Technology Meets Beauty in Motorized Window Treatments
What could be better than a gorgeous window treatment that works at the touch of a button? Or even integrates with your home assistant? In the early days of motorized window treatments, the options and styles were somewhat limited but today the limits are few. You can choose from many types of window treatments and the style choices are really blossoming as well!
They are so lovely and the technology so convenient that we asked Jarmila Singer of Sound Living to share her expertise in the field with us.
Can any window treatments be motorized?
Mostly, the category is roller shades, roman shades, tensioned shades (skylight) and draperies. There are also motorized wooden blinds and horizontal sheer shades.
Is there a weight maximum?
This varies depending upon the category. For draperies, it’s about 185 pounds. For shades, the restriction is not only weight but also roll diameter due to the thickness of the fabric. So, height is a restriction that is part of this equation.
How are they powered and how do they operate?
Power can be low voltage or line voltage. Sound Living only provides low voltage shades. The third category for power is actually battery-operated shades and they are quite popular!
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- Serena by Lutron battery housing
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- Lutron Wall Station
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- Lutron remote control
Do they integrate with smart phones and tablets?
Yes
Are they noisy?
No! That’s the best feature of low voltage motors.
Are there other special features we should know about?
Yes, the Lutron shade motor provides IHA which is Intelligent Hembar Alignment. Basically this means that Lutron shades in the same room will move in perfect unison. Lutron is the only manufacturer that offers this important feature.
Why should clients be interested in motorized windows treatments?
Motorized window treatments provide convenience, luxury, solar protection, and privacy.
- Convenience – control a large group of windows with one button, control all the shades in the home with one button, control hard to reach shades
- Solar protection – art, furnishings, flooring
- Room temperature control – especially for south and west exposures
- Privacy – dressing, sleeping, TV viewing
What makes Sound Living the best company to install motorized window treatments?
Sound Living provides the technical shade solution, the aesthetic shade solution, and complete installation and training of the client. All three aspects are critical to a successful project. Our hands-on process of working with the interior designer and home owner is what sets us apart. We view the aesthetic shade solution (fabric selection) as the most important part of the process.
How long has Sound Living been in business and what qualifications/certifications do you have?
Sound Living has been in business for 16 years and we are certified Lutron dealers for 12 years. We are also a certified dealer of motorized window treatments with Hartmann & Forbes and Conrad, utilizing Lutron motors.
Do the motors and other hardware come with a warranty or customer support?
Sound Living provides a 1-year warranty on labor and Lutron provides an 8-year warranty on its materials.
How would clients contact your company?
Please call us in our Highland Park office at 847.926.7034.
Sound Living is a boutique consultancy in Highland Park specializing in high-end residential technology. They carry Lutron motorized shades as well as lighting control systems and other home automation solutions. Jarmila Singer is the Vice President and co-owner with Gary Singer. She has worked with motorized window treatments for 12 of her 14 years with the company. She and the rest of the staff at Sound Living have invaluable experience in the field.
Thanks Jarmila! If you want to see more options in motorized window treatments, check out our pinterest board. Click on the youtube videos embedded below to see an overview of the Serena and Sivoia lines by Lutron.
Serena by Lutron
Sivoia by Lutron
Lake Forest Kitchen Facelift
- At February 04, 2016
- By catherineschager
- In Uncategorized
0
If your 2016 New Year’s resolutions include giving your kitchen a facelift with minimal muss and fuss, here’s a great example for you. The homeowner’s wanted to achieve a major change in this Lake Forest kitchen but they didn’t want to undergo any major construction. This was our “before” kitchen:
Overall, a kitchen that had been well-maintained but was dated and had some crowded countertop issues. Now check out the gorgeous transformation we accomplished, all with minimal mess for the homeowners:
Can you spot all the changes? One of the most obvious is the island. Here’s a closeup of the original:
Compare that to this functional new beauty!
A butcherblock countertop has an overhang with seating for three. And notice the kitchen countertop in the background – no more microwave to take up space. The stunning new island cabinetry includes a microwave drawer that cleared up valuable work space. A system of deep drawers allows for more functional storage too.
A new hood was an easy install that brings a cleaner, brighter look to the cooktop. And did you notice the update backsplash throughout? This elegant tile is a mixture of glass, ceramic, and onyx that glitters and shines.
An updated sink and faucet nestle snugly into a bright new perimeter countertop. This countertop is quartz with marble look, so it offers the beauty of marble but it is more durable and won’t stain like marble will.
Beautiful, updated lighting, new paint, and a new valance round out the major changes to this sparkling fresh kitchen. Let us know what you think on our facebook page.
2016 KBIS Jan 19-21 Las Vegas Convention Center
I just returned from a whirlwind trip to this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Vegas with my friend and colleague Nancy Jacobson. It was 3 days of introductions to new products, educational opportunities and a bit of fun. It has been paired with the International Builder’s Show for the past several years and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend both shows.
At KBIS, I saw a bunch of new and exciting products like great storage options for cabinets, interesting exhaust hoods, fabulous new faucets and sinks and some new technology that I will be implementing in the next few weeks. On the education side, I learned about keeping up with fashion in design, what consumers want from their professionals, and how to continue to make my business better. I was also able to attend a tour of companies that offer options for helping people age in place in their homes, thanks to my friend Michael Menn. Although the days were long (but not nearly as long as the lines to the shuttle buses back to our hotels!), I enjoyed the opportunity to stay abreast of new offerings and ways of enhancing my client’s experience. I’m still working on incorporating everything I learned, but stay tuned and enjoy some of these images of the show! (For even more cool new products, see our pinterest board.)
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- Las Vegas Convention Center
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- Cooking demos
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- These are all countertop options!
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- Finally! Tupperware storage
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- These are vent hoods!
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- KBIS Entertainment
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- Nancy takes a break
Maya Romanoff Wallcoverings
If walls could SING, they would sing about Maya Romanoff and his groundbreaking innovations in wallcoverings. The term wallcoverings seems far too commonplace to describe the mystique of Maya Romanoff’s creations. His website opts for the term “extraordinary surfacing materials” but even that term fails to encapsulate his genius. Wall experiences, maybe.
Not that he confines himself to walls, any surface can become a canvas for Maya’s creative masterpieces, including mirror frames, support columns and ceilings like this “True Metals” ceiling below.
From his beginnings making tie-dyed shirts after a visit to Woodstock until his death in 2014, Maya was always making a bold statement. He changed his name from Richard to “Multifarious Maya” during a visit to India in 1969 and he realized that every surface was a potential canvas for his art. For decades he has used his unique artistic vision, innovative designs, and drive to always evolve and create new processes to produce high-end, hand-made, designs that simultaneously integrate with paper and push out from the walls.
Maya Romanoff surfaces are certainly not content to sit quietly in the background. They jump up and demand your eye, often literally popping off the background. Never one for the expected, Maya uses such diverse materials as fabrics, wood, gold leaf, bamboo, glass beads, and shells, all laid by hand in groundbreaking production processes.
His designs are never boring, but they do run the spectrum from knock-your-socks-off-WOW to elegant and sedate, from dark and somber to cheerful or barely-there.
Maya Romanoff Corp. is a very warm, people-oriented company based in Skokie, IL where he and his partner and wife, Joyce Romanoff, pursued his artistic vision. Sadly, Maya passed away earlier this year. His wife is now heading up the company.
Thank you, Maya, for sharing your artistic genius with us. For more of Maya’s work, see our pinterest board. You can also see a short video of the Maya hand-coloring process on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to “Like” us!
“Fearless Design” Event
- At March 27, 2014
- By catherineschager
- In Tips and Advice
- 0
Fearless Design
Please join Diane Goldstein of J.C. Licht/Epco in Northbrook and me for “Fearless Design”!
When: Thursday April 3, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Where: J.C. Licht/Epco store, 1340 Meadow Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
Diane and Catherine will unveil the secrets to conquering your fears in the design of your home. You can also meet Frank Lemke with York Wallcoverings. Frank will show you the newest in Wallcovering designs.
If this is the year you want to finally tackle that decorating project that’s been neglected, this is the event for you!
Please call Diane to reserve your space!
(847) 272-2600. Refreshments will be served. This is a complimentary design event.
Passementerie
- At March 06, 2014
- By catherineschager
- In Tips and Advice
- 1
With all the trimmings – that’s how we want our holiday meals, our weddings, our knock-out fashion, and yes, even our home décor. How bland would those window treatments be without the exquisite tassel tiebacks as the finishing touch? How much do we love embroidered ribbon borders, delicate fringe and intricate beadwork on our throw pillows, upholstery edges and lamp shades?
Those beautiful trimmings that interior designers use to take a piece from plain to head-turning are known as passementerie. French for the art of making elaborate trimmings, passementerie includes braids, cords, embroidery, ribbon, beads, tassels, pompons, ruffles, fringe, and appliqué pieces made from any material in any color imaginable. For centuries each piece was handmade by master artisans who spent years perfecting their craft and only the social elite could afford such finery. Today, the process is industrialized so everyone can surround themselves with passementerie, but designers are no less skilled in their art.
Here are a few examples from some of the best in the business:
This tassel tieback with staggered crystal squares from Haywood Trimmings will catch the light dancing through your windows.
Designer Lori Weitzner uses natural fibers and materials to create luxurious yet environmental conscious embellishments, like these pieces from her collection with Samuel & Sons Passementerie.
Notice how designer Mary McDonald uses appliqué detail trim that picks up patterns from the rest of this space in this exclusive collection she created for Schumacher.
If you are like me and you just can’t get enough of passementerie, you can see more on my pinterest board. What’s your favorite?
Deep Purple
Purple was once so expensive it was available only to the very wealthy. Do you love rich purple hues but don’t know how to use them in your home? What goes with purple anyway? Nature has some brilliant ideas!
OK, you’re thinking, but I have to actually live with this color – you know, INSIDE the house.
Here are some surprisingly livable uses of the boldest purples.
- Elegant Sitting Room
- Cozy Living Room
- Exquisite Dining Room
- Splendid Steam Shower
Dark violet chairs in crushed velvet make a statement in this elegant sitting room. White accessories in soft textures with silver accents make this a room where you could comfortably relax with your best friends and still feel like royality.
Can you really mix purple with orange anywhere besides sport’s uniforms? This room pulls it off with a cozy charm. Warm, muted shades of orange and gold are offset by dark plum and pulled together by white trim.
Here intense red, chocolate, eggplant and berry blend together smoothly against a patterned wallpaper of dark and light purples to create a chic dining experience.
The violet-tiled arched ceiling is the crowning touch to this luxurious steam shower that blends purples, blues and white.
Is it time to move purple to the top of your color palette?
Top 5 Tips for Fall Decorating and Sweet Dreams Event
Time to welcome in Autumn!
Fall is a time when we’re back indoors again and thinking ahead to the cooler months when we’ll want to be cozy and comfortable. This is a great time to tackle those projects that can make life easier during the hectic entertaining season!
- Make sure your entryway is prepared for all those wet, muddy shoes, coats, backpacks, umbrellas and hats. Keep a colorful throw rug (non-slip, of course) near the door as a landing place for wet things.
- Don’t forget Fall flowers near the front door. Cooler weather is the time to change the begonias to Mums.
- Plan out your seasonal display areas. Go through your decorations and note any items that need to be replaced.
- Get your guest room in order. Remember those cozy touches like a good reading lamp, a few books, and extra blankets. Have some extra toiletries on hand in case your guest forget something!
- Stock your fireplace so you’re ready to light that first fire, and don’t forget to bring out the cozy throws for the sofa.
Call now for help making your home beautiful and inviting this holiday season.
Four Finds at One of a Kind
Last week I attended the annual One of a Kind show at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. It’s a favorite way for my friend Alaina and I to kick off the holiday and spend a little quality girl time together! What I enjoy most about the show is finding new and unusual furniture, artwork and accessories that I can utilize for my clients. Here are four finds that were fun, different, and perhaps a little wacky.
#1. The Pencil Lady (www.pencillady.com) a.k.a. Sue Lowenberg. She creates jewelry, ties, artwork and furniture utilizing pencils!
These are all made with pencils!
#2. Olde Good Things (www.oldegoodthings.com) Repurposing and utilizing architectural salvage pieces. Some really cool mirrors, but I thought this was a great table.
I love the natural beauty of this table
#3. Bella Bella (www.bellabella.com) a.k.a Lara Moore. She creates gorgeous furniture, artwork and mirrors using tissue paper and resin!
Lara hand-cuts each blade of grass from tissue paper!
And last but certainly not least:
#4. Haute Interiors (www.hauteinteriorsllc.etsy.com) Beautiful and unique napkin rings using posh cashmere and other fancy stuff.
How about some cashmere and maribou feather napkin rings?
Did you attend the show this year? If so, I’d love to hear what your favorites were! If you didn’t and you enjoy shopping in a crowded, festive place, mark your calendar for the first weekend in December 2012.
Moody Colors
Last week I attended a seminar on using color to create moods. It was hosted by Century Furniture as part of the House Beautiful Design Institute. It was a day filled with seminars on design trends and book signings for designers and readers. The presenter for the seminar was color expert Kate Smith (not to be confused with the “God Bless America” Kate Smith).
Kate is a color expert who lectures and offers a color certification course. Yes, for the low, low price of about $800 you too can become a color expert. Ok, that said- it was a good presentation and she did pass along some good tips about creating mood with colors. Here are some of her tips:
- To create tranquil, calming, and restful rooms use varied cool tints, tones and shades in subtle contrast to one another. ( A tint is a color that has white added to it, and a shade is a color that has black added to it) Think “spa” colors.
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soothing colors with blue undertones
- Nurturing, caring and encouraging comes through by combining light cool colors with soft warm hues, with little color contrast.
- If you’d like to create a mood of stability- go for classic colors that connect to history. Think royal blues, navy, rich jewel tones and contrasting neutrals.
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Couldn't be much more traditional than this!
- For a dreamy or romantic mood, use “girly” colors that don’t have a lot of contrast. Think sexy 1930’s hollywod glam. Lots of pearly shine, but not big color pops.
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Very girly
- If whimsical, imaginative and playful is your goal, choose “joyful” combinations with a lot of contrast. Think bold, intense colors, like primary colors.
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This was the hardest to find! I had to look at a LOT of bad pictures. Owww!
Ok, time to vote on these. What’s the mood you like the best? Maybe it’s one that you haven’t seen yet. Tell me the mood you want to create and we’ll come up with a color palette for it.
