Patio Features

Another trend you can expect to see is the blending of high-quality traditional landscaping materials, granites, and natural stone, along with the new super-tough, man-made cladding and engineered work surfaces.

There is a bit of an explosion in the outdoor design arena for engineered work surfaces like dekton and infinity stone. These new surfaces are impermeable, freeze- and thaw-resistant, high-heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, So, along with an incredible array of colors and textures available in large formats, these engineered materials are poised to grow in popularity.

Crafting Your Dream Outdoor Space Takes Good Planning Ahead of Time

As you’re considering all the features you want for your outdoor space, one critical word is: Plan. Plan, plan, plan! Adding your must-have features further down the line can be much more tedious and a lot less cost-efficient.

I’d love to show you how to create your perfect vision for your outdoor living environment – you won’t believe the wonderful spaces that can be created. Just contact me for a consultation. You can message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Here are some lovely interior color trends for 2022 – and how to use them in your home. You may have noticed, we’ve been moving towards a mindset of wellbeing lately. From calming neutrals countering the turbulence of the pandemic to cheerful and optimistic shades, this selection reflects that healing trend and incorporates aspects of wellbeing into the home.

Colors resonate in distinct ways for different people, and while some gravitate towards calming neutrals to counter the upheaval of the past couple of years, others choose to immerse themselves in positive, vivid colors, reaching for optimism. Frankly, I think all of it works to move things (us and all that is wrapped up in our lives) forward with a big smile to the future.

Dulux’s Bright Skies is a fresh and airy blue, Benjamin Moore chose a gentle shade of sage, while Farrow & Ball predicts a cheerful rainbow, from the spicy yellow Babouche No.223 to the lively Breakfast Room Green No.81. All of these make that healing statement of wellbeing for this 2022 year.

Here are some tips on how you can make the most of these 2022 interior color trends in your home.

1. Babouche – the sunny yellow

In 2022, we’ll relish brighter colors that herald a return to normality. The sunny and uncomplicated Babouche is perfect for embracing this – while bold, it never feels garish or overpowering.

Named after the distinctive color of the leather slippers worn by men in Morocco, this shade of yellow can be described as ‘subdued sunshine.’ Despite its bold hue, it’s not overly bright or overpowering, making it perfect for a larger room, where its cheerfulness will intensify. In terms of décor, opt for more minimalist companions, such as simple line drawings, or unobtrusive bright shades.

This buttery yellow can help to brighten a space with limited natural light, and when you consider the color wheel, this particular shade would sit well with a pale blue or a soft pink/red.

2. School House White – the updated neutral

A soft, off-white shade, School House White is designed to look like white in a shaded area. Muted, timeless, and comfortingly familiar, this shade evokes the nostalgia of old schoolhouses. Due to its grounded, unassuming hue, this shade would pair easily with virtually any other color. Ideal for a background on which to feature dramatic, largescale artworks, or even vibrant, statement rugs, it’s hard to go wrong with this particular shade of white.

This shade will also amplify the power of Babouche if you like the idea of combining multiple 2022 interior color trends.

3. Bright Skies – the hopeful blue

This airy and fresh shade breathes new life into any space. It will be a game-changer when people use this tone on their ceilings, with Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, saying it makes the ceiling just ‘melt away.’ This hue is both uplifting and light, while simultaneously being soothing, familiar, and apt for a joyous safe haven. This selection by Dulux was influenced by the aftermath of the pandemic, with many of us craving freedom, expansion, and a return to nature.

This shade has the potential to be the new grey, in a turn towards color with less emphasis on neutrals.

4. Breakfast Room Green – the cheerful shade

The most cheerful of Farrow & Ball’s greens – named after the east-facing rooms designed for languid mornings spent eating breakfast in the dawn light. This soft shade reflects the natural world we’ve often retreated to during the pandemic.

These last two years, many of us spent much of our time reconnecting with our gardens and falling back in love with nature. This shade complements plants, whether art-depicted, or real, and would work well to promote a sense of wellbeing within the home. Pair this shade with Stone Blue for a visual effect that is captivatingly familiar. Due to its calming nature, opt for artwork that speaks to wellbeing.

5. Incarnadine – the comforting red

Rich, warm, and oh-so-comforting, is Incarnadine. This shade combines traditional red while beckoning the spirit of the leisurely Mediterranean. This shade would pair perfectly with warm woodwork and rustic gold touches. Alternatively, angle it towards an edgy twist by pairing it with a bright white shade.

Heighten the contemporary feel in this glossy shade by combining it with a monochromatic palette, or go for opulence with plenty of velvets, deep forest greens or inky blues, and classic antique furniture.

6. October Mist – the palest green

A soft grey-green, October Mist makes a great foundation color from which to build an earthy palette. Much like Breakfast Room Green, this shade encourages a reconnection with the great outdoors and is easy to introduce into your home.

October Mist does well in a farmhouse setting, combined with soft, nature-inspired tones – pale sky blues, a scorched earth red, or chalky whites. A particularly calming color combination puts October Mist with deeper fern greens.

7. Stone Blue – the vintage tone

An appreciation of vintage style shows no sign of faltering in 2022, with the timeless Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball sitting alongside Dulux’s Bright Skies as the most on-trend blue shades.

Named after the indigo pigment imported in lumps during the 18th century, this warm and timeless blue can be used alongside other warm hues to create an inviting, vintage look. Alternatively, decorate with a cooler tone for a cleaner, more contemporary feel. Bonus points if you pair this shade with other simple and familiar colors that communicate that sense of folk and craftsmanship that is present throughout this palette.

Some very nice colors here, breathing new life into interiors looking for a refresh. Not all of the paints are easily available in the US, but there are a lot of workarounds and parallels. I just wanted you to see some lovely color trends making waves now. And, of course, I’m here to help you pull it all together and find your best personal palette for 2022.

If these colors have inspired you, just give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399 or message me in the window below this blog, and we can explore some lovely, colorful territory together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

These days, if you’d rather skip the after party to go home, light a candle and break out the slippers, then this lovely neutral is for you. After years of bright jewel tones and chic neutral hues, Sherwin-Williams has announced Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), a strikingly soft and soothing green, as its 2022 color of the year.

“Evergreen Fog is a sophisticated wash of color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Evergreen Fog inspires us to begin again and is a great choice for modern interiors and exteriors.”

The calming green represents much more than a deeper dive (and perhaps return) into a more muted palette that is appearing from a wide variety of sources. Wadden explains that in the past few years, neutrals have been warming up and we have prioritized sustainability and organic living more than ever. While just five years ago we may have gone for that polished contrasted look in our homes, more people are flocking to organic textiles and natural materials.

The Rise of Green

Sherwin-Williams isn’t the only major brand touting green in 2022, either. Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Color Trends Report pointed to “October Mist 1495”, a subtly smoky sage, among more earthy and soft-bold colors.

“Specifically, there’s been rising interest in greens. The green color family is so diverse, from calming rich sages like Evergreen Fog to earthier tones and more dramatic emeralds,” Wadden told Forbes Home. “All of our research and these trends helped Evergreen Fog emerge as a clear choice for the 2022 color of the year.”

What’s more: This year’s 2022 color of the year reflects our reality having gone through (and still going through) a worldwide pandemic. Green is often associated with healing and growth, and while it’s simple speculation, it’s easy to correlate the selection for this year’s interior color schemes with what so many of us have realized we really needed over the last year and a half: a calm, safe space.

“Green from a color psychology standpoint is the color of nature and revitalization and growth, and green is emblematic of that newness,” Wadden continues. “The popularity of this soft gray-green right now shows how poignant that color and its meaning are. It’s about rebirth, growth, and beginning again. From the Sherwin-Williams perspective, we announced last year Urbane Bronze as our Color of the Year, which was all about sanctuary, safety, and cocooning.”

Evergreen Fog’s Best Color Pairings

While Wadden maintains that Evergreen Fog is an extremely versatile color, there are a few key colors she would recommend to pair it with.

“The familiar, comfortable nature of Evergreen Fog shines as a reassuring backdrop and freshens up any space,” Wadden said. “Create depth and texture with a mix of natural-looking textiles. Add a little gleam with a fusion of metals—champagne gold, warm brass, or inky black.”

Wadden recommends pairing Evergreen Fog with organic neutrals such as Shoji White SW 7042, Accessible Beige SW 7036, and Woven Wicker SW 9104, as well as tonal luxurious hues such as Urbane Bronze SW 7048, Über Umber SW 9107, and Bakelite Gold SW 6368.

Where to Use Evergreen Fog

I love this hue’s versatility and ability to fit into nearly any design style, including art deco, modern organic, and postmodernism.

“Evergreen Fog brings a regenerative touch to any environment, whether hotel room, restaurant, or office,” said Wadden.

The toned-down and composed color lends itself to dynamic areas of the home, such as lounges and other areas used for rest and relaxation, to encourage the adaptability of the space, but can also be used in entry areas and lobbies to create a comforting welcome.

“Evergreen Fog is such a versatile color that it can be paired with any style of design or décor to help create your desired mood for each room. It serves as a sophisticated backdrop for a home office and is a soothing hue for spaces where you want to relax, like a living room or bedroom,” Wadden said. “I also think that it’s a fresh take on cabinet storage in a kitchen or mudroom or trim paired with white paint for walls and ceilings. It’s as beautiful for exteriors as it is for interiors, and I would use it as a mid-tone for the whole home or a welcoming accent on a front door, shutters, or trim.”

If this new color for 2022 has inspired you, and you’d like to see how to incorporate it into your spaces, I’m always available for consultations If this sounds appealing, let’s talk more about how Evergreen Fog can enhance your interiors. Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Automation Welcomes Us Into the Future!

Smart homes are one of many great leaps we’ve made into the future; if you’re not already controlling your appliances, lights, HVAC, and security systems from your phone or tablet, you will be soon – and that includes motorized window treatments.

Voice-controlled devices like Amazon Alexa®, Google Home®, and Apple Homepod® are also quickly gaining popularity and becoming a staple in homes across the U.S. It’s no surprise either, with their ability to play music, set alarms, and tell you the weather forecast or latest news upon request – they simply make everyday life easier.

These innovative devices are fueling the growing trend to adopt smart home benefits and efficiency; and like many industries, window treatment manufacturers have taken notice of the need for automated products. “Alexa… open the living room shades” is now part of the smart-home mix!

The top window covering manufacturers that I represent have embraced emerging technologies, creating intelligent hubs and motorization that make it much easier to integrate your shades, blinds, shutters, or draperies with home automation systems. There are many benefits to going motorized; syncing your window treatments to work in perfect harmony with your smart lights, thermostat, and entertainment systems is only one of many highly sought-after advantages.

The Best Benefits of Having Motorized Window Treatments

1. Simplicity

With the push of one button, you can control single shades or every shade in the room simultaneously. No longer will you have to struggle with hard-to-reach windows that are behind furniture or up too high. If you have lots of windows, automation will help you save a little time every day and night that you can use however you’d like. Do you have elderly parents? Motorized shades and blinds eliminate the difficulty of reaching for or manually operating their window treatments. With Christmas just not too far away, right now is the perfect time to treat yourself or your parents to a simpler life.

2. Style and Sophistication

There’s something deliciously luxurious about using your voice or the push of a button to open or close your window coverings. Motorization and smart home automation allow you to easily respond to the mood of the moment, effortlessly and easily. And you can stay focused on what held your attention in the first place, without having to get up and manually open or close your coverings. It also goes without saying that there’s an inherent big “Wow!” factor as well. My clients tell me the convenience factor is worth its weight in gold!

3. Lower Energy Bills

Solar power, proper insulation, and more have been a growing trend in homeowners’ efforts to more effectively manage their energy consumption and lower their bills.Installing motorized shades, sheers, and blinds can definitely help you increase energy efficiency. With automated, hub-based systems, it’s easy to integrate your window treatments with smart thermostats, like the Nest® Ecobee® Lyric® or Honeywell®, allowing you to control room temperature with window adjustments before using the HVAC system to heat or cool your home. Integrating a sun sensor with your smart-home devices means your blinds can lower or rise on their own even if you’re away. This important feature helps manage your home’s heat gain during summer months and heat loss in the wintertime.

4. Improve Home Resale Value. with Motorized Window Treatments

Since most window treatments are attached directly to the home, more and more buyers expect that they’ll be included in their purchase. Today, motorized shades and blinds are especially desirable and in high demand by prospective home buyers for their ease of use, ability to synch with smart-home devices, and green features that boost energy efficiency. Definitely a win-win!

5. Set the Mood

Need some mood lighting for a special occasion or while entertaining? Your voice command, phone app, or remote-controlled window treatments will gladly assist. It’s easy to store predefined room “scenes” to orchestrate and manage your artificial light, favorite music, and more to create the perfect setting. I’d love to show you the options available.

6. Boost Privacy

Motorized window treatments are a favorite among homeowners who enjoy their privacy. Do you have windows in close proximity to a neighbor’s house or worry that passersby can easily peer through your windows from the street? Simply push a button to lower your shades at any time and even set up automated scenes to close your window coverings at the desired times daily. For these kinds of situations, many homeowners like the top-down, bottom-up feature of honeycomb shades the most, and they can also be easily motorized and automated.

7. Wake Up Peacefully

For many people, alarm clocks have been replaced by cell phones. Once motorization is added to your windows, you’ll have the option to get a peaceful wake-up call from nature. Adjust your shades to gently wake you each morning by letting in the sunlight when it’s time to get up. I can show you how to create your own natural alarm clock.

8. Motorized Window Treatments are Cordless & Kid Friendly

Motorization means no unsightly strings or cords. Say goodbye to those pesky tangled cords hanging from the shades; and more importantly, eliminate all possibilities of your children or pets playing with your blinds. Cordless window treatments are attractive, easy, and safe.

9. UV Protection

Motorized shades will help you protect your woodwork, upholstery fabrics, floors, and artwork from UV damage and inevitable fading. Your motorized window treatments can close and adapt automatically during the harshest part of sunny days.

10. Motorized Window Treatments are GREAT for Security

Window treatments can deter thieves and intruders when coupled with home automation systems, by giving the appearance that you’re still at home. Simply schedule the operation of your shades and blinds while you’re away on holidays or business trips. With hub-based systems, if you forget to preprogram things you can still easily control your shades and windows remotely via your mobile phone or tablet.

Thinking About Upgrading to Motorized Window Treatments?

Let me help you choose the right window treatments to motorize or automate. Power can be added to most types of treatments, in a wide variety of styles, textiles, and finishes. When you work with me, you’re choosing an expert who knows technology and design. You would never ask your electrician to pick out your chandelier! Don’t settle for function over design when you can have both! Let me show you how.

If you’re considering motorized window coverings, I’m always available for a consultation to help you determine the best kind of motorization for your specific needs, lifestyle, and convenience. There are a lot of issues to explore, and I can guide you to choosing the perfect motorization solution for what you envision. If interested, let’s talk more about motorization. Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.