Color analysts are pointing toward soothing spa colors of blues, greens and lavenders as the newest and freshest colors for 2009, but they also include the neutral, warmer colors of taupe, honey, and even warm, mustardy yellows. These colors all soothe and recede from the eye, creating a calming effect.

While wall colors are staying relatively neutral and simple, the “pop” comes from adding bold accents and accessories. Neutral walls are a great base for bold artwork and let the art become the point of interest in the room. Red continues to be a popular color, whether in textiles or wall art. It also serves as a sort of “bold neutral” in the way that it plays well with both cool and warm tones. It can easily serve as the unifying factor in the design scheme of a home.

Dark wood tones continue to be the trend in floor, as well as furniture design. The desire for natural textures and solid, enduring materials reflects the global atmosphere. What better way to create a sense of security and a connection to the earth than by bringing natural textures and warm wood tones into your home?

So when you are embarking on your spring cleaning and have a desire to “bring in the new,” remember, you may not have to look much farther than your own backyard for inspiration.

Because draperies add volume, depth and punches of color, they can have a big impact on the look and feel of any space. Custom drapery can make a room feel intimate and cozy, or large and grand depending on the fabric, style and options you choose.

If your room is in need of a quick makeover, consider adding or updating your window treatments. To get started, below are three easy tips from the experts at Levolor, in addition to advice for the pre-planning and shopping phases of the process.

Pre-planning Advice
To ensure that you choose the right window treatments, you should first evaluate your needs. For instance, consider whether you plan to open and close your window coverings for increased privacy, light control and extra insulation, or if you just want decorative side panels. Custom draperies offer great versatility, but your needs will directly impact the style you choose in step one.

Three Easy Tips
Choose your style. Drapery styles range from the traditional goblet pinch pleat for a formal room to a sleek grommet for a contemporary space. When choosing your style, keep your needs in mind since some styles are better suited for homeowners who plan to open and close their draperies. Finally, consider adding a cornice or valance for added depth and dimension.
Choose your fabric. Levolor offers over 100 fabrics in four lifestyle themes, including traditional, eclectic, casual and contemporary, to ensure that homeowners can achieve the look they desire.
If you want a layered look, you can select a sheer fabric and pair it with heavier drapery panels.
Consider your options. Because you will want to coordinate your look throughout the entire room, try using your chosen drapery fabric for accent pillows, tablecloths or other accessories. In Levolor’s custom drapery line you can order up to five yards of extra fabric.

You can also embellish and accentuate your drapery with decorative drapery hardware to add finesse to any room. Add fabric tiebacks to update existing panels.

Shopping Advice
Once you determine the right type, fabric and options you want for your new window fashions, make sure you shop around. Some stores let you take sample books home, while manufacturers such as Levolor let you order free fabric swatches and offer interactive displays in-stores, as well as online tools – all so you can see how the product will look in your own home.
No matter what your style, you’ll feel great about giving your room the finishing touch it deserves with custom draperies.

To find out more about how adding window fashions can enhance a room, or to order free sample swatches, visit www.levolor.com.

–Courtesy of Family Features

1 Budget Set a budget you would like to stay within for the project that gives you a great outdoor space without breaking the bank.

2 Goals, Wants, & Needs Make a list of your family’s short and long term goals, wants and needs for the space you would like to transform. Elements such as playscapes, pools, patios, water features, herb & vegetable gardens, butterfly gardens, outdoor kitchens and irrigation systems may make your list. Be sure to keep in mind those often forgotten features such as security, drainage, climate, sunlight and soil depth. Be sure to focus on what you like and do not like about the existing landscape.

3 Prioritize Prioritize your list while keeping in mind the need to create a seamless transition between not only the inside and outside, but between each outdoor feature in your overall space. You will want to have an open air feel so you feel one with nature, yet still have your desired sense of privacy. Also keep in mind what you would like to see from inside the house as you alter the view.

4 Design Select a professional landscape designer to translate your vision into a beautiful, functional design based on both prioritized and original lists. You should receive an itemized estimate of each project feature.

5 Expectation Determine what combination of items in the design will meet the budget and priority list. Fully discuss the project with your contractors and landscapers so you know what to expect of the selected items in the finished project.

6 Installation Have the selected custom backyard installed and receive instructions on how to maintain each space.

7 Maintenance Carefully monitor the progress of your new backyard because a healthy landscape enhances the appeal and value of your home. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy your new living space for years to come!

For more information, Contact Shawn Blazek at blazeklandscapes@mac.com, or call 512-923-0210.