Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

photo by Michael J. Lee
Example of a classic formal living room design in Boston with gray walls

Beach style living room photo in Orange County

Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters with Palmetto™ Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters with Palmetto™ Material: Polysatin Color: White Operating Systems: Palmetto or Standard Hinged Panel Room: Bedroom Room Styles: American Heritage, Traditional Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Palm_Beach #Polysatin_Shutters #Palmetto #Standard_Hinged_Panel #American_Heritage #Traditional #Bedroom #Bedroom_Ideas #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2013 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ann Kenkel Interiors Gwin Hunt Photography Coastal Estate in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. House was designed after the original 1770's house on the property. Home was designed to be a formal house but was now being used as a weekend retreat. Ann Kenkel had to decorate the house in a manner which was coastal enough so owner's felt like they were on vacation yet formal enough for the style of the house. AK found the house filled with wallpaper from the 1980's. Wallpaper from every room was removed and all trim had to be painted a neutral color. The formal dining room only had one entry. AK opened up a second entry into the dining room which provided a view of the Chesapeake Bay. Keywords: coastal estate, bay estate, luxury estate on Chesapeake Bay, St. Michael's home, best designer in St. Michael's, best coastal designer, best Chesapeake bay designer, window treatments, window treatments for over transom windows, chenille sofas, silk pillows, TV over fireplace, blue and yellow bedroom, coral and beige bedroom, british plantation style, blue toile bedroom, blue and green bedroom, coral dining room, red dining room, hand planed table, neutral living room, neutral sunroom, blue and green kitchen, blue family room, cherry paneled library, Ralph Lauren leather chairs, yellow chinoiserie wallpaper, shell mirror, tole lamps, gated drive, pea gravel drive, circular drive, piano, zebra fabric, trim on pillows, trim on draperies, panels and valances, georgian house, sunburst mirror, glass coffee table, star lamps, red and yellow toile draperies, ivory painted chairs, white painted chairs, nautical accessories, coastal coral bedroom, coastal blue bedroom, coastal yellow bedroom, blue and green toile bedroom, stables, paddock, outdoor stainless kitchen, dock, tan draperies, neutral chenille sofas, blue sofas, blue chairs with white frame, needlepoint rug, shell plates, bamboo silverware, white bedroom furniture, dark wood bedroom furniture, plaid chairs, wilton carpet, bright sunroom, chairs and ottomans, regency valance, scarf swags, swags, red leopard pillows, toile bedding, game table, game table chairs on coaster, shells, hydrangeas, shell lamp, sailboat art, sailboat paintings, cane headboard, 4 poster bed.

Window treatments - sheer and black out drapes cover this large and sunny window in this residential Kid's Room - Miami, FL. Photos by Alexia Fodere.

Hunter Douglas Casual Living Window Treatments Applause® Honeycomb Shades with SimpleLift Operating Systems: SimpleLift, PowerRise 2.1 with Platinum Technology Room:Child's Room Room Styles: Casual Hunter Douglas Applause® Honeycomb Shades are the right choice when looking for a streamlined selection, energy savings and value with the enduring quality of the Hunter Douglas brand. Material: Fabric Pleat Size: 3/8" and 3/4" Single, Double and Triple Honeycomb Sizes Available: Width: 4" to 174" Height: 6" to 192" Material/Color Options: 150 Combinations Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC (715) 355-0772 Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Applause #Honeycomb_Shades #Cellular_Shades #Window_Coverings #SimpleLift #PowerRise #Cordlock #Kids #Kids_Room #Childs_Room #Casual #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

LUMINETTE® MODERN DRAPERIES Gorgeous fabrics, instant drama Strong color and texture options for maximum light control with no view through. These resemble what you’d think of as drapes or curtains, but with more design accents and a seamless consistent look. Unique panel design AN INNOVATIVE TWIST Exclusive to Modern Draperies, the Ribbon™ panel features seamless rippled fabric folds without vanes. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS When the drapery is closed, the SofTrak™ hardware rail is concealed by the fabric displaying a refined and elegant look. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS Providing a choice of adorned rail styles and finials, Manhattan™ hardware can add an element of sophistication. Accents by the Yard ™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR Luminette Modern Draperies fabrics are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Dual Panel THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Combines Luminette® Privacy Sheers and Modern Draperies on a single SofTrak™ or Manhattan™ rail. This unique design features fixed drapery side panels boldly framing a fully functional sheer. Light Control SUPERVISE THE SUN Our beautiful modern drapery panels filter out brightness, glare, and UV rays—protecting your furniture and flooring from fading. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Luminette® Modern Draperies with PowerGlide® 2.1 Platinum™ Technology Luminette® Modern Draperies Fabric/Material: Satin Weave Color: Beige Incense Operating Systems: PowerGlide 2.1 with Platinum Technology Room: Home Office Room Styles: Eclectic, Contemporary, Transitional Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Luminette #Modern #Draperies #PowerGlide #Platinum #Technology #Eclectic #Contemporary #Transitional #Home_Office #Home_Office_Ideas #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

LUMINETTE® MODERN DRAPERIES Gorgeous fabrics, instant drama Strong color and texture options for maximum light control with no view through. These resemble what you’d think of as drapes or curtains, but with more design accents and a seamless consistent look. Unique panel design AN INNOVATIVE TWIST Exclusive to Modern Draperies, the Ribbon™ panel features seamless rippled fabric folds without vanes. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS When the drapery is closed, the SofTrak™ hardware rail is concealed by the fabric displaying a refined and elegant look. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS Providing a choice of adorned rail styles and finials, Manhattan™ hardware can add an element of sophistication. Accents by the Yard ™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR Luminette Modern Draperies fabrics are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Dual Panel THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Combines Luminette® Privacy Sheers and Modern Draperies on a single SofTrak™ or Manhattan™ rail. This unique design features fixed drapery side panels boldly framing a fully functional sheer. Light Control SUPERVISE THE SUN Our beautiful modern drapery panels filter out brightness, glare, and UV rays—protecting your furniture and flooring from fading. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Luminette® Modern Draperies PowerGlide® 2.1 with Platinum™ Technology Hunter Douglas Luminette® Modern Draperies PowerGlide® 2.1 with Platinum™ Technology Fabric: Avalon Color: Bronze Beach Operating Systems: PowerGlide 2.1 with Platinum Technology Room: Den Room Styles: Transitional, Contemporary, Rustic Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Luminette #Modern_Draperies #PowerGlide #Platinum #Technology #Transitional, #Contemporary #Rustic #Den #Den_Ideas #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hunter Douglas Formal Style Window Treatments and Draperies Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Roller Shades with Standard Clutch Operating Systems: Standard Clutch Room: Dining Room Room Styles: Formal Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Designer #Screen #Roller_Shades #Standard_Clutch #Formal #Dining_Room #Dining_Room_Ideas #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hunter Douglas Casual Living Window Treatments Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings with A Deux System Operating Systems: A Deux System, LiteRise Room: Bedroom Room Styles: Contemporary, Casual Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings Featuring the Signature S-Vane™, Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings are available with the new A Deux System OR an advanced version of our cordless LiteRise® system that now allow the vanes to be manually operated. This eliminates the need for operating cords of any kind, rendering Silhouette with LiteRise the ultimate choice for child and pet safety. Material: Fabric Vane Size: 2", 3" or 4" Sizes Available: Width: 6" to 144" Height: 12" to 168" Material/Color Options: 240 Combinations Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC (715) 355-0772 Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Silhouette #A_Deux_System #LiteRise #Bedroom #Contemporary #Casual #Window_Shadings #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hunter Douglas Casual Living Window Treatments Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings with A Deux System Operating Systems: A Deux System, LiteRise Room: Bedroom Room Styles: Contemporary, Casual Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings Featuring the Signature S-Vane™, Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings are available with the new A Deux System OR an advanced version of our cordless LiteRise® system that now allow the vanes to be manually operated. This eliminates the need for operating cords of any kind, rendering Silhouette with LiteRise the ultimate choice for child and pet safety. Material: Fabric Vane Size: 2", 3" or 4" Sizes Available: Width: 6" to 144" Height: 12" to 168" Material/Color Options: 240 Combinations Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC (715) 355-0772 Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Silhouette #A_Deux_System #LiteRise #Bedroom #Contemporary #Casual #Window_Shadings #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Enclosed dining room - mid-sized traditional medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room idea in Atlanta with gray walls

Draperies are classic window treatments that work with any decorating style. Choose from so many decorator fabrics. Contact Royal Window Fashions for a free consultation. http://royalwindowfashions.com

Modern Window Treatments - Do you need some inspirational ideas for your home? Royal Windows can help. We customize in-house and offer the best fabrics from the best brands. Contact us for your free consultation! http://royalwindowfashions.com

From Our Workroom To Your Window. Royal Window Fashions can transform your room. We offer the best brands! Contact us today for your free consultation. http://royalwindowfashions.com

HUNTER DOUGLAS VIGNETTE® The Modern Roman Shade Vignette® Modern Roman Shades feature consistent folds and no exposed rear cords, keeping windows uncluttered. Choose from different fold styles and sizes, and a horizontal or vertical orientation. Traditional™ Fold SOFT YET MODERN A 4-inch contoured fold for that traditional, yet modern, look at the window. Tailored™ Fold CRISP AND SOPHISTICATED A 6-inch flat fold that is nicely pressed for a defined finish. Architella® COOL IN THE SUMMER, WARM IN THE WINTER Our most energy-efficient version of the classic Vignette design – these shades trap air, creating an extra layer of insulation to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Tiered™ STACKED SOFTNESS This option allows shades to stack up, down or anywhere in between. Traversed with Vertiglide™ FOR LARGE WINDOWS AND SLIDING DOORS Vertiglide offers an exceptional solution for large expanses of windows and sliding glass doors. REDUCE OUTSIDE NOISE Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. It starts at the windows. Simple. The degree of sound control will depend on the fabric you choose, so if this is an important feature to you, be sure to discuss it with your sales expert. UV Protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. Top-Down/Bottom-Up PRIVACY WITH A VIEW A more versatile approach to light control. Open from the top, from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between–for the perfect balance of privacy and light. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Accents by the Yard™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR Fabrics are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Vignette® Traditional™ Modern Roman Shades Vignette® Fabric/Material:Sheer Linen Color: White Dawn Hunter Douglas Vignette® Traditional™ Modern Roman Shades Room: Other Room Styles: Contemporary Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Vignette #Traditional #Modern #Roman_Shades #Hunter_Douglas_Entryway_Ideas #Hunter_Douglas_Hallway_Ideas #Contemporary #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Woven wood shades are similar to woven roman shades in appearance. Woven shades come in natural fibers or synthetic fibers giving the appearance of rustic looking reeds and grasses. The light filtering through the woven blinds is unlike other horizontal blinds and shades. Top down bottom up is available, and also a blackout blind lining on the back if sun shining through is an issue. These natural woven shades with wicker chairs and wicker daybed give the room a tropical look. Windows Dressed Up window treatment store featuring blinds, shutters and shades in Denver services the metro area, including Parker, Castle Rock, Boulder, Evergreen, Broomfield, Lakewood, Aurora, Thornton, Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Arvada, Golden, Westminster, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Wheat Ridge. Lafayette Manh Truc Woven Wood Shades photo

Custom Bordeaux valance with banding and horns and cascades over cellular shades.
Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk carpeted study room design in Philadelphia with beige walls and no fireplace